It is with mixed feelings that I leave Tonga and Vava'u Islands. We left our anchorage about 1 PM on July 12 and had incredible sights to see on our way out. First we observed Late which is a volcanic island in the distance. Then I spotted whales dead ahead. These whales seemed to be just on the surface enjoying life. At one point they were likely 100 metres(maybe more) away and they seemed to be just floating there. I watched as they slowly disappeared behind us with several whales blowing at the same time. We then saw some more whales ahead. What an incredible sight.
As I watched Vava'u disappear in the distance I could only think (in the words of Arnold Schwartzeneger) "I'll be baaack" I need to share this incredible spot with my family.
I will fill in the missing parts of the trip in Vava'u in future blogs so please come back to read and see the pictures of this glorious spot.
We have been underway for over 2 days now. Shortly after leaving we realized that No Regrets as usual was going too fast and we would get there before we wanted to. We immediately put a reef in the main(reduced the amount of main sail we had up) to slow down. By supper time we put a 2nd reef in the main and reduced the size of the jibe.
We have now decided to change our destination to the Wallis Island group and not go to Tokelau as originally planned. We have taken down the main sail completely and the jib is partly furled up. At this moment the wind is 26 to 28 knots and we are going 9 knots. The waves are getting big and the boat for the most part is level. I just hopped up and we reduced the jibe a bit more. Now we are going 7 to 8 knots.
Many of you can stop reading now as I think that I am about to start to philosophy. As I said in my first sentence it is with mixed feelings that I leave Tonga. Do we know what we want out of life? Are there dreams - deep down dreams- that you still have unfulfilled? We need to all ask ourselves these questions and be truly honest with ourselves. As I travel across this vast Pacific ocean one has to wonder about many things, about many places, and about many thoughts. With all this in mind I will let you get lost in your thoughts, your dreams and your life.