Island Hopping

Monday, 1 October to Wednesday, 3 October 2012
Hoba Bay, Panaumala Island

Another beautiful anchorage just 3nm from the Blue Lagoon. Nalukai arrived with a monster Spanish Mackeral on the back steps that they presented to the local village that we visited in the afternoon. 

The whole village assembled to shake our hands as we entered under their hand painted sign. Village elder Bernard George welcomed us all and Guy presented the village with gifts and the school kids with bags of books and pencils.  

The elementary school performed some beautiful songs and dances in traditional costume. They enjoyed when the dim dim kids joined into the fun dance and laughed when some of the adults tried to do the actions. 

They are very proud of their culture and later demonstrated to us all how to make fire, bagai (shell necklaces), grass skirts and baskets. 

No batteries required

 

The local ladies were keen to do a “Pem Pewa” with us - an exchange of gifts. We filled bags with clothes, soap, food, bowls or other goods we thought they could use while they had prepared baskets full of bananas, pawpaw, pumpkin, eggplant and hand made goods. We formed 2 lines and then exchanged gifts with the person opposite. Afterwards there was much happy singing and dancing to celebrate the exchange.

This was a great anchorage in the winds which kept up around 20 knots for several days. Good snorkelling, fishing and a nice beach to walk along.

Wednesday, 3 October to Friday, 5 October 2012
Robinson Harbour

With a few days before our next rally event we split with most of the fleet and head further east to Robinson Harbour, which proved to be well protected from the strong south easterly winds.

Allikat at Robinson Harbour

We trade for mud crabs here and make friends with some local kids while out for a walk.

Their English is limited to dim dim, lollipop and balloon but they lead us to their hut where Dennis is building a new hut.

This family is from nearby Gigila Island but their garden is here and they spend several days a week here tending it.

Clearing for a new garden which last 3-5 years

We head back to the boat to get some gifts for them.

Next morning Dennis comes by as he has lost his fish hook - we give him our handline, spare line, hooks and sinkers and he is keen for us to return next year when his hut is finished to visit him again.

Friday, 5 October to Saturday, 6 October 2012
Kamataal

19nm under spinnaker to Kamatal.  This is one of the most beautiful spots we have visited so far.

We go for a snorkel in the crystal clear waters and visit the yacht club here, which opened in 2009.

Not the Folie a Deux we know

Phase2 is now on display after paying to have a plaque carved and hung in the hut. Another 1m mackeral caught today. Tomorrow we head to Misima to get fuel.

Print this post