Monday 8 December – a good snorkel

We picked up Gary and Kim for a snorkel in the morning. There were parts where the coral was in great condition and areas that were not so great. Plenty of fish about but mainly small. The visibility was really good in parts especially where there was a strong current. We went across to the bigger island behind us, but the reef was not looking that healthy. The island had some lovely looking beaches, we had a little explore, until some dark clouds sent us home rather speedily.

The village obviously had some dignitaries visiting as the drums and music started up with loads of long boats arriving, a couple of fancy covered boats dropped people off at the jetty. Through the binos I could see some little kids in grass skirts and feathered headdresses welcoming the visitors with a dance. There was loads of noise going on at the jetty with the guests.

The rest of the day I spent unpicking the new duvet cover and trying to manhandle getting it sewn onto the awning. It is a huge effort as is is so big and with the rain about, trying to do it in the cockpit was very tricky. Actually it is way too hot to have it out on the trampoline which would be the obvious place to lay it out. I made a little progress!