Position: 18deg 43min South, 174deg 02min West � anchored between Nuku and Kapa Islands (for those in the know, this is near anchorage #8) There is virtually no wind and it�s very hot: 29 degrees in the boat, water temp 26.2.(sorry to do this to you guys) We are certainly not looking forward to sailing back to the cold at the end of June
We left Neiafu after noon with young Sarah (16) from �Tusitala� a 38 foot sloop from Whangaparoa.We explored Mariners Cave (18deg 41.432 South, 174deg 04.523 West). Entry into the cave requires a short dive about a 1- 2.5 metres in depth (depending on the tide) and about 4 metres across. An act of faith because you need to swim beyond your point of no return. Once inside you are in this cavern that is about 50m in diameter and completely sealed. The only light in the cave comes through the sea and gives the cave an eerie turquoise light. Once you dark adapt you have a very clear view and have no need of a torch. The other very interesting thing is that cave appears to breathe. The tidal surge not only causes you to experience pressure change on your ear drums but also causes the air to alternately fog (as the pressure drops the water vapour instantly precipitates) and clear, in time with the surge. The fogging is so dense that it prevents you seeing across the cave and makes everything go fuzzy. Dad, Matt, Emma, Thomas, Abigail and stowaway Sarah all managed the swim in and out. Dad did numerous trips as he escorted them in. Mom and Rebekah remained on the vessel to hover as there is no place to anchor the shear cliff goes down nearly 100m and so we could motor a few metres off the face.
We paid another visit to Swallows Cave (18deg 40.943min South, 174deg 02.880min West) and took photos of our boat from the inside of the cave.
For dinner we have had spaghetti bolognaise and shared 2 large papaya. It�s another hot evening in paradise.
Skipper
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