Our 1st Year Tongan Anniversary - 5 Jan 2011

After a glorious year in paradise our anniversary day adventure summed it all up perfectly!!
We all had a sleep in, followed by a BBQ breakfast and Jodie kissing everyone for her anniversary present. After this we loaded up the truck and headed to the boat for a day out in the sun at Malinoa with friends. We left the Navy base and a massive storm front came across. No Malinoa, you couldn't even see 10m in front of the boat and the wind was screaming so we decided to make the most of it and hide at the Pangi bar -Plan B. As usual the kids had a ball and the weather soon cleared enough for a snorkel and play around Pangi. The dad's stayed inside and played a few games of pool while it bucketed down even though we were already wet from swimming ashore?

Initially we were the only fools on the Island but the kids had the swing tree all to them selves.

The view of the tail end of the storm and the crystal clear waters.

Dom and Lyndon had a few games of pool followed by some darts while the kids played in the rain.

Jodie and Hannah relaxed at the bar but it was too early for Bubbles so it was tea for two.

Now that the weather had cleared sufficiently enough and Lyndon had blown a blood vessel or two blowing up the ski tube by mouth it was time to have some different fun - Plan C. Not sure who had more fun though Lyndon driving or the kids getting thrown around but everyone was up for a go. Also the Pangi resort makes for a nice backdrop in the photos.

Hannah and Eve were first out or is that in?

Em showed Neesy the ropes.

Dom thought he was indestructible for about 30 seconds then those office hands just gave up!

Best effort of the day went to Jodie and without glasses either. No prompting or egging on was even required it was all her.

Next adventure, Plan D - Lyndon saw a window of blue sky and smooth seas so we headed out to Malinoa and anchored out off the island amongst the reef. A late lunch was had on board while everyone had a snorkel or swim. Then all of a sudden the storm clouds rolled back in, Plan E pack up quick smart and run for home! Lyndon barely had time to get everyone back in and the anchor up and we were stuck in the rain again!!

Em and Mella hitching a ride behind Lyndon.

Jodie spotted this coming and we were OK time to go soon.

Then all of a sudden this was apon us and Lyndon was moving in a very Naval manner.

Half way home, when it wasn't so ruff the kids and even Hannah had a little rest. They can sleep anywhere if they are tired enough.

Then to top off "Quirky's Uninteresting Tour" the engine blew the cooling pump belt, just inside Fafa Is, thankfully. The outboard was being very stubborn so Lyndon went with Plan F - show Dom and the kids how to fix the main engine. After being adrift for 30odd minutes all mechanical repairs were complete and our adventure continued - yep, Plan G straight back along side so Lyndon could have a rest and a well earned beer or two.

WHAT AN EXCITNG DAY! SO MAKE SURE YOU ALL STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT EXCITING 12 MONTHS WITH THE QUIRKE TRIBE ADVENTURES!!!!!

What a way to start 2011.

Dylan scored a couple of lures for Christmas presents and has been into me ever since. The weather had finally come good on the 3rd and we have been lucky enough to get the boat back for a couple more days until they decide of the disposal process so we grabbed the rods and headed out. Not 5min after the lines hit the water we had a double hook up so both Dyl and Jodie had a fight on their hands. Dyl isn't strong enough yet to fight the big ones 1 on 1 so he left the rod in the holder till the end. Jodie did OK too. After landing 6 tuna it was time to head to Malinoa for a quick swim before returning home to hand out our spoils to some friends. Dyl winding in his first Tuna on his new lure.

Two in the boat and smiles all round.

On our way up the reef we spotted a pod of small whales cruising south. The island in the back ground is Atata.

Em's big effort she thinks she caught this one but we think the Tuna spat it out but at least she's fishing still.

Lyndon and Dyl having some boy bonding.

Dyl was flogged after pulling in three of these boys but the smile lasted a lot longer. Although he was a little upset as the eyes on his lure got smashed off but it still worked!

A swim in the crystal clear waters surely revived us all.

The next morning at 0430 Dyl, Lyndon, Mark and Neil headed back out for some bottom bashing this time with favourable tides. We surely made the most of the boat and good weather. We picked up a dozen reef fish and also had a visit from a Marlin which got us all very excited but it didn't take the hook just the little tuna that was hooked. We then picked up this Mahi Mahi.

Dyl slept most of the way home as he was dead on his feet after the early start and previous days fishing.

I busted Dyl having some fun. Who said dogs are the only ones who like the wind in their faces??

New Years Eve 2010 - Lyndon's Birthday

NYE saw a dual celebration at our house/compound as both Lyndon and his boss Mark have their birthdays on the 1st. Jodie and Linda (and possibly us boys) got together and came up with an "International Theme" party. Nearly everyone was dressed in their favourite outfit and the spread of international food was magnifico!!!! One highlight was the 'Fine 5' puwaka but the head had to be returned for his dad, Mosesi Sr. We had most angles covered for entertainment of all ages. Jumping castle for the little ones, pool for everyone, outdoor theatre in the shed for the kids, pool table and darts for the adults and then for the pyromaniacs amongst us - cheap Chinese fireworks to bring in the new year. I'm sure the QA (quality assurance) is good on fireworks as some costing a whole 20 cents, Aust. Clean up was left until the mandatory 2Jan as a day of rest is always given to Lyndon as a birthday present. So he thinks!

Looking back into our place, too much food but what a spread.

Sal and his Traditional International meal. The pig was Tomasi's I believe 'Dinner' was his name, very appropriate.

No wonder Australia was struggling in the cricket Lyndon was here in Tonga. Jodie was reliving her Bollywood days from Capta.

Wayne runs our Local hardware store, very appropriate too.

Our new Chatham's friends Glenn and Kelly in something a tad older.

Hero, Lola and Naomi (missing in this photo) came as Hawaiians and Hannah had to change out of her outfit, slacker.

Sal's cousins Lina and Sita were visiting from Sydney so they dressed Tongan (what else). Rochelle also wore a Saree, her and Jodie could have been sisters.

The winners from our best dressed comp, Mark and Em tallied the results to ensure there was no rigging of votes.

The birthday boys cutting their cakes. Mark was a Somalian pirate and Dyl was his side kick.

Dom our Kiwi tourist loved the deserts table and beers!

The cinema for the kids, one feature was 'Aliens in the Attic'

Dom also changed from Kiwi tourist to Kiwi Terrorist. Launching the inner pyromaniac, fireworks out of his empty beer bottles. Was just one of his tricks.

The crowds gathered and as Dom finished up Sam and Dave came to his rescue with even bigger fireworks as they had been stock piling since Christmas day!

This box off fireworks said it all. "DANGER ZONE" what a great way to bring in the New Year with some good friends and a big Bang - Tongan style.

White Sands Holiday Retreat

After boxing day we snuck away with the Walton-Frances for four nights at White Sands Resort to simply have a few days of relaxation. This place is quickly becoming one of Jodie's favourite relaxation places. Made easier by the fact that the kids have a ball with so many outdoor things to do and places to explore. Not sure that everyone would call it relaxing with shore line exploration, cruising the ponds of the inner reef, snorkeling, surfing, swimming in both the ocean and pool, then there was the ball games and obstacle course Dom set up just to name a few things. We took turns in cooking dinner on the first two nights and then we snuck off to another resort for their show and dinner on our third night. Also as dedicated Hashers we made the trip back into town for Hash on Thursday followed by dinner out before returning for our usual night activities like crab hunting and drinks on the beach. Ahh...... bubbles, sand and stars, is there any better way to finish your day off?

The crew with the view from our Fale.

We explored the coast line at high tides and the reef at low tides. Not that Jodie could get lost in these shorts!

Jodie and Dyl relaxing at the waters edge in a natural rock seat.

One day Dyl found his own special little cave along the coast.

Thanks to Nation Geographic channel Dyl was all over this Spanish Dancer.

The sunset view at low tide was just magical.

Drinks and music on the beach was the best way to finish each and every day.

Em putting a few dollars on the dancer at the dinner show! Now that she knows some moves she (and mum) appreciate it so much more.

A funky shot of the Poi's with a time lapse.

Lyndon mucking around in the inside surf. He spent most of the day (high tide) pushing the kids onto the waves on their boogie boards.

On our last morning, the 31st we celebrated Nessy's actual birthday. Hannah knocked these up while the rest of us did Hash, what a treat.

Boxing Day Adventure

After missing out on our Christmas day sailing adventure we were lucky enough to get the call from Marcus and Deb, jobs on! We loaded up the boat in the sunshine but by the time we left the dock it was black clouds on the horizon. The decision was made to sail to Pangi and ride out the weather. Once anchored everyone swam ashore and then the sun came out. The call went out and a few more friends came over for the day. By late arvo the seas had dropped off enough that the boys bonded and took the boat out for a sail. At the end of the day and as part of Hash tradition a group of us walked home from the Island at low tide. The kids had a ball finding little critters every step of the way.

Jodie, Deb and the kids enjoying the storm clouds over Fafa Is, out front.

All ashore who's swimming ashore!

Lyndon relaxing aft rowing the kids out to the wreck for a jump and swim around.

Some of the crowd leaving Pangi for the walk home.

Lyndon ensuring he was hydrated before they left. He figured there was enough water so he thought a beer was a good idea.

Just a sample of the kids finds! Which also included 3 & 4 legged versions, blue and black ones.

Sea slugs where a treat too. Just ask Nessy.

Dyl found this strange little sea cucumber and Em thought she found a clam which turned out to be a cool crab much to her surprise when she tried to pick him up.