Tonga: First Impressions

Wow, wow and wow!

We are thoroughly enjoying our time in Tonga. We are currently in the Vava’u group. There are three main island groups. The Vava’u group is to the north of the other two groups. It reminds of us the Gulf Islands. Beautiful islands, close together and many safe anchorages from which to choose. The key difference between here and the Gulf Islands is that the water is warm for swimming!

The main town is Neiafu. We checked into the country there and spent several days exploring the town and getting a few jobs done. From there we moved on to Port Maurelle. It was less than a two hour sail. It seemed strange to measure our sails in hours rather than days again. We don’t often have day sails anymore.

Port Maurelle had a small beach with some of the finest sand we’ve seen on this trip. Just behind the beach was a rough track that we could walk along and get some much needed exercise.

From Port Maurelle we returned to Neiafu so I could see a dentist. My teeth have been bothering me on and off since Mexico. It turns out I didn’t have a cracked tooth. I had two cracked teeth! Unfortunately, the teeth couldn’t be saved so they had to be pulled. The dentist did a great job. I am a little sore but at least I am on the mend. I first saw a dentist in Mexico about these teeth and then two dentists in American Samoa so it’s good to finally figure out the cause of my pain.

We are now back out exploring. Winds are forecast to be in the mid to high 20’s later this week. Thankfully, there are several well protected anchorages for us to travel between.

Next week there is a sailing festival. There are a number of events scheduled throughout the week. Several tourism groups from New Zealand will be here. There will be seminars about sailing in and sailing to New Zealand, so we’ll stick around for the festival.

After the festival we’ll start making our way south in preparation to make the jump to New Zealand. Cyclone season runs from November through April, so we’ll aim to be in New Zealand during that time.