We had a wonderful night’s sleep as it is so much cooler at night. We got some shade from the mountains in the afternoon which makes such a difference to the temperature on board PolePole.
After breakfast we decided to dinghy across to the next bay that Andrew had highly recommended. There is a dinghy passage that is marked on the inside of the reef so you don’t have to go out to sea. The water was an incredible colour, it was interesting navigating our way there through the submerged coral heads, it must have been a couple of miles. We stopped off for a snorkel, the coral was not in great shape although there were quite a few small fish and the obligatory Black Tip shark coming to check us out. We then headed right down to the bottom of the deep bay, most of the cruisers boats were all huddled in one area at the entrance to the bay, which didn’t make a lot of sense other than it is in shallower sandy water. The scenery was as dramatic as where we are anchored, this bay is even more enclosed by soaring cliffs of green vegetation, with a very dramatic volcanic ridge line. At the end of the bay there was not much, just one modern looking building which we have been told is the botanical gardens. We would have to do it by car as there is no way to get to the shore. Heading back we spotted the only water side restaurant and found a table in the shade. We had a delicious ice cold local beer and burgers with fries. It was very enjoyable!
We made our way back in the late afternoon, just in time to wave Far and Voyager 2 (Andrew’s boat) off as they head west. We had a very relaxing evening on board. We had planned to go to a very nice restaurant on the water’s edge near where PolePole is anchored, but sadly we were too full.
The dinghy passage to the next bay with markers to guide us, it looks like they have cleared some of the coral, as the path looks much clearer
The next bay
Interesting volcanic ridge line of another ancient caldera
No real village just a few buildings
The peak at the back is in our bay where we are anchored
The bridge at the end of the bay where the river comes in, and the Botanical garden building on the right
Dramatic scenery
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