PNG: The home stretch

Thursday, 11 October to Monday, 15 October 2012
Nimowa and Wanim Islands

We motored most of the 21 nm from Sabera Island to Nimowa Island where we anchored in 20m of water. Once we would have thought this very deep however after 4 weeks in these waters we consider it average. We went ashore Thursday afternoon for a welcome from the local elementary school.

The spelling looked right from where the teacher stood

On Friday we all piled into banana boats for a trip up the Fieori River, Sudest Island to swim in the waterfall.

This is a popular swimming place for the local kids and safer than the river where some boats sighted a large croc.

After the river trip, some of us visited the local elementary school to pass on some donations. They had prepared some dances for us and had prepared a very generous afternoon tea.

On Saturday we visited the local clinic where we gave our major donation for the trip to support their work and in particular the Clinic Ambulance that had been donated by a previous rally participant. Sister Sarah proudly stated they are now rated the best of the 40 regional clinics in PNG - partly due to rally donations. While at the clinic, John from Allikat lead a team that rigged up a solar light system for the waiting house for expectant mothers.

Salvaged ex RPAYC start boat now does service as the Clinic Ambulance

After visiting the clinic we played soccer with the local school kids. Warren was manager of the team and had to be careful with team substitutions to ensure that the kids won. All the kids got a gift at the end. We gave some bags that Ben had given us to any kids that had been bowled over by an overly enthusiastic dimdim.

After the game we had lunch prepared by the local ladies. It rained off and on most of the day but this did not dampen any spirits.

On Sunday we motorsailed 10nm to Wanim Island for our last night together and the planned pirate party. Unfortunately the rain had set in and our BBQ on the beach was changed to drinks on Nalukai (50 foot cat).

The Nalukai girls had prepared a great documentary of the trip which everyone loved, Guy gave out certificates to all and I read a poem we had written using the yacht names (see below). It was a great way to finish the rally.

Hope to start trip home on Tuesday. Print this post