Tongan Olympics

With flags flying and smiles shining, 33 kids from seven different countries marched along Ano Beach in the opening parade of the Cruising Kids' Tongan Olympics. The long jump tested the skill and determination of all four teams as they leaped over rope lines in the sand to earn points. Ranging in age from four to 15, the bigger kids gave it all they had and sailed over all three ropes, while the little ones just ran across the course to the enthusiastic cheering of parents and team members alike. Video cameras filmed, cameras clicked and team leaders dads herded kids to the next event, the relay race. Around the course they went, handing off their team flag, testing the endurance of the dads as they guided and encouraged. A much needed water and popcorn break gave the official course setter (Peter) time to set up the shot put field. Each participant heaved a coconut across rope lines to earn more points for the teams. Team leaders began to feel the heat of competition as Chris's (Ocean Breezes) team (Ellie's also) pulled into the lead. An intermission to open presents gave everyone a rest, while Pete and Mark (Kia Orana) anchored buoys off the beach in preparation for the dinghy paddle and the boogie board relay.

Carter (6), Hugo (age 9 on Kia Orana), and Trym (age 13 on 3T) celebrated their birthdays together in the biggest kid party we've ever had. Presents are always a challenge when shopping in a remote island nation. A whale carving, a fishing lure and a "lock with it's own key" topped Carter's list of favorites. Everyone was raring to go in the water events. Each team piled into and around a rowing dinghy and by kid power only, had to propel it and themselves out and around their buoy. Little kids paddled with their hands from inside and big kids pushed and pulled from the water. Again, Chris's team prevailed and Paul's team (Ohana) asked for a handicap in the last event, the boogie board relay. We rallied the wet troops and each kid paddled a board out and around the buoy, in a relay of 8 turns. The bigger kids helped the little ones and the good sportsmanship and fun impressed the spectators.

As at all the cruiser parties, more and more food arrived to fill the makeshift tables. People brought engine room doors, gangplanks, and fender boards to prop on logs to make a buffet table. The kids generally won't eat anything at a potluck except hot dogs and bread, but the adults enjoy the variety and plenty.

What would the Olympics be without Gold medals, so after dinner, Eva (3T) gave another one of her now famous whistles and the teams reassembled to receive their awards. The scores were tallied and Ellie's team won by a landslide, while all three other teams came in very close together. Fourth place teams won red medals, third won bronze, second won silver and of course first won gold. Eva made all the medals out of painted cardboard, with graphics pasted in the middle commemorating the day and the prizes. Everyone felt a winner except Paul who offered me fifty bucks to improve his score, all in good fun. Carter's team won third and enjoyed the lollipops as much as the awards.

I think all the kids must be exhausted by now, as I know I am. My voice has given out a bit and I'd give a lot to jump in a hot tub about now. I did have a luxurious and rare hot shower, after motoring yesterday to heat the water, so that helped a bit. Pete is making us Kahlua Cocoa and my book is calling me.

Tomorrow we'll get the boat sea worthy again and in the next day or so, move out to the southern most anchorage. Tonga is made up of three island groups, so on Wednesday we plan to head to the central one. Then it's just a matter of getting our final clearance papers and waiting for the perfect weather to make our last major passage to New Zealand.

What a wonderful way to be winding up our trip, with good friends, good fun and great memories.

Good night, Kellie