Back up in the Vava’u Group, we heard on the net about a birthday beach party at Nuku Island celebrating a few September birthdays.  I detected a Maritimer accent on the radio and gave S/V Serengeti a call. In deed Sue was originally from Hudson, Quebec, and had attended UNB. As I am also a September baby, we decided to join in the fun.  A number of boats were already anchored in the little bommie-infested bay.  There was a steep drop-off, so you had to anchor fairly close in.

Anchorage off the village of Falevaitahi on Kapa Island

On our second attempt, we found some sand to drop our hook.  Monty took a swim over to check that our anchor was well set and the bommies were not threatening.

Whistler’s anchorage

Whistler (lower left), Nuku Island (top right)

Nuku Island at high tide

Dinghies lining Nuku Island Beach, cruisers in the shade.

Lots of new faces to us at the party.  Many of the boats had come across together from the Panama or Mexico, so knew each other.   There were boats from Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.  The potluck had a generous array of tasty dishes. Monty had made some sushi and I, a waldorf salad.  The swedish meatballs were a hit. Several birthday cakes were also served up. Musicians played guitars and sang some familiar tunes as the stars came out on this particularly warm, clear, calm night.