We arrived in Tonga last Wednesday morning after dodging numerous islets made of rock and palm trees. Coming around the last harbor to the main anchorage was like coming home. There are almost as many boats here as in Tahiti(84, says mom, they counted them). Once again we have reunited with cruising buddies from days past.

The weather since we've been here has been sub par. We've been playing the hatch game. Open the hatches to get some circulation, RAIN! Close the hatches to keep dry, SUN! Open the hatches to prevent suffocation, RAIN! Shut the hatches in a frenzy...SUN! It's a vicious cycle. So we rented a car and drove around the Island of Nieafu and saw beautiful coastline and several villages and...piggies! I am all excited that we get to switch our diet up to include pork chops while mom wants to bring one onboard as a pet. Women, right?

Well, the skies have parted and there is sunshine upon us and fair winds to boot. Dad and I took the main down for a couple minor repairs. There is a 5" slit in the luff and the head is starting to fray where it connects to the bolt rope. Mom and I went to the market and loaded up on eggs and freshies. Tomorrow we are headed to one of the 42 anchorages of Vava'u(pronouced va vow). Some have navigable caves, some are excellent snorkel sites with live coral and giant clams. Some are close to resorts and others have direct access to beaches and hikes. The Kreitzbergs, exploring they will go.

Cheers to the little piggie that had roast beef,
Cass