11-14 aug

Hi All,
11/8/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -10 18 31.926S 167 10.812W
Good day today we made 146nm in 12 hrs.
12/8/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -10 18 35.360S 169 37.634W
13/8/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -10 18°35.1947S 171°48.4763W
14/8/2012
Position 14:00 UTC -10 18 36.927S 174 0.413W
Vavau appeared on the horizon at 08:00. The wind died almost completely and
backed to a starboard gybe. Tried the asym on the starboard gybe but it
wasn't doing much/anything and was blocking the view, so just motored down
the northwest coast until we came to a large bay/inlet. Within the inlet
there are many small islands all eroded around the base, so that they almost
have a mushroom shape. Big contrast to the Polynesian islands, which are
volcanic and high steep peaks. Vavau is relatively flat and no prominent
peaks.
We tied up to the customs quay at 15:40 ships time, however we now lost a
day and so it became 14:40 on the 15th. Suddenly it was Rob's birthday.
Customs and quarantine came on board and cleared us, but we still have to go
to immigration as they were closed. All very friendly and hassle free and
have allowed us to stay on the quay as our dinghy has some rather serious
leaks. Then a quick dash to the bank for cash and a stroll through town to
the Aquarium restaurant for a beer. The local beer ,'Mako', is apparently
brewed in New Zealand, but it tasted fine. The maitre de arranged for a
local to take us to the caves the next day. They say one should not miss the
experience – so we will see.
Rob and I walked on to the Paradise Hotel, or rather what s now left of it.
In 2008 the kitchen caught fire and the restaurant was burnt to the ground.
Nothing has been done since. Rooms are still available but from all accounts
the place has been run down. Belongs to a wealthy American and all sorts of
rumours are doing the rounds. Across the road from the Paradise Hotel is a
small restaurant/bar run by an Englishman. We stopped in for beer and picked
up the gossip. Back to the Aquarium for Rob's birthday dinner. He had Happy
Birthday sung to him by the staff and presented with a chocolate cake.

Cheers
Chris