2 May

Message from Callisto:

Arrived at Takaroa yesterday to find the pass int it navigable but no place to anchor safely inside. The lagoon itself was 10 miles long and about 4 miles wide and filled with oyster farms for making cultivated pearls.
We did anchor up just outside the pass in about 10 meters of coral. Not too satisfactory but there was not much other choice.
The ware is incredibly clear and you can see bottom at 30 meters. We spent the day snorkeling, checking out the lagoon in the dinghy. We did go ashore and found the main village, which was not too impressive. They had one tiny restaurant but no beer ashore as 90% of the population of about 800 is Mormon. Who knew?.
Today is Sunday and everything is closed. I'm not sure if non Mormons can go into Mormon churches but Ron and I might go and check that out as the locals singing is really outstanding. If not, there's always the much smaller Catholic one down the street. I'll try not to wear my knees out.
The rest of the day will be spent snorkeling and fixing the main sail furler motor which is still being troublesome.
Off to the next fly speck atoll called Aratika about 60NM due south of here tonight or tomorrow.