Tongatapu

Tongatapu is the southernmost island in the Tonga nation. There is a fairly large protected harbor area north of Nuku'alofa (which is the capital city). We came in the east side which meant that we had to enter in daylight in order to safely navigate the serpentine pass. You can see of the right that the shallow area is pretty obvious in sunlight. Not all the navigation marks are present so some of the yachts felt it was a bit crazy-making.

Here we are anchored out and around the corner from the previous photo. Most of the yachties chose to anchor across the harbor from town for several reasons.

This is the alternative anchorage. What you can't see is the rats that live on the breakwater behind the boats! All anyone had to say to me was the word: "RAT" and I would run for the hills - or in this case the other side of the harbor. We were also told that this area is hot and dirty.

So, we anchored next to Pangaimotu where this lady, "Big Mama" runs an establishment with rooms, food, drinks, games, laundry, water taxi service - what more do you want?

A few of the locals use wind power for transportation to and from their job in town. These folks commute to Nuku'alofa each day from one of the motus across the bay.

The local fishing fleet docks in the harbor where the yachts med-moor to the breakwater.

On the right is the truck that provides fuel to the boats at the dock. You order diesel and it's delivered to your boat at the dock. Here's where we came in to fill up before we left for New Zealand.

The next day we took a tour of the island of Tongatapu. Along the road you see stands offering produce to motorists. The brown things are peanuts.

The country is still in mourning from the death of the king. This is his tomb on the right. Because this is an absolute monarchy there is a almost feudal relationship between the commoners and the monarchy. That is, the king owns everything and is the determiner of everything that happens in the country.

This is the palace where the king resides (left).

On the right is the king's country home.

It's fairly difficult to grow lettuce in a climate like Tonga. You can see that the king is able to grow lettuce on his property with the use of sun shades.

This is a statue of a much beloved queen. I remember stories about her during the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. She was in attendance and is remembered to this day for her demonstrations of fidelity to the Queen of England. She was quite a woman!

One of the things that impresses any visitor to Tonga is the number of churches (left). The Tongan flag had a white cross on it and Tonga is known throughout the world as a Christian nation.

On the right is a historic church made of coral formed by sawing the bricks out of huge chunks of coral.

Throughout the islands of Tonga (and many of the south Pacific islands) we saw a reverence for the deceased. On the left is the graveyard of our tour driver. It was across the street from his home.

This is his home on the right. I would assume that this would be an above-average house on Tongatapu.

The sights are a little bit limited. This is NOT an island that is tourist oriented. Rather, it is the government seat and a checking in and out place for yachts. On the left are the only native mammal resting in the trees by day. They are called flying foxes. They are actually fruit bats. Interesting, huh? I'm told they're tasty also - at least that's what the locals say!

Other highlights on our tour around the island was an area known for blow holes, but I thought the waves and coral formations were more interesting (right)!

Some of the best produce on the island can be found in this market.

On the right we see other products for sale along the road. Rather neat looking brooms!