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Perhaps the most interesting site on the trour was the Ha'amonga 'a Maui Trilithon. It is believed to have been built in the 13th century from 3 blocks of coral that weigh about 40 tonnes each. The present theory is that is was used to determine the seasons. Shadows at the solstices and equinoxes fall in marked places on the Trilithon.

Graveyards in Tonga are generally festive affairs, and often have pigs and chickens wandering through them as well. The quilts are particularly striking. They are placed on the grave at the time of interrment and are left to deteriorate in the elements.

The next day we departed on our 4 day kayak trip. Here we are moving out of the Port of Refuge, under the causeway. The current through the tunnel was quite strong, but no mishaps in getting through. Once in the open water we were up against a stiff headwind and some good sized swells. The paddlers in the front of the kayaks got a good soaking, and we were all quite ready to stop paddling by the time we reached our campsite.

Here is our campsite, located on a low section in the center of an island. We spent two nights here as the wind continued to blow steadily and the swell made paddling unattractive. Also it rained. We did some exploring, snorkelling, reading, eating coconuts and tree climbing to pass the time. All in all, not a bad place to pass a day or two.

The next morning at the camp the wind had increased to the point that action was needed so that the stove could be lit for breakfast. We needed our coffee! The usefulness of the coconut tree is once again displayed.

After a few days in Tongatapu we headed to the airport for our flight to Vava'u island. While waiting at the airport (domestic flights proved to be difficult to catch - just what does "confirmed reservation" really mean, anyway?) we saw this school class trip to visit the airport weather station. Note the uniforms. They boys are wearing the traditional ta'ovala, or waistmats.

We arrived in Vava'u and had a day before the departure of our Kayak trip. We visited the market in the town of Neaifu. Here is a typical display of produce: (left to right) coconuts, papayas, sweet potatoes, bananas, taro, and yams. The baskets are woven in the fields from coconut palm fronds and are often discarded after one use.

At low tide we were able to walk across the sandbar to the next island. There were many interesting shells and crabs, as well as tons of trash. (Trash collection is a new thing in Tonga). We felt like castaways in an island paradise!