Good morning from Terikah! Still riding the mechanical bull today, but we are hauling. Big decision for the next 24 hours for us is whether we take a 1-2 day rest at Minerva Reef or keep on going to take advantage of the full weather window to New Zealand. We make these decisions by analyzing the weather ourselves, talking with our buddy boats, and consulting our weather router.
The waves and winds decreased to make a more comfortable afternoon, where I could actually hang out in the galley a bit. Let one small tuna go that Calder caught. Chris does a “walk about” on the boat each evening to ensure all looks good going into the night.
Meals today were chicken salad sandwiches and pumpkin-lentil stew.
Overnight uneventful; slowed down when a small squall gobbled up the wind and we had to motor for an hour. Thankfully, seas have decreased in size as well, making for a comfortable ride.
North Minerva Reef is a unique place. It is a nearly-circular reef with one small pass through it on its northwest corner. It encloses a lagoon approximately 3 miles in diameter. During high tide, only a few pieces of the reef are visible.
The reefs are named after an Australian whaling ship that foundered on the atoll in 1829. The Minerva Reefs are a remote destination, offering a secluded and pristine marine environment where boats can wait out bad weather if needed. Tonga claims ownership of the reef since 1971.
We are just 10 miles from it and will stop to experience it, then decide whether to stay or keep moving.
Over last 24 hours: 156 nm covered.
SV Terikah Adventures 
7 responses to “Day 2: Passage Tonga to NZ”
You all cannot believe the joy that you bring to mother and I by posting this adventure. Unless we win the lottery and purchase a very large vessel with fuel tanks that can carry 20,000 gals, we’re just going to have to sit tight here and anxiously wait for your posts. Absolutely amazing and beautiful. Take care and be safe.
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Glad it has calmed enough for Calder to get back to his passion and you all get fed. I hope Cora’s been ok with the big waves. Sending love to all of you.
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Thank you! Still not fishing, but hopeful this will calm in the next 24 hours. We LOVE the plaque you sent with Terry and Erin (with its super special story!)…going to hang it when we get to NZ…have just the place for it and will send you a photo! THANK YOU!!!
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I hope all goes well with smooth sailing
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Thanks Steve! And congrats on the engagement! So happy for you.
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Hello sweet friends! You will never understand how much we enjoy and look forward to your stories. Such an incredible undertaking and experience, you all are amazing! and loved:)We’ve done a fair share of moving and shaking since we last talked…last April we bought a house in town. We’ve been looking for the past 3+ years for a lot or home we would enjoy when we can no longer live off grid and out. Fortunately we found ” an 112 year old Norwegian home / Schwartz home” that checked our boxes, was solid and well remodeled and loved…1006 North Nordic Dr. It has a very similar view that we have here, nice exposure, walking distance to everywhere and ” old fart friendly “. We have it rented because we’re just not ready …yet.Then, about a month ago a guy was looking at a cabin down the beach from us, made an offer but seller jacked him around. He told Bennett that it wasn’t what he wanted…he wanted a dock. We’ve been working with Bennett…for purchase and possible sale so she said, not on the market but…So, we have a signed earnest money agreement and we get to stay put until 5/15/25…Best news is…he’s a wonderful guy, bee keeper, big time from Eastern Oregon AND, he wants to live here! Avid hunter, fisherman, has been coming to SE for the past 6 years, has 206 Cessna and super cub that he has piloted for 23+ years and has been flying into the Brooks Range from Fairbanks. Best news is, he seems to be an authentic quality humane being, family oriented, gardener, empathetic…nice guy= we are so happy! Hugs and loves to all…L Hi Jen, Criss Calder, and Cora, thank you soooo much for allowing us to come along with you on your incredible journey! It’s the best ride! I sit in my easy chair next to the fire and read your emails. Best cruise ever! We have a map of the south Pacific on the wall and track your progress. Love your stories and descriptions. At times I get so into it I feel the ocean motion. That’s plenty for me at this point in my life…. turn 77 in a few days. As Laura mentioned we been making some changes too. Sad to leave here, but it is time. Sort of a new adventure of our own. Can’t wait for your return to hear more. Safe travels and love you all so much!! Ken Sent from AOL on Android
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Hi you two! So great to hear from you; just read your messages aloud in the cockpit as we’re underway. The support from our friends back home is so encouraging! Love that you follow along. Sounds like the perfect situation for your next life adventure; synchronistic how it all came together. With you in town, we’ll get to hang out more when we return; we look forward to that. Much love to you both.
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