| When bad weather threatened in Tonga, we could always find refuge in Neiafu Harbor.... |
| ....but it normally didn't last long! |
| The outer islands on Tonga's eastern edge, like Kenatu.... |
| ....receive the full brunt of the Pacific Ocean swell. |
| Many islands too small for human habitation and relatively undisturbed, are populated by flying foxes. |
| Nocturnal animals, they normally sleep all day, but jockey each other for position from time to time. |
| Flying foxes land in trees by grabbing a twig with the claws on their feet, then swinging like a pendulum to a stop upside down |
| They seem right out of a horror movie, complete with squeaky cries and shrieks, but they are harmless. |
| Flying foxes are a type of tropical bat, but rather than live in caves, they roost high up in several different types of trees. |
| They live together in large colonies... |
| ...looking like large ripe hanging fruit! |
| They enfold their bodies in a wrap of wings so the membranes act as an umbrella, to keep them warm and dry-ish. |
| One of our favorite snorkeling spots off Aha |
| Our most favorite overnight anchorage at Nuku |
| The camera can only hint at the spectacular colors. |
| At low tide the terns take over the beach. |
| A peaceful spot in any weather for a cat, but the swell discouraged the monohulls, so we usually had it all to ourselves |
| A perfectly calm morning in Neiafu Harbor |
| We met ex-pat American Rikki and her Kiwi husband Bruce Going, who sail SeaGoing, and we became instant friends. |
| One of Barb's favorite market ladies, skilled in weaving and other fiber crafts. We bought a wooden whale carved by her son. |
| Primrose is an expert basketmaker who was very happy to trade his woven baskets for our sunglasses, carving knives, and duct tape. |
| The fresh eggs we bought from Enilmani every week were never refrigerated. |
| Mina's pineapples were the sweetest and her bananas more flavorful than anyone's. |
| Our ensign had been through 2 hemispheres and to over 30 countries. We replaced it on Election Day '08 in celebration of Obama's win! |
| We first met Zangezi in Jamaica in 2005, then Panama '07-'08. As they leave Neiafu Oct 2008 , Inna drives and Sophia, aged 6 now, waves 'bye. |