Since the Tsunami hit American Somoa Islands last week, we’ve heard from other cruisers that were there when the tsunami hit that the devastation is unimaginable. We’ve also learned that along with the many locals that were killed, so were some fellow cruisers that lost their lives as well. It’s very sad. We were very lucky and grateful to not have been closer to the disaster.

We left Maupiti on Thursday, heading for the Cook Islands. We headed for the island of Rarotonga which is the capital of the Southern Cook Islands. The seas were a bit rough for the first two days and then we hit a very bad storm with 25+ ft. seas and 50+ knot winds. It’s common to hit a squall or two along the way and they usually last about 20-30 minutes. This storm never left and lasted 15 hours. Without going in to the gory details let’s just say it was terrifying, at least for me. (Even Gary calls it “the night from Hell”) Miraculously, we made it to Rarotonga safely on Sunday morning.

Gary’s friend, Amanda is due to arrive in Rarotonga today (Wednesday). She will sail with Gary and Mike to Niue and then to Tonga. After our recent storm experience, I’ve decided to head back to the states for the next month and will meet up with the boat in New Zealand. One Tsunami and one Hurricane in one week is enough for me! We will still be keeping you up to date with everything that is going on so stay tuned….Life is even better!……Love to all!!!! Marnie