After our day at the "navel" we moved up to the small pass at the very north of the island. Our friends on Stellar Polaris had a local with them who knew the area and was sure we could anchor. So off we went. It's another gorgeous spot, a bit more exposed to the weather as we are on the western side of the atoll, but from anything other than a southerly, the fetch is pretty small. It was very comfortable and the anchor is well dug in with our stern back to the motu.

After a wonderful BBQ of grouper and parrot fish (no ciguatera here!) the plan was to go lobster hunting. I've read about this but never tried it. After dark, with a small moon showing, we took 2 dinghies through the shallows and into the pass and put them ashore. With head torches, very sturdy shoes and gloves we made our way out onto the reef.

There was a little too much swell and the tide was a bit too high so it was hard enough to walk with waves crashing around you, let alone spot and catch any lobster - so we drew a blank. It was quite good fun though and now we have learnt the technique, with some better conditions and a little bit of luck, we may find some next time!

We are enjoying Amanu enormously. This is what we wanted from South Pacific cruising, however we do have to think about moving on. Hao beckons as a brief provisioning stop but tides are awkward. Possibly an early Thursday or Friday to get there just after high tide would work. We have been told the pass there is quite "interesting" and to be there at high tide. We can stay out of the main channel in the pass to get less current.

So a few more days here at least!