November 20, 2012
We pulled into Big Mama’s and dropped the hook. Sockdolager, Beau Soliel, Morning Glory and Sam were already there. Arriving just behind us were Picara, La Luz and Taima. Except for Taima, these boats would be in the next (and last) “flock” heading south to New Zealand for the southern hemisphere summer, along with one final boat: Gato Go. They had recently arrived back in Vava’u from the US, picked up their boat, were anchored in the Ha’apai and were soon heading this way (stealing our Tiger Bait status in the process). In all, there would be eight boats in our little flock. It looked like we all had about a week to provision, prepare, and see Nuku’alofa before the next weather window appeared.
After we had our anchor set (it took two tries which is rare for us), Rich dove into the water to check it as it was pretty grassy here. Satisfied it was well set, he showered and we made biscuits and an omelet for breakfast. The morning light was soft and gold, and a light sea breeze wafted through our open hatches. After the dishes were done, all that was left to do was any puttering we felt like doing before taking a well-earned nap. There are few things nicer in the world than that fed and cleaned-up post-arrival, pre-nap feeling. We were both asleep by 11am and slept until about 4pm. -Cyndi
