We arrived at North Minerva Reef, 29.39S x 178.53W, around 0830 today. The only land is a reef which at low tide is out of the water by maybe a foot and about 1/2 mile long, all the rest of the time there is just a 6 mile circular surf in the middle of the ocean. There is a 600 foot wide passage for an entrance. After 2 days and nights in rough seas and winds 20-30 knots, it is so nice to be in flat water. Minerva is a circular lagoon which is well protected by the surrounding reef from ocean waves. There are no sandy beaches, trees, or plants, just the rocky reef and water of various shades of blue, surrounded by surf crashing against the ocean side of the reef. It a very amazing place to see, and more amazing is that this place with flat waters is seemingly located "out in the middle of the deep blue sea". I'm sure the ancient mariners before the days of charts and electronic chart technology, were very surprised to discover it. We may stay 1 or 2 days here before continuing the remaining 800 miles of the passage. Corvidae, as usual, has been handling the seas and winds very well. The weather for the rest of the trip is forecasted to be somewhat mellower. It has been is a rocky ride, but all is well on board. Grateful to be getting closer to home. Hope to be in NZ about the 10/29/13.
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