Aradonna - 1224 Jun 2014
After a lazy day on Sunday we collected enough energy to hike to the top of Mt Talau (130m)on Monday and we were rewarded with a great view over the harbour. Stopped by the market on the way back and loaded up with fresh banana, lettuce, tomato, passionfruit and papaya. Also paid a visit to immigration to extend out visas so we can stay in Tonga until August. On Tuesday we went for a tiki tour of the western islands and decided to stay in Hunga lagoon. Getting in is a little tricky, though a very narrow pass. We were only in 1.8m of water at one point, but passed through safely even though it was low tide! Inflated the new double kayak and tried it out in the lagoon, great fun. On Wednesday we walked through Hunga village with one of the local ministers and gave away more reading glasses to elderly folk. The minister had worked in Christchurch for a few years and his English was excellent, so he was a useful guide and translator. The village has no roads, so the houses are ju st dotted about randomly. Each tiny house (not much more than a shack) has a brand new solar panel (donated by Japan) for lighting and to charge the cell phones! Each solar panel installation would be worth more than each dwelling. Went diving and snorkeling today, 25m plus visibility, just outstanding. The weather is perfect, sunny skies and warm. We navigated out through the tricky pass at mid tide this afternoon, not quite as scary as coming in! Now we are in Vaka'eitu lagoon for the night, with plenty to explore tomorrow. The lagoon is enchanting with the light of the full moon dancing across the water forming lazy silk ribbons on the surface.
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