Vava’u, Tonga, 06/06/2018.

We have been here for 8 days now, still enjoying the place, but leaving tomorrow for Fiji.
This is the first time in Tonga for me. It’s not the most advanced place, but has the necessary shops, etc. I managed to get the new vang strengthened at the mast end where the original plate had bent like a piece of putty. After 4 days the new super version is still straight.
Another failure is one of the lights in my shower.
Having taken it apart I found the tiny on off switch had corroded and broken. I’ll try in Fiji and New Caledonia but I think the replacement will have to wait till Australia.
The weather here is sunny and in the mid 20s, but occasional showers so we’re forever opening and closing hatches. Winds got up to 28 knots one night, otherwise below 10 knots. Very pleasant.

We have looked around a bit. We went to the Botanical Gardens, unfortunately closed that day, but went on down to the beach. That was one of the days we rented a car.
Also been to the Tongan Beach Resort. Picked up a mooring and had dinner ashore, nice food and good service. The manager and his wife joined us at the table.
Next morning we left for Horseshoe Bay. Not the proper name but a good description. Snorkelling and a beautiful beach. meg tried some painting, but the mossies beat her!
After that we spent a couple of nights at Port Maurell. Not a port but a beautiful anchorage. More snorkelling, etc.

All is well on board, but we are looking forward to moving along.