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NASSAU - The only island without a lagoon, this small neighbor of Pukapuka is a virtual 'garden of Eden'. With numerous coconut palms, a fresh-water spring and a multitude of fresh fruit growing naturally on the island, the food supply is most adequate for the small number of residents. Shellfish can be gathered from the beaches and fish can be brought in off the reef. Every year, as many as 40,000 Taro tubers [similar to sweet potatoes] are shipped to Pukapuka in exchange for manufactured goods, but one year, the freighter got lost and couldn't find the island. The residents were quite worried that the entire crop would rot and be wasted. One day, an American yacht anchored off the reef outside the village, playing the music of the American rock band,the BEACH BOYS. They asked the American crew if they would take their endangered crop to Pukapuka. The next day,'Ba-Ba-Barann' was loaded and departed on its 55-mile trip to Nassau's closest neighbor. Tourist visits are rare and are usually prearranged from the island of Pukapuka.
Tema Reef lies about 26 miles NNN of Nassau Island. No coral or rock shows above water, but the sea breaks heavily over the reef.
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