Caitlin+W

September 1st, 2009- Tropical; modified by trade winds; warm season (December to May), cool season (May to December). Shortly after dawn, we set sail for the land, which had beautiful floral appearance, with estates and houses from the tip of the highest hills to the sea-side. Near the beach were several small cottages at short distances, among the coconut trees.

Heading towards the north-east point of the island noticed two tiny islands extending from shore about a mile and a half, and affiliate with it by a rather small but medium sharp reef of rocks... it amount of water could be obtained from the wells on land/shore... about one hundred eighty eight or one hundred eighty nine years ago the island was visited by a natural disaster which committed such damages among their coconut trees and plantations as to cause a dearth. In consequence of all this, all the hogs on the island were destroyed, gone and even that breed became extinct for some years, until at length they were once again provided from the whalers with a fresh stock. Their numbers are increased day by day, and today on the islands there are a lot of pigs.

Today, the products of this island are fish and fertile soil. They have less products today then in 1829.

The commodities today that are being traded are very different from the products in 1829. Tonga imports foodstuffs, machienery and transport equipment and they get exported squash and fish. Theire currency today is **pa'anga (TOP).**

This island is divided into three island groups; Ha'apai, Tongatapu, Vava'u. All these three island groups are owned by one chief,  Ambassador Fekitamoeloa 'UTOIKAMANU.