We left Baie Hanavave Monday morning, with the sun highlighting the towering peaks above the bay. This anchorage, also known as Baie des Vierges is touted as the most beautiful in Polynesia. From what we have experienced so far, they may be correct. Check Google to see if photos have been placed on the Web. Yesterday afternoon we had good lighting for photos of the boat, with the village and mountains in the background. We leave the Marquesas Islands behind on a 500-mile run to the Tuomotu Archipelago. Our first destination is Kauehi, a small atoll located at 15-57S 145-11W. It will be quite a change from the Marquesas Islands, that tower thousands of feet. In the Tuomotus, the average topography is only 10 feet above the sea. Satellite and radio reception should improve. We are running with the seas and wind at 217M. We now have the trades on our port quarter, so the bashing to weather is over, for now. Low slack water in the entrance channel to Kauehi's lagoon is predicted for 9:30 a.m. on Thursday. To arrive at that time, we have dropped engine speed to 1,275 rpm. With the following wind, seas and current we are making 6.8 kts and 2.2 nm/gallon. Our Nobeltec navigation software constantly updates our estimated arrival time. If necessary, we will adjust speed over the next three days to arrive at optimum conditions. Dick and Gail Barnes Aboard Ice Dancer Nordhavn 50 #22