Homeward Bound

We have checked out and are about to depart Noumea in very light wind conditions, which will make for a slow motor sail back to Australia.  We should arrive next weekend - Sunday Nov 4 is looking like a possibility.

Ilot Maitre

The locals enjoy their weekends out on the water, especially when the weather is like this.

New Caledonia, Loyalties to Noumea

Marni left us in Ouvea and flew back to Noumea for a few days before heading home to Melbourne.  We had light conditions which were prefect for cruising down the east coast of the Grand Terre to the Isle of Pines.  It was also good conditions to catch fish...!

The Isle of Pines is spectacular from the sea but also offers a lot of land based attractions so a group of us hired a couple of cars to explore the island.

Traditional culture blended with christian symbols e.g. the tabernacle at the rear of the alter

Road trip lunch break

Escargot for lunch

Grotto of Queen Hortense, a deep cool cave entered via an avenue of fern and palms

Pic N'GHa is the highest hill on the Isle of Pines and provided a great opportunity to stretch the legs and be rewarded by 360 degree view of the island.

Starting the walk to the top, the track got steep at times

The view back to Kuto Bay and Lettin Go

Some of the rally boats we had not seen for a while arrived at Kuto the day before we were leaving so a great opportunity to get together.  14 people on Lettin Go for sundowners. Cosy but everyone had a good time.

Last catch while leaving Isle of Pines.

A beautiful mahi-mahi

We enjoyed some of our best snorkeling in the Southern Lagoon on our way to the Bay de Prony.  Unfortunately the new underwater camera failed again so no pics to share. That camera is a story in its self.....  :(

Bay de Prony

Vivid colored butterfly common to the area but not that easy to photograph

Back in Noumea after nearly 12 months.  Aaah the supermarkets - cheese, wine, baguettes etc

Halloween, commercialized throughout the world.

Final sunset drinks in Port Moselle

Au revoir New Caledonia

Vanuatu to New Caledonia

Marni - Cran’s cousin flew into Port Vila to join us for a few weeks and sail with us to New Caledonia.  Marni was in holiday mode and really enjoyed her seafood, Lobster Mornay one night and a seafood platter for One the next day for lunch.  Yes she did need some help getting through all that food.

A group of us hired a 10 seater bus for a half day tour where we visited a Turtle rehabilitation centre and swam in our first Blue Hole. The largest of the turtles was 'Big Mumma', reportedly 150 years old.  The centre only hold the big turtles for about a year and then they are released back into the sea.  We are sure that 'Big Mumma' isn't released until a replacement has been secured for their star attraction.

At the museum we experienced the creation of a sand drawing, a traditional method of story telling and recording of historical events used by the people of Vanuatu.  Edgar who did the demonstration was very skilled, and yes he did have a callus on his finger and said he has to use different fingers to do the drawings when they get too sensitive.

On our last Friday evening we anchored off the Mele Bay Beach Bar for the Fire and Dance Show - a high energy spectacular exhibition by a group of young Vanuatu men and women, all performance was by donation only.  Great night and great value, mind you a fair amount of wine and pizza were consumed.

On Monday 18 September we arrived in Lifou, in the Loyalty Islands of New Caledonia after a comfortable day and overnight passage, anchoring off the town of Druelulu in the Baie de Santal.  After clearing Customs and Biosecurity, the fleet descended on the small township to purchase fresh produce at a local market.  We were unable to take any fresh fruit, vegetables or eggs into New Caledonia.  

A bus was organized to take us to the capital We, where we were able to purchase local sim cards and purchase some fabulous French Cheese  in a very well stocked supermarket. Our bus, the local school bus, had quite an interesting name, lost a bit in the translation.

The Loyalty Islands are uplifted coral atolls, with fantastic long white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and interesting cave formations both on the coast and inland.  Fresh water is valuable and used mostly for drinking and cooking.  There are many different clans and chiefdoms and we were made welcome in the towns and villages that we visited.

The following photos give you a glimpse of what we experienced.

Chapelle Notre Dame de Lourdes on the headland as we entered the bay to anchor off Chepenehe.  Inside the Chapelle a very simple church.

Great snorkeling through underwater canyons however access is a challenge - many steps down to the bottom of the cliff then a leap of faith into the water.

First Job Fish since the Louisiaides in 2008 - great eating, do you remember these beautiful fish Patrick?

Fantastic back drop to Ouvea sundowners

Tour de Ouvea finish line in Saint Joseph

ICA Rally Leaders Nigel and Amanda present our gifts to the  Chief

Ouvea caves

Friday night bubbles with the girls

How good is this!

First time stand up paddle boarding and did not take a dive.  One for the Xmas List!

Turtle mating season on Ile Beautemp Beaupre - some of the largest turtles we have seen

Great snorkeling at Ile Beautempe Beaupre

Sundown drinks on beach at Ile Beautempe Beaupre - one of our memorable anchorages this year.

Water taxi - Au Revoir Marni