SW of the Ha’Apai Group, Tonga 23 Oct 2010 20.8525S 175.9168W

That may have been a record short stay in a country for us for this voyage. Less than a week and we’re off to NZ. We would have loved to stay longer, but the weather window for a southbound journey looked just too good. So after only a day of beach play and snorkeling in tremendously beautiful coral reefs, we went back to the village, checked out of the country, and headed to an island on the western edge of the Ha’apai group Thursday. We were followed for a long time by 2 adult whales and an eager spyhopping baby. Then Friday morning we scrubbed the hull, so Silver Lining would slide across the ocean faster, hauled in the anchor, and headed out to the open ocean at noon.

Beautiful sailing tonight, full moon, 15 knot winds on our beam. An easy 6-7 knots of boat speed. The males are asleep, and I’m off to enjoy this dog watch.

xoxomo