tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55050404041571898332024-03-22T08:43:21.339+11:00Allusive Adventures with John and DiThis blog covers our adventures in Allusive from 2013 to late 2015.
In 2013 we made a voyage up the East Coast of Australia to Cairns then with the Ecosustainability Rally to the Louisiades Archipelago (PNG) and the return voyage to Tasmania.
In 2015 we cruised to Vanuatu via Sydney, Lord Howe Island and New Caledonia with a return to Bundaberg in Australia in August 2015
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-46503161709638037272015-08-31T21:52:00.001+10:002015-08-31T21:52:05.328+10:00Luganville to Bundaberg
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Departure for Australia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 7th August. Distance to go 1008nm (1800km)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finally dropped the mooring at Aore resort at 0930 and
sped down the channel with the outgoing tide. Once outside we settled down to a
close reach with 2 reefs and No.3 headsail in fairly bumpy seas of 2-4 metres
with a SSE of 20 to 25 knots<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> August. (0930 distance to go 830nm) During
the night we reduced sail to 3 reefs in the main. About midnight Pacific Dream
(a 47ft cat) called us on the VHF. They could see us on their AIS receiver and
were 8 miles in front. By dawn they were abeam and we sailed all day in sight
of one another. The day turned out sunny with much smoother seas and we managed
to shake out all of the reefs and spent the day on a close reach. Very pleasant
sailing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not long after nightfall Pacific Dream called again to say
they had a mainsail problem and were continuing on under headsails alone at
about 5 knots. As we were doing 7 to 8 knots we soon lost reception with their
VHF.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> August. (0930 Distance to go 678nm)
During the night the wind picked up again to 25 knots at times. We reduced sail
to 3 reefs again and the boat trundled along happily all night without any sail
adjustments necessary. Di managed to sleep all night and I did a check every
few hours then retired again. This part of the ocean is empty of all commercial
shipping and in the first 3 days we only saw one fishing boat on the AIS. The
wind dropped again for a while after dawn then puffed in whenever the rain
showers were close. After about 3 reef changes we settled for 2 reefs for the
rest of the morning. The rain clouds disappeared during the afternoon and we
had a steady sail with only one reef in and mostly smooth seas. Motored for a
while in a 2 hour lull to pull the fridge down and to make hot water for
showers. All good on board!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> August. (0930 Distance to go 508nm) Allusive
sailed all night in a steady 15-20 knot SSE with 2 reefs and half No3. Very
comfortable with plenty of sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were planning to
stop at the Chesterfield reef group but we now have a forecast for SW winds
(headwinds!) developing early Thursday and if we stop at the Chesterfields we
will be there for 4 days in a constantly changing wind direction. We have
decided to press on and if we can average 7 knots for the rest of the trip we
should arrive at Bundaberg about the time the SW is due. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are staying in touch on the SSB radio (4483) with another
yacht, Argonaut who left a day behind us and is tracking to Gladstone. Haven
111 is leaving tomorrow and will track to Bundaberg.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the day the SSE winds continued with near calm seas.
Only 1 reef and full no3 required to keep our speed between 7 and 8 knots<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> August (0930 Distance to go 311nm).
During the night the wind slowly died and we have now been motoring since
midnight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 5 knot breeze is slowly backing into the East and is due
to go into the North before freshening then moving into the NW 25-30 knots by
Wednesday afternoon. By Thursday it is forecast to move into the SW. In the
meantime we are enjoying the quiet conditions with full main and No.3. We are
enjoying the cloudless skies while they last and Di has done the food prep for
the next day or so. We won’t be hungry!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> August.( 0930 Distance to go
140nm)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The wind did as forecast, backing through North to West and
increased during the day with an extra reef going into the main every 3 to 4
hours. About 100nm from the coast there is a North/South traffic separation
area for the commercial shipping and at times we had up to 6 ships on the AIS.
We had better keep a good lookout from here to Bundaberg.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 12<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> August.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The 30+ knot SW front got us just as we were between
Breaksea Spit and the reefs to the North. We had some very heavy rain with it
plus some thunder and lightning. Not very pleasant for the guy on deck. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we passed into the shallow waters of Hervey
Bay the wind waves became very short and steep due partly to the wind over tide
effect. We had to tack for the last 40 miles into the SW and slow the boat down
as the pounding was horrific at times. The skies cleared by 0900 and the local
VMR issued a cancellation of the gale warning……. Just as we were experiencing
some 40+ knot gusts. It’s a good thing he couldn’t hear what I was saying!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finally arrived at the Port Bundaberg marina at 11.30am
and had cleared customs and quarantine (BORDER FORCE) by 2.30pm. This was very
quick and efficient BUT t there was a lot of confusion about the way we were to
pay the GST on the items we reimported. The GST on these new items had been
claimed under the TRS scheme on the way out of Australia. The local Bundaberg
Customs officer informed us we would need to employ the services of a Customs
Agent in Brisbane to complete the necessary paperwork. It took two days to sort
this out and Customs finally worked out it was their job to calculate the GST!
In the meantime Allusive was restricted to port. No doubt in the old days we
would have had a notice nailed to the mast! A stupid fiasco caused, I suspect,
by a lack of training in the TRS area for relatively new staff which caused us
a great deal of consternation for 24 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After a pleasant 4 days in and around Bundaberg
we finally flew home for 3 weeks to catch up with family and house/ work
commitments</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-65308311635755856132015-08-31T21:51:00.000+10:002015-08-31T21:51:01.615+10:00Luganville July 23rd until August 8th
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Luganville July 23<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> until August 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The time just slipped away during these two weeks. We were
on a mooring at Aore resort and spent much of our time enjoying the touristy
things on Santo, boat maintenance and generally socialising with resort guests
and other yachties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Highlights included the Santo Rodeo with local plantation stockmen
competing against one another. The European plantation owners had good horses
with saddles but the stockmen rode bareback on their ponies with hessian sacks
for saddles. These sacks usually slipped out from under their bums before their
event was finished. This was a free event and the local people flocked to the
event to enjoy the fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">International Children’s Day was on Friday July 24 and this
was a public holiday with lots happening for the kids throughout the nation.
The Vanuatu people are very loving towards their offspring, particularly when
they are infants and the local park was decorated in their honour with lots of
stalls and games. Some shops open for kids only to shop!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Independence Day was to celebrate 35 years of self-government
and the day was celebrated in every town and little village throughout the
nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In Luganville the local police and army were on parade to
the tune of a brass band and the local politicians were in their element making
speeches to the assembled throng. We watched for a while then wandered off and
missed the police playing with their AK47’s but we certainly heard the noise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di spent quite some time snorkelling with new friend Sue (off
S V Mawari), off the resort beach. Sue is a fantastic photographer and she
showed Di many interesting underwater fish and other creatures including large
cuttle fish. It is so nice snorkelling in water that is crystal clear and 27
degrees and the varieties of fish were never ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The main highlight for us during this period was the day
trip to the Millennium Cave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a 45 minute ride over 10 million pot holes we arrived
at a small village where our bus managed to get stuck in the greasy conditions,
so we walked the next 2 km to the main village where we were met by 4 guides.
Our party was probably 20 people and to get to the cave we walked for another 2
hours over a very slippery, muddy track which was very steep at times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However the walk was worth it as the Millennium Cave is a
very spectacular 400m long limestone cavern, about 10m wide and up to 50 metres
high inside with a small river running through the full length. Our party waded
through the cavern in water about waist deep in places with torches for
illumination and bats for company. Quite an eerie experience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once we emerged from the cave we found the cavern river
joined a much larger river. We stopped at this point for lunch. We had left our
backpacks with some of the villagers at the top of the gorge before the climb
down into the cave and they had lowered them down into the gorge on ropes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once we had finished lunch they hauled them back up and
carried them back to the village.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our group then enjoyed another 2 hours canyoning (clambering
over rocks) and swimming downstream through some spectacularly steep gorges
with numerous waterfalls flowing into the river.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We finally emerged from the river at a point below the
village. The trip back to the top of the gorge consisted of a climb up a
waterfall then a series of bush ladders. A lot of very tired but exhilarated
people finally re-entered the village where we were given hot drinks and fruit
to restore our energy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of our group slipped early on and fractured his wrist
but, with the assistance of some guides managed to complete the walk. Luckily
one of our party was an Orthopaedic Surgeon and he strapped the wrist then
accompanied the patient to the hospital after the event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di and I were very stiff the next day, but a day round the
pool and some liquid therapy soon restored us to normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were now into departure planning mode and spent a couple
of days refuelling (carting 20 litre drums in the dinghy across the channel to
the local service station), then restocking food from the local stores. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Clearing out of Vanuatu consisted of a trip to immigration,
on to customs, on to the payment office, back to customs and back to
immigration for the final (handwritten) paperwork. A full morning’s work!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-33550329776859368612015-07-22T16:00:00.003+10:002015-07-24T06:58:04.679+10:00Ambae and Maewo and a return to Pentacost Is.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July Ambae and Maewo Islands<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An end to the light winds is forecast on Tuesday so we decided
to make the most of the light conditions and head East over to Ambae and Maewo
Islands. We could then run back to Luganville later next week in the stronger
ESE Trades that were forecast. This proved to be a good move with a fantastic
50 mile windward leg with full main and No.3 on relatively flat water to the
eastern tip of Ambae, where we shared the spectacular anchorage at Loloru Bay
with one of the Island trading boats.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our intention was to go ashore here at Loloru Bay and but a
sleepless night for the skipper due to a stomach upset plus a noisy anchor
chain dragging over the rocky bottom convinced us to leave early<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to beat the strong headwinds forecast for
today. It’s only a short 10 mile hop to the little village of Asanvari at the
Southern end of Maewo and we motored across in a couple of hours which gave the
refrigeration a big boost for the day.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This little village of 170 people boasted a “yacht Club” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>built with Aus Aid but little remains of the
building. I suspect it was ratted by the locals for the timber for use in their
own houses. This has been a popular stop for cruising yachts in the past but we
were only the 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> to visit since the cyclone, according to Alex,
the custodian of the little waterfall that tumbles into the Bay. We haven’t
seen another yacht since leaving Santo and even then there would have only seen
about 20 other boats at any one time in the Santo area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our guide for today was Nisha, an 11 year old girl who is
the niece of the chief. There is a little primary school here with 3 teachers
for the 97 students, (once again children under 12 outnumber the adults by 50%)
but her teacher had gone away for the day so she was free to roam. We met chief
Richard who gave us permission to roam at will. Under nishas guidance we
wandered the village and ended up at Alex’s waterfall complex for a swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">He is a remarkable guy who used to be a radio announcer in
Port Vila but decided to leave the rat race and moved here to be with his
brother leaving his wife and sons behind in Port Vila as they didn’t want to
move. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alex has reclaimed the bush on the foreshore where the
little creek runs onto the beach and built a small hut and level area where he
can entertain (and charge) visiting yachties. All up through the waterfall area
he has planted many exotic plants and lives on site all alone waiting for the
boats to come in. Sometimes it’s a long wait between boats! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However he turned out to be an excellent guide as he walked
us through some of the highland villages above the anchorage. This part of
southern Maewo is very isolated with no airstrip or roads connecting it to the
rest of the island. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The early people here wiped each other out due to inter
village rivalries and the area was unpopulated for a long time until a group of
familys from Northern Pentacost resettled the area in the 1940’s Today they
live a very subsistence lifestyle and have little contact with the outside
world. Any medical emergency involves a long boat ride to either Pentacost or
Loloru on Ambae. Another family we met was Erica and her husband who are
building a 3 room guest house (with a hammer and bush knife as tools!)so they
can cater for visitors. I admire the effort they are putting in but suspect
there won’t be many visitors wanting to do the long ride to the village in a
long boat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We dropped off the last of the Coles Bay baby clothes to
Olivette, the local nurse/midwife who looks after the 450 people living in this
village and the surrounding hill people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As with most of the islands we have seen the jungle on this
island is covered in a very fast growing creeper which apparently was
airdropped as seeds by the Americans during the Second World war to hide their
installations from the Japanese. This makes many areas impenetrable and the gardens
hard to keep clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 22<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had heard of Loltong Bay at North Pentecost Island and as
it was only about 10 miles further south across the 3 mile wide passage between
the two islands we decided to take the opportunity to check this area out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The village anchorage is behind an extensive reef with a
narrow passage marked by a set of leads. We anchored in a sandy patch in about
4 metres of water close to the main beach. This is a very busy little village
and once ashore we were greeted by Mathew, the brother of the chief. Mathew and
his wife Mary have built a “yacht club” and restaurant catering to visiting
yachts. Once again very few yachts have visited since the cyclone and they were
keen to cook a local meal for us, which we agreed to. This turned out to be a 9
course meal, and covered most of their root vegetables and local fruits with a
tuna salad the main feature. Quite tasty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were delighted to hear the village drums start up just
before dark and went ashore to watch the spectacle. All of the drums are
hollowed out logs of various sizes played by the men and boys of the village.
There had been a death in the village recently and the drums sound out just
before dark and early after dawn as a mark of respect.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This village has a huge nackemal which is the “men’s club”
where they get together late in the day to make and drink their kava (a local
drink made from the roots of the kava plant that makes the drinker verrrry
relaxed!) and to discuss the business of the village. Every village in Vanuatu
has its nackemal and it is the centre of village life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also spent some time with Mary in her garden and touring
the village which is on the foreshore at the base of some very steep terrain
with only one very rough 4wd track out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As our 30 day visitor’s visa is due for renewal on the 26<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
we had to cut our visit short after one night and make the 50 mile sail back to
Luganville on Thursday to catch the immigration office on Friday 24<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th. </span></sup>We
picked up a mooring at Aore Resort again and renewed our acquaintance with Anne
and her very friendly staff. Apparently Friday is International Children’s Day
and it’s a public holiday so we won’t be talking to immigration until Monday!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-12273320391958660732015-07-22T15:55:00.000+10:002015-07-22T15:55:42.546+10:00Espiritu Santo
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 13th July Espiritu Santo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This proved to be a very quiet day to make the crossing to
Espiritu Santo Island with the motor running for most of the trip. As usual we
had the fishing lines out but nothing…again. This is becoming very frustrating
but fairly typical at present with no fresh fish available to buy in the
supermarkets and only a few parrot fish in eskies at the local markets which we
avoid as they looked fairly old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Good beef however is plentiful and about half the price we
pay in Australia, and the veges are excellent and very cheap. Santo was spared
by the cyclone so bananas are back on the menu! I overindulged a bit on the
first lot and paid the price during the night!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Luganville is the capital of Santo and it’s basically one
long street with little shops, lots of little taxis and plenty of dust and heat
and not much more. The main anchorage is polluted and rolly with nothing going
for it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We chose to pay for a mooring on the other side of the mile
wide channel at Aore resort on Aore Island and loved every minute of our time
here. The resort is run by an Aussie lady (Anne) and has good food, friendly
staff,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a free pool and a regular ferry
service to Luganville.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As a result we decided to base ourselves here while we
explored the sights of Santo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Today we spent some time enjoying the resort and planning a
full day touring Santo. One of John Poynters friends brings diving groups here
every year and stays at this resort. He is well known and liked and the staff
couldn’t do enough for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 15<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The “must do” points of interest include the Million Dollar
Point dive, Champagne Beach and Blue Hole swim, so we had booked a driver
(Stephen) and his mini bus for the day to take us around the sights. I also
wanted to check out a small anchorage at Oyster Bay before we took the boat up
the East Coast. Million Dollar Point is an underwater graveyard of equipment
which the Americans dumped at the end of WW11 and consists of trucks,
bulldozers, field guns, truckloads of Coca Cola, you name it and you can see it
laying in 10 metres of water. A very interesting snorkelling spot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rest of the day went quickly as we played the tourist
for a day. We finished this very pleasant day with a farewell dinner at the
resort for our visiting crew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 16<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A leisurely morning including a walk to find some WW11
bunkers then a beach walk to check out the beach houses built by Aussie and NZ
expats who spend their winters in Vanuatu. After lunch we saw our visitors off
then did some shopping. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The resort put on a great night this evening with people
from the Banks Group of islands providing the entertainment with a Bamboo band
and women making “water music” by slapping the seawater in unison. A pity the
crew missed this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 17<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chores day- spent most of the day making water and a few
other boat maintenance jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 18<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">A change of scene was in order so we motored 8
miles to the Southern side of Aore Is and picked up another mooring off Ratua
Island resort. We had heard of a “blue hole” on the adjoining island of Malo so
we took the dinghy across the channel and up the little river which eventually
led us to this very secluded spot. The river became a fast flowing creek in
spots and was just wider than the dinghy in places which made for a lot of fun
on the return journey as we sped downstream with the current trying not to get
snagged by the overhanging branches. After a late lunch we wandered around this
old style Indonesian resort where most of the 200 year old bungalows had been
transported from Bali!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-35074425775832403082015-07-22T15:52:00.001+10:002015-07-22T15:52:08.514+10:00Pentacost Island
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 12<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July Pentacost Island<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a quick run ashore to drop off a few bits we set sail
for Pentacost Island. This island is world famous for the land diving which
happens in April, May and June and is done to ensure the yam harvest is
successful. We were sorry we were too late to see this but the people and the
magnificent waterfall at Betara (waterfall Bay) were worth the stop. A local
lady (Jessie) looked after us and took us up to the waterfall and to the local
laundry pool. A very picturesque village with lots of rules for visiting whites
as the tourists fly in here to watch the land diving and the locals don’t like
you straying off the approved tracks until they work you out. By the afternoon
we must have received the tick of approval because Jessie told us we were free
to move about on our own…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-41092610676133125632015-07-22T15:50:00.002+10:002015-09-07T17:59:59.692+10:00Ambrym Island<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 11th July Ambrym Island</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNwawJ_xPyIqbZBVvGAUW_JP9TE3VhC5GjPz76jo_0rCQd4XIZRNd-tffkDuL7dzvi3UNiMxNY-2obTOtDgdNnaUZoUzfrV6VM9D2yOLJLVla7JswCWwQaPu-OPI4zZ0Z3KsoALYzLiWK/s1600/P7110056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNwawJ_xPyIqbZBVvGAUW_JP9TE3VhC5GjPz76jo_0rCQd4XIZRNd-tffkDuL7dzvi3UNiMxNY-2obTOtDgdNnaUZoUzfrV6VM9D2yOLJLVla7JswCWwQaPu-OPI4zZ0Z3KsoALYzLiWK/s320/P7110056.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>A full days run to Ambrym Island Is with a good trade wind breeze and sheltered run along the North coast of Ambrym. We looked in at the anchorage at Craig Cove on the North West corner but decided there was too much swell for comfort so continued on to the villages of Ranon and Ranvetlam. This was a good decision as the villagers were very friendly and welcoming.</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhgWAWBYaoSqIthahuLdieE5GeymxrKUL-Z-XqUusNjwggqSLjqteHkuFeKZYtHPSG9ARxTlquRXpaB3WcR1E1KWdqc7SwPP8-XWOuE-wc9YxYWWJNCmzAqXWblLFf6cWp75jzmwnflbJ/s1600/P7120092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhgWAWBYaoSqIthahuLdieE5GeymxrKUL-Z-XqUusNjwggqSLjqteHkuFeKZYtHPSG9ARxTlquRXpaB3WcR1E1KWdqc7SwPP8-XWOuE-wc9YxYWWJNCmzAqXWblLFf6cWp75jzmwnflbJ/s320/P7120092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> They stocked us up with fresh fruit and veges and we were able to help a few with bits and pieces, especially rope for tethering the family cattle in the bush. </o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RdBqECyz35rq28OH5SeJhC9AEACvcNoYiz6eQRuzpyTQNWKcrsanM4mmlRIKoQdPxTdK7hKQ7o7mJ8fjr5pnjBnD-ZyyiBMRdsJbk8INO-T8MMf7Apn0tEZfBS9h3FeKBrcYSlW8b1KD/s1600/P7120080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RdBqECyz35rq28OH5SeJhC9AEACvcNoYiz6eQRuzpyTQNWKcrsanM4mmlRIKoQdPxTdK7hKQ7o7mJ8fjr5pnjBnD-ZyyiBMRdsJbk8INO-T8MMf7Apn0tEZfBS9h3FeKBrcYSlW8b1KD/s320/P7120080.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some reading glasses and a "cow" rope for the local chief. He was delighted!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fh8KrJS_iE0WxWt3zTa-dQIJrN-2KKRVhUt7KW7rUX0bZ34JWXJb2K-E0QZAvwBWjUbyK7_LCH_u8Rd_cnmDbJz5TpzzO3IVMZkUyCWbiwGsB6HB2LVVUOmqWYOdrvekdgvn9SY9o1vO/s1600/P7110069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fh8KrJS_iE0WxWt3zTa-dQIJrN-2KKRVhUt7KW7rUX0bZ34JWXJb2K-E0QZAvwBWjUbyK7_LCH_u8Rd_cnmDbJz5TpzzO3IVMZkUyCWbiwGsB6HB2LVVUOmqWYOdrvekdgvn9SY9o1vO/s320/P7110069.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>We bought bread from a little “bakery” which one enterprising lady had set up in her hut. It was very good!</o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lQTy2h8V-Iwi2tfpuWzIJ_5PY5ziqGvl1cW0WfB74CaMd3rLb6br4hqCPIkB6sb4xOdH3t6SxBfGrNWTYHuIhJMZYSPpn8FxFw4bamlK7tKg4Gbn1gP_BHAnzUrXmjxlr82XxJR2n9AP/s1600/P7120087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lQTy2h8V-Iwi2tfpuWzIJ_5PY5ziqGvl1cW0WfB74CaMd3rLb6br4hqCPIkB6sb4xOdH3t6SxBfGrNWTYHuIhJMZYSPpn8FxFw4bamlK7tKg4Gbn1gP_BHAnzUrXmjxlr82XxJR2n9AP/s320/P7120087.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p> The local kids walked with us wherever we went and were keen on the hairclips and ballons Di and Aileen were handing out.</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZV5EfXor8YsMyqxJNkHHGyaG8q5Oa_D7LDqJLbj_fMHTqwYXnX09RELL15M73B3o2uH0pGkgGPOq5phljqL0URomwr1xk5R7R_NwxQjfYFUXk4SPPAV-Zjj_uHT_yzzvFrkMrwl8NjiP/s1600/P7110059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZV5EfXor8YsMyqxJNkHHGyaG8q5Oa_D7LDqJLbj_fMHTqwYXnX09RELL15M73B3o2uH0pGkgGPOq5phljqL0URomwr1xk5R7R_NwxQjfYFUXk4SPPAV-Zjj_uHT_yzzvFrkMrwl8NjiP/s1600/P7110059.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c68ETgZfdVC97cF_XJB4RaJP2kkZ6UYbHsahp0eYr2VSk31bkPoP-VBZaj_kn_f1pngBX5t2fi5rkWfRs7woHMnOLiF1fA-gcYFxlJEaJm8gahYmgcvaMDeSzLs67w2cCROLJYtJXuaQ/s1600/P7110062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9c68ETgZfdVC97cF_XJB4RaJP2kkZ6UYbHsahp0eYr2VSk31bkPoP-VBZaj_kn_f1pngBX5t2fi5rkWfRs7woHMnOLiF1fA-gcYFxlJEaJm8gahYmgcvaMDeSzLs67w2cCROLJYtJXuaQ/s320/P7110062.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9b1eaY4vLo08ao5N3ehnbRj6DTR5FWzYW-eD7zn_XkTX2eeeOL_ojaO_6C4wyfRw7PYUbtwioAoYRYiHauvoA-x6gBZW55r_hQEhTNaRFuADrq5dhXsN2yPNUXr_vGOEgaYSKStnUuhH/s1600/P7110068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9b1eaY4vLo08ao5N3ehnbRj6DTR5FWzYW-eD7zn_XkTX2eeeOL_ojaO_6C4wyfRw7PYUbtwioAoYRYiHauvoA-x6gBZW55r_hQEhTNaRFuADrq5dhXsN2yPNUXr_vGOEgaYSKStnUuhH/s320/P7110068.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We picked up a few souvenirs including this stone statue being held by the carver</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ja2h4-aUiJhQcV8LN8JwiFOpsTr2JeyJuzdBR_rVwypO9bnvGNeV35vEKmbSJiU4FDdZDzFjfS1nFsub3d2A3CyFCaEi5mfMjE2QTaf97PMssid5qFa5_bkC4KFVf2i_roUP9bwroxZK/s1600/P7110064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ja2h4-aUiJhQcV8LN8JwiFOpsTr2JeyJuzdBR_rVwypO9bnvGNeV35vEKmbSJiU4FDdZDzFjfS1nFsub3d2A3CyFCaEi5mfMjE2QTaf97PMssid5qFa5_bkC4KFVf2i_roUP9bwroxZK/s320/P7110064.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesHopU5wxMvgZI3DgjA-Ree0swvQtrgWtByK-w6VNEEB044D11VUZA8WSmFE6XrBbdLurl9QMOw9rFtvzWXbhDJDVfMNDm0MqIlHdJWpXdT0Eyb74W7pj87vy2N4SXnQs0LBS8ZTtfN_0/s1600/P7120088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesHopU5wxMvgZI3DgjA-Ree0swvQtrgWtByK-w6VNEEB044D11VUZA8WSmFE6XrBbdLurl9QMOw9rFtvzWXbhDJDVfMNDm0MqIlHdJWpXdT0Eyb74W7pj87vy2N4SXnQs0LBS8ZTtfN_0/s320/P7120088.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_wMAEJv-SMSmZkHzDvSgo3NrHUzp9FJskbK_qfCb1zOVMDAbI1PVnFDglSd_LyR_zvpMq8fP39GAIwgEuzlWigYZ_oWS9Xe3s7v9Y54_stS-ms46NzUJmXz7SeiXrlV_p10zZdYzfRHp/s1600/P7110072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_wMAEJv-SMSmZkHzDvSgo3NrHUzp9FJskbK_qfCb1zOVMDAbI1PVnFDglSd_LyR_zvpMq8fP39GAIwgEuzlWigYZ_oWS9Xe3s7v9Y54_stS-ms46NzUJmXz7SeiXrlV_p10zZdYzfRHp/s320/P7110072.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to go for a bath - in the sea!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-47406807530684272742015-07-22T15:49:00.000+10:002015-09-07T13:06:50.380+10:00Epi Island<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July Epi Island<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYD8N4yUvjh_4l-Tr8J7c29fRaG8zDpMhc2rPNFTFIFyk_Qk9-VHMe0BtzHqPiBC2irMOwMRk1lWn3PBPWdm0w4rtLtNP4HwpPOXY3qtNKBnqC9GaKTqrq8lFfSa2jAXfRzikI-xgSnoO/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYD8N4yUvjh_4l-Tr8J7c29fRaG8zDpMhc2rPNFTFIFyk_Qk9-VHMe0BtzHqPiBC2irMOwMRk1lWn3PBPWdm0w4rtLtNP4HwpPOXY3qtNKBnqC9GaKTqrq8lFfSa2jAXfRzikI-xgSnoO/s320/IMG_0640.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the anchor exercise we had a great sail to Epi Island
(Lamen Bay) which took most of the day--all downwind for a change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0cZosDRNCoLMRZI2KAIwIsUpLjtosKF6X52blS5qDqmSjMsVk1KhcFBnk0ELcR8mvs7wQCAdBfjIxugUIbES-8rxMk8NSm6hB5MOfcUhVagZyPI3I-hFZqN_PirF3_vglNQOs6MtFt4V/s1600/P7080011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0cZosDRNCoLMRZI2KAIwIsUpLjtosKF6X52blS5qDqmSjMsVk1KhcFBnk0ELcR8mvs7wQCAdBfjIxugUIbES-8rxMk8NSm6hB5MOfcUhVagZyPI3I-hFZqN_PirF3_vglNQOs6MtFt4V/s320/P7080011.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">After a look around at the local village and
airstrip in the morning we spent most of the afternoon walking to the top of
the island to take in the view and lush tropical gardens the locals were
tending. Another friendly village with many locals commuting in small
(overloaded!) boats to Lamen Island after school had finished for the week. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2XLkJ0WwJYQ0-4MK0EvJdKvlBDbkY32ShA9bPJ0QdVJvxumGR3J1RpaY2M3SQLEkm5Uwu0RGG1mX9CrRfA5Xbdd0XnuwyrYlE1m3VJoiLzfD6Oabo6awKJg05bIADbodW4mOyp0D51yJ/s1600/Sue+Dalls+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2XLkJ0WwJYQ0-4MK0EvJdKvlBDbkY32ShA9bPJ0QdVJvxumGR3J1RpaY2M3SQLEkm5Uwu0RGG1mX9CrRfA5Xbdd0XnuwyrYlE1m3VJoiLzfD6Oabo6awKJg05bIADbodW4mOyp0D51yJ/s320/Sue+Dalls+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Sue Dall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This is a well known dugong grazing area, but we didn't spot any this trip</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSDqZOtQ5W6WZor8PKhGpGL2InK-o8G18yJuQu3sbe1qdHFLhsXJIugWzI3En_gQZKcstAXJKgYsi_t5YHUBeL0InHnPHdPo85iVP2XzkV_x4sz69lRqNN9LNKYc9H9N2a9K2fH8aTMoN/s1600/P7100027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSDqZOtQ5W6WZor8PKhGpGL2InK-o8G18yJuQu3sbe1qdHFLhsXJIugWzI3En_gQZKcstAXJKgYsi_t5YHUBeL0InHnPHdPo85iVP2XzkV_x4sz69lRqNN9LNKYc9H9N2a9K2fH8aTMoN/s320/P7100027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The main jetty here is a wreck so all cargo has to be unloaded by hand onto the beach in front of the village<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbVpZw1OW6eOk2kbiWAWXvaDBDmWd1eTAyk8DUJstk9_v4CYZLLWtuFIJUpyKimywWrM0F_9FodwxJppo62CrFdB1fMYT341xzM5GdGYMi0ULZ7d-uSg7dPManYS9u1_JMYkc-4a_48xc/s1600/P7100014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbVpZw1OW6eOk2kbiWAWXvaDBDmWd1eTAyk8DUJstk9_v4CYZLLWtuFIJUpyKimywWrM0F_9FodwxJppo62CrFdB1fMYT341xzM5GdGYMi0ULZ7d-uSg7dPManYS9u1_JMYkc-4a_48xc/s320/P7100014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIovyi50ragVLPB6_YArXXgdpuCjw-rvVXlD1JEckZZjcfwuTcM383-IKnTt5PCFl9DSXMsgTZaJQgf5sT6GDwrlKHVr79DjIk5FtPKNSoDA11JfUCicq___CFkHCLHFpOh5cN1GMUBXJd/s1600/P7100015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIovyi50ragVLPB6_YArXXgdpuCjw-rvVXlD1JEckZZjcfwuTcM383-IKnTt5PCFl9DSXMsgTZaJQgf5sT6GDwrlKHVr79DjIk5FtPKNSoDA11JfUCicq___CFkHCLHFpOh5cN1GMUBXJd/s320/P7100015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The airport "terminal"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEaFxwxo3kHV3jgMPOBEXdNJ3lWL-uHRBrSo3qhFvR6Sbpu4y-aprmYctLjB-o1cFIcLAlcEbJYtcgtuabyUKsZMATpDXvqxKIm-8zf0YfkAend3sLIswwkdHWF3tLtaIRrUFBKtgmc9B/s1600/P7100029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEaFxwxo3kHV3jgMPOBEXdNJ3lWL-uHRBrSo3qhFvR6Sbpu4y-aprmYctLjB-o1cFIcLAlcEbJYtcgtuabyUKsZMATpDXvqxKIm-8zf0YfkAend3sLIswwkdHWF3tLtaIRrUFBKtgmc9B/s320/P7100029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Its a long walk to the top of the Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-53544292687082489982015-07-22T15:45:00.001+10:002015-08-31T23:23:46.680+10:00Port Vila (Efate Island)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wed 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> July Port Vila (Efate Island)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2Rks7ZkoIMPtR-yU9dyTtygWdGs4AuN3CO4wk12IHFcPl5sk69SJugdqEwpUJ2c_3a3QmTo7R_dKTY80K24t-NaO5h37hNGhmZIM1mvJdlBVGFEoPzEpTL3dTIkZA3aOcrbR_9rNqqup/s1600/e1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE2Rks7ZkoIMPtR-yU9dyTtygWdGs4AuN3CO4wk12IHFcPl5sk69SJugdqEwpUJ2c_3a3QmTo7R_dKTY80K24t-NaO5h37hNGhmZIM1mvJdlBVGFEoPzEpTL3dTIkZA3aOcrbR_9rNqqup/s320/e1.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a sleepy start
we spent the day moving onto the marina wall, organising customs and
quarantine. Port Vila is the nation’s capital and the port where all of the
cruise ships visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4lkm_Mczd8NqbKqRfStAo4r-rzMX_WK587iibll2-KsXyKX6YVtzE_ZkahchItGoJOUulK3ya51PaXnbydHxiwvqx6TK4o6971fb3wQWp0UypzQv3BBzNX-Ihj7sJtQk84jnteaPO-UU/s1600/ep34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm4lkm_Mczd8NqbKqRfStAo4r-rzMX_WK587iibll2-KsXyKX6YVtzE_ZkahchItGoJOUulK3ya51PaXnbydHxiwvqx6TK4o6971fb3wQWp0UypzQv3BBzNX-Ihj7sJtQk84jnteaPO-UU/s320/ep34.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
All around us were signs of the damage caused by Cyclone Pam. The harbour is still littered with damaged yachts and fishing boats<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwEnznZVf0B5kMirE06HUkjeHOTTftDaj2r6PaWR72Aneq-C_xsnM5zZZxdu2AsLDyCcBdjzFqgcc9kjNDXUU5IFEVMvqlyf7tS3Ex1MMEgiXgU_Osw-ZLWwWh-5V9ZsejsyqTaGUo4RZ/s1600/ep35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwEnznZVf0B5kMirE06HUkjeHOTTftDaj2r6PaWR72Aneq-C_xsnM5zZZxdu2AsLDyCcBdjzFqgcc9kjNDXUU5IFEVMvqlyf7tS3Ex1MMEgiXgU_Osw-ZLWwWh-5V9ZsejsyqTaGUo4RZ/s320/ep35.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPNvS6EwN4q77CY1WxXK4iTtYBKjD2I9v1HYgS80aulXLAsEg87khBswRqIEKfPvULIINTxyJ__I4gg_3-JKdwDpCiCdKRxv9yKnD_55FxhH1GdRoYO2rCDLOMAFZ47dUYjc9AAlEfpHD/s1600/ep7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPNvS6EwN4q77CY1WxXK4iTtYBKjD2I9v1HYgS80aulXLAsEg87khBswRqIEKfPvULIINTxyJ__I4gg_3-JKdwDpCiCdKRxv9yKnD_55FxhH1GdRoYO2rCDLOMAFZ47dUYjc9AAlEfpHD/s320/ep7.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were keen to start unloading the boat so hired a car and
went and found the Paama Seaside school and church where we were to deliver the
5 computers from the Uniting Church in Castle Hill. After meeting the
headmaster and looking around the school we decided they would benefit from
some of the school supplies we had on board and they were keen to get the Grade
7 maths books donated by Launceston Grammar.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This school was started by some Aussies who recognised the
kids from the local slum wernt going to school and over the past 10 years
volunteers have been coming out and building a new classroom every year so it
is now a very tidy school and the students here are very keen to get an
education. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKzZOwR40gcHucKuhtEzQMPKtmxyZt53S175F-7ZvY2dZAhD8clOI90lI0CzqSEaj4XBsTcn277aAmriTBOqxywuf6IG8-GHmKDyryceinEfIl7gb9ZSXsFGKW4GJZZrppuLgiRc0qiPq/s1600/ep13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKzZOwR40gcHucKuhtEzQMPKtmxyZt53S175F-7ZvY2dZAhD8clOI90lI0CzqSEaj4XBsTcn277aAmriTBOqxywuf6IG8-GHmKDyryceinEfIl7gb9ZSXsFGKW4GJZZrppuLgiRc0qiPq/s320/ep13.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Library books from Friends of the Library Launceston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drove around the island. The villages on the East coast were
worst hit by the cyclone and 4 months later little has been done to repair the
school buildings. We dropped off library books, school books and children’s
clothing to several schools and towels to the local regional hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The government school of Manuur has lost the roofs of more
than half of classrooms and these are now covered in tarps and some lessons are
conducted in tents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Fk-QLPWFrPFwjU1dBb8bypbso260XXDjNQCXD5ua-a7NxfKvGyp8FQ_hJz0vkwzRVefp04SWgNH3Y_AxbQpW11FtCENlWja_me1qH8CjuZ5kQEAFfd5LyB6R8m_1CqEltEPpUjTDTS3P/s1600/ep23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Fk-QLPWFrPFwjU1dBb8bypbso260XXDjNQCXD5ua-a7NxfKvGyp8FQ_hJz0vkwzRVefp04SWgNH3Y_AxbQpW11FtCENlWja_me1qH8CjuZ5kQEAFfd5LyB6R8m_1CqEltEPpUjTDTS3P/s320/ep23.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTDn1kg87A0LIBKM4vGDxSAnW02PZHa_90PvbpfzNNOw2bSx4cvt633Hz7GehaPfzm8xCoPD1-MMKWyd8LJLUPwwN1-FPu_XmcAaWL6f7D7O5Eh49j9LfsLsn4p_UF-fEWIWqlp5RGrqq/s1600/ep25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTDn1kg87A0LIBKM4vGDxSAnW02PZHa_90PvbpfzNNOw2bSx4cvt633Hz7GehaPfzm8xCoPD1-MMKWyd8LJLUPwwN1-FPu_XmcAaWL6f7D7O5Eh49j9LfsLsn4p_UF-fEWIWqlp5RGrqq/s320/ep25.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staff at Manuur School, Jimmy on the left</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of the teachers have been living on site in local huts
but all of these have been destroyed and the school principal Melizabeth Steele
and her family are living in one of the classrooms along with 2 other teachers
and their families! They are doing it really tough and to make matters worse
the Vanuatu Government is broke due to corruption so these buildings won’t be
repaired/ replaced unless some foreign aid is supplied by Australia, New
Zealand or similar.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsbpojhkMVzwMuBz33LcaCSqPjLpUvjvHbzjWY9xH1Tjl1huczM4VAnFsFDDp9-Le1oXhG29uj_h0amFT6UYdxSfEbRXqLL8bYeEd0JCOM5yQ-_gkAYgruHQMhTlLTFA9PD1yrm0B4df5/s1600/ep30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsbpojhkMVzwMuBz33LcaCSqPjLpUvjvHbzjWY9xH1Tjl1huczM4VAnFsFDDp9-Le1oXhG29uj_h0amFT6UYdxSfEbRXqLL8bYeEd0JCOM5yQ-_gkAYgruHQMhTlLTFA9PD1yrm0B4df5/s320/ep30.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Road around Efate still covered with sand</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Chinese Government is doing a lot with infrastructure
aid such as roads, wharfs and public buildings but they bring in their own
labour and materials and don’t employ the local people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One of the teachers (Jimmy) drove in to Port Vila and picked
up the 70 school shirts and some other gear we had on board. Rainy day so most
of the day on board.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John and Aileen arrived on the evening flight<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 6<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another lap around the island with our visitors and Pete in
the car, mainly sight seeing and to drop of the remaining linen to the clinic
near the Manuur School.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5htttSRdOwFZD3I-CqE2wfGAAtT2wq12HANQDb-xs50a7c2ZwAqzM_lxYYG70DMnQtSR6eW11nPXhLCvAG76H9gcZJJxJn8yQ9ofK5FyFoV1qOoVD-IBptRCwD7qPbef3aBqB9jgzH3ZY/s1600/ep19d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5htttSRdOwFZD3I-CqE2wfGAAtT2wq12HANQDb-xs50a7c2ZwAqzM_lxYYG70DMnQtSR6eW11nPXhLCvAG76H9gcZJJxJn8yQ9ofK5FyFoV1qOoVD-IBptRCwD7qPbef3aBqB9jgzH3ZY/s320/ep19d.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">abandoned resort near Port Vila</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We escape Port Vila for the great little snorkelling area at
Hideaway Island of underwater post office fame. In fact we were greatly
entertained watching the locals loading a new post office onto their little
barge and offloading it into the water. We spent the night at anchor here and
said goodbye to Haven 111 who was staying in the Port Vila area a bit longer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDwEnznZVf0B5kMirE06HUkjeHOTTftDaj2r6PaWR72Aneq-C_xsnM5zZZxdu2AsLDyCcBdjzFqgcc9kjNDXUU5IFEVMvqlyf7tS3Ex1MMEgiXgU_Osw-ZLWwWh-5V9ZsejsyqTaGUo4RZ/s1600/ep35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the morning it was a short sail to Havannah Bay, where we
managed to drag anchor when the anchor foul a large rusty iron lid. There must
be heaps of debris from the war here as the next morning it was a huge struggle
to pull the anchor up as it was caught under a 1” (very old) wire cable! We
slowly winched this to the surface and eventually managed to untangle ourselves
much to our relief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-3094560702670781482015-07-22T15:38:00.000+10:002015-08-31T23:01:47.060+10:00Erramango Island (Vanuatu)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Monday 29<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June. Erramango<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We made our farewells early in the morning and set sail to
Erramango Island, 45 miles to the North west, once again in the company of the
Bavaria 42 Haven 111. This was another bouncy ride in the strong trades but
fortunately on a broad reach this time with our usual conservative rig of 3
reefs and No4 headsail.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36Y4VWDrVmapq4NiPZu0W1-HkqgScKqI_D46tpZlymW2JTIgtniGtKZ21zWXEiktSkAmuMx3TR-qywDgXMxo5EwcOSP0oCPTfG-6hpwri2QgKRoxslK0uWB55LEl62k4aDkM39BgAhlYF/s1600/P6300076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36Y4VWDrVmapq4NiPZu0W1-HkqgScKqI_D46tpZlymW2JTIgtniGtKZ21zWXEiktSkAmuMx3TR-qywDgXMxo5EwcOSP0oCPTfG-6hpwri2QgKRoxslK0uWB55LEl62k4aDkM39BgAhlYF/s320/P6300076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our arrival at Dillon Bay didn’t go unnoticed and no sooner
was the anchor down, we had David in his red canoe alongside inviting us to
visit his village.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The village is known as Port William and has a population of
500, of which 300 are children! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG09x9Kzyi4lycYppl0W-gtawmNYN1Djib2Lub21obwQOODrrogfzT6-0e-k2QExPU7DPsDFgLRLdDOrY2fMsr8krG-QM30pt7VJpxjhDJ96tJqOAT0awVsOIcobLauFA_ZL4dAupBCYk/s1600/P6290055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyG09x9Kzyi4lycYppl0W-gtawmNYN1Djib2Lub21obwQOODrrogfzT6-0e-k2QExPU7DPsDFgLRLdDOrY2fMsr8krG-QM30pt7VJpxjhDJ96tJqOAT0awVsOIcobLauFA_ZL4dAupBCYk/s320/P6290055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The cyclone in March knocked this island around a lot and
the scars are everywhere. They are slowly getting back to normal and there is a
lot of rebuilding and garden planting happening. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufW6jfzrX3vqasFAEJqo-jdeEhBbWMAWORYVjj0SNAYM2v_MUeFFXxCgr3hhfEAgwi19-r1NUTWo4d7FS1ccZxoMCNqqbjRgsnYkmnKi97D_aSh4UsdHNogFvJrMrUqSwmUwyWgNd3-KD/s1600/P6290057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiufW6jfzrX3vqasFAEJqo-jdeEhBbWMAWORYVjj0SNAYM2v_MUeFFXxCgr3hhfEAgwi19-r1NUTWo4d7FS1ccZxoMCNqqbjRgsnYkmnKi97D_aSh4UsdHNogFvJrMrUqSwmUwyWgNd3-KD/s320/P6290057.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many new gardens with "leafy" vegetables</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwg2XvQvbD-QM5ca45-unCAtdMPAzYAsKLLLtdOzYTS2HEOuDMr2of-5SM5AZFoENkovtSLZ-XKB-Wj_FgAdTn7HI_tAZ5NCI6J9oAaaGppPmPtxtDvBXwKK_Pcb-Zqs2rbsW7U1tEEiX/s1600/P6300071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXwg2XvQvbD-QM5ca45-unCAtdMPAzYAsKLLLtdOzYTS2HEOuDMr2of-5SM5AZFoENkovtSLZ-XKB-Wj_FgAdTn7HI_tAZ5NCI6J9oAaaGppPmPtxtDvBXwKK_Pcb-Zqs2rbsW7U1tEEiX/s320/P6300071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">selecting Tarro for replanting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HutchaxEjacREQiEbb1orX_Y5auw_4M2ciZBPLkjXqTiNKVA7hQTNxzFkqhmM18Ti-mMB4tsPBj8utMxfHc0KElwV0SQhvA3vqL9RDm2_7QAu_PR9d-lZIQQoezN0R_PA0qEKdUVNM5V/s1600/P6300056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HutchaxEjacREQiEbb1orX_Y5auw_4M2ciZBPLkjXqTiNKVA7hQTNxzFkqhmM18Ti-mMB4tsPBj8utMxfHc0KElwV0SQhvA3vqL9RDm2_7QAu_PR9d-lZIQQoezN0R_PA0qEKdUVNM5V/s320/P6300056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ausaid at work</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgBjQ6VtKwFrT-HWklDpginXAVFb0gn0IlTb8VWIcVEnYh0qvpPSEfT3Gw5xdUoMp7m0b7LWXlZVWOA64LFhm6VqO89XmK3NMPctNoKvP3rYK0vq_Z2xsUmg6h34szKsdn4HoXMoaSq5q/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMgBjQ6VtKwFrT-HWklDpginXAVFb0gn0IlTb8VWIcVEnYh0qvpPSEfT3Gw5xdUoMp7m0b7LWXlZVWOA64LFhm6VqO89XmK3NMPctNoKvP3rYK0vq_Z2xsUmg6h34szKsdn4HoXMoaSq5q/s320/IMG_0587.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason, the chief was very
happy to see the donations we were able to leave and spent some time telling
about his village. These people were very tough on the early missionaries
and a few ended up on the lunch table, but now they have seven different
churches to choose from!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David was keen
to show us the skull cave at the back of the village but we declined (saw some
of these in the Louisiades!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBJ_HNQY9VDubOZqiCzCOyE_y9dS3RqKThlRKsEnldsTe33Dx6wD2je7A31e-CQDcZkilyZQtrseABejk1il2cLMbuVQOayEpUSgikeXvY_V8v_v92TwRq0G9XBMr5ijj3q7GTl09Ovn-/s1600/P6290068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCBJ_HNQY9VDubOZqiCzCOyE_y9dS3RqKThlRKsEnldsTe33Dx6wD2je7A31e-CQDcZkilyZQtrseABejk1il2cLMbuVQOayEpUSgikeXvY_V8v_v92TwRq0G9XBMr5ijj3q7GTl09Ovn-/s320/P6290068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They are much more advanced here than at Tanna with many
huts having solar power with battery banks and mobile phones but they have no
idea on how to maintain them so much of the infrastructure doesn’t work. They
appreciate the visits they get from passing yachts as many bring in items to
make their life a little bit easier, but these visitors have been rare since
the cyclone with most yachts bypassing the Southern Islands in favour of a
landfall at Port Vila.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FteCMWaFo52VGbAGU3LkSEEsOoximH-AtPuUDAAlOZaVL0tAyF86vzqVs3uckpGUd4d1xwMb2gjoJoTXP5B5oTwbSwhuTn8G2YP9SOk5ek72QGQVDEezjGF4ehvQgSmtWe3nJabL4ST8/s1600/P6300075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FteCMWaFo52VGbAGU3LkSEEsOoximH-AtPuUDAAlOZaVL0tAyF86vzqVs3uckpGUd4d1xwMb2gjoJoTXP5B5oTwbSwhuTn8G2YP9SOk5ek72QGQVDEezjGF4ehvQgSmtWe3nJabL4ST8/s320/P6300075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">David is keen to attract tourists and most of the villages
are working towards lifting their profile and providing basic accommodation in
the form of guest houses (huts) for future visitors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">David is building a very grand structure which he also calls
his “yacht club” and we spent some time with him discussing his plans for the
future. A remarkable man, and anyone reading this who is planning to cruise
this area should make an effort to call in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiYVY-OSV_dcs6yGGO5FaTOnrnXL1cTT2VJTlydBQFZNo7ohyphenhyphen3m4yz6yd92Lqmt8TH3aGv44V9gGOhPa9v6owGgItA4WwicYS2_tH1MkVELuHqZOF4G886a3HZFEhQcouQOT8SoCMyxRe/s1600/P6300051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiYVY-OSV_dcs6yGGO5FaTOnrnXL1cTT2VJTlydBQFZNo7ohyphenhyphen3m4yz6yd92Lqmt8TH3aGv44V9gGOhPa9v6owGgItA4WwicYS2_tH1MkVELuHqZOF4G886a3HZFEhQcouQOT8SoCMyxRe/s320/P6300051.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We delivered 5 bags of donations to the medical infirmary
and school before departing in the late morning. The plan was to sail to the
top of the island and overnight in one of the small bays mentioned in the
sailing guide, before heading to Port Vila. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However as we sailed north we found the South East swell was
wrapping around the Northern part of the island. The anchorage we had selected
was basically a narrow partially uncharted fiord and although we had google
earth images of the spot we decided there was too much wind and uncertainty so
both boats decided to bear away and make a night run to Port Vila as this was a
much safer option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">This proved to be a good decision and we had a
quick run over the 70 miles to Efate. The anchors went down at about 1.30am</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-46848931241263636562015-07-03T08:24:00.001+10:002015-08-31T22:44:21.920+10:00Tanna Island<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 25<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June, Tanna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left the marina at dawn in company with Haven 111 bound
for Port Resolution on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, 160 miles away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This was another bumpy and wet passage, best forgotten, and
hopefully the last windward work of the trip. An easier route would have been
to make our entrance at Port Vila further to the North but we wanted to go to
Tanna to drop off most of the donated goods to the locals who had been hardest
hit by Cyclone Pam in March this year and to visit the volcano.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 26<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are two anchorages where you can clear customs at
Tanna. The main one is Lanakel, the Capital on the west coast but this is
normally a very rolly, shallow bay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We chose Port Resolution on the NE tip of the island as this
is a deep bay with good protection from the trades with little swell. It is
also closest to the volcano. We had been emailing customs and had arranged for
a customs agent and emigration agent to come to us. Willy from Immigration and
Tiun from customs made the 2 hour trip over on the back of a truck to do our
clearance.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCHc0dvqmdhVU8XcdLWR3kAZBBqFn6XVbnVzkV007k7aFEKIm3UCA2Iq0Cws-uh9qQ1uNnYFi23269CVoAEqAz_lSUbPEtRUONjCIy7c_4JiIp0USB-QVPfJYUOBTuJXCJmYrwp1Ghe_s/s1600/P6260017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUCHc0dvqmdhVU8XcdLWR3kAZBBqFn6XVbnVzkV007k7aFEKIm3UCA2Iq0Cws-uh9qQ1uNnYFi23269CVoAEqAz_lSUbPEtRUONjCIy7c_4JiIp0USB-QVPfJYUOBTuJXCJmYrwp1Ghe_s/s640/P6260017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locals netting the jack Mackerel schools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdv9MRiF2ljMkTxKpBgoTtHXNbtpLM0-QUAocvCe52nO0_JiyD_Bc4kINbs1VaGC31kwgIgSLq5vjbsQV_blyN8Tuv_rCLWBurdDjTwQBWNmY6_escqZuL35Q1PQez40nP4SKNlR9Ys9_/s1600/P6270014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdv9MRiF2ljMkTxKpBgoTtHXNbtpLM0-QUAocvCe52nO0_JiyD_Bc4kINbs1VaGC31kwgIgSLq5vjbsQV_blyN8Tuv_rCLWBurdDjTwQBWNmY6_escqZuL35Q1PQez40nP4SKNlR9Ys9_/s640/P6270014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Di with a one day old local</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> <span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later in the day we had our first look at the village and were
shown around by Johnson and his brother Stanley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were impressed by the persistence of the locals who spent
many hours each day casting nets from their canoes into the bay to catch the small
Jack Mackerel. These fish turn up for about a month each year but this year
fortunately had been around for two months and are a great source of protein.
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms5wI9TKG5-IFRsGbe2myU8MKHulsbfc3C3Bg4nG_J9lv_fhdXuJcWGYRUOTTZAictM7sHPLHwV3wBr2I19dg98GefdK_OLLP-YFo8gzLH3VcnY1hrj2qGwIsZ1zTYZlia_-lknl6VjwD/s1600/P6280001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhms5wI9TKG5-IFRsGbe2myU8MKHulsbfc3C3Bg4nG_J9lv_fhdXuJcWGYRUOTTZAictM7sHPLHwV3wBr2I19dg98GefdK_OLLP-YFo8gzLH3VcnY1hrj2qGwIsZ1zTYZlia_-lknl6VjwD/s640/P6280001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When cyclone Pam went through this island it not only destroyed a large part of
their village buildings but also the slow growing root crops and bananas that they
rely on for their basic diet. The Vanuatu government had been supplying basic
food items such as rice, flour and sugar but this was to stop on the 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
June. As it will take many months for their traditional foods to regrow they
have been supplied seeds for fast growing leafy vegetables such as beans,
cabbages, Chinese style veges, tomatoes, corn and chillies. These have been
planted under supervision from people from the local agricultural department in
Port Vila and have grown like wildfire; the local people have taken to this new
style of food supply with enthusiasm and even had enough to bring some as gifts
to us. The rebuilding of their village is progressing well but the local guest
huts built for the occasional tourist have all been destroyed and this source
of income is sorely missed, as tourism has virtually stopped.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxw7UAF4yIAhyphenhyphenXF7JhXtl0rsXHZWiLk1WVXHCBtSZ-OXekp9RhYvLA-xxYMCPgIzjw14PS1ZjfArl3PGdfACf0otN6yU_lCPXw5r_WRu4FxEQ6wLD7EP5Yz3V8385p-hqB6n3o8JEPBT1w/s1600/P6260042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxw7UAF4yIAhyphenhyphenXF7JhXtl0rsXHZWiLk1WVXHCBtSZ-OXekp9RhYvLA-xxYMCPgIzjw14PS1ZjfArl3PGdfACf0otN6yU_lCPXw5r_WRu4FxEQ6wLD7EP5Yz3V8385p-hqB6n3o8JEPBT1w/s640/P6260042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">remains of the guest houses- just a slab and a hand basin!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-efH_h24D5_x0cd7p2mJO6VerBZT1lGnFzA7Dy2ahhDhEQrRw-XVHjd87RJcaq4mWUy4gaPbTdBZwkXZRlqtu4PqmuEVOg-gBCyvVVbjDss-dLtQ82W3AO2k1P4vHbOahFl-aWSz8zfZ/s1600/P6270005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-efH_h24D5_x0cd7p2mJO6VerBZT1lGnFzA7Dy2ahhDhEQrRw-XVHjd87RJcaq4mWUy4gaPbTdBZwkXZRlqtu4PqmuEVOg-gBCyvVVbjDss-dLtQ82W3AO2k1P4vHbOahFl-aWSz8zfZ/s640/P6270005.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">damaged house -still being lived in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xfwJhuXd3nj0IEwD9QExSgGB00jW1fROF_Rd9VL0qXRcyXDTkWNRIWXlepa1tejoagy796OstLoJL219Db8Bp_l69hicGIMui2LDsy4r-dLJfBujPK5YfmIHGEWMMrIVojOHLbUkvyMF/s1600/P6270006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xfwJhuXd3nj0IEwD9QExSgGB00jW1fROF_Rd9VL0qXRcyXDTkWNRIWXlepa1tejoagy796OstLoJL219Db8Bp_l69hicGIMui2LDsy4r-dLJfBujPK5YfmIHGEWMMrIVojOHLbUkvyMF/s640/P6270006.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">slow progress cleaning up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM4jy0xhHT2yFzbqOtbfUKZvUHtNX_3IEitvvU0nIYPu3wnkdst0roseHjthyphenhyphenZvuK1JEf7lxGcPJyJdEo9uAqzAxwEK_yXyvBmsZa2ObFXr7VygG9-jd-Fp0KTP6QIoWa_sDW9woU2We-/s1600/P6270027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM4jy0xhHT2yFzbqOtbfUKZvUHtNX_3IEitvvU0nIYPu3wnkdst0roseHjthyphenhyphenZvuK1JEf7lxGcPJyJdEo9uAqzAxwEK_yXyvBmsZa2ObFXr7VygG9-jd-Fp0KTP6QIoWa_sDW9woU2We-/s640/P6270027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a new house under construction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We dropped off supplies to the local school and medical
dispensary as well as some children’s clothing. Peter had a treat for the local
kids with a big supply of old surfboards and boogy boards. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB48C9hFMKP2tigb6mE2nC_pFspfdfi97eiquMntrNO0ZLXBM74Aem9coQodS5vsYQxfFXT_q68NAaTRjsHeIcDh0GtdZFgDBdtov3EMSH28tupQ-Z1LAgcHpV4B70FK-aEWvF0NIrPVIG/s1600/P6270017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB48C9hFMKP2tigb6mE2nC_pFspfdfi97eiquMntrNO0ZLXBM74Aem9coQodS5vsYQxfFXT_q68NAaTRjsHeIcDh0GtdZFgDBdtov3EMSH28tupQ-Z1LAgcHpV4B70FK-aEWvF0NIrPVIG/s640/P6270017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surfboards donated by Haven 111</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a white
sand beach on the East coast near the Port Resolution village which has
attracted a number of international surfers in the past and the local boys are
getting into this sport so the boards were an unusual but very acceptable gift
to the village.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 27<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day started with a long walk through two other villages
to the hot springs which bubble up onto the beach in the SW corner of the bay.
This water is so hot you can cook your veges in the rock pools and the local ladies
also do their washing here. The bay has many hot water and steam vents
compliments of the local volcano and the area is subject to violent seismic
activity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwnpWf1hc1XeJktRUDqt1taVmrIBWNfG2WsiwE4_QDdVF3ksPLP2L9IwQfVCQSvGtwBQtMii-BOcqcwpLS5DyrQY81Yod2ewgmWh5P9dblaQLemBcrbSuvhxhosGy8xXd-Nx8xK9k3YRW/s1600/P6280013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwnpWf1hc1XeJktRUDqt1taVmrIBWNfG2WsiwE4_QDdVF3ksPLP2L9IwQfVCQSvGtwBQtMii-BOcqcwpLS5DyrQY81Yod2ewgmWh5P9dblaQLemBcrbSuvhxhosGy8xXd-Nx8xK9k3YRW/s640/P6280013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In 1928 the floor of the bay rose from a depth of over 10
metres to less than 5 metres and now prevents trading vessels from entering.
The recent erosion of the surrounding hills during the cyclone has further
reduced this depth and we could only access about the first third of the bay in
Allusive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 28<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We pottered around the boat in the morning and made a couple
of trips ashore in the early afternoon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch3h8L8HZlAO1jf4b3SdOPO6WpVyQb5_z-zTKDGB6aBYON2NXPSS2_U7tlpwvDbzAbZ141FVhWyYgHDkQdUWnVFYwiWeFL6uKF5Qi_s_Gm4insxrz7GqdyaNjmvT8zsgqiZTcJjflxrtf/s1600/IMG_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhch3h8L8HZlAO1jf4b3SdOPO6WpVyQb5_z-zTKDGB6aBYON2NXPSS2_U7tlpwvDbzAbZ141FVhWyYgHDkQdUWnVFYwiWeFL6uKF5Qi_s_Gm4insxrz7GqdyaNjmvT8zsgqiZTcJjflxrtf/s640/IMG_0563.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had arranged with Stanley to visit
the volcano (Mt Yasur) and in the late afternoon spent a bumpy 40 minutes in
the back of a local truck driving over a bush track to get to the ash plain. It
was then a steep hike to the rim of the volcano following our local guide
Phillip. This was a once in a lifetime experience with the volcano rumbling
underfoot and the lava being thrown up to 100 meters in the air not far from
where we stood. The glow of the lava in the gathering dusk was better than any
fireworks display we had seen.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzHgYV8KSKlGBeUc0l7aXIhuKzu0Yqe6PjEYEFbHEQWf852dnRvDJWxos41XeY2EoQeRtPNX1h58qW0BOdj5tA4YYb4V5AO2DxOc19FNH7T3gerfTJPFfTlDoNH59o82Tvf_9OmMQyDjN/s1600/P6280021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzHgYV8KSKlGBeUc0l7aXIhuKzu0Yqe6PjEYEFbHEQWf852dnRvDJWxos41XeY2EoQeRtPNX1h58qW0BOdj5tA4YYb4V5AO2DxOc19FNH7T3gerfTJPFfTlDoNH59o82Tvf_9OmMQyDjN/s640/P6280021.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long walk up to the top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a fairly
popular natural attraction and people fly down from Port Vila regularly to see
this awesome display. The OH&S is non-existent and it is a steep drop from
the inside edge of the rim into the volcanoes maw on one side and just as steep
on the outer side which is a long steep slope down the side of the mountain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqaLWJYhV27q5msmgxGbox9_kEHmwa7uh0xLCyfJytNV9OuMg0pAfFjnCPV-XmrqK848QG2LDwRKmq_75cuAxVhw_pPtH4qI0HGmx21vPw0vAD0XWduKeftpMGdJhGXxaiqm8WSnw3swI/s1600/P6280024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieqaLWJYhV27q5msmgxGbox9_kEHmwa7uh0xLCyfJytNV9OuMg0pAfFjnCPV-XmrqK848QG2LDwRKmq_75cuAxVhw_pPtH4qI0HGmx21vPw0vAD0XWduKeftpMGdJhGXxaiqm8WSnw3swI/s640/P6280024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the viewing edge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oixwZA4UUNaCLSvKXc8OEl6Zm8mv4gNWbam3cxUD_2AGgaBxWwCrREXPTkOS7W-uQpYhG1zhsW3s5V3Qw2gjNI7n9B2wR9p_etMoXntOPjk5k7JvDawOpCgDRlYxzV82uccSEL2fYEGA/s1600/P6280041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4oixwZA4UUNaCLSvKXc8OEl6Zm8mv4gNWbam3cxUD_2AGgaBxWwCrREXPTkOS7W-uQpYhG1zhsW3s5V3Qw2gjNI7n9B2wR9p_etMoXntOPjk5k7JvDawOpCgDRlYxzV82uccSEL2fYEGA/s640/P6280041.JPG" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWc5gGK-kIWZyYu4x3GrronMaaCbEyre2PlGkS2NyNBtlTCRVftT7XEsnLu6k_srbLFCrUt15mzJmEOeZ4-b2wU33kLMyJlYLSc31tFME9gsJc-4HGox3SNdCGr2gjXS-Skqf6eevqO1z/s1600/P6280047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAWc5gGK-kIWZyYu4x3GrronMaaCbEyre2PlGkS2NyNBtlTCRVftT7XEsnLu6k_srbLFCrUt15mzJmEOeZ4-b2wU33kLMyJlYLSc31tFME9gsJc-4HGox3SNdCGr2gjXS-Skqf6eevqO1z/s640/P6280047.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The volcano is quietly erupting all of the time with the occasional big bang when the larva is thrown up higher than the top where we were standing but drops down safely inside the crater.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz22zPO4SqIZN_GpfBaBdzRh_de9BDUdYywExpIOBDElyG4n1N6HkOuU4cOw56hroBYKwUeo8lWYWFgnixbdyz0TxxljUC33dsE7vtkTdsK6RAdPiQ5ZegA3E2hrzZx_yTL7hIoj9Q3tor/s1600/P6280046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz22zPO4SqIZN_GpfBaBdzRh_de9BDUdYywExpIOBDElyG4n1N6HkOuU4cOw56hroBYKwUeo8lWYWFgnixbdyz0TxxljUC33dsE7vtkTdsK6RAdPiQ5ZegA3E2hrzZx_yTL7hIoj9Q3tor/s640/P6280046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This guy had a drone with camera which he was flying over the crater. Luckily it wasn't shot down by flying larva! Note the long drop to the valley floor</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di
and I were very impressed by the experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-37222907254736644102015-07-03T08:18:00.004+10:002015-08-31T22:39:04.680+10:00Loyalty Island of Lifou <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 23<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> June, Loyalty Islands<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allusive arrived at the small port of We on the East coast
of Lifou which is the central of the 3 Loyalty islands not long after dawn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is an exposed port but there is a new marina cut into
the shore which will hold about 30 boats and the rates are very cheap at about
$20 per night. There was one other Aussie boat “Osprey” a new Bavaria 42 from
Brisbane here when we arrived and Haven 111 arrived a few hours after us having
sailed from one of the New Caledonian East coast anchorages. We had
pre-arranged this meeting as we were sharing clearing expenses out of New
Caledonia and into Vanuatu. Pete is sailing solo and is good company. We have
also been able to help one another with a few boat jobs which makes life
easier.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0L-afniGfEt7C4rRuqO7q2PDuMNrjeA0FnzT5707RAUm5emlI87h97icVC1Zvch5McZ1mPfmdzmoBxwTGve9ShssGlnRDHvVPYot-6gBwOm1wyFBDZYKdRqTroHF7SxxpGSLJrpLNn0w/s1600/IMG_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB0L-afniGfEt7C4rRuqO7q2PDuMNrjeA0FnzT5707RAUm5emlI87h97icVC1Zvch5McZ1mPfmdzmoBxwTGve9ShssGlnRDHvVPYot-6gBwOm1wyFBDZYKdRqTroHF7SxxpGSLJrpLNn0w/s320/IMG_0503.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This little fleet of immaculately maintained Elliot 5.9 yachts intrigued me. They are owned by the local school over the road and are used to teach the students from the area the basics of sailing. <br />
they also bring in students from other areas to sample the sport. Unfortunately there didn't appear to be a local yacht club and they couldn't advance in the sport.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The local community is mainly Kanak and we saw very few
Europeans. Our school French has is improved dramatically as very few people here speak English and we had to find some way to communicate apart from sign language.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We didn’t move far from the boat today as we needed to catch
up on some sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 24<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A hire car had been dropped off at the marina for the 3 of
us and we spent most of the day touring the island and trying out the local
foods. The scenery is spectacular in many areas and the beaches and foreshores
are from a tropical island paradise picture book. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">we did not see many tourists on the island and most of the beaches appeared deserted.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBI68Z39iTjow294LibuWaayCcRAjdcHT9dAMM9whrZUN4Af22SQ07MIqhZbZUqc3Uf89zD12-0_EYpJbrXqmNPw-k2LPSMKQHr2AjIEhj3NKdOlsfWJQbKEDUvDbf4LN9vQNrK1uyd4pb/s1600/P6240001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBI68Z39iTjow294LibuWaayCcRAjdcHT9dAMM9whrZUN4Af22SQ07MIqhZbZUqc3Uf89zD12-0_EYpJbrXqmNPw-k2LPSMKQHr2AjIEhj3NKdOlsfWJQbKEDUvDbf4LN9vQNrK1uyd4pb/s320/P6240001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg5PbXFGYj6mJd-fmmEazGdZ3SBDZEwORHRAvy6538UwU4BJpCpE6mWF-c4quPxFwwS4V4sFYP9Qvrp1_DkXeBan00U9T9HUWKNqkSDc_TtZvhyFiy0FfowDekm6E_1Y-JxkpnCORrOHz/s1600/P6240003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrg5PbXFGYj6mJd-fmmEazGdZ3SBDZEwORHRAvy6538UwU4BJpCpE6mWF-c4quPxFwwS4V4sFYP9Qvrp1_DkXeBan00U9T9HUWKNqkSDc_TtZvhyFiy0FfowDekm6E_1Y-JxkpnCORrOHz/s320/P6240003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Late in the afternoon we
drove to the airport to pick up our passports. Chloe had cleared us out through
immigration in Noumea and put them on the plane for us. This cost about $70.00
each and is a godsend, as all outward clearances have to be done in the
capital. Once cleared we are supposed to leave NC waters within 24 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span id="goog_170470984"></span><span id="goog_170470985"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-78198571670179291462015-06-23T17:31:00.003+10:002015-08-31T22:38:01.331+10:00Noumea South to Isle of Pines<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We made our final departure from Noumea this morning after
an early start to collect fresh fruit and veges from the local market. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chloe is a young lady who helps out visiting yachties with
clearances and money exchange. She picked up our passports and papers this
morning as well as delivering some Vanuatu currency which we could not get as we
don’t have an airline boarding pass or local bank account!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a great run South East down the lagoon for 30 miles
to Proney Bay, the last 10 mile under 1 reef and no.3 headsail, where we picked
up a mooring at Isle De Casey.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnHx8ntGKMQ8T_okSyLEfqHbwrhdZAleGalCP1OvnqJ8y1BiERh2h2c3YFEOBuuyRW4SkZiPWY7DbG7FVjUP8qQdw_SOWRn9juYMruSWN64k2vzJcdCR7G7A5oozQnF_BAXjGMa57cFdO/s1600/P6200049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnHx8ntGKMQ8T_okSyLEfqHbwrhdZAleGalCP1OvnqJ8y1BiERh2h2c3YFEOBuuyRW4SkZiPWY7DbG7FVjUP8qQdw_SOWRn9juYMruSWN64k2vzJcdCR7G7A5oozQnF_BAXjGMa57cFdO/s320/P6200049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">one of the many abandoned houses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwANXMJkEyDBnNZ93oqm-SWT_Gvj1yhrK0NgBmsQu0wspS__s-HiYHi8t-lJfmeZash21yB0nAOQ-F41EF6LkUIiXDY0SHO4hf2VsNFLO_9sIOUpqLxelvKoOtcn8EzzQmV-ucl24nCaOS/s1600/P6190029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwANXMJkEyDBnNZ93oqm-SWT_Gvj1yhrK0NgBmsQu0wspS__s-HiYHi8t-lJfmeZash21yB0nAOQ-F41EF6LkUIiXDY0SHO4hf2VsNFLO_9sIOUpqLxelvKoOtcn8EzzQmV-ucl24nCaOS/s320/P6190029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> This is a 40 hectare island with an abandoned
resort, lovely beaches and forest walks and a resident guide- a dog! who is the
only resident on the island. He greets every boat and takes the crew on a
guided tour- I kid you not! In return the visiting yachties supply him with
tasty treats. He waits on the jetty for the new arrivals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kc-tt0EKP5QD4y-5ESFge_-RmmCBpzh_H9B_IRqdQd9UGTRHvsWwEJ2cr2xIpyCg2yv8h7fE8rS6c8T2WjJwRC56y4Z_OvKV2gtnkns2m9WKkRA0ruewP6kP1oF6s2MWV77vjH8ouUJz/s1600/P6200058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kc-tt0EKP5QD4y-5ESFge_-RmmCBpzh_H9B_IRqdQd9UGTRHvsWwEJ2cr2xIpyCg2yv8h7fE8rS6c8T2WjJwRC56y4Z_OvKV2gtnkns2m9WKkRA0ruewP6kP1oF6s2MWV77vjH8ouUJz/s320/P6200058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On our arrival we walked the track around the island and
caught up with Darren and Chris and boys from Freyer. Our sundowners on the
jetty were interrupted by a shower of rain so it was back to the boat for the
rest of the evening<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As usual we were up at sunup and made a quick trip ashore to
feed the pooch his breakfast then let him take us on a walk.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIYOjINYflqRDqAypD6jQ19rNU-6-QJlLlKP9fLBvBhb5wQDTjhFha9fgqezYRt-wiBmmTVNcOfblQA6s14n24eYXryvE6mA72AvaHctIpivf1FGGVh0BHy1WPnIVnsUoydTAqTEIuPbS/s1600/P6200040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIYOjINYflqRDqAypD6jQ19rNU-6-QJlLlKP9fLBvBhb5wQDTjhFha9fgqezYRt-wiBmmTVNcOfblQA6s14n24eYXryvE6mA72AvaHctIpivf1FGGVh0BHy1WPnIVnsUoydTAqTEIuPbS/s320/P6200040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> He soon tired of
us when we returned to the jetty as a large school of fish was sitting below
the walkway and, if they are big enough he will dive in to grab one. Apparently
he had eaten too much breakfast because today he just stood there staring at
the fish below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE9aW6VPW14kiK_q9LtCp38Ir1HMQ2sbknEDfNPx8PR7XLKMsGVMCTJ7Xd2UxpsMJ76mrA5zmJe257nafq6SdTXeR86_o3qtX6fY58Ly84UGpiUg4mKM86kTwwMP3m3tLxa6TXqbEr6A9/s1600/P6200059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiE9aW6VPW14kiK_q9LtCp38Ir1HMQ2sbknEDfNPx8PR7XLKMsGVMCTJ7Xd2UxpsMJ76mrA5zmJe257nafq6SdTXeR86_o3qtX6fY58Ly84UGpiUg4mKM86kTwwMP3m3tLxa6TXqbEr6A9/s320/P6200059.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were underway by 8.30 for the 40 mile trip to L'Isle Des
Pins (Isle of Pines). This is usually a bash to windward into the trade winds
but we were lucky as there is a lull at present and we motor sailed the
distance in a North Easterly of less than 10 knots and smooth seas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Isle of Pines is an island of about 150sq km with a
population of 1900. There are two easy bays to sail to which have good shelter
from the prevailing trade winds and these are also the main tourist destination
with half a dozen resorts scattered around the edge of the bays. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We dropped anchor at 2.00pm and quickly had a swim off the
back of the boat then a shower as we were both feeling the heat. The inside of
the boat is now 27 and the water temp 24 degrees. This is what we came for!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After lunch we checked out a couple of the resorts and
enjoyed sundowners at the bar on the beach next to the anchorage. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qKbSmjxYYCWfCyvGsG0NvKU71IoIvrikNn64FrxzT5piOzwgNZ2TKXGhP-NRC8FY10HjEPxukz8YHPItjO0LJ6EqUT6qgx75YWlDSm77bRSctryUkFEPKv26OTcxdRmZXvOr9TKklDs1/s1600/P6200009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qKbSmjxYYCWfCyvGsG0NvKU71IoIvrikNn64FrxzT5piOzwgNZ2TKXGhP-NRC8FY10HjEPxukz8YHPItjO0LJ6EqUT6qgx75YWlDSm77bRSctryUkFEPKv26OTcxdRmZXvOr9TKklDs1/s320/P6200009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have started a 6.00pm sched running on 4483 with other
Aussie boats and tonight we had 6 starters all logging in with their positions
and chat. HF is great for this type of comms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Up early as usual and hired a couple of bikes so we could
see a bit of the island.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qoBSfn-CqSYa4mYHVuOlwxIqEfSsHvihqhqRaHLQAskCbQFA8rQrGgUcRhYBUOUzK41v5Hn6gbljkgd89y7HjujHq6WhvMQ2N7IK3FoxN1rEhoXWhuuebsBGk7mH0hcC7UbHOE0KwQHF/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qoBSfn-CqSYa4mYHVuOlwxIqEfSsHvihqhqRaHLQAskCbQFA8rQrGgUcRhYBUOUzK41v5Hn6gbljkgd89y7HjujHq6WhvMQ2N7IK3FoxN1rEhoXWhuuebsBGk7mH0hcC7UbHOE0KwQHF/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHhE7EhnlArL0eBsKz8zF3_X9EfrRCydF26EdzrBU_T77SuOcFYiRipNsqGZXnxhOTQnOonnOcJQUpIEcB1P_01ntbJ5me2DsKKMmTZNpsMAS6MpPpLyQP3K4SbD6RSjOrCwSbePHVt-X/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHhE7EhnlArL0eBsKz8zF3_X9EfrRCydF26EdzrBU_T77SuOcFYiRipNsqGZXnxhOTQnOonnOcJQUpIEcB1P_01ntbJ5me2DsKKMmTZNpsMAS6MpPpLyQP3K4SbD6RSjOrCwSbePHVt-X/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7GOSJKt8hNxdKeDE_QGLBl42utEyaunJFyXPKAboF84NVZgVcEHY04x4GMGnd1YGWnvhGXLkjbYX9J-IYuR10X0atY4nD3XCEp8qQI_D9RmPMdO3ioKiE0fJINYX3gOdAdlzLszoggwG/s1600/P6210020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR7GOSJKt8hNxdKeDE_QGLBl42utEyaunJFyXPKAboF84NVZgVcEHY04x4GMGnd1YGWnvhGXLkjbYX9J-IYuR10X0atY4nD3XCEp8qQI_D9RmPMdO3ioKiE0fJINYX3gOdAdlzLszoggwG/s320/P6210020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Outboard in need of a service!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The ride is along the Southern coastal strip and our
destination was Ova about 7 km away where we checked out the local church
service and some of the spectacular scenery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-Y6isEZ3KdquzCv1Xc7SJyXr0mTlmYAsYuEWvJMcDRUDQ_cBGL2uo9PKj_VwDfUGUS4Rj4CN24ECgJCKUaVOv_VSzatHFce9T66Ahc-kzhoii7JVV_n2SRA1XVqupvt8tgbnP1A_RIWO/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-Y6isEZ3KdquzCv1Xc7SJyXr0mTlmYAsYuEWvJMcDRUDQ_cBGL2uo9PKj_VwDfUGUS4Rj4CN24ECgJCKUaVOv_VSzatHFce9T66Ahc-kzhoii7JVV_n2SRA1XVqupvt8tgbnP1A_RIWO/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiXw7byGdpBECpWD3cJHsj7q3hbU0A3WaX5goWP3t23tvJm23mdCxzWkALNqjzW_-hZRC5SzKQBhjZJ6SV_L2BIMg2EvuCSPSRP7R5DpFP_3TIdMEiEoDr5RkU8iMnZrR817MwCIwbzyx/s1600/P6210017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpiXw7byGdpBECpWD3cJHsj7q3hbU0A3WaX5goWP3t23tvJm23mdCxzWkALNqjzW_-hZRC5SzKQBhjZJ6SV_L2BIMg2EvuCSPSRP7R5DpFP_3TIdMEiEoDr5RkU8iMnZrR817MwCIwbzyx/s320/P6210017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 22<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> June <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The highlight was catching up with Jeff Gordon who spotted
us in the bay and rode a bike 20k to have morning tea on board with us. We hadn’t
seen Jeff for many years and were school mates many years ago<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After lunch we set sail for the island of Lifou which is the
middle of the three main islands in the group. This was a very easy 100 mile
downwind sail with the speed kept low so we would arrive in daylight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-23218846536451224612015-06-17T07:00:00.001+10:002015-08-31T22:32:11.741+10:00Noumea and bays to the North<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spent most of the morning desalting the boat: inside and out;
then took a walk uptown and checked out some of the local shops and sights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">New Caledonia has a population of 200,000 people and about
half live in the Noumea area. The majority of the population is Melanesian with
some Indian, Chinese and European. French is the main language and English is
rarely spoken by most of the population, but it’s not too hard communicating
with our rusty high school French plus a bit of sign language and the odd
English word. Everyone seems keen to be friendly and the few trades people we
have been using actually turn up to the minute they say they will!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our biggest hassle has been trying to get reliable internet
access. The Port Moselle marina has free wifi but it is very unreliable and
slow. We have purchased a local sim card with supposedly 30 hours of data but
this old boffin can’t get it to work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are getting to know quite a few of our fellow travellers
as all of the overseas visiting yachts are put on the same finger of the
marina. You have to take pot luck to get a berth as you can’t book ahead but
once you are in you are guaranteed 3 days. The rates are very reasonable and
facilities are excellent although the harbour is a bit on the nose. Most
visitors have to stay on anchor if they can’t get a berth or don’t want to pay,
or need to be in the harbour for a longer stay than 3 days. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s a small world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of our neighbours, Oscar, on the Perry 57 “Zen” lived in Georgetown
and worked at Comalco about 20 years ago. We had dinner with him tonight and
spent most of the evening chatting about friends we have in common, and there
were lots!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A number of the boats that did the Louisiades rally with us
are here or are on the way and it’s been great catching up with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 12<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">More boat work and roaming around Noumea. The weather is
mild, not cold but it has been raining off and on every day since we arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our maintenance list consisted of navigation light wiring,
repair the retrieval line, replace the locking pin that fell out of the
starboard steering wheel hub (discovered when we turned off the auto pilot to
turn the boat into the wind to drop the main just outside the harbour entrance,
Di had a fit when she found she couldn’t control the helm!) and sailmaker
repairs to the chafe on the boom bag. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are starting to
plan our departure. All yachts must clear out of Noumea and once cleared are
supposed to leave New Caledonian waters within 24 hours. If you are cruising
around Ile De Pins in the south east and want to go to Vanuatu it’s a real pain
to have to sail back 75 miles to clear out, and then battle the trades again to
go South and clear the reef.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">However you can leave your papers (Passports & ship
registration) with a clearing agent and once you are ready to leave they will
do the clearing out for you and send your paperwork on to you wherever you are.
We plan to sail to the Ile De Pins and then the Loyalties and use an agent who
will fly our papers to us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are planning to do this leg of the trip in company with
Peter Anderson who is sailing Haven 111 solo to Vanuatu. Pete also did the
Louisiades rally in 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 13<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We made a leisurely departure from the marina and short sail
to a lovely sheltered bay (Bae De Maa) only 7 miles from Noumea. This is a big
bay with lots of coral to check out and a sandy beach and the weather was
mostly sunny for a change although the wind is still blowing hard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVAyM0INBJh0xBjBpMyufoWSZS04gLLPWSJMpqo33vQdDiN2f2eCnnCHcfhaOd7qYbCZHcKyGgpvwOBTybQvSVf5cj5AMQSleRzi3VPCEQxK6m83EVLPu56vsfX6E1FkB2ynZDknhYl-q/s1600/P6150044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghVAyM0INBJh0xBjBpMyufoWSZS04gLLPWSJMpqo33vQdDiN2f2eCnnCHcfhaOd7qYbCZHcKyGgpvwOBTybQvSVf5cj5AMQSleRzi3VPCEQxK6m83EVLPu56vsfX6E1FkB2ynZDknhYl-q/s320/P6150044.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another quiet day with a move to the next bay north. Once
again a sunny day, still with the strong SE winds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Water temperature is 23degrees so swimming is
a definite must in the next couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpLLO0QseivzcJivWlMcG6arvAm-P-0c9iRlWosxgbQbVjv9-bx3gDpF7Yny9IOdBp2UUkME-KSKzvnFAGrr_0QXk9D0RvfBBgBK2piBsBHs9LEHfdyU72qQ8IXMmQtj8Ifucbn6GUpKt/s1600/P6130026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpLLO0QseivzcJivWlMcG6arvAm-P-0c9iRlWosxgbQbVjv9-bx3gDpF7Yny9IOdBp2UUkME-KSKzvnFAGrr_0QXk9D0RvfBBgBK2piBsBHs9LEHfdyU72qQ8IXMmQtj8Ifucbn6GUpKt/s320/P6130026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Screenshot of chart plotter showing fringing reef </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Spoke to Brett on “Winds of Change “on 4483 at 1800. They
have 550 nm to go on their run out to Noumea. This is another Louisiades rally friend
on a 12.5 m catamaran.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 15th June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first swim! great little spot in a sheltered bay about 10nm north of Noumea. then back to Bae de Maa to catch up with Haven 111. Spent some time with Karen and Rob from Cracked (Newcastle) who are on their 15th trip out here!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 16th June</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back to the marina to pick up the repaired boom bag and meet with the clearing agent. Other new friends are Christine and Darren and two young sons on Freyer out of Brisbane who are doing a 12 month Pacific cruise similar to us.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VfI-svFyP0nKK6lpX1IUO8lY1B31tfrbOVavAxo11xxCC9ZWBUAuNmXfCw7JjGvkaGoT0dccEiOm72JPOhUDJYxmbzNmAlb_Gs7UBefSOknUhfxOo5957FTd71EFj05qPKrzqfIzxQQk/s1600/P6150048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2VfI-svFyP0nKK6lpX1IUO8lY1B31tfrbOVavAxo11xxCC9ZWBUAuNmXfCw7JjGvkaGoT0dccEiOm72JPOhUDJYxmbzNmAlb_Gs7UBefSOknUhfxOo5957FTd71EFj05qPKrzqfIzxQQk/s320/P6150048.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bygo3GhOpzbn-uywAH6XnO4nz8-magLu4V4y3qIpqfwWSDBM1-p7KI6tlr39jgPrBuW2x3EiC6aqo8S5N6we9uIRGRd2m-F8SnST7OCEdq2Y1XNd017tZwPUEBcxkUKKsP2MmnIrqVXI/s1600/P6140039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bygo3GhOpzbn-uywAH6XnO4nz8-magLu4V4y3qIpqfwWSDBM1-p7KI6tlr39jgPrBuW2x3EiC6aqo8S5N6we9uIRGRd2m-F8SnST7OCEdq2Y1XNd017tZwPUEBcxkUKKsP2MmnIrqVXI/s320/P6140039.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-7667236714626498572015-06-17T06:44:00.003+10:002015-08-31T22:22:13.743+10:00Lord Howe to NoumeaAfter five days the weather had moderated enough of us to resume the journey.<br />
Friday 5th June<br />
<br />
We motored out of the lagoon at 0730 and spent the first 12 hours under motor.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Fv6KZK7EkGxWv6Y6NvKRaIAkH6VZMg_oCE-_TOy1GmfcSJjvxabB9yFCa4nwi5wsfbTJHIh66h5Vm2iMxwtbSAHzy3U6y7cdSW_LlcIY5Nvr3L4alUOL2AsfWBX3aBcZF0hE0_zztXZ/s1600/lord+howe+to+nc+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv5Fv6KZK7EkGxWv6Y6NvKRaIAkH6VZMg_oCE-_TOy1GmfcSJjvxabB9yFCa4nwi5wsfbTJHIh66h5Vm2iMxwtbSAHzy3U6y7cdSW_LlcIY5Nvr3L4alUOL2AsfWBX3aBcZF0hE0_zztXZ/s320/lord+howe+to+nc+067.JPG" width="320" /></a>The new lure finally caught our first fish, a 10 kg stripey tuna which we pan fried in soy, garlic and ginger - very tasty!<br />
<br />
From here the wind picked up from the SE never less than 20 knots and peaking around 35 a at times. <br />
With an apparent wind direction of 45 to 70 degrees it was basically hard on the wind all of the way to Noumea with lots of water flying around and frequent bangs as the boat fell into the troughs.<br />
The boat handled it well (better than us!) with only a broken retrieval line necessitating a headsail change down to the No 4 and a conservative 3 reefs for 3 days.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the entrance to the lagoon at 7.45pm on the 9th after a passage time of four and a half days feeling pretty tired and sick of the noise and motion of the journey.<br />
<br />
Navigating inside the lagoon which surrounds the whole island is easy as the navigation marks are plentiful and in good order. We sailed up the lagoon under a triple reefed main nice ands lowly as we were very tired and were enjoying the calmness of being inside the reef. Dropping the main was a problem however, as the cotter pin had fallen out of the port side steering wheel and it took a while to work out why Di couldn't hold the boat into the wind as I tried to drop the main. This all happened at midnight of course, but when we realised we still had steering on the starboard side the mayhem subsided.<br />
<br />
We then dropped the anchor in Baie De L'Orphelinat for our first continuous nights sleep in nearly a week.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49SNfS7MvphcRaZ_59CpgGfBMH7jnfXd2fNgk-9FFbgBTD6Hvkbkwj6csJ2yE59zrV_2EZOOivRDXCisu4bSL8GLsyRRUXv8bembbvj9k2ASPBezqiyPQ2pXIP5fn3f5wdUfrcfEBmZ4h/s1600/P6120001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49SNfS7MvphcRaZ_59CpgGfBMH7jnfXd2fNgk-9FFbgBTD6Hvkbkwj6csJ2yE59zrV_2EZOOivRDXCisu4bSL8GLsyRRUXv8bembbvj9k2ASPBezqiyPQ2pXIP5fn3f5wdUfrcfEBmZ4h/s320/P6120001.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
The next morning we moved into Port Moselle marina and went through the clearance formalities which turned out to be very easy.<br />
Quarantine came to the boat, sat in the cockpit and took away the forbidden items, ( raw meats, fruit, vegetables, and fresh dairy) that Di passed out to them.<br />
Customs have a two hour time zone after the marina office faxes your paperwork through. If they don't turn up in two hours they aren't coming. Apparently they rarely do!<br />
Immigration is a short walk into town. They shut at 11.30 so don't be late. I took both our passports up with a form filled out and they stamped both our passports even though Di wasn't present.<br />
<br />
The rest of the day was spent cleaning up the boat and starting on the list of jobs to be done as a result of the passage. Fortunately the list was fairly small, new retrieval line and sail cover repairs due to chafe from the lazy jack webbing.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-39342499588929222352015-06-04T12:44:00.000+10:002015-08-31T22:10:23.448+10:00Sydney to Lord Howe<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sydney to Lord Howe Island<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We returned to Sydney on Saturday after a couple of days
visiting Andy and Kellie with the last minute perishables to shop for and a
social Sunday lunch with some other Louisiades Cruisers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The plan was to clear customs Monday morning but we delayed
this until Tuesday afternoon as a large Stationary high was sitting over the
area between Sydney and Lord Howe and wasn’t expected to start moving away
until Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We filled the time in by giving the water maker a test run –
a good thing as the power switch had to be replaced due to damage in transit.
The guys from Rainman were marvellous, turning up to change the switch within
30 minutes of us calling them. Di did some more shopping and we changed the
No.3 to the No.2. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The forecast was now for a trickle of wind starting on
Wednesday morning so we arranged to clear customs Tuesday afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sydney puts on a great light show this time every year
(Vivid) so we arranged for some younger friends to join us for a dinner cruise
on Sydney harbour Tuesday night and this proved to be a spectacular night with
the bridge changing colours every few seconds and the Opera House being used as
a projection screen. In Darling harbour water jets had laser lights
intermingling with some graphic light effects visible. On the way back to the
CYCA we arrived off the Opera House just as the fireworks were starting.
Probably because it was mid-week, there were very few private boats on the
harbour so getting to the different venues was easy. Very different I suspect
to the NYE fireworks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday May 26th.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Last minute jobs then over to Neutral Bay to clear Customs before returning to the CYCA for the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday May 27<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An early start leaving the pen at 0630 and clearing the
heads at 0715 for the 420 mile run to Lord Howe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The breeze was light but sailable for the first few hours
and we even ran the MPS for a while. This didn’t last long and by midday we
were motoring as progress had dropped below 2 knots SOG. To make matters worse
we had a 1.5 knot current against us and this lasted until dawn on Thursday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our first 24 hour run on the chart was 126 miles with the
log showing distance run as 171 miles! The difference being the current!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No fish in the first 24 hours but plenty of Chinese coal
carriers drifting in the deep water of Newcastle waiting to be loaded. These
were up to 100 miles offshore and all were drifting west with the current at SOG speeds of 1 to
1.5 knots; as shown on the AIS ; into the light breeze! At least they were
being carried in the direction they wanted to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life on board has been pretty easy with almost no swell
making getting around the boat simple. Di and I spent most of the day fiddling
on the internet and reading/ snoozing. We have a small Telstra 4G wireless
receiver with good range- excellent when we put it in a sock and hoist it up
the mast!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We took the shifts during the night fairly casually with no
fixed change times. We find this works best with lots of cat naps during the
day allowing us to stay fresh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May 28<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sailed with full rig until 1600 when we were subject to a
couple of squalls and heavy rain with gusts to 27 knots. We quickly went to two
reefs then three with half headsail. The breeze was now a Northerly and we were
hard on the wind from here to Lord Howe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday May 29<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di rated Friday a 3/10 compared to Wednesdays 8/10 as the
sea state had risen and was very confused. The wind was changing direction and
strength constantly from calm to 20+ knots making progress difficult .In the
end we used the motor to keep us moving and strapped the main down to reduce
the wear and tear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday May 30<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived off Lord Howe at daybreak and expected to have to
heave too off the lagoon entrance until port control was awake. However the
local policeman had spotted us and called us up at 0630 to let us know he was
on the way out in the RIB to guide us in through the reef entrance to our
mooring. Fantastic service!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20VEkWSWIjkwCOrqHtVOGgxY86KZXwgxlGw7RuBNYm980s_iZHsZoELX5ZEvG8RXVFRe_fL3K_ARwEvZrgpupFAYWAH_znSmYAG5jtqE1ASxTSJY7EGGowx8876_0pcmBDYsUjXF4hHea/s1600/P5300039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20VEkWSWIjkwCOrqHtVOGgxY86KZXwgxlGw7RuBNYm980s_iZHsZoELX5ZEvG8RXVFRe_fL3K_ARwEvZrgpupFAYWAH_znSmYAG5jtqE1ASxTSJY7EGGowx8876_0pcmBDYsUjXF4hHea/s640/P5300039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRAf4BJJPiupiuxkTMz8qF0raIt5zAxAZAtcx0bfnMTh9FyL3m_Fa5xZ1jFozSzu2qdNS4b1-gz8_m_lED1m4vC7Mhli4yQTYko7mdXoRK5yVRXqcAv9yLXNGqO35oX632bk9dzqQVyOZ/s1600/P5310001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRAf4BJJPiupiuxkTMz8qF0raIt5zAxAZAtcx0bfnMTh9FyL3m_Fa5xZ1jFozSzu2qdNS4b1-gz8_m_lED1m4vC7Mhli4yQTYko7mdXoRK5yVRXqcAv9yLXNGqO35oX632bk9dzqQVyOZ/s640/P5310001.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3OEZSy-2b0Im-CKwgWPDcCpVEa5prPOhS2Y8O4X5Ol2wPIP_C0pijXzq4so2rK7DY-KeRt7w2Xf0ZKDW9BxFurCa2d_M38VqbivyPdHsM_IG76CYDLi7kmtte2lymRRyW_CBV8of4pfN/s1600/P6020008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3OEZSy-2b0Im-CKwgWPDcCpVEa5prPOhS2Y8O4X5Ol2wPIP_C0pijXzq4so2rK7DY-KeRt7w2Xf0ZKDW9BxFurCa2d_M38VqbivyPdHsM_IG76CYDLi7kmtte2lymRRyW_CBV8of4pfN/s640/P6020008.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTwR2sA9Sq4hQXroGplWHP1f68cTY2CRE9kdS2D5S92qGZ6XWGaUP_fQedfqKbAhl5X0kTwErxzpWwbg5gRGkcviqvD_4ju1WpsXIHH3XKphDVP2zT_miN1z1NmSffUDsC53Ipp0PkdzM/s1600/P5300048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTwR2sA9Sq4hQXroGplWHP1f68cTY2CRE9kdS2D5S92qGZ6XWGaUP_fQedfqKbAhl5X0kTwErxzpWwbg5gRGkcviqvD_4ju1WpsXIHH3XKphDVP2zT_miN1z1NmSffUDsC53Ipp0PkdzM/s640/P5300048.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFi1sdU5yZaPBdyKLW4_d9z-dPG6ohbOzjtyfrjttmqtwlVZPqlFgzGfg4E8awuB2YLv4HyqvNrXKUCqegKjafCA7Woodcq0csp8HsphKK3WeCZEnsHJRBXuufORzAMGbinQT1T0US-Q1/s1600/P5300049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNFi1sdU5yZaPBdyKLW4_d9z-dPG6ohbOzjtyfrjttmqtwlVZPqlFgzGfg4E8awuB2YLv4HyqvNrXKUCqegKjafCA7Woodcq0csp8HsphKK3WeCZEnsHJRBXuufORzAMGbinQT1T0US-Q1/s640/P5300049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a bit more sleep the launched the dinghy and went for
a wander ashore to get our bearings. All of the moorings are between .5 and.75
miles from the beach and it feels quite isolated sitting on a mooring only 50
metres from the reef and half a mile from the shore, especially as we are the
only visiting boat here at present!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Much of the island is national park with some spectacular
scenery and walks through the lush vegetation. Much of the surrounding waters
are also marine park with limited fishing opportunities for amateurs and no
commercial fishing. The island has lots of cement sheet and weatherboard
buildings and has a 1950s feel to it. The vegetation is very lush and dense
with some huge Banyan trees. The main industry is tourism with a maximum of 400
guests allowed on the island at any one time. Many of the larger private homes
act as guest houses. I had an interesting conversation with one man who has
been coming for holidays for the past 20 years. You can only buy real estate on
the island if you have been living here for more than 10 years or have a close
family member who is a resident. This stops land speculation and helps keep
prices under control although he did mention one of his friends who had bought
bought a house with good views for $900k.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday May 31<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are keen to get an up to date weather forecast and can
get internet at the museum between 10.00 and 2.00 (closed Saturday of course)
so in the morning went ashore to do our chores including topping up the two gas
bottles we had been using ($18.00- v reasonable) and filled up our two 20 litre
diesel cans at $3.00 per litre!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After a frustrating 2 hours battling with the internet we
retired to the boat for a late lunch and to get out of the weather as it was
very showery and the wind was getting up. During the afternoon we managed a
quick walk over to the Old Gulch on the Northern side of the island and a walk
along North beach before picking up our fuel from the jetty. Nothing is locked
or put away. Everyone leaves their paddle boards and surfboards on the beaches
rather than carry them home. The local policeman is responsible for lost
property and is also the local port operations controller and not much else. A
great relaxed lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Big Blow<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Monday and Tuesday 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>
and 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As forecast the winds started to pick up Sunday night we
were quite nervous about what to expect over the next 2 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are moored to one of the 6 Lord Howe Island moorings in
the Northern part of the lagoon that are hired out to visiting yachts. There
are another lot in the southern end of the lagoon. About 50 metres to our west
is the extensive reef which gives protection to the lagoon from the swell, but
not the wind. At low tide the lagoon is only subject to the wind fetch inside
the reef but at high tide there is quite a joggle from the swell remnants that
flow over the reef making the moorings at this time quite uncomfortable. At low
tide the depth under Allusive is less than a metre but the pitch is least so we
shouldn’t bump the bottom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The moorings are rated to 75 knots for a wind surface area
of 20 square metres. As bow on we would be much less than 20 s m and the
maximum wind gusts we experienced were about 48 knots we calculate we didn’t
exceed 25% of the maximum loading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When you are sitting this sort of weather out these are the type
of things you think about! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As it turned out it was reasonably comfortable on board once
we had convinced ourselves Allusive was in no danger and we spent the long
hours reading, playing cards, chess and scrabble plus baking bread and
sleeping! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We felt sorry for the two tug crews whose vessels (Seaforce
and Pedro 1) were too big to come into the lagoon. They tried to anchor on the
sheltered side of the island but the wrapping swells were too uncomfortable so
they resorted to steaming backwards and forwards with barge in tow. They are
delivering materials for the airport runway upgrade and a smaller tug and barge come
out to them when the weather is calm to load up outside the lagoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> June<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We managed to get ashore in the late morning at ebbing half
tide and had lunch in the Anchorage café: seafood pie of course! then wandered
around the CBD (post office – closed Wednesday- Thompsons store and the local
Co-op). Lots of people stranded as there had been no flights in or out since
Sunday and the first won’t be in until Thursday. Our walk today took us down as
far as the airport and up to the police station to have a chat with the Simon,
the local cop/harbour master. Weather due to moderate Thursday and swell will
be low enough for us to get out of the lagoon on Friday. At least that’s the
plan!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Back to the museum to check emails and then another rolly
night on the mooring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> June <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wind down to 15 knots, time to do all of our boat checks and
last minute cooking for the passage to Noumea. All looks good for a Friday morning departure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Now at the museum. this post will be the last until we get to Noumea<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-49763983363632044912015-05-26T11:39:00.000+10:002015-08-31T22:01:06.551+10:00Tamar to Sydney<br />
<br />
Thursday May 14 to Thursday May 21<br />
<br />
The weather in Bass Strait for the 2 weeks prior to our departure<br />
had been pretty ordinary with almost continuous gale force winds<br />
up to 50 knots. Fortunately it finally moderated for the day of our <br />
departure and we left at 1100 on the 21st in a SW of about 20 knots<br />
with a conservative rig of 2 reefs and No.3 headsail. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicfZ3xAyAurHxJfbqYnA6RPRlvG5nlE1Bd2c8uOMcDnExLUUGM0vviF5qVfayVuhabdhOonpO134mi56uE-zMVAPm7gFiTBd2WAiTs7FaCyT5O1BkUYXYBrqOD0ZJSqn1BUm-PPOF7T43/s1600/leaving++Tas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicfZ3xAyAurHxJfbqYnA6RPRlvG5nlE1Bd2c8uOMcDnExLUUGM0vviF5qVfayVuhabdhOonpO134mi56uE-zMVAPm7gFiTBd2WAiTs7FaCyT5O1BkUYXYBrqOD0ZJSqn1BUm-PPOF7T43/s1600/leaving++Tas.JPG" /></a>We have been very lucky in having good family and friends who have <br />
volunteered to look after the house, farm, pets and business. Our thanks<br />
to Donelda, Deb and Dale, Steve and Jenny, Mark, Louise and Rob.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCS4pzbIJzSlHp5bV0DnsL5xKE5F1OjzUZLZCsYRg0qR65b3q-utEFgVsDs2PnaPmDX8MXs0OXm41nJEeiGEp9TpbTcpQ_ttjY_WNjUza64KZNEIp0TUsYT0sUl4CLdXMAYzJnr2QWOPXo/s1600/dolphins+off+Botany+Bay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCS4pzbIJzSlHp5bV0DnsL5xKE5F1OjzUZLZCsYRg0qR65b3q-utEFgVsDs2PnaPmDX8MXs0OXm41nJEeiGEp9TpbTcpQ_ttjY_WNjUza64KZNEIp0TUsYT0sUl4CLdXMAYzJnr2QWOPXo/s1600/dolphins+off+Botany+Bay.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dolphins off Botany Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixa7axwQphplewNiof0Znjp5mKVYwFCmuCJ66Wc9FSjKhPSpop4-TAl9ANo0uxYrYZRaXtUDo-GYyy4iwSakL5Rn7AK_1PT_3rGhPu6v2n6Uxk4vMd8yWDFjtOHuAdkGKTDnI5mcWTvnLb/s1600/quiet+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixa7axwQphplewNiof0Znjp5mKVYwFCmuCJ66Wc9FSjKhPSpop4-TAl9ANo0uxYrYZRaXtUDo-GYyy4iwSakL5Rn7AK_1PT_3rGhPu6v2n6Uxk4vMd8yWDFjtOHuAdkGKTDnI5mcWTvnLb/s1600/quiet+sunset.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another Sunset</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IhGbNON12dt3jZx9Y8d5Jb-dIv0J0OZRoEjBljgPSCiqooBvy1XidNi_JBYIXsCuoQ2jj6FyNZl6TI7aXssW5A7IRnpPMkL-6ogPNI_cpngPFU9BsnGtGalJXz13OLHXlRHtQudv0-9k/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
Onboard we have a lot of donations collected from <br />
businesses and individuals around Launceston <br />
including medical supplies from St Johns Ambulance, <br />
clothing and educational supplies from Scotch Oakburn,<br />
reading glasses, sunglasses, baby clothes from the playgroup<br />
at Coles Bay, bed linen from Kathy,fishing gear and nails<br />
from Ken, fishing gear from Tamar Marine, maths books <br />
from Launceston Church Grammar School and in Sydney<br />
we picked up 5 computers destined for a school in Port Vila<br />
plus a heap more clothing from Andrew and his mates.<br />
These will be distributed to villagers, schools and medical <br />
clinics throughout Vanuatu. <br />
<br />
The run across Bass Strait was uneventful, with a conservative <br />
3rd reef during the night. The wind held in for the first 20 hours<br />
but dropped out quickly just after dawn and we motor sailed <br />
off and on for the rest of the journey to Sydney.<br />
For those interested in statistics the trip took 3 days and 3 hours<br />
to cover 545 n. miles and we motored for nearly 40 hours!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IhGbNON12dt3jZx9Y8d5Jb-dIv0J0OZRoEjBljgPSCiqooBvy1XidNi_JBYIXsCuoQ2jj6FyNZl6TI7aXssW5A7IRnpPMkL-6ogPNI_cpngPFU9BsnGtGalJXz13OLHXlRHtQudv0-9k/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IhGbNON12dt3jZx9Y8d5Jb-dIv0J0OZRoEjBljgPSCiqooBvy1XidNi_JBYIXsCuoQ2jj6FyNZl6TI7aXssW5A7IRnpPMkL-6ogPNI_cpngPFU9BsnGtGalJXz13OLHXlRHtQudv0-9k/s1600/IMG_0162.JPG" /></a><br />
<br />
Once in Sydney we took up residence at the CYCA<br />
which is only a short walk to Andrews apartment.<br />
The week quickly disappeared with final grocery shop for <br />
staples to last for up to 3 months, fuel, catching up with friends<br />
and arranging to pick up a water maker, medical cover, offshore<br />
insurance and customs clearance arrangements. <br />
<br />
We are now on a flight to Surfers for a couple of days to have a<br />
look at the Sanctuary Cove boat show and to catch up with some<br />
ex Louisiades rally friends. <br />
A bit hard to knock back $45 fares! We have arranged to clear<br />
Customs on Monday but may delay this by a day as the forecast<br />
is for basically no wind on Monday and don't want to motor all <br />
the way to Lord Howe Island<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-48380140678724972492015-05-26T10:18:00.002+10:002015-05-26T10:18:27.317+10:00Easter 2015 TYC cruise to Flinders Island<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKCDQVj-wpvajeQp56GUvFDV3eHO6OLQt_5aPsPk36cMqTDiyXdwTMey3lXVOMFHnXTLpJ0V3fhtbvxWJVasEEnrD1Zu3997Rcbq1kCUxTM1HDr_A28wP35pptVFG8u99J_YoHYobSSZO/s1600/P4030109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKCDQVj-wpvajeQp56GUvFDV3eHO6OLQt_5aPsPk36cMqTDiyXdwTMey3lXVOMFHnXTLpJ0V3fhtbvxWJVasEEnrD1Zu3997Rcbq1kCUxTM1HDr_A28wP35pptVFG8u99J_YoHYobSSZO/s1600/P4030109.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thunder and Lightning Bay, Cape Barron Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A little shakedown Cruise to Flinders Island in Bass Strait with 5 other boats from the Tamar Yacht Club over Easter was very enjoyable and the weather was at its best for those having a cruise for the first time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-38882168545200270882015-04-07T23:10:00.000+10:002015-04-07T23:10:33.546+10:00New adventure 2015Its now April 2015 and we are planning another adventure, this time to New Caledonia and Vanuatu, departing Australia in May 2015.<br />
<br />
Watch this space!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-64226982372416384982013-12-12T11:41:00.000+11:002013-12-12T13:28:16.802+11:00The run home<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I flew back to Townville on Tuesday 12th November to
resume the trip South after a busy couple of weeks at home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allusive needed a few maintenance issues sorting before
getting underway and during the afternoon and evening I fitted a new capacitor
to the generator, reassemble the furler, fitted the number 3 genoa and
generally stowed our gear and tidied up to allow room for Andy and Kel to move
onboard on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday night the remaining Louisiades crews in
Townsville <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>got together for a meal at
the Townsville Y C. It was good to catch up with Rod from Psycho and Robby from
Eclipse one more time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday morning I motored around to the Breakwater
Marina to fuel up and to pick up the crew, Andy Duffield and Kelli Saron from
Quintessa, who had also done the run out to the Louisiades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Andy and Kel
intend to leave Quintessa in Townsville for a few months while they catch up
with family and friends further south. Kelli arrived with the contents of her
fridge and freezer plus passage food she had prepared, which made for a very
well organised menu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqhRjdDeCy2fwSRkdPQh8VNhH3NNQ1giHVAclHwQ1Ac6qPeoBPKfw26JOpmlYtCNc4DLMydYCdqU9CclPJy0gMIsb9FKYbMdRa3TprBYAgmAN_z2j_hVbkU7GK15IZ-ycKYW_sbEfYQyV/s1600/PB150011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqhRjdDeCy2fwSRkdPQh8VNhH3NNQ1giHVAclHwQ1Ac6qPeoBPKfw26JOpmlYtCNc4DLMydYCdqU9CclPJy0gMIsb9FKYbMdRa3TprBYAgmAN_z2j_hVbkU7GK15IZ-ycKYW_sbEfYQyV/s1600/PB150011.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We departed at 1000 hours and had an easy run to Abel
Point marina where we had arranged for an Auto electrician to check our
alternator surging problem where the voltage charge was fluctuating every few
seconds. We arrived early in the morning and Kurt was on board by 7.15- very
efficient!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The problem was hard to find but turned out to be burnt
contacts on a 10 amp spade fuse, which was causing the fuse to arc out. This
has been the intermittent problem we have had for months, so it is great to
have it finally sorted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left Abel Point at 1000hrs on Thursday and wended our
way through the islands South of the Whitsundays and outside Fraser Island in
very light conditions, motoring probably half the time. The crew amused themselves
on this 4 day passage with a large jigsaw puzzle, iPad scrabble, reading,
fishing and eating good food. The watches were very casual and everyone seemed
to get plenty of sleep. Andy and Kelli are great crew and for a power cat owner
he had a very extensive sailing background which made the passage very easy for
me, particularly with my minor ailment which requires light duties at present!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd7j3Ydf24QUY9y0qqeHnIzq3HBwzzy6vwgKHG8TFQthWK8j8FR1dl_32p-3HHdkBJizUf_Tz_Zywmq5LjIhssYYhN_RsEieowLWQI-G2jP0TnxGVpxYNFkWfRwbIVpWhqjDJSp2qAdfG/s1600/PB150010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjd7j3Ydf24QUY9y0qqeHnIzq3HBwzzy6vwgKHG8TFQthWK8j8FR1dl_32p-3HHdkBJizUf_Tz_Zywmq5LjIhssYYhN_RsEieowLWQI-G2jP0TnxGVpxYNFkWfRwbIVpWhqjDJSp2qAdfG/s1600/PB150010.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
4 days to kill on the run to Southport</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The
last night before arriving at Southport saw a mass of thunderstorms around us.
These did quite a bit of damage inland with hail stones as big as tennis ball
reported in some areas.<br />
At one point the horizon to the East to seaward <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>was a mass of grey clouds and jagged lightning
bolts which gradually overtook us. Fortunately the lightning was only sheet
lightning by the time it was overhead, very spekky as it lit up the sky almost continuously.
The wind turned southerly very quickly and the temperature dropped considerably.In
this mass of cold air there were wind gusts up to 30 knots and not much else,
but it had us worried for a while.<br />
We eventually arrived at Southport late the next day and anchored in Bums Bay
at 2130 next to Graham, Sue and Jamie on Symphony 11; more Louisiades rally
friends. Graham came over for a drink and a chat before we fell into bed.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(See Sue’s blog at<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> http://www.sailblogs.com/member/symphonyinc/</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other good <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>blogs from this trip include<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<cite><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">gailsshinealight.blogspot.com/<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">2013</span>/.../<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Louisiades<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></cite></div>
<cite><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">avantesails.com/<o:p></o:p></span></b></cite><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
On Monday the 20th we moved to the Southport yacht club where we refuelled and
took a pen for 2 nights.<br />
Andy and Kel went to stay with family for a couple of nights and I did a few
maintenance jobs including an oil change, fitted a 24 volt meter and freed up
the furler again.<br />
We had a meal at the club on Tuesday night with Kel's family and Peter from
Haven 111 plus the Symphony crew.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
left from Bums Bay at mid night and motored into a light Southerly for the rest
of the night before the forecast Northerlies arrived. Just Andy and John on
board for this leg to Sydney and Kellie will rejoin us there after visiting
family.<br />
This was another light wind leg notable for the dozens of dead mutton birds
floating in the visible area of water we sailed through. Apparently they
starved to death on their return flight from Siberia to SE Australia. We later
saw a lot more washed ashore in Two Fold Bay at Eden on the Victorian border.
This was quite disturbing as there must have been many thousands more that we
didn't see.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
was also interested to spot my first Sunfish laying on the surface off Port Macquarie.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">At about this time I was watching the maxi yacht"Wild Thing" on the AIS as she passes us, also going South but further out to sea. She was doing 13.5 knots and I thought to myself "she must be motoring as there isn't that much wind". I then realised our SOG was 11.5 knots and the water temperature had gone up 2 degrees to 24 degrees. We were both in a south bound current of about 3-4 knots!!! This stayed with us for about 12 hour and gradually faded as we moved further South as did the water temperature. This warm stream of water probably had a lot to do with the thunderstorms present in SE QLD and NE NSW that were around at the time.</span></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Late
in the afternoon of the 22nd the gathering thunderstorms and rain convinced us
nearby Port Stevens was a good option for the night and would give me a chance to catch up with Nicole and Pete on Escape Pod who were already tucked up in the bay. </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our only breakage for the trip happened as we sailed in through the entrance at Port Stephens. A sudden fierce gust of 40 plus knots and a wind shift of more than 90 degrees snapped the preventer on the main boom as we did an involuntary tack! Andy found these gusts were very hard to stand up against and we doused the main fairly quickly after that.</span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> We then picked up a public
mooring outside the marina alongside Nicole and Peter on Escape Pod, who joined
us for a chat and a nightcap. <br />
We left early the next morning after speaking to Peter on Haven 111 who had
arrived during the night and was anchored nearby.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">During
the morning we had more thunderstorms and rain but not as bad as the day before.<br />
We arrived in Sydney at 1800 after an exhilarating reach into the heads and
took a berth for 4 nights at the CYCA. <br />
Our son Andrew kindly flew Di up to join us for these 4 days and we made good
use of his Chris Craft for harbour cruises and lunches at the fish market.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLCN5TQD94fl7Xa5NHxTPy_wxFhttroiJ56X6uc25onExykfzjdYSydQ97evdfrLFJYYyaKcv9wyjOXC9UvqL42vu46oVRFLID2I6xPjXG_RX7NqnkP9D5KrMA7FwsGfxcuZCWZie4DHx/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyLCN5TQD94fl7Xa5NHxTPy_wxFhttroiJ56X6uc25onExykfzjdYSydQ97evdfrLFJYYyaKcv9wyjOXC9UvqL42vu46oVRFLID2I6xPjXG_RX7NqnkP9D5KrMA7FwsGfxcuZCWZie4DHx/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6Uuf4VGZVs0pxclZzCb51FZPaCY2jVBNBpwLr8VfOIowvOH9aKNmcOVtFW3ccUTNzx_2NzmbS_41W1g17dzkex9S6MU4EW1JLacfI45hkJ8Q_qLzw3FSvQABn5l7sEDzvoske3Mb4Sf5/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6Uuf4VGZVs0pxclZzCb51FZPaCY2jVBNBpwLr8VfOIowvOH9aKNmcOVtFW3ccUTNzx_2NzmbS_41W1g17dzkex9S6MU4EW1JLacfI45hkJ8Q_qLzw3FSvQABn5l7sEDzvoske3Mb4Sf5/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
Kel rejoined us with a bit of a cold picked up from her grandkids but soon
shook it off. We celebrated her birthday in style with lunch at
"Plonk" at the Spit Bridge and were joined by Graeme, Sue and Jamie
off Symphony 11 who had now reached their home port in Pittwater.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After
dropping Di off at the Airport we set sail for Eden at midday on the 27th
November as the heavy Southerlies that had been about for most of our Sydney
layover had abated and we were due for 2 days of light winds from the North. This
proved to be another easy passage with some motoring to keep the downwind speed
at a respectable level.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unfortunately
another front was due to come through during the weekend so we decided to wait for
it to pass and chose Eden as our refuge for two nights. <br />
Allusive arrived in port at 1100 and after a quick run up to the shops we moved over
to the anchorage area behind the woodchip wharf which is protected from the Southerly
winds. Eden is open to the South and can be very uncomfortable in a Southerly
blow.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TnDU_-dSSCBGEysPT1MjtPI0zyxkx382zSywte1hoP8EyxL-ct4kAKrUr_K0q16Vd2txu-uVHYt0-LO_3JyC8Dp13GFrFUhmY_QsF_w4rlFN-P25_JZjyMd3cHJRhNcAVepC2qye35lI/s1600/PB300014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TnDU_-dSSCBGEysPT1MjtPI0zyxkx382zSywte1hoP8EyxL-ct4kAKrUr_K0q16Vd2txu-uVHYt0-LO_3JyC8Dp13GFrFUhmY_QsF_w4rlFN-P25_JZjyMd3cHJRhNcAVepC2qye35lI/s1600/PB300014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loading pine pit props for the Chinese mines</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxNEAz2_qQyfvtS7b3XOAnkQW3_yN7TPkIHDDeTo6kTL1GK-18hOR8zij1cHBFNdpjoPW_gy0TMPVENmPW_yDDDf3PVHMAKYlibxXlQk-C3dauM99oU66I6qxV4va3Bxx13uZ8hiJGlA-/s1600/PB300017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzxNEAz2_qQyfvtS7b3XOAnkQW3_yN7TPkIHDDeTo6kTL1GK-18hOR8zij1cHBFNdpjoPW_gy0TMPVENmPW_yDDDf3PVHMAKYlibxXlQk-C3dauM99oU66I6qxV4va3Bxx13uZ8hiJGlA-/s1600/PB300017.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Boyd's Tower</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHXWUZiTM-4KCRCDRR9kPKbFx__2ZhAHjiMjuZe-vI6PxY-0JAIJpgISiHr6iSxmneKkiGsbj7HyKC_zZD_hc3z_iZzNyBk9oULsR7jCMgXm8OjA9DmWzFcR7EmD5SaIkEsVYtKFIPnIi/s1600/PB300019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuHXWUZiTM-4KCRCDRR9kPKbFx__2ZhAHjiMjuZe-vI6PxY-0JAIJpgISiHr6iSxmneKkiGsbj7HyKC_zZD_hc3z_iZzNyBk9oULsR7jCMgXm8OjA9DmWzFcR7EmD5SaIkEsVYtKFIPnIi/s1600/PB300019.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Two Fold Bay</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WPo0ysTKnWy2J86_MORx9oTP9J5af-wXyZHx2p6SqffEJDptrM3yeZtGuzDlJwqhkuiSqubbluMYgw5v9cLBjK1zJfsx5No9bYQKw4vYU-UWuKiDH-TMX8ze8iHx3lxwVbw4DwN_Acrx/s1600/PB300021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1WPo0ysTKnWy2J86_MORx9oTP9J5af-wXyZHx2p6SqffEJDptrM3yeZtGuzDlJwqhkuiSqubbluMYgw5v9cLBjK1zJfsx5No9bYQKw4vYU-UWuKiDH-TMX8ze8iHx3lxwVbw4DwN_Acrx/s1600/PB300021.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looking towards Green Cape</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCL-WOtILufCQqmoX3GdSye0wI6pk7ZqTxDayny1oVhHDeAZ_ORK-HO1HflfYSo9khvf9sbvznvtGaNuDH4IiNqISj59AInBo6vE6hVgKoNDS5cTzK9ZCT7p3RQg1w8YJiOi73Nr2PnOc/s1600/PB300022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCL-WOtILufCQqmoX3GdSye0wI6pk7ZqTxDayny1oVhHDeAZ_ORK-HO1HflfYSo9khvf9sbvznvtGaNuDH4IiNqISj59AInBo6vE6hVgKoNDS5cTzK9ZCT7p3RQg1w8YJiOi73Nr2PnOc/s1600/PB300022.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Folded Sandstone formation</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX4tETIxOy4n7nnYwXxROtf7cvLHfCUT2nxPGeZBm68R-yGmVqJ4lRbtaut8FJyIKKIHfr3hm1ZjKrpuhWIgP-TBF9LuAU4CC335u8OZ65qY6WGci7_AdHXFn2fJittDldFv9ApcPMmKp/s1600/PB300025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgX4tETIxOy4n7nnYwXxROtf7cvLHfCUT2nxPGeZBm68R-yGmVqJ4lRbtaut8FJyIKKIHfr3hm1ZjKrpuhWIgP-TBF9LuAU4CC335u8OZ65qY6WGci7_AdHXFn2fJittDldFv9ApcPMmKp/s1600/PB300025.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sue and Mike join us for sun downers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The three of us
had a couple of good walks, the second out to Boyd’s Tower (used for spotting
whales by the early whalers) and enjoyed a couple of social evenings with
Jeremy and Penny Firth from Hobart and old friends Mike and Sue Powell on
Yaraandoo 11 who were also holed up waiting to go South.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our
departure was early! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At 0230 on Monday
the 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the met observations
showed Gabo Island was down to 4 knots and had shifted to the North, so away we
went.<br />
The promised North Easterly finally filled in as we rounded Gabo and
built slowly all day so by 1630 we had a good 25 knots behind us and were reefed
down making good speed.<br />
The winds peaked at about 35 in the gusts and we spent the night with 3 reefs
and half the No3 on the pole goose winged. The autopilot handled the 3 metre
waves extremely well and very little time was needed to be spent on deck, as the
Queenslanders were starting to feel the cold!</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy63507VjAebeVZkFlssiVrjEL3y4qIdMhr0Z3TaHSpAK0SEHaPe6-IruC4AmOTrOcFBMHCKtLdNePPKIRC8tyheRqYPdwQ0I0C6upLZqlYrkdK8HsMSBclyk5MTELWwsSdUSej1YbO-x-/s1600/PC020026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy63507VjAebeVZkFlssiVrjEL3y4qIdMhr0Z3TaHSpAK0SEHaPe6-IruC4AmOTrOcFBMHCKtLdNePPKIRC8tyheRqYPdwQ0I0C6upLZqlYrkdK8HsMSBclyk5MTELWwsSdUSej1YbO-x-/s1600/PC020026.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dawn on the last day looking towards the Sisters</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj4nqV0B563Qwx9ECWz-jM8acQRT__BUaHJhoWr5VBA3QN6A7rn71DKNQHBrC0JPBW8gm11-Ge-cDu5UAyqgpRUC4jznG_8IkkhotMvqLxMtJSmv2ljoWkHWnkmBzBoczb4hffA7f42d8/s1600/PC020028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKj4nqV0B563Qwx9ECWz-jM8acQRT__BUaHJhoWr5VBA3QN6A7rn71DKNQHBrC0JPBW8gm11-Ge-cDu5UAyqgpRUC4jznG_8IkkhotMvqLxMtJSmv2ljoWkHWnkmBzBoczb4hffA7f42d8/s1600/PC020028.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlfPSyHWGgGDuwPJj6GtsFrh9SuQSVxv-ZqtbALU6_woiYePIdtViO6IAW9yXMl2-z2-NmlStWgrVtvscih4gzi4_25QRgCQpyjscIxA1aeoBdnBuFXQEyT6AGbiTOGVQ6Zj2DSu4wcfv/s1600/PC020029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlfPSyHWGgGDuwPJj6GtsFrh9SuQSVxv-ZqtbALU6_woiYePIdtViO6IAW9yXMl2-z2-NmlStWgrVtvscih4gzi4_25QRgCQpyjscIxA1aeoBdnBuFXQEyT6AGbiTOGVQ6Zj2DSu4wcfv/s1600/PC020029.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br />
Once we cleared the Sister Islands on the Northern side of Flinders Island the
weather improved quickly and as I write this we are motoring (again!) on a calm
sunny sea with only 30 miles to Low Head.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We
arrived at the marina just before dark and slipped Allusive back into her old
berth that the boys had kindly been holding for us. Di drove down to join us
for the night and early next morning the four of us set off for home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another chapter in our travels is over; I wonder
what the future will bring?<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-23285895817602517812013-10-28T21:37:00.000+11:002013-10-29T23:22:12.762+11:00Louisiades rally (updated with pics 29/10/2013)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">06 September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived at Yorky's Knob Marina in Cairns in the late afternoon on
about a half incoming tide. The tidal range is only about 2.0 metres but lowest
tide is only 1.8 so we needed about a half tide to get in and out safely<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yorky's has a great clubhouse and the crews assembling for
the cruise were all made very welcome with temporary full membership which
gives good discount on fuel plus bar and restaurant. Their food was excellent
and cheap so we tended to eat there regularly and usually had a table of 12 or
so people for dinner.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday was Mac & Tillies time to fly home. We had to
deliver them to Cairns by 1130 for their 1pm flight to Launceston. They were
then collected at Launceston airport at 10.00pm and dropped off at their
“holiday home” at Hadspen for the duration that we are away. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next week was mainly shopping and last minute boat
preparations as we need to be fully self-sufficient for at least 6 weeks.
Allusive was in good order and mainly needed engine servicing and installing 12
volt fans in all of the sleeping cabins, galley and saloon. The humidity is
already very high and we are keeping all windows covered with shade cloth: even
at sea: to try to make the interior more comfortable. Two full days were taken
up with rally briefing s. There are 20 boats entered, with very different
levels of offshore experience and crew numbers.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guy Chester has been running the rally for the past 6 years
and has a wealth of knowledge of the Louisiades area. He runs the rally to
assist the local island people and the rally is a way of helping them with
outside income and donations of cash and goods for the schools and medical
clinics.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Education is not free in New Guinea and each family, poor as
they are must raise some cash if they want to give their kids a basic
education. When we arrived, loaded down with donations from home we found Guy
had collected heaps more and each vessel was allocated more goods. We somehow
squeezed in another 10 large Hong Kong shoppers and Allusive has never been so
low in the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ken and Wendy arrived on Wednesday night on the 1145pm
flight and our crew was completed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Customs clearance was done at Yorky's <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">on Friday 13<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup></b> and was a fairly relaxed affair.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Departure was set for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Saturday
14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup></b> September at 10.30 which was low tide! This wasn’t a worry
for the cats but us deep drafted “leaner hulls” as Guy calls them left as early
as 0530 while there was still water in the marina channel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The weather forecast for the trip was excellent with 10 to
15 knot winds predicted from South East.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By 1430 all of the boats had departed but by the evening HF
sched one boat had turned back because of electrical problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The breeze stayed in the upper end of the predicted range
for most of the first 3 days but shifted further East than forecast. This caught
many boats west of the rhumb line, particularly the cats who hadn’t taken Guys
advice and sailed a course that took them East of the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>line in case of an easterly oscillation. To
make matters worse the current this time of the year sets north East at 1.5
knots.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEenA50fOJbgIOAtbuOEQHP_UrsRaGGFb-DaMOWBiwgWR77nL3MOhncOAJ6A9Qm2h9Gms17FR8IFgfkxYo26LJjIRGvOdiB7IbIL06MVJmWa2mnDoi0n7U5vbcMumabEoUiKuwWCKyEI5h/s1600/1+cooling+off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEenA50fOJbgIOAtbuOEQHP_UrsRaGGFb-DaMOWBiwgWR77nL3MOhncOAJ6A9Qm2h9Gms17FR8IFgfkxYo26LJjIRGvOdiB7IbIL06MVJmWa2mnDoi0n7U5vbcMumabEoUiKuwWCKyEI5h/s1600/1+cooling+off.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cooling off in the Coral Sea</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We sailed the whole leg fairly hard on the wind with 1 reef
and a few rolls in the headsail and the 16 miles we put in the bank to the East
of the line became very useful later in the trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Life on board Allusive during the passage was fairly comfortable
with some slamming occasionally much to the cooks’ disgust at times who had
become very used to sailing on an even keel downwind for nearly the entire trip
up. However Di managed to come up with great food every mealtime which we all
enjoyed.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived at the Duchateau waypoint 11’20”S 151’20” at 1100
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">on Tuesday 17<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup></b> September
and motored the last 8 miles through the passage between Pana Boba Island and
Panuwabobaina Island to the anchorage on the northern side and anchored in 20
metres of water. (all rally yachts were required to carry 90m chain)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfe2W8NQr1DVKSu79Ohrb6F37gXVz7LAxvhk06FXG-ki17xMa3AyAW_C8bhewgfZFK0NLHgOrBzCcWwuggyLY2dUEmr8wl9FDBmaZz3l6fJtcT8V7wR9S0QyybuCyaKIv6eSJTX2OZ-Ig/s1600/2+Du+Chateau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfe2W8NQr1DVKSu79Ohrb6F37gXVz7LAxvhk06FXG-ki17xMa3AyAW_C8bhewgfZFK0NLHgOrBzCcWwuggyLY2dUEmr8wl9FDBmaZz3l6fJtcT8V7wR9S0QyybuCyaKIv6eSJTX2OZ-Ig/s1600/2+Du+Chateau.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Du Chateau Island anchorage</o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We were the fourth boat to arrive and by nightfall about 2/3
of the fleet had anchored. This proved to be a fairly rolly anchorage.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It wasn’t long before a couple of the local sailing
outrigger canoes (sailau) came alongside and we did a brisk trade for crayfish
in exchange for caps, shorts <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>,a mask and
some fishing gear.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEojuTc_kxrfGg8zDDjRz0d_5fOCpdW_GY-edDNUw0RwxDCxKTOiuPsVYYSBplUwktn19uSiAm4lf7Mf30W5Do7UgIm53RuiRaMQ6q9Yo3R4tvJWBMcEbnZXpCuEMpxoS_UZV2f7rBHrq4/s1600/3+first+night+ashore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEojuTc_kxrfGg8zDDjRz0d_5fOCpdW_GY-edDNUw0RwxDCxKTOiuPsVYYSBplUwktn19uSiAm4lf7Mf30W5Do7UgIm53RuiRaMQ6q9Yo3R4tvJWBMcEbnZXpCuEMpxoS_UZV2f7rBHrq4/s1600/3+first+night+ashore.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are no permanent residents in the Duchateau Island
group but these islands belong to the locals from Brooker Island (Utiah), and
many of the men and boys had sailed the 15 miles South to meet us here and to
do some trading. All of the locals speak English plus the local dialects and
all were very pleasant people to deal with. We became friendly with a couple of
young lads “Peter” and “Frank John”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v6y_6AU6ekVxwb8kQ2yYyyygUup1pVnn-YaW7bsmqqUtXBb5UMAkoP9PXXDG3fgohCecZuUgQ46120siByhtN3IUefemU_pMJBafeAq2vDQZVOHsAJhJ1V6ps8-JNPDMSErrPtlYh2NA/s1600/4+sunset+Du+chateau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v6y_6AU6ekVxwb8kQ2yYyyygUup1pVnn-YaW7bsmqqUtXBb5UMAkoP9PXXDG3fgohCecZuUgQ46120siByhtN3IUefemU_pMJBafeAq2vDQZVOHsAJhJ1V6ps8-JNPDMSErrPtlYh2NA/s1600/4+sunset+Du+chateau.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the evening we had
drinkies onshore at the local’s campsite and met up with the 30 or so people
who had sailed down to meet us. We then retired to Allusive for our first
crayfish feast with Andy and Kelly from Quintessa.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1hmHPNIcu-t15wKRtq532BbGmI3L6SY9K2HUyPKpIMkKpjb5weC17gPXE1Bxc1bwW-1FNPT59aqfPTPv_lpPxp-TBekTbJcrhQS_qeTjGP8fu2xiViveLTPdk68Yiq2ibCDRUvV2VsRg/s1600/PA030038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1hmHPNIcu-t15wKRtq532BbGmI3L6SY9K2HUyPKpIMkKpjb5weC17gPXE1Bxc1bwW-1FNPT59aqfPTPv_lpPxp-TBekTbJcrhQS_qeTjGP8fu2xiViveLTPdk68Yiq2ibCDRUvV2VsRg/s1600/PA030038.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 18<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The morning was spent rearranging our freight and cleaning
up the boat after the passage,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> regularly interrupted by sailaus pulling
alongside wanting to trade. Lunch was on Quintessa then a run ashore in the
dinghy for a walk and swim on the nearby uninhabited island of Kokobbu. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDd9g2tEE9Og6FErVG-uFZgcnetyRdy7qxQq5AxsoLjMYIv_T8wU8lfEASoixCaLdN2-Z9BKF3MsBggb6VoA0qtz0xnH3p_blkSvWZJttPtkBa5Pr_UD1YxO0ndVkR8Hyf5zlzNPFndLr3/s1600/P9280080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDd9g2tEE9Og6FErVG-uFZgcnetyRdy7qxQq5AxsoLjMYIv_T8wU8lfEASoixCaLdN2-Z9BKF3MsBggb6VoA0qtz0xnH3p_blkSvWZJttPtkBa5Pr_UD1YxO0ndVkR8Hyf5zlzNPFndLr3/s1600/P9280080.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rally fleet met for BBQ on the beach that night hosted
by the locals who had been out during the day and caught 153!!! painted
crayfish. The fleet supplied the salads etc and we all had a great evening. Ken
and I learnt a few new tricks watching how the local men prepared the crays
that will impress even the most ardent cray fishermen back home.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BN_bStCqfEqFq1BMkbKWcggyM7Pd04SaKF7WUHA2vpP_JguZZcNpw4l3AbMolqM6NbU1UJesJagrCAbjr0WrDLR3C86Y1GbrPCOSo5jS2zDdn4JbaYY6eptn3WpejQJMtkrgoWiUVNB2/s1600/5+crayfish+BBQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BN_bStCqfEqFq1BMkbKWcggyM7Pd04SaKF7WUHA2vpP_JguZZcNpw4l3AbMolqM6NbU1UJesJagrCAbjr0WrDLR3C86Y1GbrPCOSo5jS2zDdn4JbaYY6eptn3WpejQJMtkrgoWiUVNB2/s1600/5+crayfish+BBQ.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Crayfish BBQ</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th<o:p></o:p></span></sup></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the morning the fleet moved 10 miles further north to
the impressive anchorage at Panasia Island.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaKPQrMbXkiwXINXuMPAxne0aZlSI8E6OJCQggvW_29k_N8u53auw0ylSCGC4VHf_mHbXqKIRoL_w6mcgq_2TdtAcypV8j5eJVeqgmzNRJGU4fzLy3C3B_QVdDYEoS0RI0MrumuoItu0F/s1600/6+moving+between+islands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaKPQrMbXkiwXINXuMPAxne0aZlSI8E6OJCQggvW_29k_N8u53auw0ylSCGC4VHf_mHbXqKIRoL_w6mcgq_2TdtAcypV8j5eJVeqgmzNRJGU4fzLy3C3B_QVdDYEoS0RI0MrumuoItu0F/s1600/6+moving+between+islands.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The entrance through the reef can be a bit tricky so Guy,
the rally organiser, stationed a few dinghies with second time rally
participants manning them, in the channel to help guide the first time visitors
in. The track on the chart plotter showed we had sailed over the reef and
missed the channel by hundreds of metres. The accuracy of the charts cannot be
relied on with a reliability scale shown of plus or minus 500 metres!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt-AsvXyvN0JxiFo1zEDD68Ms6FsTzObC371fzVe7yAh8Yi4Lfs4T7REc5KU4vvJsXZb9jyfqz2hteW98is_W6hBeMkk2HqduUNjIgaNW-vaEubOXuAts4jQd1jWtUK39uYbrvAVXOUPH/s1600/7+Panasia+anchorage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHt-AsvXyvN0JxiFo1zEDD68Ms6FsTzObC371fzVe7yAh8Yi4Lfs4T7REc5KU4vvJsXZb9jyfqz2hteW98is_W6hBeMkk2HqduUNjIgaNW-vaEubOXuAts4jQd1jWtUK39uYbrvAVXOUPH/s1600/7+Panasia+anchorage.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once anchored, a quick swim was in order then lunch in the
cockpit where we enjoyed crayfish again, cooked on our BBQ this time.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The anchorage is spectacular with enormous limestone cliffs
and small sandy beaches on the Southern side of the anchorage. The locals
had set up an area on the beach for us to enjoy.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufafFgurGt64dwdGRUvbUOIwqoCILwG0SR-KaGadKm8xJ-c61mG9OI362QSCc-1ntdPVldm-HcAKWD136h2Pu7RqdGXdLpdHx63N6ELarUAsLwk6Gv9l0n6ozdbkPyrPXGLs4AkD3b0qt/s1600/8+panasia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjufafFgurGt64dwdGRUvbUOIwqoCILwG0SR-KaGadKm8xJ-c61mG9OI362QSCc-1ntdPVldm-HcAKWD136h2Pu7RqdGXdLpdHx63N6ELarUAsLwk6Gv9l0n6ozdbkPyrPXGLs4AkD3b0qt/s1600/8+panasia.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This island belongs to the Brooker Island people and
normally only has a handful of permanent residents. Because the rally was
calling here over 100 Brooker people had sailed over to do some trading and
enjoy the fun. This put a major strain on the Islands meagre water supplies so
we were all asked to take 20 litres ashore to assist them.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJto6ZCjHoEyMWWEbfxwIB-IJQjSKWfu_TgQJ-rs_AseHFS3gmmTuW8kLcDKnvXzd9-d1m8BUVXv4zaB0z6KfbDzEmt8CQa3ReyARW9fj-mm4Ix5NZM1aCoUN7pmixiNZXBESL5m5pX3n/s1600/9+panasia+North+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJto6ZCjHoEyMWWEbfxwIB-IJQjSKWfu_TgQJ-rs_AseHFS3gmmTuW8kLcDKnvXzd9-d1m8BUVXv4zaB0z6KfbDzEmt8CQa3ReyARW9fj-mm4Ix5NZM1aCoUN7pmixiNZXBESL5m5pX3n/s1600/9+panasia+North+village.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the afternoon we cleared quarantine and customs. One
of the rally yachts had sailed to Misima the day before to pick up Sarah the
quarantine lady and the Customs man John had made his own way over to Panasia
in a longboat over (30) miles of open water. I don’t think this would happen
in Aus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">That evening we all met on shore again to catch up and
discuss the next day’s activities before retiring to Allusive to eat more
crayfish and smoke some fish for later use.<sup><o:p></o:p></sup></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 20<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> September</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx6VN50-LfCsTGUz5NApBraQ_H81WXJlHAmuniu-Qh8PGvFe5L1B62vAtCK4FFwZVb_BOBmQGUb05NUN52uY-_XpWcI59Zb3HO7_MYypAl87hX5ajuXad8lVeqOchPLSZCb2GIBebD5tb/s1600/10+Follow+the+long+boat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpx6VN50-LfCsTGUz5NApBraQ_H81WXJlHAmuniu-Qh8PGvFe5L1B62vAtCK4FFwZVb_BOBmQGUb05NUN52uY-_XpWcI59Zb3HO7_MYypAl87hX5ajuXad8lVeqOchPLSZCb2GIBebD5tb/s1600/10+Follow+the+long+boat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the morning the rally crews took to the dinghys that
would plane and we motored over to little Panasia Island. Those with slow
dinghies were loaded into two longboats powered by 40 horse outboards and the
whole fleet made the three mile crossing in beautifully calm conditions.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To get to the skull cave involved a very hot climb up a
steep rocky limestone track. There were some great views on the way and the
cave itself is a depository for the skulls and of those killed in tribal wars
in the bad old days. Cannibalism was common in old times, but now these people
are very easy going and peaceful.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dE16AB_0AfJu2BTtISykXAQWxNHsnQgxaYLfazK2HRZMBd4pOxayb2DgsGJxc2zYbRT2lJtmYuG6asxxF_PX9-EAHFzjoXDBfTqXEHRNjX_OYsZRwKYsgrOKJ_GMl649iXRK1nsZoqjW/s1600/11+Skull+cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dE16AB_0AfJu2BTtISykXAQWxNHsnQgxaYLfazK2HRZMBd4pOxayb2DgsGJxc2zYbRT2lJtmYuG6asxxF_PX9-EAHFzjoXDBfTqXEHRNjX_OYsZRwKYsgrOKJ_GMl649iXRK1nsZoqjW/s1600/11+Skull+cave.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The afternoon for John was spent assisting one of the rally
yachts “Desire” change their four bladed prop for a fixed 3 blade. The four
bladed had lost a blade on the way over. We managed to make the change underwater
without too much trouble. Thankfully they had a good puller.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rest of the crew went coral snorkelling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The local Traditional Owner (chief) John and his wife Gwen
put on a roast pig for us during the evening and about 60 kids from Brooker
Island put on a sing sing. The Aussie kids also put on a show and the night was
a bit of fun.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWTLCe6tZWLl5irKodmTN1IxPws9r9Y5nX77uv9j0rCPfciKqjqUdumjzgw3Tw2nMrcHsDoEOoWdHQy7ndDCZYkEfBAkr9NAnBGdg3X-Ox7w5xVkPID5Sxwyw7fZ3bnqETUueSkY6sebr/s1600/12+Having+a+chat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWTLCe6tZWLl5irKodmTN1IxPws9r9Y5nX77uv9j0rCPfciKqjqUdumjzgw3Tw2nMrcHsDoEOoWdHQy7ndDCZYkEfBAkr9NAnBGdg3X-Ox7w5xVkPID5Sxwyw7fZ3bnqETUueSkY6sebr/s1600/12+Having+a+chat.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We have been lucky having Andy and Kellie from Quintessa
nearby as their water maker has helped us keep our water stock high. They and
other yachts have also been supplying water to the visiting Brooker Islanders
as the local supplies from a well soak are very limited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 21st</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The village on the other side of Panasia Island had invited
the rally group to visit and have a traditional Mu Mu lunch which involves the
food being cooked in a hole in the ground lined with palm fronds and covered in
hot rocks much like a Maori Hungi.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rally fleet took to the dinghies again as the second
village is two miles away on the Northern side of Panasia and the water is too
shallow inside the reef here to take the rally yachts around. We took the
southern villages’ chief’s two sons as they wanted to visit and join in the
fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we arrived we found the village had decorated the beach
front with palm fronds and the girls and ladies put on a sing sing to greet us.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wG3KXUSJEct675_C7it3SuGpQ1MYJ9EdACtbuOpVXCK7rYulIIhELrtvIhL2SLquDZlpwX3zIN9t9XsBtl2wLn706K0hER_MiXrKykilReSA-3KvOvP3C1Y79Uf_yHQjz2xF7H6_xn4t/s1600/14+South+Panasia+villagrP9210062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2wG3KXUSJEct675_C7it3SuGpQ1MYJ9EdACtbuOpVXCK7rYulIIhELrtvIhL2SLquDZlpwX3zIN9t9XsBtl2wLn706K0hER_MiXrKykilReSA-3KvOvP3C1Y79Uf_yHQjz2xF7H6_xn4t/s1600/14+South+Panasia+villagrP9210062.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The chief was very stiff and upright as he greeted us and
was decked out in his best ceremonial bagi, a decoration made up of tiny red
shells all drilled and strung in a necklace form a couple of metres long. A
series of gifts were exchanged and we were then invited to visit the large
limestone cave formation in the hill behind the village. This involves a climb
up a series of ladders then a slippery decent to the bottom of the cave where
there is a large pool of water perfect for swimming. The top of the cave has
collapsed allowing the light to filter down the 200 feet to the water. This is
a limestone cave with many stalagmites in evidence. It was possible to swim
into adjoining caverns underwater and to climb up onto some natural diving
platforms. This was regarded by most as an “awesome place”, one of the most
spectacular cathedral caves many of us had seen. While we all swam the locals
gathered on the limestone outcrops above to watch the “Dim Dims” as all whites
are known here.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmEUSLUYRhEsDRq3UMsdObAaWr0md6DVJaiLBixGQxjiZZuSZM7YWUy5_w4X_JTU6N7dvEm_r9SSOgWamFftknpqYAe4_w02xE2sPkIFyYunjWH2SGZmRV77zPteUpGOHSHpHddr_Hc6a/s1600/15+the+swimmers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmEUSLUYRhEsDRq3UMsdObAaWr0md6DVJaiLBixGQxjiZZuSZM7YWUy5_w4X_JTU6N7dvEm_r9SSOgWamFftknpqYAe4_w02xE2sPkIFyYunjWH2SGZmRV77zPteUpGOHSHpHddr_Hc6a/s1600/15+the+swimmers.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER7PIqEN5L5BRYXaoJJ4Xq0wL0NvWFw2NMmnrIvkgDkFCaa8hi-jUXfX35cnqEDFmLuUvNwWBxgU2wPyxEPBfGsdQzb70kat-Lu-JVtqI_JFXzgLHLNb3g9AbKexgqnku_glEDLUOKuAh/s1600/16+the+watchers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgER7PIqEN5L5BRYXaoJJ4Xq0wL0NvWFw2NMmnrIvkgDkFCaa8hi-jUXfX35cnqEDFmLuUvNwWBxgU2wPyxEPBfGsdQzb70kat-Lu-JVtqI_JFXzgLHLNb3g9AbKexgqnku_glEDLUOKuAh/s1600/16+the+watchers.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the swim the formal part of the day and the Mu Mu
lunch took place in the village.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">One rally lady was bitten by an insect in a very
embarrassing spot and had to be rush back very SMARTLY to her yacht for some
anti-histamine treatment so missed lunch but recovered quickly.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXjhOdQdNay74iqpmTj35ry0nT91YGTuUOhjPxgH9seUYFD4oiFjUwh7GBpkZLxgXMeFnjf0s3HzsUENdWrIlsLqTAUNuGZuqmg-cw9gTmrda9uUgLj9kYPs5Q6yNkCZrpXWCdZpUfB_A/s1600/17+uncovering+the+Mu+MuP9210084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJXjhOdQdNay74iqpmTj35ry0nT91YGTuUOhjPxgH9seUYFD4oiFjUwh7GBpkZLxgXMeFnjf0s3HzsUENdWrIlsLqTAUNuGZuqmg-cw9gTmrda9uUgLj9kYPs5Q6yNkCZrpXWCdZpUfB_A/s1600/17+uncovering+the+Mu+MuP9210084.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday evening was supposed to be a film night for the
kids but a row developed between the two villages over the division of the
donations the rally had brought to Panasia and it was deemed wise to cancel it
until the argument was settled, which it was by morning.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAailrK-8H6WafZiolSKqWKWrGcqnkvMWtg0rh__TJ4SJTbm05Q6lO9YJSGVH3HBte1MF1FQx5iIXM8QvM3fMi7rFOC09xUsfVCukd-i8yXA9e3xVZihmA80Smive3VwnKCSLomo0jFMnC/s1600/21+Sundowners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAailrK-8H6WafZiolSKqWKWrGcqnkvMWtg0rh__TJ4SJTbm05Q6lO9YJSGVH3HBte1MF1FQx5iIXM8QvM3fMi7rFOC09xUsfVCukd-i8yXA9e3xVZihmA80Smive3VwnKCSLomo0jFMnC/s1600/21+Sundowners.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
sun downers</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAJrZHteDGrUdPDJVGNAgRkeXN4G9ncZyCThGfiqg8GC8tY4TmEQJ8ev3M8sAEEmlc9XikCRgQPNHWP4Bu6quXiDsjfgeqlH8Tmj9-pocnGtCWpvkQVGQ3rjh-mxfN1Vj8cbVsC5GFVOK/s1600/25+more+crayfish%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJAJrZHteDGrUdPDJVGNAgRkeXN4G9ncZyCThGfiqg8GC8tY4TmEQJ8ev3M8sAEEmlc9XikCRgQPNHWP4Bu6quXiDsjfgeqlH8Tmj9-pocnGtCWpvkQVGQ3rjh-mxfN1Vj8cbVsC5GFVOK/s1600/25+more+crayfish%2521.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>yet more crayfish</o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allusive had befriended a Louisiades born lady in Cairns who
had left Brooker Island when she was 19. Now 42 with 4 children Lucy had no
idea if her parents were still alive or any details on her five siblings, and
we had promised to try to find out. We found one brother, Ismael and his wife
and family visiting Panasia from Brooker for the rally fun and managed to get
the names of all of the siblings, their wives or husbands plus kids and
grandkids names! Di and I enjoyed talking with these lovely people and jotting
down the family tree so we can send the details on to Lucy when we return to
Australia. It was wonderful to hear all of the family, including Lucy’s parents
were still living and we were asked if we could provide paper and an envelope
so the family could write to Lucy. The letter was promptly delivered to our
boat by canoe early the next morning along with gifts for Lucy from the family.
They obviously value family bonds very highly.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UfuIe-y4PwAuasK1QuefxLNT5jsr6kKLySOMouFtcZrxGKN9g3LcTWDlvq6hFsfwqxajr8ldvBkQ7wBgBcwKpJAc70wKuLpvTqyof43i2-zEPEY4CeOXJlR0OoUznIbHPYmsfhNwqQwC/s1600/13++some+of+Lucy%2527s+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UfuIe-y4PwAuasK1QuefxLNT5jsr6kKLySOMouFtcZrxGKN9g3LcTWDlvq6hFsfwqxajr8ldvBkQ7wBgBcwKpJAc70wKuLpvTqyof43i2-zEPEY4CeOXJlR0OoUznIbHPYmsfhNwqQwC/s1600/13++some+of+Lucy%2527s+family.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of Lucy's family</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 22<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> September<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Allusive motored 20 miles north to Panapompom in a flat calm
in stifling humidity. We spent the whole trip huddled in the shade of our boom
tent.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The anchor went down in 7 metres of water at 10’ 47”S,
152’23”E in a sheltered lagoon between Panapompom Island and Nivani Island.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had heard a WW11 Japanese Zero fighter plane had crashed
in the bay in shallow water and it was still semi intact.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW1tvRLE0f6vdKBP-7Hj7XuzcxxuUrtO0kRzpHBlBwkMPv44Z6tEhx3m7_5eq80rFsPg_U0n-Z4ZCn2y8WsFstfPoYLE3EOJvZPo03Q9_sTDmgn6j8AIvFzdxXG7HNj7Zo7Dxp5ipg9UM/s1600/19+Checking+out+the+Zero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeW1tvRLE0f6vdKBP-7Hj7XuzcxxuUrtO0kRzpHBlBwkMPv44Z6tEhx3m7_5eq80rFsPg_U0n-Z4ZCn2y8WsFstfPoYLE3EOJvZPo03Q9_sTDmgn6j8AIvFzdxXG7HNj7Zo7Dxp5ipg9UM/s1600/19+Checking+out+the+Zero.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
WW11 Zero</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di John and Ken located it fairly quickly and took photos of
the boys sitting in the cockpit (not for long as we were only snorkelling!)
Remarkably, the engine and propeller are still intact as is most of the
fuselage and the outline of the wings. The cockpit seat and Joystick are also
still in place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 23rd September <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A big day at Nivani Is with swimming, canoe and Sailau races
for locals and the Dim Dims (yachties). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>38
sailaus competing in 3 divisions. Most of the village people came over to
Nivani Island, an old coconut plantation, freehold, uninhabited, and up for
sale if anyone is interested in a bit of private paradise. We all enjoyed the
day . </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPQD5Vs_SJ6apE9vsxYYhWqeykRFd_NiK3jPFYLb8OLqLVOEReC1lW0MnhVZu5NIvBZchXL8J40dQbz9vEm4fSCIKNbeYRXf3z6oE-VK1y1X627xRgbuWXkHV7F-6AOcc2aYhySHlpHPH/s1600/22+panapompom+regatta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPQD5Vs_SJ6apE9vsxYYhWqeykRFd_NiK3jPFYLb8OLqLVOEReC1lW0MnhVZu5NIvBZchXL8J40dQbz9vEm4fSCIKNbeYRXf3z6oE-VK1y1X627xRgbuWXkHV7F-6AOcc2aYhySHlpHPH/s1600/22+panapompom+regatta.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
Panapompom regatta day</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATH7xN5XlNhShpha8d0QtyxnQp_hAtPy_uONHY7YyhyphenhyphenT6mOgkETkCz-82E-3APdnv568LzMMoz1NYCAaI7innSRjZFv1pTSKUYoIiLNdGt8rU6yMuBfvk_TySEFbe9h7vvgUOOCYOlTVV/s1600/23+girls+canoe+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgATH7xN5XlNhShpha8d0QtyxnQp_hAtPy_uONHY7YyhyphenhyphenT6mOgkETkCz-82E-3APdnv568LzMMoz1NYCAaI7innSRjZFv1pTSKUYoIiLNdGt8rU6yMuBfvk_TySEFbe9h7vvgUOOCYOlTVV/s1600/23+girls+canoe+race.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
local girls waiting for the canoe race start</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcmhs5Yar2PCy_KRqH1_dKgya1xSqSVtvcVuB3nfb2Cw395ZHalJGuSE44osd0AJiGOUJYKNsKKcxsdS1ycJGNEjx3o3iY6gTed-K-5EJXqbM7jcDaV7XE2fpmRIHHDtNKTqg_EJzW2vj/s1600/24+Sailau+race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcmhs5Yar2PCy_KRqH1_dKgya1xSqSVtvcVuB3nfb2Cw395ZHalJGuSE44osd0AJiGOUJYKNsKKcxsdS1ycJGNEjx3o3iY6gTed-K-5EJXqbM7jcDaV7XE2fpmRIHHDtNKTqg_EJzW2vj/s1600/24+Sailau+race.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Sailau race at Panapompom</o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Julie, the local pastors wife had organised lunch for everyone
at a cost of 5 Kina ($2.00) per head, as well as taking in washing at 10 K per
bag, all washed at the local well by her daughters. Julie is a very
enterprising lady and acts as agent for many of the other ladies who are too
shy to trade with the Dim Dims.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Julie’s house is lit by solar power but it hadn’t worked for
two years. Ken and John took the charger back to the boat and after a bit of
investigation, found a broken wire which was an easy repair and we made a
friend for life!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 24<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A quiet morning preparing for the big yacht race. All of the
yachts loaded up with extra locals as crew. Some of the big cats had an extra
50 people on board, Allusive managed 19 and a semi-serious race followed to the
other end of the lagoon and back. While the boys and men were busy on deck
sailing Allusive, Di and Wendy were busy below having a clothing fashion show
with the ladies outfitting the babies and girls with donated clothing. This was
a great day followed by a big prize giving ceremony, in the evening, for the
previous day’s races followed by a Mu Mu meal put on by the villagers.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWIua6eEX5dG7SWjBSKGvwwl7igz1QJ27Mknj6TqvBhKOj_qkz6ngBg1cCjP9BGdhDcRwgWiJDnI1ARXXFqGNnS_3Og8ulFbt_UFGC_TPklSbTUReHpEje51zYYAX2cqCOQhptpzjJ6WF/s1600/26+Assembling+the+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeWIua6eEX5dG7SWjBSKGvwwl7igz1QJ27Mknj6TqvBhKOj_qkz6ngBg1cCjP9BGdhDcRwgWiJDnI1ARXXFqGNnS_3Og8ulFbt_UFGC_TPklSbTUReHpEje51zYYAX2cqCOQhptpzjJ6WF/s1600/26+Assembling+the+crew.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Loading the crew for the big race</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYq2u6DtygleZVVFip3J7wrun5VsIyUKlyrFE5LJWCy9N_A1KroNhmKoJaI_fwfORKXl9wW7YqmAcygQJhyphenhyphen55HFsFm91U4vG5PDIjeo_9emei8fYuuFlMwo6Ad-rPy2O5Ye-G6uWy_NO0/s1600/27+big+day+out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYq2u6DtygleZVVFip3J7wrun5VsIyUKlyrFE5LJWCy9N_A1KroNhmKoJaI_fwfORKXl9wW7YqmAcygQJhyphenhyphen55HFsFm91U4vG5PDIjeo_9emei8fYuuFlMwo6Ad-rPy2O5Ye-G6uWy_NO0/s1600/27+big+day+out.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 25<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left the lagoon on our own at 10.00 to head off to
Moturina Island, 30 miles away. This involved passing through the lagoon reef
of Panapompom, then re-entering The Calvados Chain of Islands outer reef at
Pana Sagu Sagu Islet. We motored the whole distance into a light South Easterly
and dropped anchor in 19 metres off the small village at Rima Bay.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHaiLSicPmuUUARYhH1yVeS_CFFhX3G7XYNHsDtzgFfbK14pb9GeaDthLoTQs9UAv8JZhSYlEGZ-UEh19Oz-nJs9H2K7bZVbxsBLwTdx3VRg8lZEDrBfrStGfpUZGNK6StAbKjIoP0yMi/s1600/29+Rima+Bay+village+Moturina+Is.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHaiLSicPmuUUARYhH1yVeS_CFFhX3G7XYNHsDtzgFfbK14pb9GeaDthLoTQs9UAv8JZhSYlEGZ-UEh19Oz-nJs9H2K7bZVbxsBLwTdx3VRg8lZEDrBfrStGfpUZGNK6StAbKjIoP0yMi/s1600/29+Rima+Bay+village+Moturina+Is.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Village at Rima Bay, Moturina Is</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> It wasn’t
long before the steady stream of dugouts made their way out to Allusive wanting
to trade fruit, veges and more crayfish!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By this time we had been eating crayfish every day at least
once a day. We had it boiled, baked, bbqed, Mornay and even in wraps for lunch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
We went ashore soon after and found this to be a very poor village with the 12
families living here doing it fairly tough with little or no water for their
gardens and a very limited diet. Many families throughout the Louisiades have a
government issued solar powered lantern and we were asked to repair these
frequently as we went from village to village. They were mostly simple repairs
and usually successful. Broken knives and machetes were also a repair commonly
requested.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuUqEkecjvxUFvASy3kVRH3Yx299x0KBHTuRYe72GWjqzqXQVjYJIZUBCxlTRGAHSwi31d6wncEBzzOoRSeW7tuSi6C5D3PuLcelmYuWkhBLFtx6ssiAVx30G7yyLBXbWl94bUzlpQZv8/s1600/29+The+new+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuUqEkecjvxUFvASy3kVRH3Yx299x0KBHTuRYe72GWjqzqXQVjYJIZUBCxlTRGAHSwi31d6wncEBzzOoRSeW7tuSi6C5D3PuLcelmYuWkhBLFtx6ssiAVx30G7yyLBXbWl94bUzlpQZv8/s1600/29+The+new+house.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A new house</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnSIsoy69WIZSOD8vdduQRDBTYoPth0OK_uXqhV8YmdBWqFdBAm1-2vY4wYor5vazselF1L8hdnljeF5bDenct0yq9_5RMAi5IZfvKcdb966T0DxoPjvRH1BeQdh-tVRIJTFeukiUcQPz/s1600/P9260103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAnSIsoy69WIZSOD8vdduQRDBTYoPth0OK_uXqhV8YmdBWqFdBAm1-2vY4wYor5vazselF1L8hdnljeF5bDenct0yq9_5RMAi5IZfvKcdb966T0DxoPjvRH1BeQdh-tVRIJTFeukiUcQPz/s1600/P9260103.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7dFiq4Bz9wMSBU-tpbGBp87j2s1gaAZIvsqPwDNxItPkEnUfoWQznDjmtGOHwAMxnijh2s6rh8yFpTou8SJCTU4bZ4_8oaL7-uZYrmk0sKAjgNcHxGR2YsksCc6vbRazCnwbH068ySUs/s1600/P9270005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD7dFiq4Bz9wMSBU-tpbGBp87j2s1gaAZIvsqPwDNxItPkEnUfoWQznDjmtGOHwAMxnijh2s6rh8yFpTou8SJCTU4bZ4_8oaL7-uZYrmk0sKAjgNcHxGR2YsksCc6vbRazCnwbH068ySUs/s1600/P9270005.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pencils handed out to Moturina kids</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di befriended a number of the young mums (mostly pregnant by
16) and the baby clothes and handmade teddy's were a great success. There were a
lot of children in the village but the only toy to be seen was a toy mandolin,
so the few we had were eagerly accepted.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGRxbnFdo0N9pTE5blZBIsJ6WUhX4LPFC9UElz_4F0zSgCCbUdElfVBFzxDfIQQk2KIaadu_x5Z3k3qFWaCsQoAtX8lp5nJBN9PMnFjj3Kctxs-j0McUMhrHyDxQg-HM-upCxYeeLqGS5/s1600/30+dressed+up+to+trade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGRxbnFdo0N9pTE5blZBIsJ6WUhX4LPFC9UElz_4F0zSgCCbUdElfVBFzxDfIQQk2KIaadu_x5Z3k3qFWaCsQoAtX8lp5nJBN9PMnFjj3Kctxs-j0McUMhrHyDxQg-HM-upCxYeeLqGS5/s1600/30+dressed+up+to+trade.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By late afternoon another 5 yachts had turned up so the
traders moved on to them.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 26<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had sailed past the main village on Moturina Is to get to
Rima Bay the day before and we had heard they had a small school and health
outpost located there. Di and John decided to walk over the hill and check it
out as we had some donations for a school and were hoping to find a school that
most of the rally donations missed. The walk was an hour plus each way,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>partly on a very steep track which we later
found out the kids as young as 5 had to traverse every school day , rain or shine!
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The second half of the walk was on a very pleasant shady
track through the village gardens and native vegetation.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2M27w3XIHnos4sCwKx6_xFz5IkZ2cRNtMEZ7kEoXicTerwnbF5bk3nKEn0zYVjX1iYykALOg8Tka4v14xVE2Ft_1y0FJnamm1Ui6Eg7BBxuqQSEKPHtdNA7uU88fTQeiyMIZPmkKLPjp/s1600/P9260089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2M27w3XIHnos4sCwKx6_xFz5IkZ2cRNtMEZ7kEoXicTerwnbF5bk3nKEn0zYVjX1iYykALOg8Tka4v14xVE2Ft_1y0FJnamm1Ui6Eg7BBxuqQSEKPHtdNA7uU88fTQeiyMIZPmkKLPjp/s1600/P9260089.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9rQwP09pJPTlVWhPhAemLEH3_Sd9pD5t7nh94j5ugY8V234WNywBb58XMh1k3k3UkjdauOPrtaF5RuVRAYLUSymbMx6efXvkf1WASNCqW1q4hNPNWVGSJQMfuX5aZlZZzNlsw1PjssBo/s1600/32+Walk+to+main+village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9rQwP09pJPTlVWhPhAemLEH3_Sd9pD5t7nh94j5ugY8V234WNywBb58XMh1k3k3UkjdauOPrtaF5RuVRAYLUSymbMx6efXvkf1WASNCqW1q4hNPNWVGSJQMfuX5aZlZZzNlsw1PjssBo/s1600/32+Walk+to+main+village.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Main village in the corner of the bay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMKqWpD9ePpq_YOkmfv5jMBSlaLQsYJJFZ12Obq4TD9vIbTNQLqaKTc8fOq8qt8__W7sPhBafGn1ZIKqTfSPqTYKYPNa_ACIFB4mVNWuYyrYix1QC1mksCXSYuvAuYS9Lrr0tFcF5q3hR/s1600/33+Moturina+headmaster+and+some+students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We caught up with the local headmaster of the Moturina
Primary school “Mr Christopher” who told us a bit about the school and accepted a
few bits we had carried over.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 27th<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The next day we took Allusive around to their bay and
unloaded all of the school books, pencils, soccer tops and gardening tools etc
that we had on board. We were given a full school tour this time. The
kindergarten has its own vegie garden and is separate from the intermediate
school. The intermediate school goes up to grade 8. The large oval is used by
the school and locals as a soccer ground and all of the kids play so the soccer
tops were very well accepted. “The kids feet won’t touch the ground when they
get to wear them” remarked Christopher<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMKqWpD9ePpq_YOkmfv5jMBSlaLQsYJJFZ12Obq4TD9vIbTNQLqaKTc8fOq8qt8__W7sPhBafGn1ZIKqTfSPqTYKYPNa_ACIFB4mVNWuYyrYix1QC1mksCXSYuvAuYS9Lrr0tFcF5q3hR/s1600/33+Moturina+headmaster+and+some+students.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMKqWpD9ePpq_YOkmfv5jMBSlaLQsYJJFZ12Obq4TD9vIbTNQLqaKTc8fOq8qt8__W7sPhBafGn1ZIKqTfSPqTYKYPNa_ACIFB4mVNWuYyrYix1QC1mksCXSYuvAuYS9Lrr0tFcF5q3hR/s1600/33+Moturina+headmaster+and+some+students.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mr Christopher with some of the students and some donations</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHi8KeYmc7AzjxrXjfpGtP_UIagCQjtzKGyLwOJ4EYuoDiJROzgjrTuCDrNozSp79x9zaqaTS0hdhxIGPuIwnHcE7LmgUJKF9yFb14qolHICUs0GbbMk215cv3Rhm7Zp-wYhny3JeUs32I/s1600/P9270028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHi8KeYmc7AzjxrXjfpGtP_UIagCQjtzKGyLwOJ4EYuoDiJROzgjrTuCDrNozSp79x9zaqaTS0hdhxIGPuIwnHcE7LmgUJKF9yFb14qolHICUs0GbbMk215cv3Rhm7Zp-wYhny3JeUs32I/s1600/P9270028.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Moturina classroom<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqUdYw6SKChA25jab7z48xB8tdpeUWVW_DraDG_lvDci5WFnGpZ2zkVdpoO6Xgf_0UsGgAFSyPCYCkADfpp3_akwIo57uW4j0glZc2kMzr-NmhjM1aWPtTvbEWpL9-YtRuofBESvum9C-/s1600/P9270035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgqUdYw6SKChA25jab7z48xB8tdpeUWVW_DraDG_lvDci5WFnGpZ2zkVdpoO6Xgf_0UsGgAFSyPCYCkADfpp3_akwIo57uW4j0glZc2kMzr-NmhjM1aWPtTvbEWpL9-YtRuofBESvum9C-/s1600/P9270035.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
SOC soccer top </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The school is supported by the PNG government and the
Uniting Church, has 189 pupils, 20 who board (the kids cook for themselves or a
parent moves in to do the cooking). There are 6 teachers who receive 150 Kina
($75.00) per week. The classrooms are basic with open air walls, but there are
desks and Mr Christopher appears to run a well organised school without power and
very limited resources. Each term he makes the 100 mile trip to Alotou (by open
boat) to scrounge what he can in teaching resources. We would like to send this
school some more resources and clothing and hope to follow this up on our
return. It is hard to recruit teachers at present as the LNG company is
offering better money if they leave the profession and work as clerks.
Sometimes development hurts the local communities</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTXeyZvR2dwPSuQRzs3NNJJB2R8DzNhlL3iIbiQoYb4cl95qzeAEpftyMUVKmDEvFgMtd8HxdJxujVrA0YrO9yW87VV71HRZYnYf9_CFCeKiOITU4dITrIrMu3xmVeQ068pUVROFSt91z/s1600/31+four+years+in+the+making.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTXeyZvR2dwPSuQRzs3NNJJB2R8DzNhlL3iIbiQoYb4cl95qzeAEpftyMUVKmDEvFgMtd8HxdJxujVrA0YrO9yW87VV71HRZYnYf9_CFCeKiOITU4dITrIrMu3xmVeQ068pUVROFSt91z/s1600/31+four+years+in+the+making.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Villagers building a community vessel ...4 years so far.</o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left the bay at lunch time and motored the 10 miles
directly into the wind to Bagaman Island. We spent the night just past Bagaman
in a small bay off Baboaina Island where we bought some nice carvings and
traded yet more crayfish for some rice and sugar. Repaired another light<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 28<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We re-joined the rally in the early morning at the Bagaman
anchorage and the rally fleet motored in the dingy'</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">s to the next bay where the
main village was to a formal greeting by the local councillor and singing and
dancing by the local children who attend the Bagaman elementary School.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8DiYtrEWag7nVfIOiovuYBI4ZuLcrEIN7LrsRHCbGuK7MnJaRBhQNjONtmGtTvSrMGmmKDLpuSRTGmn6pVmBx6SdYV6pzmHOhTA-JeNkSQkxy8gBcCOcNytautgQ9TR7dpI27M4kbGyo/s1600/34+Bagaman+Muster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8DiYtrEWag7nVfIOiovuYBI4ZuLcrEIN7LrsRHCbGuK7MnJaRBhQNjONtmGtTvSrMGmmKDLpuSRTGmn6pVmBx6SdYV6pzmHOhTA-JeNkSQkxy8gBcCOcNytautgQ9TR7dpI27M4kbGyo/s1600/34+Bagaman+Muster.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rally fleet waiting to arrive at Bagaman en mass</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEn-hNojxqFherPwl4mXTV9-MDYPLIFfypk8mdq3r_Vzqz5RMdxUNuehvw8-6G0frxdS4_a-iDp0At3ypgWaasjf0mFlN1KFGMXx15kUSu7_lv-QRsdpT6PlrXaOXFzaFtQ2VIKFxJvWR/s1600/35+The+motley+crew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEn-hNojxqFherPwl4mXTV9-MDYPLIFfypk8mdq3r_Vzqz5RMdxUNuehvw8-6G0frxdS4_a-iDp0At3ypgWaasjf0mFlN1KFGMXx15kUSu7_lv-QRsdpT6PlrXaOXFzaFtQ2VIKFxJvWR/s1600/35+The+motley+crew.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allusive's motley crew</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRgPP90_L2coI1uKCoe7fATYQW4DLnKRCcv3TjUfDUaoGtPSyWyk6ewLpryn0ks3ca9E4dnMdyHNnZmZKE9ivIOWDLDLiYzjmXBomCDHvOVtiP8BEgSBwGjJXhJOS9HMXkffuoU1jzLIy/s1600/36+Bagaman+festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is a much more prosperous village with some European
style buildings and a satellite dish.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rally supports this small school of 29 students because
the village had the foresight to welcome Guy Chester when the earlier rallies
were being set up. Some of the other villages are becoming disenchanted by the
rally, not sure what’s happened behind the scenes but it appears the rally is
not welcome at Hoba Bay on the next island this year although we can visit as
individual boats. Perhaps Bagaman is seen to get the best and there is some
jealousy between the communities? We do know that Moturina was invited to
participate when the rally was originally set up and did not show any
enthusiasm so the rally goes to those villages that were keen to be involved.
They are now wanting to be on the official rally route.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway the day at Bagaman was enjoyable with the dancing,
singing and market that sells intricate and ornate wooden carvings all
decorated with mother of pearl inlay. This island specialises in wooden
carvings and they do it well.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRgPP90_L2coI1uKCoe7fATYQW4DLnKRCcv3TjUfDUaoGtPSyWyk6ewLpryn0ks3ca9E4dnMdyHNnZmZKE9ivIOWDLDLiYzjmXBomCDHvOVtiP8BEgSBwGjJXhJOS9HMXkffuoU1jzLIy/s1600/36+Bagaman+festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgRgPP90_L2coI1uKCoe7fATYQW4DLnKRCcv3TjUfDUaoGtPSyWyk6ewLpryn0ks3ca9E4dnMdyHNnZmZKE9ivIOWDLDLiYzjmXBomCDHvOVtiP8BEgSBwGjJXhJOS9HMXkffuoU1jzLIy/s1600/36+Bagaman+festival.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There was a bit of cultural cringe when a couple of the
local men dressed up as warriors danced into the arena carrying a live pig tied
upside down to a pole strung between their shoulders. This was later despatched
with a lump of timber to the head and butchered on the beach not far from our
lunch spot. It would not be a good place to be a dog here, as by our standards,
they were treated very roughly while we were there, and had to scrounge
anything at all edible, including the pigs intestines.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another Mu Mu was served for lunch. Then we all returned to
the boat to trade with the locals who didn’t take part in the market as they
didn’t want to pay commission to the village school on any sales they made.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQf1a4xJZIZhxToC8imWJanslT_9fprN9XeZY45BcVSjpuButA6AtF_ona5S6w41wsCQLf_f5YOU8MzMEaLFxoBls8y3yi9oGWN1aVyconTYaoLHREJWZiSqF2xZpZPPWvgXtrjWUPEjYt/s1600/28+lets+trade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQf1a4xJZIZhxToC8imWJanslT_9fprN9XeZY45BcVSjpuButA6AtF_ona5S6w41wsCQLf_f5YOU8MzMEaLFxoBls8y3yi9oGWN1aVyconTYaoLHREJWZiSqF2xZpZPPWvgXtrjWUPEjYt/s1600/28+lets+trade.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A pleasant sun downer evening followed on Smart Choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 29<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The fleet moved to the Blue lagoon for a day of R & R
away from the villages. A BBQ on the beach, white rum punch and tug of war with
the “leaner” hull crews defeating the catamaran crews made for an enjoyable
afternoon. We spent the night here and it proved to be quite rolly when the
tide was in and covering the anchorage reef.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZtO34M4-Bl5vk29VbXA3myh-bvOQgI1yccyjv6KZUDOY4drliDgOj37TRNZ0dSLgBUGEty6dBl-FEW7ZcBfvjqlu_4e_wgFwK97g5p9yq9Qb9kF06FU-Nzrvd5KL3o6-77eqcUbo6TEh/s1600/37+Blue+Lagoon+beach+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSZtO34M4-Bl5vk29VbXA3myh-bvOQgI1yccyjv6KZUDOY4drliDgOj37TRNZ0dSLgBUGEty6dBl-FEW7ZcBfvjqlu_4e_wgFwK97g5p9yq9Qb9kF06FU-Nzrvd5KL3o6-77eqcUbo6TEh/s1600/37+Blue+Lagoon+beach+party.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>The Andy imposter</o:p></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 30<span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After some heavy negotiations with the local village
councillor who wanted to charge an anchorage fee of K50.00 per boat, the rally
decided not to go to the village at Hoba Bay as it would set a precedent if we
started paying for anchoring rights which traditionally were free. The
villagers were all prepared for us to do the Pem Pewa (basket exchange of
goodies). In the end they convinced the councillor to back down. The fleet then
moved to Hoba Bay and we went ashore for a great afternoon of cultural dancing,
and watching the people doing their cultural handicrafts, fire lighting,
weaving and Bagi making (shell necklaces.) Bernard George, one of the elders
was great to talk to and demonstrated a fascinating hand drill used for
drilling the holes in the shells for stringing.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the Pem Pewa exchange each village lady swapped a basket
of local produce and handicrafts that they had prepared beforehand with a
yachty who had put together a basket of handy bits and pieces they could spare
from their ships stores or equipment.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKnNrwwlO75GcA_2uTt-PjUlSf_QDSoDKy_vi-xbiuRgwkvyNmYJFbhndU7fgjSVYrZYul1BILLUK7g7Z58IQIJjiEe43GN4Weeu5Nu1As9LPbRCJolPkOf1HhsWYSWAvaCWbA0ahDMsY/s1600/38+Hoba+Bay+Pem+Pewa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKnNrwwlO75GcA_2uTt-PjUlSf_QDSoDKy_vi-xbiuRgwkvyNmYJFbhndU7fgjSVYrZYul1BILLUK7g7Z58IQIJjiEe43GN4Weeu5Nu1As9LPbRCJolPkOf1HhsWYSWAvaCWbA0ahDMsY/s1600/38+Hoba+Bay+Pem+Pewa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hoba Bay village Pem Pewa exchange</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVTAtGML0huXxOJTfuj6uQ4ndbKQlY9JUCJXlbuEUqrE-gtsJCwtndCyGWWx1CjSeti9CTp6TNdYo33igv5tqkAYrbPyKyys_MaKNgDHgU-TPOEiQB_P1dR1KAohpo65mnr2LKoQ8HCYO/s1600/39+Pem+Pewa+Lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVTAtGML0huXxOJTfuj6uQ4ndbKQlY9JUCJXlbuEUqrE-gtsJCwtndCyGWWx1CjSeti9CTp6TNdYo33igv5tqkAYrbPyKyys_MaKNgDHgU-TPOEiQB_P1dR1KAohpo65mnr2LKoQ8HCYO/s1600/39+Pem+Pewa+Lady.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dim Dim Di</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di scored a handmade model sailau but only after elbowing a
couple of big yachties out of the way. They both claimed later that they had
bruised ribs! This village also has a very small primary school but very
limited resources. A couple of solar cells were in evidence to power some
light. The rally also handed over 6 large bags of school supplies and small
solar lights for distribution amongst some of the families without any form of
night lighting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
W<span style="font-family: Calibri;">e returned to the boat and hosted the Salacia crew to
sun downers, sitting in the cockpit, peppered by the occasional warm shower of
rain.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Later in the night we had a tropical downpour, (the first
since we arrived) and managed to collect 100 litres of lovely fresh water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 1<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> October.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">As visibility is not great for coral spotting we decided to
stay put for the day in Hoba Bay. We need a rest day and some time to do some
washing etc. Some boats moved off to explore other anchorages.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di and John did some snorkelling amongst the coral bombies
and took some good photos of the bright reds, yellows and blues in the
different corals. Later we went trolling for fish in the dinghy but without
success.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacT0LvQ9kaO-ik2GPCBAn-gydquEuePJZPDQgKLbZC9GhPyM0esjtLbLMDD4fUdUDR_8tL4HGoF6Q96l_MriKu0iXcsY1djN1-_bjqJJR0yUKQ0rKQHoqQ4A3bI5E-yCCO6LEdznwbasa/s1600/PA020011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacT0LvQ9kaO-ik2GPCBAn-gydquEuePJZPDQgKLbZC9GhPyM0esjtLbLMDD4fUdUDR_8tL4HGoF6Q96l_MriKu0iXcsY1djN1-_bjqJJR0yUKQ0rKQHoqQ4A3bI5E-yCCO6LEdznwbasa/s1600/PA020011.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Repairs<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Many of the rally fleet are experiencing the need for
repairs with some as follows<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Defective generators at least 4 (8 by the end of the trip including ours), mainly electronic control
panels with diode failure. Lots of sat phone calls to try to order replacement
parts<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 propeller failures, 1 blade fell off and 1 rope bind
causing seal leaks<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 harmonic balancer failure<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 prodder failure<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1 bow roller failure<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Outboard motor failure<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">3 Water makers giving up the ghost (most repaired)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2 anchor winch failure (repaired) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Another day at Hoba Bay due mainly to help Yantara
whose engine had broken down. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After helping the Yantara to hand pull his anchor (80
metres chain in 30 metres depth) we “donated” Ken to assist them sail to Bugoiya
harbour on Misima Island some 30 miles away. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The local school teacher, Inosi,
hitched a ride with us as he needed to put in supplies for the next school term.
On the way over we discovered we had done the Pem Pewa exchange with his wife
and daughter and Inosi had made the sailau model Di had received. When asked how he
was going to get back to Hoba Bay he thought he might be able to hitch a ride
on a sailau. In 2008 he was sailing back to Hoba Bay with all of his supplies
when it was capsized by some big waves. He lost all of his supplies and all of
his school papers, but they managed to right the sailau and reached home empty
handed. A very big setback as he had no rice, sugar or flour. He has a family
of 6 children ranging from 13 year old twins down to a 10 month old.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsz16-LlnCfViopvUUhrRUhjFdPA3HSWi5DJ61U7HC-GOo7WgAqowj2Kln9Di1cW4Nw6DwPbWnLr9kIwyVtY6hBo5HC17wnNsFoP-QQk7nXfT8tfGdOAqAkX-CoAlSV9CRqCjTv3XhPq8/s1600/40+Heading+for+Misima.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsz16-LlnCfViopvUUhrRUhjFdPA3HSWi5DJ61U7HC-GOo7WgAqowj2Kln9Di1cW4Nw6DwPbWnLr9kIwyVtY6hBo5HC17wnNsFoP-QQk7nXfT8tfGdOAqAkX-CoAlSV9CRqCjTv3XhPq8/s1600/40+Heading+for+Misima.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Inosi the teacher from Hoba Bay Is hitches a ride on Allusive</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We arrived at Bugoia at about 1.30 after a very pleasant 5
hour sail. John was very sunburnt that night not realising how much sun there
must have been even though we had been trying to sit in shade all of the way
over because of the heat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We installed 4 12 volt fans before leaving Cairns and they are on
whenever we are below. The temperature inside is 30 degrees minimum with very
high humidity and it makes sleeping below very difficult in some cabins as the
airflow is negligible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ken sleeps on
deck most nights although John and Di sleep under the forward hatch with some
breeze. We call Ken the night watchman and he is supposed to keep the crocs
from boarding. (Haven’t seen any but there are always rumours)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bugoiya Harbour is the main township for Misima Island and
there was a goldmine here until 2008.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkR4PBpb38U387MeXJlqd1OL1kfZHO4lu2FcoFOSFFEpNJcrbTDmMW7gC6U1HAWvny0i2vBOPEadLcucC48-oFfrR_LolWmHWLJi7Z-lfB3g2jylItzGnJl8lpA1BLsCTTFPVdHdp07PN/s1600/42+Misima+waterfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRkR4PBpb38U387MeXJlqd1OL1kfZHO4lu2FcoFOSFFEpNJcrbTDmMW7gC6U1HAWvny0i2vBOPEadLcucC48-oFfrR_LolWmHWLJi7Z-lfB3g2jylItzGnJl8lpA1BLsCTTFPVdHdp07PN/s1600/42+Misima+waterfront.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12YtNnoHIKK1xxG8vcr7XnO5njvawY275Nvfkw1pGNfNU0RauDiUUyhWAQbDINzB4wB-IDUkLN36B-8Uv7yS8DFOaUoFg8w6mIv49JJMK0o-vYv5QS5WffeyRLV5SHoj0H8luVZBFr2AJ/s1600/43+Misima+harbour+raft+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj12YtNnoHIKK1xxG8vcr7XnO5njvawY275Nvfkw1pGNfNU0RauDiUUyhWAQbDINzB4wB-IDUkLN36B-8Uv7yS8DFOaUoFg8w6mIv49JJMK0o-vYv5QS5WffeyRLV5SHoj0H8luVZBFr2AJ/s1600/43+Misima+harbour+raft+up.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rally fleet rafted up in the small harbour of Bugoiya at Misima<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3YFT8KyPrZe2RoiIy08qIISE0djDNhMGp9VcsUvN4Rx2kdn1cnSnB-xCnyp-9QUQ9H66fFRyZw59rnDUtm9zO7_8OwW-X6Pa5YT_9J76n6zOVTPhT0iitIOVlMxgc7Une5HKzkMwxB3F/s1600/41+Misima+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3YFT8KyPrZe2RoiIy08qIISE0djDNhMGp9VcsUvN4Rx2kdn1cnSnB-xCnyp-9QUQ9H66fFRyZw59rnDUtm9zO7_8OwW-X6Pa5YT_9J76n6zOVTPhT0iitIOVlMxgc7Une5HKzkMwxB3F/s1600/41+Misima+market.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Misima market </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is a small airstrip and 3 flights a week are the only
contact the Louisiades has with the outside world. The township has a limited
number of small stores with very basic supplies for the surrounding islands, a
bakery and a guest house and that’s about it. There is also a school and police
outpost plus a health centre with two nurses, but no doctor. Any bad injuries
or illnesses have to be transferred by boat to Alatou on the mainland as no one
can afford to fly. There is no free medical transfer so usually you get better
in your village or die.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">CROCS DAY<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The plan was to refuel the yachts as we had pre ordered fuel
for most of the fleet before leaving Cairns. This involved pumping diesel and
petrol from 44 gal drums into a 5 litre measure then transferring it to 20
jerry cans to carry back to the boats. Quintessa, the power cat needed 1500
litres but carried a 12 volt transfer pump, so it was a bit easier but still took
about 4 hours to refuel.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The fleet was “entertained” by a 8 ft croc who lazed around
amongst the boats during the refuelling operation. The rubber duckies didn’t
hang around to long as we passed him as we ferried fuel out to the boats. The local
kids stood on the wharf throwing rocks at him but he didn’t seem too perturbed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the Evening Ken did a talk at the guest house on his
round the world trip which was well received by the rally yachties present.
This was followed by a meal (more crayfish!) and a few drinks<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOJiB9gxc_m2qrHb8yt84XATmvy7wFjZtkWCSx2qbthKGrAx1wOKrxOHk63ehpsvIgsK6moDW3U5wwfmAFtiqPQtJKPnwc2u-diQ8PD2hZiXpvLB6wkh20yvHD4cKk6KZ7f1bD4kGbddz/s1600/PA040067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOJiB9gxc_m2qrHb8yt84XATmvy7wFjZtkWCSx2qbthKGrAx1wOKrxOHk63ehpsvIgsK6moDW3U5wwfmAFtiqPQtJKPnwc2u-diQ8PD2hZiXpvLB6wkh20yvHD4cKk6KZ7f1bD4kGbddz/s1600/PA040067.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 5<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>CROOKS DAY<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A radio call went out at 6.30 that there were guys wandering
about the waterfront with rifles. It wasn’t long after that gunfire was heard
and we all stayed below wondering what was happening.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We watched as a group of people were herded onto a longboat
and it then raced towards the harbour entrance with the hostages on board. A
man in a canoe had tried to prevent them leaving by towing a rope across the
harbour blocking the entrance and the longboat hit this at speed, stalling the
outboard. They managed to clear it and after restarting their outboard
continued to make their exit. This happened alongside Quintessa and Sanctuary
whose crews were flat on the floor hoping the rascals wouldn’t decide to
transfer to a bigger boat!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Needless to say the entire fleet had witnessed this and were
very rattled by the events.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We found out shortly after that 6 “rascals” as bad guys are
known, invaded the home of a local shop keeper and took him, his wife and 2
children plus two house girls captive. They drove to his shop and forced him to
open the safe. A 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> house girl had escaped and ran to the police
outpost to raise the alarm. The first lot of shooting was two rascals keeping
the police pinned down in the station and the other shots were to scare the
locals in town away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They took 4 large bags of money down to the wharf and forced
the hostages into the longboat. During the loading, with shots being fired,
they could only carry two bags on board and had left 2 bags of cash on the shop
verandah. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two brave locals ducked out of
hiding and ran up the street with the bags and tossed them into the police
compound while another mob of locals threw rocks at the rascals!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately no one
was hurt.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After leaving the harbour with another longboat and a
trading vessel in pursuit the rascals tossed the women and children overboard
close to the shore. They were rescued soon after and returned to the harbour on
the trading boat. The shopkeeper was later dropped off on Panapompom Island and
made it home the next day with some concussion from a rifle butt blow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We decided, after some long consideration to stay on in
Misima and take part in the festival the local ladies group had organised, as
it had been in the planning stages for months, but we all wanted to be back on
board before dark!<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_zsiCcDAccRyiAc_KTAeBOXctVCuSxX-B7k1xqK1xB7831JIqx4zZeyesij1rEiOtup6byUfpjYMT04r0Es8K2jFRfqhBy-4pQa23nqMDAGEu3PKw1rLW_AAe7JYXDJ6qmph-BGvt_rh/s1600/42+Miss+Misima+cultural+competion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_zsiCcDAccRyiAc_KTAeBOXctVCuSxX-B7k1xqK1xB7831JIqx4zZeyesij1rEiOtup6byUfpjYMT04r0Es8K2jFRfqhBy-4pQa23nqMDAGEu3PKw1rLW_AAe7JYXDJ6qmph-BGvt_rh/s1600/42+Miss+Misima+cultural+competion.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Miss Misima contestants</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2ku83GkNHsh-EpqgwY5we44KoD7xOrPy7rOamPleWNR-FFRPJdVzMYUSGqRlPUYCwtb3Vslg6Su0A3GG5ogR673i9xtPAb6FS2otA2vBVcKHRs8_21_5zL9DrWdyN3DiB_0b3fh5pQ06/s1600/44+Misima+pem+Pewa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2ku83GkNHsh-EpqgwY5we44KoD7xOrPy7rOamPleWNR-FFRPJdVzMYUSGqRlPUYCwtb3Vslg6Su0A3GG5ogR673i9xtPAb6FS2otA2vBVcKHRs8_21_5zL9DrWdyN3DiB_0b3fh5pQ06/s1600/44+Misima+pem+Pewa.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Another Pem Pewa</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The day turned out to be very enjoyable with some of the
rally ladies asked to judge 30 girls in traditional dress, followed by another
Pem Pewa exchange.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The rally people later had a fun auction at the guest house
followed by an early dinner and retreat to the boats.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 6th October<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By now we had all relaxed a bit after yesterday’s excitement
and half the fleet hired a truck with seats in the back to do an island tour.
We visited a number of villages and small schools during the drive and had a
lot of fun with many of the locals we met. The robbery was the first in
Misima’s recent history and was the talk of the island with many locals
apologising, as it was totally out of character for these lovely people to have
this happen to them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OPsNcS17P2-Z3E7hVTNb_EtHImd3lkUVhEkJG-xIc4xqybSX80tt5i8En_WG5WQISwN8xvQH8M0XoJ5cyV0OxyG4ZVdTaOfvJUn-8rT8W132FDudF7w7mtbE-i3INpFuE2zVP3T9q5_l/s1600/45+Misima+truck+tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OPsNcS17P2-Z3E7hVTNb_EtHImd3lkUVhEkJG-xIc4xqybSX80tt5i8En_WG5WQISwN8xvQH8M0XoJ5cyV0OxyG4ZVdTaOfvJUn-8rT8W132FDudF7w7mtbE-i3INpFuE2zVP3T9q5_l/s1600/45+Misima+truck+tour.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WB07Pz2kwpn8OOKa2jn0-kzUNP54DaOf2P4luiGEULsm2hMVsAH68YWeN6YFRzzFSIoes0xM2IdIp3kJpq-nFhxrWS7Rq4B6zu2H3z_EYBy6f_siNuEmHp1vzW6pqj4I6kourME__aVa/s1600/PA060101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6WB07Pz2kwpn8OOKa2jn0-kzUNP54DaOf2P4luiGEULsm2hMVsAH68YWeN6YFRzzFSIoes0xM2IdIp3kJpq-nFhxrWS7Rq4B6zu2H3z_EYBy6f_siNuEmHp1vzW6pqj4I6kourME__aVa/s1600/PA060101.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During our stay on Misima we had some very heavy rain and we
filled our tanks with the run off on the decks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 7<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left Misima at 9.00 and sailed the 17 miles across to
Kamital, a collection of small islands whose traditional owner is “Jimmy” who lives here with his family of 19 people. Jimmy
has built a little “Yacht Club” building to try to attract yachties to stop by.
He also carves yacht name plates for a small fee and there is quite a
collection on the club walls as well as a book exchange where yachties leave
their old novels. The Kamital lagoon has a reasonably tight entrance between
bommies and the beach is a lee shore so we weren’t too comfortable in this reef
anchorage. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuspj12Kni-6aOJ90LfQfleAYbpvLfZm5r-4tLzl-UAGurQ54c3HkC15aA5DZQPKd3-gNWAVW8ptKRlmwn8cjrXk1v79Ro_GL7Tet4yhHIiTsl0dE1D5tm9dodNyQHSgNg_4mk_oxnc2wc/s1600/PA070001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuspj12Kni-6aOJ90LfQfleAYbpvLfZm5r-4tLzl-UAGurQ54c3HkC15aA5DZQPKd3-gNWAVW8ptKRlmwn8cjrXk1v79Ro_GL7Tet4yhHIiTsl0dE1D5tm9dodNyQHSgNg_4mk_oxnc2wc/s1600/PA070001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG1_OZWvQAu52uZ9sQ9Y4S7mCfA0XnS08ZgRCGy5fWP47HXtkEaKU_Du7JpQKdxFw-Jl24NclNbxrEoBjIG6nWPAs4EzM-9Ob8Ok0ukTqCRWyIB937k5RBE3FKvuRCkNO-Fv2gA4G8gca/s1600/PA070005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixG1_OZWvQAu52uZ9sQ9Y4S7mCfA0XnS08ZgRCGy5fWP47HXtkEaKU_Du7JpQKdxFw-Jl24NclNbxrEoBjIG6nWPAs4EzM-9Ob8Ok0ukTqCRWyIB937k5RBE3FKvuRCkNO-Fv2gA4G8gca/s1600/PA070005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A9DmGcLKFohI2mbaV3D5lXA0p1-0GZpTMtoNm58e15qqbLUuFdUejz-Z7XBzMgWbQJCMkkbes37bO81DRM2KvZoLnNUkgR6uxJ0utV-WFdQoX4y0oicdK9TUM8oPNuGLH4mwqhMUSN_j/s1600/PA080010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3A9DmGcLKFohI2mbaV3D5lXA0p1-0GZpTMtoNm58e15qqbLUuFdUejz-Z7XBzMgWbQJCMkkbes37bO81DRM2KvZoLnNUkgR6uxJ0utV-WFdQoX4y0oicdK9TUM8oPNuGLH4mwqhMUSN_j/s1600/PA080010.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl0RYC9M8dGwN8xRN94NDXpJ66iWKDuCHjcr8q0awzoPS5UGt-TI6xVi-6ow7hwCXidO0pEofA1Hw6KvW-mgu4zFv1QY7aLt4XUPEuuispOwlCoW8RSw4BWbbD3nxU_pxvk9SPhm2tlEu/s1600/PA080015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl0RYC9M8dGwN8xRN94NDXpJ66iWKDuCHjcr8q0awzoPS5UGt-TI6xVi-6ow7hwCXidO0pEofA1Hw6KvW-mgu4zFv1QY7aLt4XUPEuuispOwlCoW8RSw4BWbbD3nxU_pxvk9SPhm2tlEu/s1600/PA080015.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX7Niz6gzwL7KkOdXE6xZfFWxjrCoX881gtbX5F8WCrpCGOSv2iJAUFurZskDo9S5OwB48qlIAbh0YPPjZGl22VDDhAOuJIQEZAaaObBI6SbOEjex2yJcolzN9ie96zVutDQ8Lc0gx4Vs/s1600/PA080018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOX7Niz6gzwL7KkOdXE6xZfFWxjrCoX881gtbX5F8WCrpCGOSv2iJAUFurZskDo9S5OwB48qlIAbh0YPPjZGl22VDDhAOuJIQEZAaaObBI6SbOEjex2yJcolzN9ie96zVutDQ8Lc0gx4Vs/s1600/PA080018.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 8<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We planned to leave early but Jimmy wanted a hand installing
some solar lighting another yachty had given him. In the end we didn’t leave
until after 11.00 and head winds and rain changed our plan of moving to Sabara
Island. We ended up in Robinsons Anchorage on Kuwanak Island where we found 5
other rally yachts relaxing. Some of the 4 foot Spanish mackerel we caught on
the way into the anchorage was added to the meal for 16 people that night on
board Quintessa for a Mystery Murder dinner.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwd6kwI39Hg8QgVUI-y4ydb8COjIbjc27AxgJgh1M_qzRG0n0tOOe4wAALqgiKWGPuhACSQxHm6jIy3haL6_ZnGvWqriTglYJh4Kxn4MS5tXJvmNaHqZsrJr4titUdUthbATsKU7-yqDo/s1600/PA080026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYwd6kwI39Hg8QgVUI-y4ydb8COjIbjc27AxgJgh1M_qzRG0n0tOOe4wAALqgiKWGPuhACSQxHm6jIy3haL6_ZnGvWqriTglYJh4Kxn4MS5tXJvmNaHqZsrJr4titUdUthbATsKU7-yqDo/s1600/PA080026.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCLcF9wK07oO_k2-9UhIgcnrDNKq1vpeXCQosX4tMQ10iMRfSSABkEvM7HGYH-zCiBcC9n8aHLdHPic2CkURDuARUqBByKywW9GcWCmx_xZ2FnN2ctnmyjJva5TzfjccveKpCeS_m-Rga/s1600/PA080027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCLcF9wK07oO_k2-9UhIgcnrDNKq1vpeXCQosX4tMQ10iMRfSSABkEvM7HGYH-zCiBcC9n8aHLdHPic2CkURDuARUqBByKywW9GcWCmx_xZ2FnN2ctnmyjJva5TzfjccveKpCeS_m-Rga/s1600/PA080027.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yysVJy5Lz9ayQF-2f2ylelXMkRMe8aXnz5QPP9dtLL7sXQW_n1NYxEE_yQe_9alb7Rfa4xB3v4isIMRoVpgHX01-xgrGTKeDwyPA98ZH9GtisckTJ_ZFAk3RKemEzn8qDzLW3xPuMw0t/s1600/PA080039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yysVJy5Lz9ayQF-2f2ylelXMkRMe8aXnz5QPP9dtLL7sXQW_n1NYxEE_yQe_9alb7Rfa4xB3v4isIMRoVpgHX01-xgrGTKeDwyPA98ZH9GtisckTJ_ZFAk3RKemEzn8qDzLW3xPuMw0t/s1600/PA080039.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 9<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our little group of 5 boats split up again with some going
to join the main fleet at Sabara Island.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We decided to check out some of the local anchorages and
ended up moving only a short distance to Panawina Island where we were made
welcome at Bomalou village by Robert Nelson, the head man and local magistrate.
This is a poor village of only 400 people and for the first time we saw signs
of malnutrition amongst the toddlers.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhx4P5QCPHXjFxC9MWL0K2pLUeZ07LuZEQxqhnImSaI8O2GN1gZ-hkJKpoCzAQnpj-v0C7fwXZ5nQFiqlMjU4Qd1Z9skcF5stZkOgpiyIvdL3EzHe9NOWg2O1d_99Fi2qUv7L2uVAc93o/s1600/PA090055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhx4P5QCPHXjFxC9MWL0K2pLUeZ07LuZEQxqhnImSaI8O2GN1gZ-hkJKpoCzAQnpj-v0C7fwXZ5nQFiqlMjU4Qd1Z9skcF5stZkOgpiyIvdL3EzHe9NOWg2O1d_99Fi2qUv7L2uVAc93o/s1600/PA090055.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The two school rooms</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY14M3XnIWp2hO7hJ9ej5uHIFVdniBvFX1HQEb2ijiejenBh3ZHPxSlfGO7mpuw5u6zjP1Vb6T5dQEeAT_ikGaMspfaBfooFSlS7nBDwLSz8EP6vbDkL7Wi3A8JGk4PLE_ZJt8x16ZcaWH/s1600/PA090059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY14M3XnIWp2hO7hJ9ej5uHIFVdniBvFX1HQEb2ijiejenBh3ZHPxSlfGO7mpuw5u6zjP1Vb6T5dQEeAT_ikGaMspfaBfooFSlS7nBDwLSz8EP6vbDkL7Wi3A8JGk4PLE_ZJt8x16ZcaWH/s1600/PA090059.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
students love balloons!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We went to the local elementary school of 2 huts where the 29 students are looked after by a local woman Maree. She has had 6 weeks teacher training per year over 3 years at the Misima School. For all that the school room seemed to be well run and we were happy to leave a ream of photocopy paper, pencils, and pens, scissors etc. for her use.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRf4a7lg2lwKMEi-YctoxpD7Zgz41p3fgZ7gPRK4OzLDKAp7_Yd-NNqdL3cIZyVYsGyuHKF4rMBQ2TwTlr6B92btSyR1XlHCfdvLmu8gBylSlWqKLmECFWtqaTjK3Z-k7gEydN_nSMlhWI/s1600/PA090063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRf4a7lg2lwKMEi-YctoxpD7Zgz41p3fgZ7gPRK4OzLDKAp7_Yd-NNqdL3cIZyVYsGyuHKF4rMBQ2TwTlr6B92btSyR1XlHCfdvLmu8gBylSlWqKLmECFWtqaTjK3Z-k7gEydN_nSMlhWI/s1600/PA090063.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pana Wina village</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1pVcgdRfk80my6plsF87RRzBuGWJ7Ud0QyKzQNc_0XcA46G6VK9aC2_rrX9TLM5Ajv1B-w8I6H3DfEkzZjwO3cY6uWCqwDMkMSHzPimFKpQS5qUHWpbeJ-thlv8wuTdYJJjungmysX1O/s1600/PA090066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1pVcgdRfk80my6plsF87RRzBuGWJ7Ud0QyKzQNc_0XcA46G6VK9aC2_rrX9TLM5Ajv1B-w8I6H3DfEkzZjwO3cY6uWCqwDMkMSHzPimFKpQS5qUHWpbeJ-thlv8wuTdYJJjungmysX1O/s1600/PA090066.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Robert Nelson showed us his house and Bagi making. He was
using the tip of an old 3 sided file as a drill bit and it took ages to drill
each shell. I gave him an old set of drill bits I had on board and his eyes
nearly popped he was so excited to get them. This village is off the beaten
track and we were only the 3<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">rd</span></sup> yacht to visit this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We later anchored at nearby Gigila Island for the night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Thursday 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Most of the day was taken up motor sailing into a stiff SE
to Nimoa Island.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0ABMJUj4mVUACe3Ge2ubbwawlwqdL3oIc20SW9Wt87VFr20Xw_ZKHo5M3OZywauOzmpSKP8B2PooihMyxtwAs8_iq79XXj2FWCPftr8rWs2dC5_l58lTtF7Wie1fXsagtUnxHZLsEMK5/s1600/PA100005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv0ABMJUj4mVUACe3Ge2ubbwawlwqdL3oIc20SW9Wt87VFr20Xw_ZKHo5M3OZywauOzmpSKP8B2PooihMyxtwAs8_iq79XXj2FWCPftr8rWs2dC5_l58lTtF7Wie1fXsagtUnxHZLsEMK5/s1600/PA100005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Large sailau big enough to carry passengers and cargo</o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Friday 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A trip up the Fiori River on Sudest Island had been
organised by Guy and about 50 of us made the 20 nm round trip from Nimoa by hired local
longboats powered by 40 hp outboards.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhZXqZx9qdPUFXPsLtKZm4aUUqqWRz8uHBqz2MtXOSxU_oH7YsDbk6fhj_ZwJNeeLCy8Mwy5eddOOpRIwDXMBkb4y1Jyp757FFP4ydLKUeN_bdzh8nRpqT6Bq2Lms_6Ry41KQz-OhVxK7/s1600/PA110001+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhZXqZx9qdPUFXPsLtKZm4aUUqqWRz8uHBqz2MtXOSxU_oH7YsDbk6fhj_ZwJNeeLCy8Mwy5eddOOpRIwDXMBkb4y1Jyp757FFP4ydLKUeN_bdzh8nRpqT6Bq2Lms_6Ry41KQz-OhVxK7/s1600/PA110001+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The local boat skippers go everywhere at one speed: flat-out;
and the trip over was extremely bumpy and wet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However the trip up the river to the waterfall was worth it. There is a
village on the river above the waterfall and pretty soon they had all walked
down to spend an hour or two with us and to do a bit of trading.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsazQNSPzpw6B6Du6V3pfqaTNKUiqYo_CEJLinLR7bgtKMmcnOKn3ma5ij5-CVKGdPlco1dOTMVXpwlBZY1y0DhzmJV0h-dNvIGLBF7tE9OtqO8eYYmU7ZpVQp6bdsPIJt1LqyUtj9X0K/s1600/PA110004+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsazQNSPzpw6B6Du6V3pfqaTNKUiqYo_CEJLinLR7bgtKMmcnOKn3ma5ij5-CVKGdPlco1dOTMVXpwlBZY1y0DhzmJV0h-dNvIGLBF7tE9OtqO8eYYmU7ZpVQp6bdsPIJt1LqyUtj9X0K/s1600/PA110004+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XhSffvl4rGheGnYoteqm3cNkO6WE5Ha56KBRJXV_kbx6RYQzKa9tmRvNQf2MRyENAthmPU3z25D6gdyHUWTtQUg9U-9FKh4A9QsSKMOaHis3w0MrS7GljI35r5nW3jJ0d29qWoIBZhos/s1600/PA110009+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9XhSffvl4rGheGnYoteqm3cNkO6WE5Ha56KBRJXV_kbx6RYQzKa9tmRvNQf2MRyENAthmPU3z25D6gdyHUWTtQUg9U-9FKh4A9QsSKMOaHis3w0MrS7GljI35r5nW3jJ0d29qWoIBZhos/s1600/PA110009+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On the way back 3 longboats stopped at Griffin Point primary
school located in a village with great views from Sudest Is to Rossel Island
and Snake Passage. Here we dropped of some donations to the small medical
clinic and some goods for the school. Griffin Point includes the Fiori River
area and has a population of just over 1000 people and this clinic looks after
their minor medical needs.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYaOc004tIJOl-NUhqnuFbbGI9GLp0tWaZBEYRMGLS-lQP_IzpxEEQs6qtnsXejnK42_2zN4jtWCDDPjhqxwWVfBahdvoeWc92dzflkv8rfT-L6yCBT4DZAU2s8lHYwkCfo1hZmzns1tJ/s1600/PA110037+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaYaOc004tIJOl-NUhqnuFbbGI9GLp0tWaZBEYRMGLS-lQP_IzpxEEQs6qtnsXejnK42_2zN4jtWCDDPjhqxwWVfBahdvoeWc92dzflkv8rfT-L6yCBT4DZAU2s8lHYwkCfo1hZmzns1tJ/s1600/PA110037+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytJUgFnsE9zhiI8Tw3hUhGEfE1ykHSWzA_NuyB6z1CAKsihbBuqRw5avvEzJt3-tTlNs9opJu6iF0Ph0hWo6tLK2GA3AOpgcM6NdDNL1U0d9VwMiyATdApg76swzoCgsTLSMGibi-MzE7/s1600/PA110028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjytJUgFnsE9zhiI8Tw3hUhGEfE1ykHSWzA_NuyB6z1CAKsihbBuqRw5avvEzJt3-tTlNs9opJu6iF0Ph0hWo6tLK2GA3AOpgcM6NdDNL1U0d9VwMiyATdApg76swzoCgsTLSMGibi-MzE7/s1600/PA110028.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of the other longboats went to a snorkelling spot, but
ran out of fuel on their return journey. They were able to communicate their
dilemma by hand held VHF and more fuel was sent out. Their “reserve” fuel that
had been put on board before the trip started has mysteriously disappeared.
Such is the way these people operate with little concern for minor matters as safety!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Saturday 12<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The main purpose of the rally to come to Nimoa Island is to
support the Nimoa Clinic which looks after the medical needs of 12,000 people in
the Rossel and Sudest areas. The main role of the clinic is as a maternity
hospital and about 120 babies are born here each year with a surprising low
mortality rate.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIPk6HbTxf_rOEvDfWvCtwICgZFY9zqiHSU-m74yDSmsl4ui0aOphSWSqseHQ4CdYMwsnZsGYbvBpCymgtKiwUNLYGB0XYE9kAyDDV3NeyMUhm-mYiHmZ14-GA1PsOoqakSmPbg11VSWY/s1600/PA120014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIPk6HbTxf_rOEvDfWvCtwICgZFY9zqiHSU-m74yDSmsl4ui0aOphSWSqseHQ4CdYMwsnZsGYbvBpCymgtKiwUNLYGB0XYE9kAyDDV3NeyMUhm-mYiHmZ14-GA1PsOoqakSmPbg11VSWY/s1600/PA120014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0iBMWiARBxrhhQ19urK8XXRdRaj63edglhPCgPL4-900RAUylYJVeo-vCs9Vs7iiNJOZ70gujQLIjLQgy-kIv_FxJVEMJH5yQ19zrhMU_MsOJrJnGFhoghtjefXl5G90t4xutaRvrqML/s1600/PA120017+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0iBMWiARBxrhhQ19urK8XXRdRaj63edglhPCgPL4-900RAUylYJVeo-vCs9Vs7iiNJOZ70gujQLIjLQgy-kIv_FxJVEMJH5yQ19zrhMU_MsOJrJnGFhoghtjefXl5G90t4xutaRvrqML/s1600/PA120017+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsBPDO6ZR3q_crd6BaUk2harLcK9csdXAt-Z_Bd6EE0m84vDr2i5QwobPQhXSBfwDhXdT5SJP_zLOn7S96MHe4tUxjOgRiYu90zALWMasjZv3MJX6xi7pjtkULV3AbYX8P4D9ALAMBVaj/s1600/PA120020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGsBPDO6ZR3q_crd6BaUk2harLcK9csdXAt-Z_Bd6EE0m84vDr2i5QwobPQhXSBfwDhXdT5SJP_zLOn7S96MHe4tUxjOgRiYu90zALWMasjZv3MJX6xi7pjtkULV3AbYX8P4D9ALAMBVaj/s1600/PA120020.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sister Sara is an indigenous nurse who has a staff of 6 and
they have an old committee boat donated by RPAYC which they use as an ambulance
and for clinic visits to the villages on the surrounding islands. All of the staff are paid by the PNG
Govt but running expenses and medical supplies rely heavily on donations from
outside. This is where the Rally is so important as we left a large donation of
cash and goods with Sister Sarah.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyF7sKozH6XshFp6L5qv04eDT5thhrFc3-wcMHItvO90noSiKHudjraOuRoUrQqM1FuGODLMnmTkGvBroocnYt7060OS1f3yB8A_nThnV_ajrx2-WPdJVwdqTpVzJTUG3utdlyNU5EA2K/s1600/PA120026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKyF7sKozH6XshFp6L5qv04eDT5thhrFc3-wcMHItvO90noSiKHudjraOuRoUrQqM1FuGODLMnmTkGvBroocnYt7060OS1f3yB8A_nThnV_ajrx2-WPdJVwdqTpVzJTUG3utdlyNU5EA2K/s1600/PA120026.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
Emergency room</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFZIL1RpTZ6rAYpNA6Q4Vyz3M2gLnl34bVM2FWZphIWW-2x__QJs_pj_5QmY6Bs8Na6F7jvbcokErdluD-EaCXP5zq_ZpsmIqr_YYHhDRtreBSDek1HnBfttcG8Lh_es3WmOdZe4GQc1b/s1600/PA120028+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAFZIL1RpTZ6rAYpNA6Q4Vyz3M2gLnl34bVM2FWZphIWW-2x__QJs_pj_5QmY6Bs8Na6F7jvbcokErdluD-EaCXP5zq_ZpsmIqr_YYHhDRtreBSDek1HnBfttcG8Lh_es3WmOdZe4GQc1b/s1600/PA120028+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
General ward</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf73bB-HazGjkIRejHbxTnvcc5Mw8e50IevgpTk5P5qLuB1WZFOY3u5lm2P9aLkbZPFra4Q_SOq9_OOVJJABnd-fNSlow3Ip2Zu3c40Ek6F4Dnew-akB_JLL5joDshnNuoaRiIgPmj1KT/s1600/PA120030+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIf73bB-HazGjkIRejHbxTnvcc5Mw8e50IevgpTk5P5qLuB1WZFOY3u5lm2P9aLkbZPFra4Q_SOq9_OOVJJABnd-fNSlow3Ip2Zu3c40Ek6F4Dnew-akB_JLL5joDshnNuoaRiIgPmj1KT/s1600/PA120030+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
Clinic day</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SHPetiINlJWG56VO2diTU4MHDZqflXyKABLTIJTGzIXOgA6Bp3w_jRHgCZMgLzoHgNhUSXyz1eWx6inidW-hjSvr3Q6_F3LXsu0uHgKMU1ZDmSdQfBAWhxeCqyVl2ePh-EpCthCY-MEu/s1600/PA120032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SHPetiINlJWG56VO2diTU4MHDZqflXyKABLTIJTGzIXOgA6Bp3w_jRHgCZMgLzoHgNhUSXyz1eWx6inidW-hjSvr3Q6_F3LXsu0uHgKMU1ZDmSdQfBAWhxeCqyVl2ePh-EpCthCY-MEu/s1600/PA120032.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa83hIHnsN1Vo2hKKr3Z6eVVZ8_QjLkX4iig74ZhyRVFiS_rVkzfB9KnDMPntHuqBHeK-y_yNdgqz7j8gdt9t-54XP5reg-QjZ0XDIVO-jk4V3RS7JwPA9uy5QMtm6W8lj6MA19ETE2LE/s1600/PA120035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDa83hIHnsN1Vo2hKKr3Z6eVVZ8_QjLkX4iig74ZhyRVFiS_rVkzfB9KnDMPntHuqBHeK-y_yNdgqz7j8gdt9t-54XP5reg-QjZ0XDIVO-jk4V3RS7JwPA9uy5QMtm6W8lj6MA19ETE2LE/s1600/PA120035.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
Newborn with mum and Di</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpSSqa5htMLF7yV-e8gxJnYiLBIPSD6LVPzr_ngVanf6ct_B6gU5w7XKeWL6zt3oj3gdJ0cReXe0YSSMlso2gl9xL4KyUYdYRK6dMXULR_JRf8zAQnyWyfrP3_LpuamieopCSXlFRY_1J/s1600/PA120036+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpSSqa5htMLF7yV-e8gxJnYiLBIPSD6LVPzr_ngVanf6ct_B6gU5w7XKeWL6zt3oj3gdJ0cReXe0YSSMlso2gl9xL4KyUYdYRK6dMXULR_JRf8zAQnyWyfrP3_LpuamieopCSXlFRY_1J/s1600/PA120036+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
New mum with baby (under red sheet) waiting for transport home.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
This may be weeks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeaiDDCJ4D9XiQxWLXAYCM9hE2Sgtvt0Ig216rcbDoeSVmtZD9TaJCfQuOtuiq_hRf1MbXAUzEoM8_ftKzjwVtPLJvs2qsF-9_0RtLDQiX90ouL_FO2MO4Gt-K_XjMCMxB8_wDsRCKqML/s1600/PA120042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeaiDDCJ4D9XiQxWLXAYCM9hE2Sgtvt0Ig216rcbDoeSVmtZD9TaJCfQuOtuiq_hRf1MbXAUzEoM8_ftKzjwVtPLJvs2qsF-9_0RtLDQiX90ouL_FO2MO4Gt-K_XjMCMxB8_wDsRCKqML/s1600/PA120042.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
Soccer match against the local kids</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mGC3LbtLtHmwxhSc5ta9HL1k6FpvANLrMD7d9Shi5pODfj2wULNOvSjHexEkmMCh9LYPBSWtrq6o5egv7b_MySOyCVq0Ds8GjgSgreqKhztZJlFPsr-wQsN-3ZcAjREZ2bjjzuQ8eG9i/s1600/PA120045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7mGC3LbtLtHmwxhSc5ta9HL1k6FpvANLrMD7d9Shi5pODfj2wULNOvSjHexEkmMCh9LYPBSWtrq6o5egv7b_MySOyCVq0Ds8GjgSgreqKhztZJlFPsr-wQsN-3ZcAjREZ2bjjzuQ8eG9i/s1600/PA120045.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Everyone had stories to tell</o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The visit finished with a luncheon then a soccer match
between the local boys and the yachties, and a netball match against the girls.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaVwIr2TNeC-t0pXfwU6np60656W44JcjsMcQaNO_qE8eeCLXlb2ehktFsIijNynummyt1yWtAZj4OxsY1iTBuH19WOwSDdcDf4WOW5vTDyNlM2om2-hfYjp5Gb1gsMkkEww38_iOJzEy/s1600/PA120001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaVwIr2TNeC-t0pXfwU6np60656W44JcjsMcQaNO_qE8eeCLXlb2ehktFsIijNynummyt1yWtAZj4OxsY1iTBuH19WOwSDdcDf4WOW5vTDyNlM2om2-hfYjp5Gb1gsMkkEww38_iOJzEy/s1600/PA120001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Nimoa Ambulance boat supplied by RPAYC</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This vessel was originally the PRO boat at the RPAYC in Pittwater NSW. It was donated by the club and is now used by the clinic nurses to make regular calls to the surrounding islands and to transfer emergency cases to Misima. The fuel and maintenance is supplied each year from rally funds.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sunday 13<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fleet anchored at
Wanim Island for the final Rally get together. Most of the crews got into the
spirit of things and dressed up as pirates before copious amounts of rum punch
were consumed at the BBQ on the beach. This was a great night which ended up
(as often did happen) on Quintessa until the wee small hours.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGEqj13CHr-XvvxdHgnMXoveUS6mMMn1wwxDs-p_CyOribIAzpnQVuKBLmthKuNsatvMpL4bS2Mt7LmzhJZQPbzfn3sK98jWxccwwOESr-c3mkQkxl0razLVoln-TXn6VQWLkJyDFB7nq/s1600/PA130004+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGEqj13CHr-XvvxdHgnMXoveUS6mMMn1wwxDs-p_CyOribIAzpnQVuKBLmthKuNsatvMpL4bS2Mt7LmzhJZQPbzfn3sK98jWxccwwOESr-c3mkQkxl0razLVoln-TXn6VQWLkJyDFB7nq/s1600/PA130004+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ken the navigator? or Dr Livingston I presume!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi885HUPBPhDFfAj91BZt3zwkBZXf7AQr9jJUPHlj45RwMWx-15_TR-ej4VLY5cICLxnXg5r3M85_R3c7-jPCrMDhcKEa7IgxkWpbG1NHi0VNCbhPEAw-QXIX0NSpde7w7Fu5trVfNRpxQW/s1600/PA130007+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi885HUPBPhDFfAj91BZt3zwkBZXf7AQr9jJUPHlj45RwMWx-15_TR-ej4VLY5cICLxnXg5r3M85_R3c7-jPCrMDhcKEa7IgxkWpbG1NHi0VNCbhPEAw-QXIX0NSpde7w7Fu5trVfNRpxQW/s1600/PA130007+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A dirty old pirate takes a hostage</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOILedG2w5tj2rTBTWcGfgNpSKc5x65Z57_ZgjjpvATPgGiHdLQDG54WPPXAcGE0CVQbSiFnGCeFMHrDzTfOKk1fN45JyLSyx0rdzMURp7mWaWMSyPEueIBISACQs6188C1aFGfb6r8pqB/s1600/PA130017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOILedG2w5tj2rTBTWcGfgNpSKc5x65Z57_ZgjjpvATPgGiHdLQDG54WPPXAcGE0CVQbSiFnGCeFMHrDzTfOKk1fN45JyLSyx0rdzMURp7mWaWMSyPEueIBISACQs6188C1aFGfb6r8pqB/s1600/PA130017.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE1mXi0SbMUa5rIUXZSlbTGuTGFBHFO9D7V6WVhoMwda4OI0SuGHSYo5NsbVJxkjRB20runpMD-xj7-xis5YntML4bn9SIe_BgirPqB8hS7I0wwhejqQuhhakGViEjZeWEblCrlhvOtni/s1600/PA130027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBE1mXi0SbMUa5rIUXZSlbTGuTGFBHFO9D7V6WVhoMwda4OI0SuGHSYo5NsbVJxkjRB20runpMD-xj7-xis5YntML4bn9SIe_BgirPqB8hS7I0wwhejqQuhhakGViEjZeWEblCrlhvOtni/s1600/PA130027.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Salacia's crew makes an entrance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUlAPOnn5U-H9xk9eX-G1UppsuzOSMEQ_jbVG38dsEc4sgeZnIIbhvI5RI5lbqCnQXTBTpPYd8S2o3RP95Ky-te1V3YKU0a8oKt-HV0U9YciwZzsfBNazqjmGQrgYcW6DeuP05lsIqLHZ/s1600/PA130036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUlAPOnn5U-H9xk9eX-G1UppsuzOSMEQ_jbVG38dsEc4sgeZnIIbhvI5RI5lbqCnQXTBTpPYd8S2o3RP95Ky-te1V3YKU0a8oKt-HV0U9YciwZzsfBNazqjmGQrgYcW6DeuP05lsIqLHZ/s1600/PA130036.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p>Another perfect sunset in another perfect anchorage</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 14<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> October</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We left the anchorage early as we had promised to return to Bomalou village on Pana Wina Island. As this was our last stop we had collected a lot of remaining donations from the other yachts for supply to Robert Nelson and his people. Included was a heap of primary school uniforms donated by the catamaran Glide. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Di and I had a very full dinghy and most of the villagers turned up to greet us and help carry the bags ashore. Rather than give the goods all to Robert for him to share out we made a point of talking to the people and giving out what they mostly needed. Rope and fishing gear to the fishermen with long ropes going to the sailau crews and short ropes to the canoe paddlers. Some of the little naked kids received clothes for the first time in their lives.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwhp0PnEAsp6k4WkxjEt8kBSOhL91uOeqgwSWTKNGX_cdmITRUGM1VUcpoFzSN42ljU5f0NPzbBbTp0ajbWlc2jegzdG57OaRElUulYpMgW1OOP2hv9LuooZQ03FDDSO9O9W_iHTf2Nh1/s1600/PA140001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwhp0PnEAsp6k4WkxjEt8kBSOhL91uOeqgwSWTKNGX_cdmITRUGM1VUcpoFzSN42ljU5f0NPzbBbTp0ajbWlc2jegzdG57OaRElUulYpMgW1OOP2hv9LuooZQ03FDDSO9O9W_iHTf2Nh1/s1600/PA140001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
Di outfitting the ladies</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-WrWumn1vlaiun5zjEMmtUzSOh5qBPC5YfbBMhRdgRZmCfQiReND_j-vzXQbBsnPgS_Z7U6H0J73QbxquAWC_cH2rxvJFfanP-3VBWmgIv4QSYEtRwSEXySEwIA4m05e5psV_fvCk0ei/s1600/PA140003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-WrWumn1vlaiun5zjEMmtUzSOh5qBPC5YfbBMhRdgRZmCfQiReND_j-vzXQbBsnPgS_Z7U6H0J73QbxquAWC_cH2rxvJFfanP-3VBWmgIv4QSYEtRwSEXySEwIA4m05e5psV_fvCk0ei/s1600/PA140003.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
A hat and a T shirt for a lad who needed a pickup</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU948BkMIw_qTJv4wzRQFCO9Y5bHXGB4rhvKhSowaZyELNYFnnjVvJIf1QDhkavSMs_CC8r1DJKXsp6fYtGmu8yTT_Ei4DdajtNyc2jmAbWl00-5r1j2SknvyLYufNX_xHyw0xYAA3XcpF/s1600/PA140009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU948BkMIw_qTJv4wzRQFCO9Y5bHXGB4rhvKhSowaZyELNYFnnjVvJIf1QDhkavSMs_CC8r1DJKXsp6fYtGmu8yTT_Ei4DdajtNyc2jmAbWl00-5r1j2SknvyLYufNX_xHyw0xYAA3XcpF/s1600/PA140009.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
Dividing up the ropes</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL99hF0-gCg8qB5Z7onXWL5wpZmcV3EEuomA92uFtM8_00ze2XUt9aM5QNYpVNSsBxF_5VWWJls6HTTmkEfgEQ0xpKbU6idqmelEo0-6Snu48hu3aXXaFW4nvtqFDu8WWHXGyX2oOSKRsW/s1600/PA140012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL99hF0-gCg8qB5Z7onXWL5wpZmcV3EEuomA92uFtM8_00ze2XUt9aM5QNYpVNSsBxF_5VWWJls6HTTmkEfgEQ0xpKbU6idqmelEo0-6Snu48hu3aXXaFW4nvtqFDu8WWHXGyX2oOSKRsW/s1600/PA140012.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
The first school uniforms ever </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaM9n61PREbpBbDdEGgtDJwh95bAr93gvtRigvD5foSMiVcrnWgC4LF4BhLJ5glGMiCWnnG0AS4qIsZcRr6cnQkQ7Qzka2u24sV6s999Qizg0OF7VRRFEYpjzHPpfaYRRJLXCxgIISIFs/s1600/PA140014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaM9n61PREbpBbDdEGgtDJwh95bAr93gvtRigvD5foSMiVcrnWgC4LF4BhLJ5glGMiCWnnG0AS4qIsZcRr6cnQkQ7Qzka2u24sV6s999Qizg0OF7VRRFEYpjzHPpfaYRRJLXCxgIISIFs/s1600/PA140014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtJpfcdSLDa535th2YXwg4wEwjyd1LqbkFNazE6VSgroruUJXsVmjPcyLltGNt1uJ1goValOK1rTze2ffHrLhuFG9hIw-UvZhU_nMnylQJrwBjyE-sKBSKYOtN0n-BEmQKfOwkisgk1Yk/s1600/PA140017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtJpfcdSLDa535th2YXwg4wEwjyd1LqbkFNazE6VSgroruUJXsVmjPcyLltGNt1uJ1goValOK1rTze2ffHrLhuFG9hIw-UvZhU_nMnylQJrwBjyE-sKBSKYOtN0n-BEmQKfOwkisgk1Yk/s1600/PA140017.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
His first set of clothes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO3d8ylw3acf5cN5nWuFtVlljj02FuTLk9iUNZQXi_-ndgA02zrOlI7WtJRVufoqXE9UW2daZaMoxsqiQnBpznB5Qn1WlLpnNafWQyvAzegAh3pvx3AHab_0Z2oJWuPD373d2wn7HVB7b/s1600/PA140020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZO3d8ylw3acf5cN5nWuFtVlljj02FuTLk9iUNZQXi_-ndgA02zrOlI7WtJRVufoqXE9UW2daZaMoxsqiQnBpznB5Qn1WlLpnNafWQyvAzegAh3pvx3AHab_0Z2oJWuPD373d2wn7HVB7b/s1600/PA140020.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> The Two Johns</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After 2 hours we managed to get away and rejoin Allusive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our trip home then began with a long motor across the lagoon in
little wind to the Duchateau Islands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We had a choice of 3 destinations, Cairns, Townsville, or
McKay. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Cairns is an easy sail on a reach but is a long way north
for us Tassie people. Townsville is also fairly easy and McKay needs an ESE to
be a comfortable ride. We opted for McKay as did three other boats as an ESE
was forecast. We managed to sail 10 miles to the East of the required course
during the first 24 hours but then the wind moved further south and
strengthened to over 20 knots with us having more than 400 miles still to go.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsAb34cIb0yE_Sg-vhuqPX-Z5doMF3oCl9nK_LWxVi9J0guf74xSyYmLQQ-wtRclm0GWLtVVektK_Ii9yz_glaWeR6SM64akmOUG27FofbpSk5Lh4uiBbq2W4vfgZPUX82R_9k1Nrjt6n/s1600/PA150025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsAb34cIb0yE_Sg-vhuqPX-Z5doMF3oCl9nK_LWxVi9J0guf74xSyYmLQQ-wtRclm0GWLtVVektK_Ii9yz_glaWeR6SM64akmOUG27FofbpSk5Lh4uiBbq2W4vfgZPUX82R_9k1Nrjt6n/s1600/PA150025.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ_WphIPzvCiMyF3BKipxkn6blPTja-5Topk9SfeW1YAP-qnUZWsq_cLgI3xYWE09_loB5M60tJ1I6-G4_iZu09tKAze3fZsCXAud2dMOPvx8RM_NwUxz5R3pGXLtw1TQaOyZAbgx8qdp/s1600/PA160038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQ_WphIPzvCiMyF3BKipxkn6blPTja-5Topk9SfeW1YAP-qnUZWsq_cLgI3xYWE09_loB5M60tJ1I6-G4_iZu09tKAze3fZsCXAud2dMOPvx8RM_NwUxz5R3pGXLtw1TQaOyZAbgx8qdp/s1600/PA160038.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It was an easy decision to ease the sheets and set a new
course for Townsville. During Tuesday night the wind stayed in at about 25
knots and we reduced sail to the second reef and no 4 headsail. A wet and fast
night followed with speeds of 9 to 10 knots being constantly achieved.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">By 10am Wednesday the wind was down to 20 knots and we were
sailing through the passage between Willis Island and Magdelaine Cays with the
other two boats who intended to sail to McKay not far behind. The route sailed
was not the shortest to Townsville and from our last anchorage at Wanim Island
to Townsville was about 650 nautical miles but we did it in 3 days 12 hours with an average speed of 7.75 knots</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The breeze slowly lightened and we ended up motor sailing
the last part through Palm passage to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island. We
dropped anchor at 10pm on Thursday night and motored into the Townsville Motor
Yacht Club Friday morning to clear customs. After a couple of days tidying up
we have decided to leave Allusive here for a few weeks while we fly home to
tidy up after the floods and to reconnect with family and friends.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-2703281937951784302013-09-10T22:31:00.001+10:002013-09-10T22:31:37.043+10:00Whitsundays to CairnsAfter the racing things got back to normal.<br />
We picked up our new crew Andrew Poynter and girlfriend Emma from Hammo on the last day then a brisk sail back to Airlie to drop off the Hardman's and to pick up Mac and Tillie.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMGvhdm_nmGO9dlbq4uua_JhsCuIZzAoutaTDhtVruCXQphKiSAX21EPXjaUiVY2ZLg8xeJyM4FQaARnR0ZvkwcdqL2E31Z9D0cI1-_4Zn2rPmot4It4JQL60llwXGCQRt-7YON9I6irT/s1600/P8250026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMGvhdm_nmGO9dlbq4uua_JhsCuIZzAoutaTDhtVruCXQphKiSAX21EPXjaUiVY2ZLg8xeJyM4FQaARnR0ZvkwcdqL2E31Z9D0cI1-_4Zn2rPmot4It4JQL60llwXGCQRt-7YON9I6irT/s1600/P8250026.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Andy on the helm</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgz3So-NFr-bsrbOXZGw3hoLGB4rB8HScI9DAHBrx1335OacheqWNxs12Re2eYmVE9xJIjX6XLuM2BTvG0UaeCGuhmt65o_u33Q8fqM3_GwESAiMb7PWU6WOGsL4iwJ960XEmN3iQHExb/s1600/P8280056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQgz3So-NFr-bsrbOXZGw3hoLGB4rB8HScI9DAHBrx1335OacheqWNxs12Re2eYmVE9xJIjX6XLuM2BTvG0UaeCGuhmt65o_u33Q8fqM3_GwESAiMb7PWU6WOGsL4iwJ960XEmN3iQHExb/s1600/P8280056.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Andy and Emma</div>
<br />
Alan and Carol have now resumed their caravan holiday and are working their way South.<br />
After another reprovisioning and a nights stay at Abel Point we did a 3 day run to Townsville with 2 nights at Bona beach on Gloucester Island, where Andy did a quick bush bash to the top of the Island: (there are no tracks!) and us less hardy souls enjoyed the lovely beach and caught up with some other cruisers. Emma wasn't feeling very well and as the days wore on she did not improve. <br />
The third night was behind Cape Upstart and then onto Townsville where Andy and Emma were forced to cut short their holiday to seek some medical attention in Melbourne. However I am sure we will enjoy their company again on some later cruise.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypU2uSMdzqV_jWufcNwi4lisNAiK4zuOWv8MebP7gmXP7f-DFBQt3KiyuAOzQWE1YPtHF0V7ZsnJDRT05URKW1Z-GFpGHbBxhUOxOfcT81oz783H0DpFTmbFYXqlFrVz9l8BAb-BgO8Uc/s1600/P8280037+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhypU2uSMdzqV_jWufcNwi4lisNAiK4zuOWv8MebP7gmXP7f-DFBQt3KiyuAOzQWE1YPtHF0V7ZsnJDRT05URKW1Z-GFpGHbBxhUOxOfcT81oz783H0DpFTmbFYXqlFrVz9l8BAb-BgO8Uc/s1600/P8280037+-+Copy.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sundown watchers on Gloucester Is</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEts5M-4SruIPpwsrSIVmP6ryb055V4AhjwRV7fPMJ7SJho1YVNxVAtdgUHHVCZqgt1qI0oVY2uichyphenhyphenoGiJBzlKvL1-YiUdKQo-gm98xCPYkB_7EmtJVAngrX6ZmJW6Ms-kqEfyipATV9B/s1600/P8280059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEts5M-4SruIPpwsrSIVmP6ryb055V4AhjwRV7fPMJ7SJho1YVNxVAtdgUHHVCZqgt1qI0oVY2uichyphenhyphenoGiJBzlKvL1-YiUdKQo-gm98xCPYkB_7EmtJVAngrX6ZmJW6Ms-kqEfyipATV9B/s1600/P8280059.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Andy and Mac catching garfish with a torch and a bucket</div>
<br />
A strong high pressure system was developing over the mainland at this time and the trade winds picked up to a strong wind level (25 to 33 Knots) and stayed with us for the next week.<br />
After Townsville we sailed the short distance to Horseshoe Bay on Magnetic Island and spent 4 nights in the shelter of the bay. Our good friends Alan and Lynnie McLean have a property here and also keep "Svanica" in the bay for much of the year when they aren't cruising the reef areas or travelling further afield. It was great catching up with them and sharing a few stories and meals.<br />
As we had to be at Yorky's Knob by Saturday to start the Louisiades Rally preparations we decided to cover the 160 mile run up to Cairns in a 3 day run . <br />
The first day felt like we were running the gauntlet as our course took us past Rattlesnake island which the air force was using for target practice that day, and a 5 mile exclusion zone was in force. Another small island close by had a shooting party ashore exterminating vermin and had a 1 mile small arms fire exclusion zone around it! safely past, we sailed up through the Palm Island Group which has an Aboriginal settlement on the main Island, Great Palm Island. The other islands in the Palm Group include Curacos, Fantome (once a leper colony) and Orpheus which now has a very exclusive resort and a research Station.<br />
We chose to spend the night in Little Pioneer Bay at the northern end of Orpheus as we were experiencing some strong squalls and heavy rain showers. <br />
A roley, windy night followed and the poor dogs missed out on their night time beach walk as it was too windy to launch the dingy.<br />
<br />
Thursday the 5th was a bit lighter in the wind department as we set off and the waves were more comfortable. We left the third reef in for comfort and we were still trucking along at 8 to 9 knots with a choice of the lee side of Dunk Island for the nights anchorage or the small sugar port of Mourilyan Harbour. We chose Mourilyan in the end as it was 20 miles closer to Cairns and the shelter of the river sounded more inviting than the Dunk Island alternative.<br />
This proved to be a good choice and we found two other Louisiades cruisers (Yantara and Symphony 2) holed up here as well.<br />
Another boat we kept in sight on the AIS on the way up during these two days was the very attractive J160 Avante who is also a rally entrant from the US. <br />
<br />
Friday saw a further improvement in the weather and we stopped at Fitzroy Island for lunch and a swim before heading into the Marina at Yorky's Knob.<br />
<br />
Saturday was busy picking up our rally freight which has filled the generator room and half the port quarter berth cabin and starting on the big food stock-up. The majority of the 20 rally entrants are monohulls with 5 sailing cats and One power cat.<br />
We have caught up with Andy Duffield and Kelly Saron on Quintessa who spent most of last summer at Beauty Point.<br />
Rodney and Christine Smart on Smart Choice are also entered and I was intrigued to refresh an old school boy friendship with Steve Everett on another J160 called Salacia<br />
The last 3 days have flown past as we start thinking about all of the last minute jobs we should do, including an engine service, fitting fans to the cabins and galley, sail repairs (minor) and shopping, shopping, shopping. How much do we take to feed and nourish the crew of 4 for 6 weeks. Is there enough room for all the drinks we might need? Do we need anymore trade goods?<br />
today we had the first 6 hour briefing with another to follow tomorrow.<br />
Ken and Wendy arrive tomorrow night and the final stock up of fresh fruit, vegies and meats will be done on Friday.<br />
We will have a new phone number for the Sat phone tomorrow and SMS will be the best and cheapest way for everyone to keep in touch. I will email the number to the club and we hope to hear from some of you. We won't be able to update the blog again until we are back in acceptable internet range.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cheers for now </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-80149178394774633382013-08-26T18:57:00.000+10:002013-08-26T18:57:46.577+10:00Almost two weeks since our last update. So sorry; but we have been a tad busy!<br />
<br />
Hamilton Island Race Week 2013 was the 30th anniversary of the event and Allusive was lucky to have some very good friends as crew who all competed with enthusiasm and a high level of skill. By the end of the event we all were getting a feel for the boat (and the big kite). The event was the calmest in history with winds mostly below 10 knots and getting to know where the currents were and how the breezes were affected by the islands played a big part in where you finished in the fleet, with our finish positions(and handicap) improving dramatically towards the end. Out of a fleet of 34 in cruising Division 2 we finished as low as 32nd and as high as 5th, with a final position in the top half. We were happy with this.<br />
<br />
Di and I were joined by Tim and Sue Gourlay, Alan and Carol Hardman, Annette and Andrew Fullard for all six races and Tim Freeman for three.<br />
<br />
There were 6 Tassie boats entered this year and we all enjoyed a Tassie night out together.<br />
<br />
Piers and Sarah Findlay purchased an Elliot 7 sight unseen and sailed it to within half a point of winning their division.<br />
<br />
Rodney and Chris Smart won the non spinnaker Cruising Division 1 in Smart Choice<br />
<br />
An incredible effort by the Tasmanian crews.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vsweiSxd-3_16i9vdgjyJjZ4AjC2qHyApSGSn01gmYjyQIOXBZLmzmvXhNfwkW8ykyEnNr7XteZnm7Q13aZ-uGmOIfF3Rwvlb5LKvdP-Hod7rWkhwit3hF9UCr_jRPAcJUA7_fS3P4Rn/s1600/P1030004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vsweiSxd-3_16i9vdgjyJjZ4AjC2qHyApSGSn01gmYjyQIOXBZLmzmvXhNfwkW8ykyEnNr7XteZnm7Q13aZ-uGmOIfF3Rwvlb5LKvdP-Hod7rWkhwit3hF9UCr_jRPAcJUA7_fS3P4Rn/s1600/P1030004.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
on our way to the first start</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuTbJRAWCqDOpzg1dvN_ZhNMCDJGGn1pHIQWKTR5GOvMEFeFNskzk-06p0dM5unl9rDkw9u8D20bNw4wEvn3IQ43emetzA4YgSZ7HKvDsIv3c0HDVo4AVso9K49GYBc6d_Mv3dgJOKLGz/s1600/P1030102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIuTbJRAWCqDOpzg1dvN_ZhNMCDJGGn1pHIQWKTR5GOvMEFeFNskzk-06p0dM5unl9rDkw9u8D20bNw4wEvn3IQ43emetzA4YgSZ7HKvDsIv3c0HDVo4AVso9K49GYBc6d_Mv3dgJOKLGz/s1600/P1030102.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After the finish of race 6 </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGqgFen4UuFP5MJXl0FpbioQbgKy08haZ8sq5Fhd_e6aHxF8WdVHSx0HauaTZoq8X-e6CrjPe08PpsZaB_aNFOLN_THz6rKuc0w8_o57NSV-McNpwdaKq0KCEObFWzNzDx08EoRU2p9p1/s1600/IMGP1608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGqgFen4UuFP5MJXl0FpbioQbgKy08haZ8sq5Fhd_e6aHxF8WdVHSx0HauaTZoq8X-e6CrjPe08PpsZaB_aNFOLN_THz6rKuc0w8_o57NSV-McNpwdaKq0KCEObFWzNzDx08EoRU2p9p1/s1600/IMGP1608.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
all the crew together</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdV3xsfuuuUHSgG7YRMgNtOTxn5k2Kv04FA374pZh8ZS133w4_op4k9gI-h0oL76owACvC3bjBOjg5tWRw8QJgvkOKF8gfWHUD1gBtXYq5EgRHV5aq6AEMUzfcc2zCJMaaKPqUoPcxhQq/s1600/IMGP1619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdV3xsfuuuUHSgG7YRMgNtOTxn5k2Kv04FA374pZh8ZS133w4_op4k9gI-h0oL76owACvC3bjBOjg5tWRw8QJgvkOKF8gfWHUD1gBtXYq5EgRHV5aq6AEMUzfcc2zCJMaaKPqUoPcxhQq/s1600/IMGP1619.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Andy the tactician</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaYpPIvKIqL-inHEMXkeE-lRUTKDPRISYpn2FMlojAGuF6hk3sSIrMRLl1TWxL_CGtf-3djOmbY6HZ1JHYVWbLXbElL8CF6tuh_pcc34tgsovKk84YZOjWVc8IvNbucfBpr1P_faiGxfe/s1600/IMGP1622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJaYpPIvKIqL-inHEMXkeE-lRUTKDPRISYpn2FMlojAGuF6hk3sSIrMRLl1TWxL_CGtf-3djOmbY6HZ1JHYVWbLXbElL8CF6tuh_pcc34tgsovKk84YZOjWVc8IvNbucfBpr1P_faiGxfe/s1600/IMGP1622.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay clear of the end of the runway please!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGGh19Myla88S17jqpDY5LkrUj3_MIDHc8J7ug9e3Bf5to36joIuYdL95oIg2Y-FQJ79MhtlpP4s8Bmqa_EWB9XrSJLz67Q4Ia1tbZKzA7KS-aROmDQDCOkG0z-DGODsbEIMPIGhFGQMT/s1600/IMGP1687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUGGh19Myla88S17jqpDY5LkrUj3_MIDHc8J7ug9e3Bf5to36joIuYdL95oIg2Y-FQJ79MhtlpP4s8Bmqa_EWB9XrSJLz67Q4Ia1tbZKzA7KS-aROmDQDCOkG0z-DGODsbEIMPIGhFGQMT/s1600/IMGP1687.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It did get busy sometimes</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6na4VDmjGP6CaKjuOtog6nxWSgOLte_qru9xTN7tBD7C5gu6oAZqcR1WulZXZx2s3Og1nLOT6KeEdZpm_brJwfALWuU0eCLG9jOdtJ5wDPnt-xccxAXOIXDjGIzX8KP194ic7e59i0ESG/s1600/IMGP1690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6na4VDmjGP6CaKjuOtog6nxWSgOLte_qru9xTN7tBD7C5gu6oAZqcR1WulZXZx2s3Og1nLOT6KeEdZpm_brJwfALWuU0eCLG9jOdtJ5wDPnt-xccxAXOIXDjGIzX8KP194ic7e59i0ESG/s1600/IMGP1690.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A whale lazing on the surface</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUeDfrU0frP0lNT-WMp9dFXMhWbisQfeDbYE72-YUZK6vkEokX9nsxxxja5Qk4blfzzMRPCV-hNsJn9NIp-RibLF7e5zyrmxkt51Ciz5TlyGIYsnd1xv3IMw7QLI-bJIpjts_prtdsl3c/s1600/IMGP1693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMUeDfrU0frP0lNT-WMp9dFXMhWbisQfeDbYE72-YUZK6vkEokX9nsxxxja5Qk4blfzzMRPCV-hNsJn9NIp-RibLF7e5zyrmxkt51Ciz5TlyGIYsnd1xv3IMw7QLI-bJIpjts_prtdsl3c/s1600/IMGP1693.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Smart Choice" the Hunter 50 of Rodney and Christine Smart </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBkfdWCxz4z1wJaRFx58lrwKAl7TJh4sTMO9JYUHS25QUY6gfyDA4_ybqI1J3HIFKJIOKeY7IyAkhBm2AEg7GAwmzFhMXKJ7XzEBqpL9wnO9lhpG2Bt9bWuCKZwmvi4tP5iwfYyOoZ4Du/s1600/IMGP1695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBkfdWCxz4z1wJaRFx58lrwKAl7TJh4sTMO9JYUHS25QUY6gfyDA4_ybqI1J3HIFKJIOKeY7IyAkhBm2AEg7GAwmzFhMXKJ7XzEBqpL9wnO9lhpG2Bt9bWuCKZwmvi4tP5iwfYyOoZ4Du/s1600/IMGP1695.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our equivalent of sitting on the windward rail</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO3v-sTlIA44lXFtTAQkF6o4qWLkl7nuxGF-rN7WwJ5XHK34Rv2ntXHuspWQ_yNtHhA5PdwXaQJQo9msnzfv69cbU-lxPb-AjQJze5y_k2FwpFt0MoRbnEyjvjnum7w0c1vku2hDqzCVs/s1600/IMGP1713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAO3v-sTlIA44lXFtTAQkF6o4qWLkl7nuxGF-rN7WwJ5XHK34Rv2ntXHuspWQ_yNtHhA5PdwXaQJQo9msnzfv69cbU-lxPb-AjQJze5y_k2FwpFt0MoRbnEyjvjnum7w0c1vku2hDqzCVs/s1600/IMGP1713.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
rocks make good rounding marks</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei_EcgFW_LDi9DceTYzCoDQYW0l6MUfDLmeOxcixZui9QHkSwRbzz3xv3n0rJNM8M1c4ZyAWBZveuDqWe3I4RRvuxjJZp42jxBvNyxHMXgkhMMNOF-vqUdBA4K859VTOkJy7y6or_B-OW/s1600/IMGP1718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhei_EcgFW_LDi9DceTYzCoDQYW0l6MUfDLmeOxcixZui9QHkSwRbzz3xv3n0rJNM8M1c4ZyAWBZveuDqWe3I4RRvuxjJZp42jxBvNyxHMXgkhMMNOF-vqUdBA4K859VTOkJy7y6or_B-OW/s1600/IMGP1718.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Susie Gourlay first time racer </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
going home to give the kids some tips</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI-7Zx5mZRZ8lIcv5EMwgmclr6xnVit3EFzgXliWRiA0OrjDLxSJL0Vxaeqi-h_Z30hKcve12VUd_y9BZLiY2KVYBas-lcw2KwRTYovXMJ-TW13YgKMuOQiAZgq063q2gyc7GlRr03s4Y/s1600/IMGP1720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyI-7Zx5mZRZ8lIcv5EMwgmclr6xnVit3EFzgXliWRiA0OrjDLxSJL0Vxaeqi-h_Z30hKcve12VUd_y9BZLiY2KVYBas-lcw2KwRTYovXMJ-TW13YgKMuOQiAZgq063q2gyc7GlRr03s4Y/s1600/IMGP1720.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
There goes Bob</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QryUjSXWjA_HvxJRCYX5FZQvFPzbD5CkgoySidxJoR8BLio7kvbqTXL7CwX9FtYEyuaDfuB-7nuiMD5lj9GkSGIe8LlzxXrEaPesp44kEVp4ROrjrzugjCsBYWFNoLqwSC9aW4jFZ56E/s1600/IMGP1734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1QryUjSXWjA_HvxJRCYX5FZQvFPzbD5CkgoySidxJoR8BLio7kvbqTXL7CwX9FtYEyuaDfuB-7nuiMD5lj9GkSGIe8LlzxXrEaPesp44kEVp4ROrjrzugjCsBYWFNoLqwSC9aW4jFZ56E/s1600/IMGP1734.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
H I Yacht Club</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozA4QjajpBYAmfSTIPZsygC0gIJ0o-aPv47jh2cu7GMuiaExpaDnosrTVY3wfehMJz-TaOgP5jUZZtgtSr3lRcr0wZTQuzBC5fY1Mo5nYOIiP5wAl-_dpVXvW6Hu43phPZr__BGsqVpHG/s1600/IMGP1739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiozA4QjajpBYAmfSTIPZsygC0gIJ0o-aPv47jh2cu7GMuiaExpaDnosrTVY3wfehMJz-TaOgP5jUZZtgtSr3lRcr0wZTQuzBC5fY1Mo5nYOIiP5wAl-_dpVXvW6Hu43phPZr__BGsqVpHG/s1600/IMGP1739.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G_OYP6piIP64GFJkHwOrQP_wvf8UeAm31vGBfZkjqhIMZ7leDPD1lEDh4Zr9J4ZkXkwLRx6dH23KgmBFL2adRpW0-w2VWXjo5szJ0g5zHc09-UwFYvB_J0rEGBCYDCjmgsxFcuzjNzCp/s1600/IMGP1625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3G_OYP6piIP64GFJkHwOrQP_wvf8UeAm31vGBfZkjqhIMZ7leDPD1lEDh4Zr9J4ZkXkwLRx6dH23KgmBFL2adRpW0-w2VWXjo5szJ0g5zHc09-UwFYvB_J0rEGBCYDCjmgsxFcuzjNzCp/s1600/IMGP1625.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Annette on brace ( note the boats behind!!!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy6uZgyXVLNy8v1uGXtftYXBy2DMqWi-lHSqh-DUeGctpFkC6gmbcWyqWDc1K2a6WZA_yNLDqCsMEZHOq19hUzIgCqs7ClRumG4-U23Qj23eAUywlaaOW-aPSaOHuraAGcwVULR9EaU5E/s1600/IMGP1628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwy6uZgyXVLNy8v1uGXtftYXBy2DMqWi-lHSqh-DUeGctpFkC6gmbcWyqWDc1K2a6WZA_yNLDqCsMEZHOq19hUzIgCqs7ClRumG4-U23Qj23eAUywlaaOW-aPSaOHuraAGcwVULR9EaU5E/s1600/IMGP1628.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Big Tim on kite sheet</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqznw8iMqVfyZ3KrTefQZ6rwaR8dUQ3DqdsYXkjaWfbS5KawvhH3uzETFiJsPNQ2ost2AiTyKo_uBEyADv_51y1XqVeR8teATjBAu5MCVBouFHsPPqeIDVYKyjZz427s30nhnYmCc4tGY/s1600/IMGP1637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqznw8iMqVfyZ3KrTefQZ6rwaR8dUQ3DqdsYXkjaWfbS5KawvhH3uzETFiJsPNQ2ost2AiTyKo_uBEyADv_51y1XqVeR8teATjBAu5MCVBouFHsPPqeIDVYKyjZz427s30nhnYmCc4tGY/s1600/IMGP1637.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Little Tim on main sheet and foredeck (young mans job)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnb2SbsZXkZflWjGSTPknH3MutaSw9v7wE4n6JjisEKZ_jKO106VOdq5HjL1_tKXGPhyphenhypheniStRpYzE3UQRZvqYh0QUacmDimY8lKrn4J5-mcf3XCdwDOAK11vxhWCaUAtGWrCJK4QREsu9I/s1600/IMGP1649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnb2SbsZXkZflWjGSTPknH3MutaSw9v7wE4n6JjisEKZ_jKO106VOdq5HjL1_tKXGPhyphenhypheniStRpYzE3UQRZvqYh0QUacmDimY8lKrn4J5-mcf3XCdwDOAK11vxhWCaUAtGWrCJK4QREsu9I/s1600/IMGP1649.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
OOPS! someone missed the corner! (no damage on recovery)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFyEN2Vhhcug1YSEp6CoAxj6ZpYNlkyiMcixNBZoUfx5GiCp-R31E01Qmplhl5_jdE83AqYnZ80AnPVYF2VaTDUR4QBEn8BZTFUyI6XAEbZRSwhBceEYHPquF6tF2PMfz0wIOHu3AXyGE/s1600/P1020877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFyEN2Vhhcug1YSEp6CoAxj6ZpYNlkyiMcixNBZoUfx5GiCp-R31E01Qmplhl5_jdE83AqYnZ80AnPVYF2VaTDUR4QBEn8BZTFUyI6XAEbZRSwhBceEYHPquF6tF2PMfz0wIOHu3AXyGE/s1600/P1020877.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hammo marina</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSqyAiQxhsZy9Dd1OUjYRX3_4U_ErXIxR-XifMIa7orI9yJxnkV0gUr_0XOdXCUUhMdsBVElwHGsJkGFcpIbTgKvW00nSjBmxDFsHam1aF6zsV-PqzdMElglOCeAznrniB07dKnPzl9RS/s1600/P1020883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghSqyAiQxhsZy9Dd1OUjYRX3_4U_ErXIxR-XifMIa7orI9yJxnkV0gUr_0XOdXCUUhMdsBVElwHGsJkGFcpIbTgKvW00nSjBmxDFsHam1aF6zsV-PqzdMElglOCeAznrniB07dKnPzl9RS/s1600/P1020883.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
350 feet of private yacht -owner leased Wild Oates X for the regatta</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQby585DkvAzCL3tIBeDmOdd3YbwkRtW8So_7eGzkB-YOwTrgdkG44aCATLmJv6W5ZE0xb3Hi6Yph2sW6RXv4Li9Ww_HWSbHsrcWRHrd8-26t6k5KL9Hy1WtaE6EuVwtnYSt_lbRDq55C/s1600/P1030007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQby585DkvAzCL3tIBeDmOdd3YbwkRtW8So_7eGzkB-YOwTrgdkG44aCATLmJv6W5ZE0xb3Hi6Yph2sW6RXv4Li9Ww_HWSbHsrcWRHrd8-26t6k5KL9Hy1WtaE6EuVwtnYSt_lbRDq55C/s1600/P1030007.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Alan and Carol</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc6gbnSab22pBwAoyHCfgv0VtidWiSXI2p-ycOKALEYStrUxkKq8Xf059n6lqNPNnP5_a78dRVpcceAarhdnB-lOorBhXVxQVpR2u7FuEGEbsGur8psxeRlsMjYomqKEh4zBLde3wsT9g/s1600/P8160008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijc6gbnSab22pBwAoyHCfgv0VtidWiSXI2p-ycOKALEYStrUxkKq8Xf059n6lqNPNnP5_a78dRVpcceAarhdnB-lOorBhXVxQVpR2u7FuEGEbsGur8psxeRlsMjYomqKEh4zBLde3wsT9g/s1600/P8160008.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
View from the crews shore side accommodation</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf7kTFYH4r2LENaNWKoO-TvSI-AKXwbVLyVsgm63n1VongT1J-YxK1WAyl8BlWDXVgPgxq9aol6EP_-DdqM4BJQ1ZA0mhrYHDdtpedIcV3PuFNIBxjogSemPSblgc6Pw88AfhPTIOrRWI/s1600/P8170015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf7kTFYH4r2LENaNWKoO-TvSI-AKXwbVLyVsgm63n1VongT1J-YxK1WAyl8BlWDXVgPgxq9aol6EP_-DdqM4BJQ1ZA0mhrYHDdtpedIcV3PuFNIBxjogSemPSblgc6Pw88AfhPTIOrRWI/s1600/P8170015.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Keg ran out before we made it to Whitehaven (day before race day 1)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXtVFnCoKIo6jMEktATgId7XvC7fZm2uTW5gMufkqf4mEo9BIFtuTpl_-tj4M1hXZf4Se-Y12Ex1kVHsIHqlUzXvUhKvuQym-etNlCS7ukMELsa4wqVIzLoWGQkmwc_19CmNj7RqANSGx/s1600/P8180023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXtVFnCoKIo6jMEktATgId7XvC7fZm2uTW5gMufkqf4mEo9BIFtuTpl_-tj4M1hXZf4Se-Y12Ex1kVHsIHqlUzXvUhKvuQym-etNlCS7ukMELsa4wqVIzLoWGQkmwc_19CmNj7RqANSGx/s1600/P8180023.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-64101328827030866252013-08-13T14:46:00.001+10:002013-08-13T15:15:45.853+10:00Hot days in the islandsAlan and Carol Hardman joined us for two nights on-board and we took the opportunity to sail up to Bowen to catch up with Johns sister Bev and partner David who are spending 6 weeks at their favourite resort on the beach. The run up was the only windy day we have had since we arrived in the Whitsundays. A social BBQ on board and a quiet night in Queens Bay then a leisurely sail to Butterfly Bay at the northern side of Hook Island for the second night.<br />
The third day was very warm and we all enjoyed a swim at the lunch stop in Nara Inlet.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pWBHuxq1LdwllW8AKlf5Z8EVlFKotcBFmYLds4S084cHm-KrZksDwVQft3bxN0Ha1fGb4U6NHrQSgYV6Iy0W9h-lYvB7ZcQu1356Vg_21m2mf9rWA7bvcPyYnA8_he8PF-Ye_viqtnui/s1600/P8030006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pWBHuxq1LdwllW8AKlf5Z8EVlFKotcBFmYLds4S084cHm-KrZksDwVQft3bxN0Ha1fGb4U6NHrQSgYV6Iy0W9h-lYvB7ZcQu1356Vg_21m2mf9rWA7bvcPyYnA8_he8PF-Ye_viqtnui/s1600/P8030006.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYaNE85LICQS_qwRz5mC_CXZjjWPLabN9Yg5EyEZ2DwtEpUNkzTKTg3Lp3hYiuJ1a7iJPz1gUNbZgrcSuq_N3lETHVMs-QzUnXUvvF8eTKgjymquyWb20mMZdjU2C-sIvzaVVT4_L0u-i/s1600/P8100018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbYaNE85LICQS_qwRz5mC_CXZjjWPLabN9Yg5EyEZ2DwtEpUNkzTKTg3Lp3hYiuJ1a7iJPz1gUNbZgrcSuq_N3lETHVMs-QzUnXUvvF8eTKgjymquyWb20mMZdjU2C-sIvzaVVT4_L0u-i/s1600/P8100018.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Four dogs on a boat? is it possible? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStavhQptXFUA0PqOtzUz9HnS6JgKq1KqATNuPv_pFyPUp8Jb5H7DRrmHsxsNTpefDXq8yPUPjrSeuproirwOV5U-Kuypb1hDjBUqqBPpCm8OHKtWq3A0LHvk523Gm0DoZiodIkvd8pxby/s1600/P8130030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMurm3GFfRiLkvAGoXwEUnoJAFslGoKoDeydqg9QHlg-ikHk3naf539dDXRNhuUg2Vr9EZ7GuQrouzdytSiTjTJJt36dcdENeRPUtLP2_7jpLeeNJk-0iGpFgge2VC9pQWPYLLP94VL8i-/s1600/IMG_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMurm3GFfRiLkvAGoXwEUnoJAFslGoKoDeydqg9QHlg-ikHk3naf539dDXRNhuUg2Vr9EZ7GuQrouzdytSiTjTJJt36dcdENeRPUtLP2_7jpLeeNJk-0iGpFgge2VC9pQWPYLLP94VL8i-/s1600/IMG_0123.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alan , Carol Geordie and Kaila</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We cant believe the string of great weather we are enjoying, especially when we compare it to the constant rain being experienced in the Southern states. We have watched a few of the Airlie Race Week fleets drifting slowly around their courses and hope we get a bit more breeze next week during Hammo. Allusive has a lot of stores on board for the Louisiades leg and it wont be practical to take them off for race week..... She doesn't like light airs either..<br />
Still the bottom is clean. I gave it a rub over this morning and was given lots of advice by a large (half metre) angel fish that has taken up residence in the shadow of the keel. I was probably down there for over an hour scrubbing away and he was never more than a metre or two away from me. Very tame and inquisitive.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTF_SjVxZqWoWNXrWIvWJh7xdnzT3GNUcoEdMJFHsiTyTfB_wVgzrc__SjnqGf7cbD8NNa4UlsIGEx8_0alkUKg_ljIvAPTDMnhCSPjb_vtGQhhMKtQzeoyq3KQXn2XN5A4pEjlxsjqA-/s1600/P8130023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTF_SjVxZqWoWNXrWIvWJh7xdnzT3GNUcoEdMJFHsiTyTfB_wVgzrc__SjnqGf7cbD8NNa4UlsIGEx8_0alkUKg_ljIvAPTDMnhCSPjb_vtGQhhMKtQzeoyq3KQXn2XN5A4pEjlxsjqA-/s1600/P8130023.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Archie" the angel fish keeping me company as I scrubbed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY9k_gKEUuVOwbuLvoD1eDaUJv0ZavSntQj5gxLXP-ywjPD6dAAO2Kb0yD7rZY_pa1NRO63aMRjDfdg67hJcUivMgoZSk1XiwT5LLUMSTSg1z5IoiSpYCB5y-TVwj7mb8FtbMQUxLci0L/s1600/P8130030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOY9k_gKEUuVOwbuLvoD1eDaUJv0ZavSntQj5gxLXP-ywjPD6dAAO2Kb0yD7rZY_pa1NRO63aMRjDfdg67hJcUivMgoZSk1XiwT5LLUMSTSg1z5IoiSpYCB5y-TVwj7mb8FtbMQUxLci0L/s1600/P8130030.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStavhQptXFUA0PqOtzUz9HnS6JgKq1KqATNuPv_pFyPUp8Jb5H7DRrmHsxsNTpefDXq8yPUPjrSeuproirwOV5U-Kuypb1hDjBUqqBPpCm8OHKtWq3A0LHvk523Gm0DoZiodIkvd8pxby/s1600/P8130030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
We have placed our food order for Hammo week through the Coles on line shopping system.<br />
Everything will be delivered to the door of the apartment on Friday for a small delivery fee. This will save us lots of carting as food for 9 people for nine days is not a small basket!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7l2lDkfGqH21Q-B6A_SQk4Bn5hE99U-dgot7_9S6cd1PHrD8cY0Sl6sDRQv2fXMZ99u51fWcd1-RDJblDxbfiBwEicen-MZcZxK0GMEi2uDi3uQQ1ad9XkcsLwzVDgIXZOJZRVIbep0r/s1600/P8130002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7l2lDkfGqH21Q-B6A_SQk4Bn5hE99U-dgot7_9S6cd1PHrD8cY0Sl6sDRQv2fXMZ99u51fWcd1-RDJblDxbfiBwEicen-MZcZxK0GMEi2uDi3uQQ1ad9XkcsLwzVDgIXZOJZRVIbep0r/s1600/P8130002.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Allusive resting up in Nara Inlet</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5SMkuIJhTrDMf_0aFwPOmOAK2isSFORMRrv604L1xbsePPUAzoZRxARoTMhmL6Zf59UgwYDqE9pZuyebnwXRxFZm1m2YYLU-8Dh6dOBTyuckxFfTaZv1wHF5Ha_XN_ixVKPKKtDRsHk7/s1600/P8130004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5SMkuIJhTrDMf_0aFwPOmOAK2isSFORMRrv604L1xbsePPUAzoZRxARoTMhmL6Zf59UgwYDqE9pZuyebnwXRxFZm1m2YYLU-8Dh6dOBTyuckxFfTaZv1wHF5Ha_XN_ixVKPKKtDRsHk7/s1600/P8130004.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
"Archie" enjoys some breadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-79776722338160128812013-08-07T16:31:00.002+10:002013-08-07T16:31:51.396+10:00WhitsundaysAfter leaving Middle Percy on Friday 2nd August we did a daylight run to Scawfell Island.<br />
On Saturday lunch was at the lovely anchorage at Goldsmith Island then by nightfall we had tucked into the lee of Shaw island after a slow sail in a dying breeze.<br />
It is now Wednesday the 7th of August and we are in Abel Point Marina catching up on the washing, food supplies and -well overdue-, this blog!<br />
Our first engineering problem has shown up with the voltage regulator on the engine alternator tossing it in a couple of days ago. The diagnosis was made with the help of a local auto electrician. Of course the part (Mastervolt Alpha Pro 24 volt regulator) has to come in from overseas so we will be relying on the generator for the next week or so to keep the batteries charged and the beers cold.<br />
<br />
Last night we had a great night on board with our Tassie friends Cheryl and Roger Hart who are touring in their van. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5505040404157189833.post-63491515199311226982013-08-07T16:15:00.000+10:002013-08-07T16:15:22.647+10:00
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wednesday 31<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An early run ashore on South Percy where we met up with Alan
and Michele Larkin off the eye catching Schionning 15 Catamaran named
”Attitude” which had arrived just on dusk the night before. This triple
spreader rigged<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cat with reverse rake
bows did the Louisiades Rally two years ago. A number of these cats with
lightweight fit out (6 tonne) are doing well in overseas regattas. Attitude has
a full cruising fit out (9 tonne) but is still a very quick cat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After our walk we had a leisurely sail under headsail to
West Bay on Middle Percy, 10 miles to the North West. This famous anchorage is
a “must stop” for most cruising yachts with most leaving some memento of their
visit in the large A frame shed. There would be literally thousands of boat
plaques here; anything from a signed thong to ornately carved timber boards </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wc0ZCRbcxxu4rNbYP_RNqLOeMH3CmYxUVmRRQYly4lkm0fI5vpvx_ISCPYNUDStg3nVTOdzvHQK1Ng6UgHkUnE8-nSvlgne8u3ZfXrN7TWfiJmwPStFE1A2L4pI96qSdXZIRTIvQilVM/s1600/P7310009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wc0ZCRbcxxu4rNbYP_RNqLOeMH3CmYxUVmRRQYly4lkm0fI5vpvx_ISCPYNUDStg3nVTOdzvHQK1Ng6UgHkUnE8-nSvlgne8u3ZfXrN7TWfiJmwPStFE1A2L4pI96qSdXZIRTIvQilVM/s1600/P7310009.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Our previous boat "Malew of Man" </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">put there by the previous owners in the late 1980's</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jkfFcw1Pxp9-mdupbM-3p5CqV97jHrBhr3DTHyRULnkiKXzV2dURuarssJ1Mnhe8tbDzJrvww0W46lYyGToUVS8EA9DegM9ffU_DtKOx201Rj470od_HaVjp5LC0YTYthc38l49sal-6/s1600/P7310011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jkfFcw1Pxp9-mdupbM-3p5CqV97jHrBhr3DTHyRULnkiKXzV2dURuarssJ1Mnhe8tbDzJrvww0W46lYyGToUVS8EA9DegM9ffU_DtKOx201Rj470od_HaVjp5LC0YTYthc38l49sal-6/s1600/P7310011.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> New board for Allusive</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2auhhzXHyP8o4_wOhsl0416tsS7fqj6F5dBN2iZA-hlL6yxcGUUHBGcGSpiKlyVgR-Wv9euoxTClSNViqmmySn2CMqaP2l6m8keCVHZ0gV7J3e4EN5eLsL8CxljIuZAj9zlyXpyzBDK5/s1600/P7310013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2auhhzXHyP8o4_wOhsl0416tsS7fqj6F5dBN2iZA-hlL6yxcGUUHBGcGSpiKlyVgR-Wv9euoxTClSNViqmmySn2CMqaP2l6m8keCVHZ0gV7J3e4EN5eLsL8CxljIuZAj9zlyXpyzBDK5/s1600/P7310013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> BBQ at the back of the famous A frame</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjdIK2FWYX4Uu8vkFA1MAjTGvj2B8MYVd0iFl9OkSaUL4XzrfTOZ-lU2l1y8wld2eYey3Wj2-aiGP4DDcZ2HdC3Z7uwAioPAPhrZlXsq6ldAUoI-c7t0IHqLn8xz_jywX8G7y-q3vH94Q/s1600/P7310005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjdIK2FWYX4Uu8vkFA1MAjTGvj2B8MYVd0iFl9OkSaUL4XzrfTOZ-lU2l1y8wld2eYey3Wj2-aiGP4DDcZ2HdC3Z7uwAioPAPhrZlXsq6ldAUoI-c7t0IHqLn8xz_jywX8G7y-q3vH94Q/s1600/P7310005.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A bit hard to read but this typed linen plaque was done by past members John and Audrey Garwood in 1984 Some senior members will remember them well.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMFkle7pTv4YhDgS7qouw7CUGLiwxT53d-AHgfqKwktw5vaa0sU428eap7pRTx2o13NQ8nXt9ZlyNyzPG5JkdvPumOMe8HmU9qf4j39Fov-W5q_8oSocEKrCd3EkrdDoGlsCpJXk_bnCI/s1600/P7310022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMFkle7pTv4YhDgS7qouw7CUGLiwxT53d-AHgfqKwktw5vaa0sU428eap7pRTx2o13NQ8nXt9ZlyNyzPG5JkdvPumOMe8HmU9qf4j39Fov-W5q_8oSocEKrCd3EkrdDoGlsCpJXk_bnCI/s1600/P7310022.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</o:p></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGHfZNnIy8XLd6UXhwrgd5wWpCb6QpVT7Xsfk5gv0uuNQ96CO2q5IF_OuaFUnAwaT-KH7pH8rRAfUDHDSYl5EJ2779Q-WofnDnVxvyqcJgZ-50hajN1yH3TUsIul8nc4RjhhaUSKQz8IK/s1600/P7310017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGHfZNnIy8XLd6UXhwrgd5wWpCb6QpVT7Xsfk5gv0uuNQ96CO2q5IF_OuaFUnAwaT-KH7pH8rRAfUDHDSYl5EJ2779Q-WofnDnVxvyqcJgZ-50hajN1yH3TUsIul8nc4RjhhaUSKQz8IK/s1600/P7310017.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> West Percy sunset</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Apart from a walk over to the lagoon at low tide we spent a
quiet day on board reading and fishing with a run ashore at 4.30 for the
mandatory sundowners and BBQ with the other cruisers from the 4 cats anchored
in the bay.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We ended up staying two nights and after a half day walk to the homestead enjoyed the company of Ernest "The goat man" at the BBQ on the second night . He spent some time telling us about the islands history. He lives full time on the island and is famous for his wild goat currys.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tuesday 30<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">South Percy Island is not on most cruisers radar as an
anchorage, most preferring to head straight to Middle Percy and we therefore
had the island anchorage to ourselves and “Entice”. There are many rocky bays
and coral shelves around the Island which don’t encourage anchoring. However
there is a small deep anchorage on a sandy beach on the N East corner where we
spent two nights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A very interesting walk on the island to the Southern side
revealed steep cliffs and when scrambling down one<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cleft we found a small entrance which opened
up into a very large cave about 100 metres long but only a couple of metres
wide which we spent some time exploring.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VwvYmf6cbngG0KY-0iuW3dnGE-gGxBbX8x1m4FV8LF-zEqkIrGZiHyCD5pf2laoAgrOl2oz6Ikq5o_3fPhfs8l347tKoEWEMaTVXvM-108Kgc5v8AJkSnBBpL1DXN3pYVNHhweBd4h80/s1600/P7300064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VwvYmf6cbngG0KY-0iuW3dnGE-gGxBbX8x1m4FV8LF-zEqkIrGZiHyCD5pf2laoAgrOl2oz6Ikq5o_3fPhfs8l347tKoEWEMaTVXvM-108Kgc5v8AJkSnBBpL1DXN3pYVNHhweBd4h80/s1600/P7300064.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
the intrepid explorers Greg and John<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpFhJ9rqTVePrqvIsWw2U26A1mlK-lbyPrQwvtUq_yd6ld8OiHSzeBsbTDJ5xfxjkFsOBck3wl5r5rTHXEEupjShETex4elw7i-izWX-qDRaHRpYFEU6ePtnkBZcWqh9H0swXWDSSVo_L/s1600/P7300065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKpFhJ9rqTVePrqvIsWw2U26A1mlK-lbyPrQwvtUq_yd6ld8OiHSzeBsbTDJ5xfxjkFsOBck3wl5r5rTHXEEupjShETex4elw7i-izWX-qDRaHRpYFEU6ePtnkBZcWqh9H0swXWDSSVo_L/s1600/P7300065.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Karen in the cave<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEDyuSzvRbcaBX6PKouOhT9CDMeGef2UYD98oCOVRJsfQwFfDtog-lEhXxLoSaiIRpSWJwVSC_SMWxMSH3tBy6xovqhG-6xuoj5eelLXps8DIsJVqEa9N-n3BjE7N8z534K-BcDX83lHT/s1600/P7300075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqEDyuSzvRbcaBX6PKouOhT9CDMeGef2UYD98oCOVRJsfQwFfDtog-lEhXxLoSaiIRpSWJwVSC_SMWxMSH3tBy6xovqhG-6xuoj5eelLXps8DIsJVqEa9N-n3BjE7N8z534K-BcDX83lHT/s1600/P7300075.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> looking into the teeth of the trade winds</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Further along the shore were a number of rocky inlets with
much debris washed up. We were intrigued by the number of thongs….. Boat
people??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and old fishing ropes and nets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Monday 29<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> July<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An early morning dog run then it was time to move on from
Great Keppel Island, once again in loose company with the cat Entice.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkHWXoZCMoW97jbrNRPscu2EDNXTETlY6yH82PJ2Fx6DECrS3UYBo9T2dSJi1GRQYK8Q7R_Djryp5wnc7vOkaBSbc8xK5zv2GKOBuKMy0uDMQh0QzBzz0oLZS5QnKK_6VP1JszM_a9V5p/s1600/P7310001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkHWXoZCMoW97jbrNRPscu2EDNXTETlY6yH82PJ2Fx6DECrS3UYBo9T2dSJi1GRQYK8Q7R_Djryp5wnc7vOkaBSbc8xK5zv2GKOBuKMy0uDMQh0QzBzz0oLZS5QnKK_6VP1JszM_a9V5p/s1600/P7310001.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The original plan was to head for Cheviot Island but the
anchorage was not useable in the boisterous conditions. For the first part of
the day we had a pleasant 15 knot wind from astern which slowly built to the
forecast 25 to 30 knots and a steep short sea once the tide turned. The war
games were interesting with a big USA hovercraft coming out from the shore and
sliding into the back door of an aircraft carrier. (as there was an exclusion
zone of 3 miles we called the carrier for his course and speed and he
responded! , 3 knots<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>155 degrees).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We ended up sailing to South Percy arriving at
1900. Greg arrived about an hour before us and his lights guided us into the
anchorage. A wet, windy night followed </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA4I1bugmFgM0-szWJyG2Qm7pII-qtKZya-EvcmiXKg1fBjx4rAJk58fgLwhjXXO9oC1rRtkwT34TFB9mL0klzmz3TmGRYD-3rKmmlAX_aroebQAx5aDMgUle0ee51GGB00nOV3UPaNea/s1600/P7290056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA4I1bugmFgM0-szWJyG2Qm7pII-qtKZya-EvcmiXKg1fBjx4rAJk58fgLwhjXXO9oC1rRtkwT34TFB9mL0klzmz3TmGRYD-3rKmmlAX_aroebQAx5aDMgUle0ee51GGB00nOV3UPaNea/s1600/P7290056.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-AU; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">USA Carrier 6</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4wc0ZCRbcxxu4rNbYP_RNqLOeMH3CmYxUVmRRQYly4lkm0fI5vpvx_ISCPYNUDStg3nVTOdzvHQK1Ng6UgHkUnE8-nSvlgne8u3ZfXrN7TWfiJmwPStFE1A2L4pI96qSdXZIRTIvQilVM/s1600/P7310009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjdIK2FWYX4Uu8vkFA1MAjTGvj2B8MYVd0iFl9OkSaUL4XzrfTOZ-lU2l1y8wld2eYey3Wj2-aiGP4DDcZ2HdC3Z7uwAioPAPhrZlXsq6ldAUoI-c7t0IHqLn8xz_jywX8G7y-q3vH94Q/s1600/P7310005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jkfFcw1Pxp9-mdupbM-3p5CqV97jHrBhr3DTHyRULnkiKXzV2dURuarssJ1Mnhe8tbDzJrvww0W46lYyGToUVS8EA9DegM9ffU_DtKOx201Rj470od_HaVjp5LC0YTYthc38l49sal-6/s1600/P7310011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg2auhhzXHyP8o4_wOhsl0416tsS7fqj6F5dBN2iZA-hlL6yxcGUUHBGcGSpiKlyVgR-Wv9euoxTClSNViqmmySn2CMqaP2l6m8keCVHZ0gV7J3e4EN5eLsL8CxljIuZAj9zlyXpyzBDK5/s1600/P7310013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGHfZNnIy8XLd6UXhwrgd5wWpCb6QpVT7Xsfk5gv0uuNQ96CO2q5IF_OuaFUnAwaT-KH7pH8rRAfUDHDSYl5EJ2779Q-WofnDnVxvyqcJgZ-50hajN1yH3TUsIul8nc4RjhhaUSKQz8IK/s1600/P7310017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigMFkle7pTv4YhDgS7qouw7CUGLiwxT53d-AHgfqKwktw5vaa0sU428eap7pRTx2o13NQ8nXt9ZlyNyzPG5JkdvPumOMe8HmU9qf4j39Fov-W5q_8oSocEKrCd3EkrdDoGlsCpJXk_bnCI/s1600/P7310022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18323677771478855441noreply@blogger.com0