We were anchored in the Louisiades by 1.40am on 12th November 2007 but had arrived to the news that a low had formed to the west of us. This explained why we had such yukky weather on the crossing. The Low developed into Cyclone Cuba that eventually fizzled out but meanwhile it was dumping bucket loads of water on us and preventing us from moving on. We were actually right in the Monsoon Trough so other lows developed and it just kept on raining!
Our first landfall and anchorage was at Pana Bobai Anna Isand. It was very rolly and animated because of the huge swells curling around the headland in. We were unable to go ashore as we had to keep anchor watch as the weather was very threathening. After 3 nights the weather abated enough for us to move around to a better anchorage.
Fortunately, we were able to anchor in the beautiful Riman Bay on Moturina Is. Riman Bay was so picturesque- a wide bay with crystal clear water and green green hills all around. There were 2 small villages with dogs cats, chooks and pigs in adundance and of course tons of kids, all dressed in rags. They look healthy enough and seem happy and friendly but they are so very poor.
We hadn't been anchored long before the woman and kids paddled out in small dugouts to "trade". We traded old T shirts and caps for tomatoes, mangoes, crayfish, bananas, paw paws and passionfruit. Unfortunately because of the number of yacht that visit from Australia each year they are not shy about asking for clothes books toys etc. In fact one soon gets tired of the constant visits to boat.
All the while the weather was still threatening as the Low was developing into Cyclone Cuba.
After 8 days in the Louisaides we moved onto Misima Harbour (mainland PNG) where we were more protected from yet another predicted low (which didn't eventuate into anything big). We had to hand steer some of the way as FRED (our autopilot) had thrown a wobbly. Dr Jim always enjoyed had steering.
 |
| Local Boat |
 |
| Hamamas at Riman Bay |
 |
| Fran with the villagers |
By now we were making water and bread and eating into our fresh supplies. We were also getting daily Buoy Weather email reports for both Misima, Gizo and a midpoint on our track to Gizo as well as weather faxes and Robbie Robot high seas forecast. We were using our Sailmail and Satellite phone to keep family and friends informed of our whereabouts. It was a very busy time.
No comments:
Post a Comment