The excitement was huge on S/V OM approaching the natural wonder of North Minerva Reef after 5 days of sailing.
Minerva is a sheltered reef group of two mostly submerged atolls located in the Pacific Ocean south of Fiji and Tonga.
While the waves were crashing outside the reef, we dropped the hook inside the calm reef. We were all glad to get a bit of a rest here. It was our first time making this stop-over and I’m thankful we did. It’s pretty amazing that you anchor in the middle of the ocean at about 25 feet.
While some of our tummies still needed time to adjust, the spirit was up-lifting. Tayo couldn’t wait to jump in the ocean - finally - and got a piggy back swim on Inky’s back around the boat.
Laughter and joyous squeaks filled reef, where we anchored with about 5 other boats. Having had no sight of any other vessel during our 5 day passage to Minerva, it was calming to know that there is somebody around. While sleep should have been the first priority, everybody was too excited to rest. The boys got silly and jumped of the spreaders to the amusement of the kids.
Jesse and I were not as brave but we jumped off the bow, feeling proud ourselves ( since we knew there were shark sightings recently). We stayed 5 days, snorkeling and swimming and walking on the reef at low tide, where Inky had prepared a little surprise for us - a tray, some glasses and booze ( Fairy wine aka Kombucha for Tayo and I and whiskey for the big boys) and we were toasting on being on this very special part of our beautiful pacha mama. We also had our first whale sighting on this trip. A whale breached just outside the reef. What magnificent and powerful thing to observe and just brings you in awe.
The peace of this place was only once interrupted by a navy plane from New Zealand, circling low above our heads and around the reef. Every boat was requested to get in touch with them via the radio, letting them know from where they came and where they go. We learnt it's a normal safety procedure New Zealand does and it was a good feeling that somebody out there is keeping an eye on us. We were all excited - especially the kids, as this was a rare sight after being on the ocean for 5 days with no sight of anything other than the vastness of the ocean .
Catching up on sleep and enjoying heavenly peaceful nights we gained back strength. Our tummies recovered eventually and we we treated ourselves to some delicious feasts, trying to catch up with the amount of weight and energy some of us lost during the passage before we took on our last leg of the trip to TONGA.
Minerva has magic to it and is a place only few get to discover. W
e will cherish this this beautiful memory forever
Onward Ho !
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