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Misto - Days 144-149 May 30-June 5 Across the date line and into Tonga



We were able to fly the parasailor from Niue to Vava'u in Tonga with very little motoring. At last we caught a fish and landed a 11lb Mahi Mahi. On this leg we crossed the date line and are now ahead of the USA which is very confusing. We arrived around midday and checked in without any issues - we just had to wait to the afternoon for Customs and Immigration as a P&O cruise ship was in Neifau - apparently this only happens once a month.

The Vava'u group in Tonga has a different geology compared to the other islands we have visited before. The land has been formed by volcanic activity that has uplifted the sea bed. Tectonic plates have collided, one is being pushed under the other forming the deep Tonga trench to the east resulting in fairly low islands of corraline rock (limestone) and reefs. The limestone at the base of the land where it meets the sea has been eroded forming under-cuts where the rock meets the water. The green islands fringe many pretty anchorages and opportunities for snorkeling. The water is incredibly clear and one morning I paddle boarded around the Port Mourelle anchorage and could see the coral and fish as clearly as if I had been in the water snorkeling.

We went on a really interesting trip to the Botanical Gardens at Ene'io beach. The owner, a botanist and agriculturalist who has served in the government, has made the botanical garden his life's work and he gave a very interesting tour that was full of information about the plants. An excellent demonstration of activities such as basket weaving, making coconut milk and making tapa cloth from bark followed. A superb Tongan feast complete with suckling pig rounded out the event and we enjoyed some great traditional dancing.

We are now enjoying some of the pretty anchorages, although the weather is not fully cooperating as we had a lot of rain this morning and more is forecast.

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