After a week of rain, we finally got out of Neiafu harbor to go see some of the islands with Daryl on Vimy. We cruised around, saw a couple of whales in the distance, and finally decided on the anchorage at Vaka Eitu Island as it was a good "all weather" anchorage. We went out to the reef they call the "coral gardens". It was low tide, so we beached the dingy on the point and walked out to the reef. After studying it for a while, we decided that if we took a big leap at the right time over the surf, we could hopefully land in the water without hitting the reef. But, then we realized that once we got in, there was no way to get back to the shore without climbing over the reef, which might not even be possible. NOT a good plan! So, we went snorkeling inside the anchorage which was pretty disappointing.
The next day we went hiking over the hill on the island to the other side. On the path, marked with coconuts on a stick, we found a "Tsunami Warning Device". It was a float with a sign that said "If floating, climb tree". We met David, his wife Heita, and their daughter, who were the only people living on the island. They invited us for a traditional "Tongan Feast" that night at their house. We accepted, along with the other boat in the harbor. Then two other boats came in and David was waving at us from the shore. Tony went in to see what he needed. David's boat engine was broken and he needed a ride to the other island to get a pig for the feast. So, Tony took David to one island, then another island, in search of a pig. They scored a small pig, which they brought back, alive and squealing, in a gunny sack. Heita prepared 10 different dishes over an open fire, including the pig, fish, potatoes, some other root veggie, rice, corn, cole slaw, and bread. It was pretty amazing considering they have no running water and no electricity. It was all very tasty and plenty to go around for the 13 of us! After dinner, they played the guitar, sang, and their daughter did a couple of traditional Tongan dances for us. It was a good group of people and a fun night.
(See Photos)
The next day, we tackled the coral gardens again. This time, we went at high tide. We anchored the dingy and swam over the reef to the other side. It was an exhaustive swim against the tide and the breaking waves, but we made it and the snorkeling was really good. However, by the time we started back across the reef, the tide had changed and, once again, we were swimming against the current with waves breaking over our head. There were times I was going backwards and very frustrated, not to mention exhausted again! Timing is everything!
We had a couple rainy days and enjoyed having dinner parties on Cetacea and on Raya, with our new friends, Rick & Roz, from England. We did snorkel the coral gardens again and this time went a little before high tide, so that we only had to fight the current once to get out and swam back in with the current. A much better plan! Back on board, our water maker pump started making strange noises. So, we sailed back to Nieafu harbor to order a new pump.
More Later - G&T