Te Kaihōpara and I awoke feeling excited as the ominous clouds seemed to keep their distance from us. The crew headed to Bark Bay’s shores as I returned to fix our wind sensor issue (just discovered today). I also worked up a  quick blue cod luncheon for our weary expeditionists on their return. Our next stop would be Tonga Island, where we still had some unfinished business with some absolutely adorable seals.

Tonga Island is a natural sanctuary for fur seals, also called Kekeno. As we anchored just off its western tip, we discovered the seal’s colony on the Island. A natural bay kept out the Orcas, who have a taste for seals. This protection has led to the seals flourishing. The older seals kept a keen eye on us, as we paddled our way towards what seemed like a baby seal nursery! The tiny ones stayed in the centre of the harbour, while the juvenile ones came closer to inspect our tender and us. One of them was quite feisty in particular, as he seemed to be exhibiting how good he was, swimming upside down, underwater. It’s a skill I admire and practise whenever I go scuba diving . They truly are the puppies of the sea and we ended up making two trips to the same spot, as the crew members took turns on the tender. I did briefly think about jumping in the water with them, but, a particularly chubby one on an adjacent rock made me reconsider. Maybe this big one was their mama. Or a designated guard.

With the euphoria of the seals still running through our veins, we upped anchor and made our way to Adele Island. I kept a good look out for the aerial artist I’d spied on an adjacent yacht, during my previous visit here, but was left disappointed. A family of sting rays welcomed Jo and Lynda and they were just off one of the beaches we’d anchored near. I must get a better look tomorrow morning before our adventures lead us elsewhere! Standard barbecue fare followed, as the night wound down with the crew sharing their favourite pieces of obscure music.

- Arjun Thimmaya, Chief Mate, Te Kaihōpara