Hienghene lat. 20 degrees 41.0' S long. 164 degrees 57.1' E

This pesky SE wind didn't let up all day so we had it right on the nose as we left Pouebo. However, we motorsailed and managed to hold up to 20 degrees of the wind. It was an interesting passage with many course changes to avoid shallow patches and reefs, only a very few of which were marked. In one area opposite Mt. Panie (the highest peak in NC at 1628 metres) the inshore passage was very close to the shore because just there the barrier reef is also close in and the channel, though deep, is quite narrow. We saw a most spectacular waterfall which falls from Mt. Panie. It falls down sheer rock walls for hundreds of metres to the coastal strip and then the sea and is a great view from seawards.
We had travelled probably close to 45 miles today with all our tacking and we are fairly tired tonight. We are anchored in Hienghene Bay as the river is probably too shallow for us and unfortunately there is a bit of a roll coming round the point but I think we'll sleep through anything!!
The next morning (Mon.10th.) - awoke to a beautiful day with spectacular scenery all around. There are rock formations at the head of the bay (the Sphinx and les Tours) which are a bit like a miniature version of Whangarei Heads. Running the engine to make water (the watermaker is working but not at full capacity) and charging the batteries. Going ashore soon to get some provisions and maybe have a longer shower to wash hair!!! We don't like to use too much on the boat because of the precarious state of the watermaker.
More later.............love from us.

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