Kanggava Bay, Rennell Island

Aloha from Kanggava Bay, Rennell Island! We have moved down to the "big bay" on the island to await our brothers and sisters. Where Lughughi was small, sheltered and deep, with heavily wooded cliff faces, this bay is big, with pristine white sandy beaches along the shoreline. Coconut trees beckon from the foot of sheer white cliffs that peek out from the greenery...and each of us has pretty much picked the beach we want. Under the cover of the starry night sky, phosphorescence twinkles accordingly in the calm sea. We are all anchored close to each other, nearly close enough to hear the conversations on the other vessels. We were twice gifted today, once by Tangaroa...a lovely ono that bit our line. We were also given some nice ahi chunks by the Faafaite crew - the ladies of Faafaite came delivering smiles, good will and fish in their dinghy just before sunset. We thought about inviting them for cocoa and cookies, but the shortbread takes an hour to bake, so I think I will be doing a breakfast run in the morning to all the canoes. Sounds like we will be able to take a trip to the lake tomorrow, which, apparently will be one of the many treats of this paradise. Just going ashore to the beautiful beaches will be a treat, as will snorkeling among the coral heads in the clear water. We did some snorkeling at Lughughi in a sheltered lagoon...amazing corals and fish in every shade of the rainbow, and especially the rare shades of blue, purple and even teal. I am looking forward to similar sights tomorrow. We have discovered paradise, rather unexpectedly, on a Polynesian island far from home. You guys are not going to believe the pictures.

Tonight Haunui rests under the stars, watching videos, drinking very chocolatey Nesquik and munching on shortbread hot out of the oven. I think that before I sleep (I am on watch for a while), I will take a quick bath under the stars. We will see what wonders tomorrow brings, including the possibility of Marumaru Atua, Te Matau A Maui and Uto Ni Yalo joining us. We will also finally get to meet more of the local population, other than the few that made the trek to the other bay. Although it is odd to be away from the rest of the family, it is peaceful here with our little group.

Po marie whanau