tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-177670552024-03-06T13:04:49.854+13:00The Voyages of Ellida of Laira(or how to travel a long way very slowly)Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.comBlogger86125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-27901028723229495092016-07-01T09:00:00.000+12:002016-12-12T05:25:18.055+13:00Sad News<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My wonderful wife Liz died on 27th June 2016. She was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2004 but thankfully it went into remission for many years; years that we enjoyed together immensely. The cancer returned to haunt us in 2013 and gained momentum over the next 3 years with the end coming rapidly.<br />
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I will fill in the blanks in the log one day.</div>
Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-3946200964078627182013-01-18T10:00:00.000+13:002013-06-10T18:01:00.839+12:00A little bit of Laos - first Vientiane.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Arriving in Vientiane we brought our experience of travelling in SE Asia to the fore and ignored the touts with their gleaming air-conditioned Mercedes at the Arrivals door and carried our bags to the airport gates (only 50 yards in this tiny airport). We were rewarded by finding a tuk-tuk - far more ethnic and in keeping.<br />
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A quarter of an hour and we were in the frenetically busy centre of town where more than 50% of transport is two-wheeled and business is conducted 'on the street'.<br />
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Vientiane is a very popular destination for young back-packers and this is reflected in the wonderful mix of people, stalls and vehicles. This scene is right outside where we will be staying.<br />
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Installed in our hotel, we headed for a quick overview of the city - it is the capital after all - to get a feel for what we need to do in more depth.<br />
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The symbol of Laos is the magnificent buddhist stupa of Pha That Luang. A place of prayer and meditation with walls surrounding it. We are advised that it should be seen either at dawn or at dusk.<br />
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We opted for dusk. Actually we went a couple of times as it was equally fascinating when it was crowded with both tourists and adherents. But certainly at sunset, the whole golden structure glowed.<br />
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Offerings being made at Pha That Luang seen through a haze of incense.<br />
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The city lies on the Mekong River and at this point you look south and west to Thailand. The river is a thoroughfare and a source of minerals and food; interests that are frequently conflicting.<br />
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Many fish farms are sited on the banks alongside the bustling city waterfront and we watched as this man transferred fishes from trap to trap.<br />
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The Laotian traditional style of building is retained despite outside influences, mainly Thai, over the years. The French colonial periods are well represented, but tend to be in addition to buildings of Lao appearance. This place is modern and we saw an exhibition of work by local artists inside.<br />
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On the outskirts of the city, farming starts and the familiar sight of rice paddy fields.<br />
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Buddhist monks shooting their posed pictures alongside the sleeping Buddha.</div>
Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-989111926228712542012-03-10T19:21:00.001+13:002012-03-10T19:21:40.150+13:00Pangkor Resort Island Marina<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NLoQUyhiQSI/T1rypjZ_oEI/AAAAAAAAGuI/YTDDUkCZjtc/s1600-h/IMG_3315%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3315" border="0" alt="IMG_3315" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZWGTiJuCzqw/T1ryvZiNQ6I/AAAAAAAAGuQ/n2pRqJOT_aI/IMG_3315_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="168" /></a>Back to Ellida after a 3 month break in UK. There is always that ‘bated breath’ moment when the hatch is unlocked and the boat interior is revealed. Will there be unwanted visitors; ants, cockroaches or even rats?  But no, all seemed fine, even the battery power level had been kept to an acceptable level by single solar panel. </p> <p>Now the only hurdle is the jet lag. I’m sure I read an article somewhere that said, ‘for every thousand miles of latitude, allow one ‘recovery day’.  Surely it can’t be that much …can it? Let’s see …we’ve just done 100<sup>o</sup> of easting, so that’s 6,000 miles  = 6 days!!!</p> <p>Our plans are still taking shape, but we have decided to remain in this area (Malaysia/Thailand) for at least a year or two. The piracy threat in the Indian Ocean is still far too serious to ignore and we have plenty to see here. In fact, we have booked a one week trip to Cambodia (departing on 15thMarch) where we plan to explore the Angkor Wat area from Siem Reap. Photos will follow, you have been warned.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZIfD1kYn9C4/T1ry2pX6S1I/AAAAAAAAGuY/Q30jODcaOPI/s1600-h/IMG_3343%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_3343" border="0" alt="IMG_3343" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OpxRNnkKWJo/T1ry8KSQQHI/AAAAAAAAGug/V3LlPzTYHR8/IMG_3343_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="167" /></a>In the meanwhile, it is only a short walk of perhaps a mile or so (including the bridge shown in the photo) to the mainland where there are a few basic shops and commercial enterprises. </p> <p>The marina itself is adjacent to the terminal for the ferry to Pulau Pangkor and so has just ‘convenience’ type shops for the trippers to the island.</p> Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-30193075801483895112011-09-26T19:47:00.000+13:002012-06-13T21:11:17.778+12:00The Rice Fields of Bali<div align="justify">
The famous Jatiluwih rice fields form one of Bali's most picturesque areas - if not THE most. They can be found about 20 kilometers north of Tabanan, in Bali’s western region. Situated majestically in the hills 850 meters above sea level, the atmosphere is refreshingly cool. Jatiluwih means ”really beautiful”. An appropriate name indeed with breathtaking views across terraced rice paddies, Mount Batakaru and many undulating hills and valleys. </div>
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We took an obscene number of shots between us in this location, to the extent that Liz ran out of space on her camera card and had to borrow a spare. I have posted several shots instead of resorting to a collage for this location - I have this vain fancy that some folks may care to see some of them up-large so to speak.</div>
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Our first impression of Jatiluwih. Picky I know, but who allowed a telegraph pole to be sited there? The roads could have been used.</div>
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A view that shows the young rice plants growing in the water. The irrigation system here is from a mountain source.</div>
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A lone worker in the paddy field. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oKwV39RZObU/T9hYRPRBdHI/AAAAAAAAG4M/lK1PeZDXmE4/s1600-h/P11602714.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1160271" border="0" height="351" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oQFg8jbdyrc/T9hYS26G83I/AAAAAAAAG4U/cxN2JN8vUGE/P1160271_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1160271" width="524" /></a></div>
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We had the distinct feeling that we were walking on private land. Not another visitor was to be seen and we had been assured that it would be crowded. Granted we arrived quite early in order to get good light, but still it was a surprise.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qhtnUM43q84/T9hYVRy_bII/AAAAAAAAG4c/62k4Z2C23bg/s1600-h/P1160273_postcard.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1160273_postcard" border="0" height="230" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-E9UpJT1rfiM/T9hYWkP_oTI/AAAAAAAAG4k/ZdhmexpFhjE/P1160273_postcard_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1160273_postcard" width="304" /></a>A lady came towards us with a basket on her head in true local style. </div>
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We made an approach and were greeted with smiles and cheery words. Jeremy had a few phrases of Bahasa and coupled with some sign language, convinced her that he would like to try carrying her load himself. Just to see how heavy it was – and to test his skill at balancing I suspect.</div>
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We really had to tear ourselves away from this amazing location. Our driver knew a cafe nearby and we paused for a break and also to experience the views from the cafe.</div>
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At this point we were in the Regency of Tabanan which occupies a big chunk of the west of Bali. </div>
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Back in the 15th century it was a kingdom in its own right, but after the Dutch conquest, the Royal family were taken captive and the territory eventually was granted regency status.</div>
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Driving on we came to Pura Luhur Batukau which is a royal ancestral temple, with a seven-tiered pagoda, built on the foothills of Mount Batukau. Not as easily accessible as others, this temple remains off the beaten track its forest surroundings have an abundance of flora and fauna.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ue9w5FeeLPw/T9hYh7lK7uI/AAAAAAAAG5M/OMNzQFtxxWg/s1600-h/P1160331.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1160331" border="0" height="267" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Rm5fr7stTt4/T9hYjDPr3EI/AAAAAAAAG5Q/2wtoVnWJRLI/P1160331_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1160331" width="304" /></a>There were quite a lot of tourists here and at the gate we were each supplied with a 'srendan' (a wrap around) in accordance with local custom</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uoNOQlyg3kU/T9hYlSDhAxI/AAAAAAAAG5c/VlKcXJ-Na7Q/s1600-h/b-Trip-to-World-Heritage3%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img align="right" alt="b-Trip to World Heritage" border="0" height="173" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yWsfWyYKQvY/T9hYm_nkjuI/AAAAAAAAG5k/5Aux8dQY7gc/b-Trip-to-World-Heritage_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="b-Trip to World Heritage" width="304" /></a>The area had an air of verdant charm and despite the numbers of people present, it had a tranquillity of its own.</div>
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Our guide book goes on to say: <em>'The tourist is few because it is not maintained of the road. Therefore, an approach to a shrine that goes to ruin and a covered with moss wall quietly have mysterious atmosphere. There is a shrine where the god of Danau Bratan, the god of Danau Tamblingan, and the god of Danau Buyan pieces are enshrined in the hillside in Gunung Batukau. It can climb a mountain from this place. Because it is a high ground, it is very cold according to the climate. Taking the jacket recommend it.’ </em></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HSmkk2l4yfA/T9hYpAKmw_I/AAAAAAAAG5o/0K_3SDFFsFI/s1600-h/IMG_06922-collage3.jpg"><img align="right" alt="IMG_0692 2 collage" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K3UBpo3JiSA/T9hYqm-vDjI/AAAAAAAAG5w/HIjgSl6clMw/IMG_06922-collage_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0692 2 collage" width="304" /></a>Passing through some stunning scenery (well, pausing occasionally), our journey heads north towards Singaraja. </div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fv8pqxBz1S4/T9hYtAdoJnI/AAAAAAAAG54/w7FfvkQvVM0/s1600-h/Ulu-Tanau-Bratan3.jpg"><img align="left" alt="Ulu Tanau Bratan" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bpe4FG9qFGo/T9hYulq0V2I/AAAAAAAAG6A/Pavzf7I2bcY/Ulu-Tanau-Bratan_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Ulu Tanau Bratan" width="304" /></a></div>
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But first an important temple stop at Puru Ulu Tanau Bratan. This a Hindu and Buddhist shared site. Founded in the 17th century it is dedicated to the Dewi Danu Goddess of the Waters and is actually built on small islands and is thus completely surrounded by the lake. Pilgrimages and ceremonies are held here to ensure a supply of water for farmers all over Bali.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnKdMeUA7w-euoJmXPRmgw5wh4xx75P4LechnovOjvxAm0f87bkZT1sczKRYcSPzMXaDL-ovkfgAeS7iPlDPZHhzVM4XFPPrIpCVV_AT5o1bOSecQY7ZLs-qvNkltm2bLnwqEFtw/s1600-h/IMG_07474.jpg"><img align="right" alt="IMG_0747" border="0" height="204" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-B-CROQxhCbA/T9hYzFnJT5I/AAAAAAAAG6M/ClJsemR60Vc/IMG_0747_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_0747" width="304" /></a>One of my favourite shots shows the temple musicians taking a rest break. It reminds me of a very famous print of seven policemen enjoying illicit pints of beer, known as ‘Seven Pints of the Law’.</div>
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We have pretty well finished the journey as we arrive at our last scheduled temple stop; that of Maduwe Karang, the Temple of the Landowner. </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-K5I-HQC7UjQ/T9hY2tS51vI/AAAAAAAAG6Y/-JgN9rNxKps/s1600-h/b-Trip-to-World-Heritage33.jpg"><img align="left" alt="b-Trip to World Heritage3" border="0" height="229" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dAJT3a1SNZs/T9hY3_yI30I/AAAAAAAAG6g/MfUvVFZinSM/b-Trip-to-World-Heritage3_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="b-Trip to World Heritage3" width="304" /></a>Like the Pura Beji (featured above) it is also dedicated to agricultural spirits, but this one looks after un-irrigated land. The temple is also quite famous for its sculpted panels one of which shows a gentleman riding a bicycle with petals for wheels.</div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-51808095961809595782011-09-23T20:57:00.000+12:002012-06-13T21:58:44.480+12:00Singaraja and thereabouts<p align="justify">The nearest town to Lovina Beach is Singaraja. which has the honour of being the regency seat of Buleleng. The name incidentally means "Lion King" in Indonesian. It has an area of 27.98 km² and population of 80,500. Singaraja was the Dutch colonial administrative centre for Bali and the Lesser Sunda Islands until 1953, and the port of arrival for most visitors until modern development in the south.</p> <p align="justify">We needed a new diesel filter, so we took a taxi into town. Our driver proved to be a really jolly and interesting man who asked if we would like to see a couple of extra highlights. “Would we ever!”</p> <p align="justify">Just a little way along the main road he turned down a lane and almost immediately we found ourselves in the middle of rice production. As always in Indonesia we were greeted with waves and smiles.<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jqwLkpHuF0g/T9hWMNrq4jI/AAAAAAAAG0I/OA4BE9exwAc/s1600-h/Rice-working139.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Rice working" border="0" alt="Rice working" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h50UmqoxXUQ/T9hWOFQbqFI/AAAAAAAAG0Q/7lX4X_2MNIg/Rice-working_thumb137.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="388"></a></p> <p align="justify">Our first sight was of field workers paddling in muddy water planting the young rice. We had been told earlier that two or even three crops of rice can be produced in one year, so planting, ploughing and harvesting take place side by side – although I’m not absolutely certain that mud of that consistency qualifies as ploughable. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iPztGWJ8xlw/T9hWQV19rpI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/hn9hBiBKYTg/s1600-h/P116017359.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1160173" border="0" alt="P1160173" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hTD2S_amO0s/T9hWRwdJXPI/AAAAAAAAG0g/wCGsBS8I1Fo/P1160173_thumb60.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a>At this point we were only yards from the coast and our driver took us just a little further on to an old and obviously well established fishing port. It doesn’t appear on our charts, but the vessels here were sizeable and wonderfully exotic. The colours brilliant in the sunshine and being packed so closely together, the effect was visual overload!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1URczxzw4JQ/T9hWVz12YNI/AAAAAAAAG0s/S5cHQFVEG_Y/s1600-h/IMG_0427.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0427" border="0" alt="IMG_0427" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-t68PBDCvpHc/T9hWXRokszI/AAAAAAAAG00/OHwzC256OUU/IMG_0427_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="204"></a>As I mentioned earlier, Singaraja is significant. We drove for several miles through the outskirts until we reached an enormous statue of the bulls in a sled race. A wonderfully impressive structure, doubly so as we had witnessed the races ourselves only a short time ago.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ej2lr6JKByw/T9hWZcDR5wI/AAAAAAAAG08/3f6T-UCeZ4M/s1600-h/P1160191-P11601922.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Stitched Panorama" border="0" alt="Stitched Panorama" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KxjcjOVEbbI/T9hWaQlYq5I/AAAAAAAAG1E/Pwdbkg6wGO0/P1160191-P11601922_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="179"></a>Our driver was determined that we would see the highlights, so we were taken to the pride of the port. A refurbished walking area with various levels and a massively impressive Yudha Mandala Tema monument celebrating an Indonesian freedom fighter in their struggle against the Dutch colonialists in the 1940s. A bit like ‘Liverpool Resurgent’ on Lewis’ corner …but with clothes. </p> <p align="justify">Just opposite was the Ling Guan Kiong Chinese Temple. Always worth a visit as they are so exotically painted and the architecture is just so incredibly different to our western eyes. I’m sure there is a symbolism, but we walked over a bridge to enter the temple area and were met by an official who had English sufficient to point out the main features. One of which was a brightly painted bell – with the casting mark ‘Kent’ on the outside.<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ui3TadWB8QE/T9hWcmElsnI/AAAAAAAAG1M/YQSi8uUqrmc/s1600-h/Singaraja-temple20.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Singaraja temple" border="0" alt="Singaraja temple" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wVLyhydE9LU/T9hWeZMVuvI/AAAAAAAAG1U/ok0ukwpFYCQ/Singaraja-temple_thumb18.jpg?imgmax=800" width="524" height="524"></a></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ttTEnz3zJU8/T9hWgr_w6vI/AAAAAAAAG1c/GMh0fTSpR78/s1600-h/P1160205.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1160205" border="0" alt="P1160205" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCuJmqpMIZs0JVPfaIb6XikcGa4HvnATicLM9_vC7B7cw2bZ3X9Y6enhcPgEiiGhwg6J8dpUPGV_nzc9KT5yj8tNOQVarfBtnYLZtmyiOnPTc2wWG5IyhWpF34I3l2vkzOo3LcA/?imgmax=800" width="304" height="133"></a>Leaving the city and travelling further east our driver took us through more rural rice growing areas and we saw – albeit from a polite distance – a funeral procession with mourners carrying umbrellas. Sorry about the hazy picture – it was zoomed quite a lot. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kBPqCrj0zR8/T9hWkovfoaI/AAAAAAAAG1s/KSXEKczs_1g/s1600-h/P1160211.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1160211" border="0" alt="P1160211" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5GiMB3J2nnE/T9hWl9XkybI/AAAAAAAAG10/kVQkfJMX0Z0/P1160211_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="218"></a>Close by is the Pura Beji Temple. </p> <p align="justify">Dedicated to Dewi Sri, the Hindu goddess of agriculture with particular emphasis on irrigated rice fields.</p> <p align="justify">.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AYOL4HiNbDU/T9hWoPNQMaI/AAAAAAAAG18/LOxHkMIKcJY/s1600-h/IMG_0471-IMG_04766.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Stitched Panorama" border="0" alt="Stitched Panorama" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1na1M8WqaA0/T9hWpeo4I_I/AAAAAAAAG2E/bet5QEluZEA/IMG_0471-IMG_04766_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="133"></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BmoMHCosdAM/T9hWrXpkgrI/AAAAAAAAG2M/xBUsnzcN9HI/s1600-h/IMG_05003.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0500" border="0" alt="IMG_0500" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qqx0yxVVPzo/T9hWshGoM7I/AAAAAAAAG2U/IfOlaq2LCoY/IMG_0500_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244"></a></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">We also visited the nearby Pura Dalem temple Always good for a photo opportunity, the temple is locally renowned for its carvings.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GbHfK0SDMy0/T9hWuwN8UDI/AAAAAAAAG2c/AbUFkyoq7WA/s1600-h/P1160241.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1160241" border="0" alt="P1160241" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sNUUvMPzOzk/T9hWwr7PXdI/AAAAAAAAG2k/kCAyOwXuAI8/P1160241_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="230"></a>In the evening there was another concert on the beach. More dancing and of course …gamelan music – I think I have heard the tune before!</p> Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-79892385217500466952011-09-21T14:07:00.000+12:002012-03-14T15:10:39.628+13:00Bali–Arrival and Local Entertainment<p align="justify">Thirty miles across the Selat Lombok [the Lombok Strait] and we are lucky with the currents. We had identified a shallow bay with sandy shallows offshore at a place called Ambat. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PGmw6URACEs/T1_9pm1kH1I/AAAAAAAAGxE/er6f_RdJCoM/s1600-h/P11509353.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1150935" border="0" alt="P1150935" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EvkzT4qfhSc/T1_9rJcPdjI/AAAAAAAAGxM/aVAwXMoXV_U/P1150935_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Not much information was available about the spot as an anchorage, but it looked suitable. Apparently several other folks thought so too, because we were the seventh boat in the line-up nose on to the shore-line. As usual there was a small town nestling in the bay complete with mosque, and we even saw a couple of tourists! </p> <p align="justify">The view looking towards the shore was very pleasant; mountainous and giving a dramatic backdrop to the tiny village. We were not planning to stop here as the ‘event’ was starting in Lovina Beach and if you want anywhere safe to anchor, it is better not to be the last one in!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfHEVIJi_PP5bXM5S9aCXttExmF8yJL-W1ZD7uKAwCvy9ZgZFJEJFopNDZ07ySCPyDkVVnBK5JUURD0kEHPtHPMfTdfEvA4HFbnWtVuf9ywfZnc-X_5-8R9EQZEvbVZyfz-Esh-Q/s1600-h/P11509493.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1150949" border="0" alt="P1150949" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5sM2PSsUPL8/T1_9uSrw8xI/AAAAAAAAGxc/B2gs4pTzpvY/P1150949_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Another easy, light airs sail from Ambat to Lovina Beach. There were an enormous number of the unmanned rafts [shown left] which apparently provide a form of shelter for young fish and therefore a food source for larger fish. Fishermen are ingenious. Approaching Lovina Beach there was an invisible avenue in the coral reef through which we had to pass to reach the anchorage area. The GPS co-ordinates should be reliable, but we have found that some charts that folks use have slightly different off-sets and ‘invisible avenues’ are a bit nerve wracking. We need not have worried, the fleet was in and clearly visible and soon we were at anchor.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VdoA2nDAaRc/T1_9xHdpWqI/AAAAAAAAGxk/U7YZrvmGaGE/s1600-h/P1430863%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430863" border="0" alt="P1430863" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gUZH4B8C2Mg/T1_9yIdHBXI/AAAAAAAAGxs/0U_cT09L1gE/P1430863_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>The dinghy launched, we rowed …yes rowed …too the shore (we need the exercise) and were so impressed with the preparations that had been made for us as a Rally. For a start there were young men on the beach just standing by to haul dinghies up onto the dry sand. Then looking around, there were rows of marquees; a reception tent housing the Rally officials and a row of kiosks displaying local foods and handicrafts.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xMUYhH-jy9I/T1_91MXAEKI/AAAAAAAAGx0/Zpp3rMJr6KI/s1600-h/Marquees%252520collage%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Marquees collage" border="0" alt="Marquees collage" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DeCXaJOAdk0/T1_92ZfIL5I/AAAAAAAAGx8/-LVKB1O30Po/Marquees%252520collage_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>We did come to appreciate that we had to run a gauntlet of keen salesmen (and ladies) each time we came ashore. We need not have worried about a lack of necklaces, bangles, paintings etc. or even the availability of tour operators or laundry services. They were all there throughout the daylight hours. Plus there was a choice of very reasonable restaurants that were pretty much ‘open air’. They are called Warungs and seem to be like a restaurant only more informal. The food however was delicious.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m3D-22j3Xw8/T1_944HO53I/AAAAAAAAGyE/I7-IRL4wJuk/s1600-h/Band%252526stage%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Band&stage" border="0" alt="Band&stage" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-n20cYT5im-w/T1_96y1suUI/AAAAAAAAGyM/GOzM9jwhD3s/Band%252526stage_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>As it came to late afternoons, then numbers of people increased, the stage areas became crowded, and this happened virtually all week, local performers took to a temporary stage and we were treated to Balinese Dancing accompanied by various Gamelan orchestras. </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7Si28pRqYCE/T1_99oG0iqI/AAAAAAAAGyU/HByZYXL6GuI/s1600-h/Dancers-1%252520collage%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dancers-1 collage" border="0" alt="Dancers-1 collage" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-b28I82Riq7Y/T1_9_Ic8tVI/AAAAAAAAGyc/L8Te-w9bDM0/Dancers-1%252520collage_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Before one of the shows, Liz made contact with a few groups of dancers waiting for their calls to go on stage. They were delighted to be photographed and struck wonderfully complex poses as she snapped away. All with a smile and a laugh.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8rDDMeOVNOU/T1_-CB2fcfI/AAAAAAAAGyk/3AQd4RKLHUU/s1600-h/Dancers-2%252520collage%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Dancers-2 collage" border="0" alt="Dancers-2 collage" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6T4jjTyzdzs/T1_-DXM7z8I/AAAAAAAAGys/gcSuZVckMOM/Dancers-2%252520collage_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>It would have been fun to know more detail about the significance of the dancers movements. Each dance was given a brief introduction, but they seemed to represent complex stories or parables.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Another day, another experience. We were invited to visit the Bull Races that were being held nearby. I confess that many of us, with our very western wariness of anything to do with cruelty to animals, were a little curious an reluctant. However, when the format of the event was explained (and the history checked out on the internet), we signed up for the trip. Well, it was a walk actually, and a good one at that. Probably only 2 or 3 miles, but the sun is strong and the roads are busy, dusty and without continuous pavements. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RbjA5sm8Ylc/T1_-GO1NV1I/AAAAAAAAGy0/nl3jzbp5Rc0/s1600-h/bulls%252520collage%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="bulls collage" border="0" alt="bulls collage" align="right" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdkHVaQNI0U6e99e3RhsbPImfinrP9Rp3Z1-IOYel6jDI2PyUX2kKxjFmtUGDJzO7HT4ZDUcwl3LD-2PuSm_HOOT267Ss9boY9SuLHg_HE9Q_Pc3ut4SCzy4bhgdHdd4tYnLvWw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>Reaching the stadium, complete with tiered stands and a band, we walked past the competitors. The bulls are chosen for their colour and their elegance, they are all light brown, immaculately groomed and their harnesses and sleds decorated using traditional colours and designs. As usual, there was a great deal of waiting around before the main event got going. Then, because the announcements were being made in Bahasa, it all started without warning. The bulls race in pairs pulling a sled and two sleds compete each time. Just one length of the field – turn about and race back. The bulls carry their tails high like flagpoles and even their noses are in the air like snooty ‘upper class’ bulls.</p> <p align="justify">After the main events, which took an hour or two, foreign visitors were offered the chance to have a sled ride – well it would be churlish to refuse, wouldn’t it!</p> Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-75296483673381586522011-09-16T13:18:00.000+12:002012-03-13T04:19:13.365+13:00Medana Beach and the Gillis<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r0rc9CeW-1c/T14RE8dT9eI/AAAAAAAAGvw/Sw6HGZ9OPhw/s1600-h/vTanjung-life3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="vTanjung life" border="0" alt="vTanjung life" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MzIdZILtJHk/T14RI3eVK6I/AAAAAAAAGv4/2iCd8779uU4/vTanjung-life_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="174"></a>Leaving the resort required a bit of walking, but it was interesting. We first passed through a very small local community then walked a quite major road which led to Tanjung a bustling township with adequate provisioning and plenty of interest. We paused for lunch on our first foray to the town at a family run <em>rumah makan</em> [trans: eating room]. It was one of those spontaneous successes that just happen. The meal was simple and the family serving and cooking it were so very friendly and welcoming, a really enjoyable event.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NJZrEn1nd_w/T14RPfxTgyI/AAAAAAAAGwA/ECXX-cy_QaY/s1600-h/Village-collage.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Village collage" border="0" alt="Village collage" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YXGP28YzQE8/T14RUS4Dq6I/AAAAAAAAGwI/oY7zBSpB-r4/Village-collage_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="164"></a>The Rally organisers laid on a coach trip to see some sights of Lombok and it proved to be an enjoyable day. Our first call was to a traditional community near to Tanjung (our nearest significant town). Inhabitants were demonstrating weaving, basket making, rice preparing and just outside the village boundary, paddy fields stretched to the distant mountains, a lady wearing a picturesque hat beamed a wonderful smile.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gpDlWPbmJJ0/T14RaIgoShI/AAAAAAAAGwU/JiBqDfEe_-o/s1600-h/vBasket--satay3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="vBasket & satay" border="0" alt="vBasket & satay" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sbe8ufp9rKM/T14Rg1rsNII/AAAAAAAAGwc/xyvA8yrWVAk/vBasket--satay_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a>We did much re-provisioning and re-fuelling of course (we always have to) – and it is so labour intensive. There are no pumps on site, so trucks have to deliver jerry cans in the required number, which can take an entire day.</p> <p align="justify">However, and more interestingly, there was a cookery demonstration that I attended and learned how to make <em>Indonesian</em> satay </p> <p align="justify">and also a basket making class that Liz attended and succeeded in making a very credible container. </p> <p align="justify">There followed an afternoon and evening of traditional dance and music. A superb performance ending with a childrens’ choir coached by Aki, the manageress of the resort.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qc_bym6aG1s/T14RnDYeN6I/AAAAAAAAGwk/BnoDSKxY4ec/s1600-h/vDance%252526Gamelan%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="vDance&Gamelan" border="0" alt="vDance&Gamelan" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wEIKx-75Cvo/T14RsU9UTjI/AAAAAAAAGwo/2E08uFjKeqg/vDance%252526Gamelan_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a></p> <p align="justify">Jeremy and Kathy from Sal Darago were still in need of a replacement dinghy after suffering a burst seam whilst on Savu. Bali, it seemed was a place where a dinghy could be obtained. It all made sense, Bali is a popular tourist and sailing location it has a marina, a sailing club and perhaps more than one chandlery. Fired up by this opportunity, Jeremy and Kathy set off for south Bali.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NL_gS_HC3ZA/T14RyENEnrI/AAAAAAAAGww/2_b-iotkNwQ/s1600-h/vGilli-Meno3.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="vGilli Meno" border="0" alt="vGilli Meno" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nR1NqP33bH8/T14R2GxSCTI/AAAAAAAAGw4/xHccBfM4kXU/vGilli-Meno_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244"></a>We stayed and signed up for a trip to the Gili Islands off the Lombok shore. Three tiny islands, tourist spots all, that are pretty and have good snorkelling. Aboard a power launch the Gilis (islands) Air, Meno and Trewangan were only an hour away and were indeed lovely, if slightly wacky. We snorkelled on Air, then moved round to Meno in time for lunch and a break for exploration. The lunch venue was exotic, bordering on the hedonistic! </p> <p align="justify">After lunch a walk. Liz teamed up with a couple of friends, but I thought that a circumperambulation would be fun. It was further than I thought – I should have taken some water!</p> <p align="justify">Returning to Medana Beach it was time to prepare to leave. Next stop Bali.</p> Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-89743448032464194032011-09-07T21:16:00.000+12:002012-03-10T21:18:10.573+13:00Gilli Lawat to Medana Beach<p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eSUIc5O_Cqo/T1sJ5ZJtSxI/AAAAAAAAGuo/HncPSSRhvVY/s1600-h/P1150478%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1150478" border="0" alt="P1150478" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GFQ6U7v688U/T1sJ8wjHJSI/AAAAAAAAGuw/jpym9F2dMDI/P1150478_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="160"></a>Leaving Gilli Lawat meant a 40 mile journey, which doesn’t sound much to those used to car travel, but it is about as much as we enjoy tackling in one day. It took us to a sandy shelf about 5 miles short of the offshore island of Satanda. It was shown on the charts as merely a shallower part of the coastline without any offshore rocks. It was not on the list of anchorages, so both Sal Darago and ourselves were a little leery about staying, but as is frequently the case, the ad hoc anchorages that feel ‘chancy’ work well in practise. In fact it turned out to be a very peaceful night. Calm weather and light seas.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F6ME5wZYaLc/T1sKAx0d6CI/AAAAAAAAGu4/pHNSFUD2N9E/s1600-h/P1150509-11%2525283%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1150509-11(3)" border="0" alt="P1150509-11(3)" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qCDWHsr78s0/T1sKFp08PgI/AAAAAAAAGvA/gdqO3hcm7cE/P1150509-11%2525283%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="112"></a>A glorious sunrise over the mountains was followed by an equally fabulous sail passing by the small volcanic island of Satonda and westwards to Pulau Medang, yet another small island with a deeply indented bay on its north coast. We were not alone that night. ‘The boys’ from <a href="http://cheetahtwo.com/cheetah-ii/">Cheetah 2</a> were there, another rally boat manned by 3 young Kiwis, one of whom plays the guitar and we could hear the pleasant strains across the water as the sun went down.</p> <p align="justify">Another 44 miles west saw us safely tucked inside a reef fringeing a small island offshore from Lombok, one of Indonesia’s major islands. Actually, that makes light of what was a rather freakish approach. We plotted a course over the western end of the island, but there are reefs there and the current was doing its best to push us onto them. However, we triumphed of course <img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smilewithtongueout" alt="Smile with tongue out" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEEYghUz7Qs9nkpiztrzB3NdCaxpQWQ_kY1ToiQg05dKuItvIH2RjKh_MBKhKKGx13jUQhDAs_wjBOdBUw56OH3O_BV-AiRzQhK84jbHsDdE-c0FUWjrZzqBE0PturuWtz-axWyg/?imgmax=800">. The island was named Gili Lawang and it was a very secluded anchorage, calm and peaceful with no sign of significant habitation, save for a tiny fishing boat, a small fire and a man tending the fire. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-42MREvTMMdc/T1sKNz9OSTI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/QBEhG6Ge_cM/s1600-h/P1150542%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 10px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1150542" border="0" alt="P1150542" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S78uWu5BNHI/T1sKS00cu6I/AAAAAAAAGvY/pjnFld7ptOw/P1150542_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>The next ‘event’ was based at Medana Beach and that was our target this time. A gorgeous light wind sail took us right into the narrow channel through the reef and into the ‘sort of’ protected moorings area. There were about half the number of mooring balls than there were rally boats, so there was going to be a bit of competition. We were probably the last to arrive for whom mooring balls were available, but ours was unbelievably close to the shore. At first we thought it was simply not possible, but after trying it out and with the added benefit of being tied to a big concrete block on the shore as well (courtesy of the management) it was fine and our preference for our spot grew as we watched those who were in apparently more spacious locations being twizzled around by the changing winds and currents. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BI7sDZFdi8M/T1sKYLDSQoI/AAAAAAAAGvg/u6T4DZ5U_tk/s1600-h/P1150544%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 0px 5px 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1150544" border="0" alt="P1150544" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5i6hVyMn80k/T1sKax6l2bI/AAAAAAAAGvo/4cjMF5CuKnA/P1150544_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184"></a>Ashore, life was going on as it had done for centuries, </p> <p align="justify">…but with a difference, tripper boats taking tourists to the ‘Gillis’ (offshore islands), traders with trinkets waited at the jetty </p> <p align="justify">…also the beach was home to an incipient resort, the new apartments were built and party furnished but as yet unoccupied. </p> <p align="justify">There was however a bar and restaurant offering excellent bar prices and reasonable food. What more could anyone ask?</p> Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-40207002723410524532011-09-05T06:30:00.000+12:002012-03-10T19:28:28.069+13:00The Komodo Islands and Sumbaya<div align="justify">
Our next main destination was Bali where the Sail Indonesia Rally 2011 had announced another ‘Event’ – and we were assured that this one was definite! We much prefer covering the distance in day-hops as it allows us to get some sleep during the hours of darkness and it gives us a chance to see out of the way places.</div>
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There are several small islands lying to the north of Komodo Island and a choice of anchorages. The fleet by this time was thinning out, many had already left and some were still in Labuan Bajo. We chose to set sail and made for Komodo Island. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_eICanslwc4/T06wZnQ7FII/AAAAAAAAGjI/O8ufoByU7_w/s1600-h/P11502276.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150227" border="0" height="186" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bSHuL_axCLs/T06wapgCD4I/AAAAAAAAGjM/pFaef3iXgmQ/P1150227_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 5px 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150227" width="244" /></a>A beautiful inlet on the north coast called Gillilawa Bay. Sailing a mile or so down into the head of the bay revealed two mooring balls – one each for Sal Darago and Ellida! Absolutely blissful. </div>
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The next day was just right for a little snorkelling. Taking the dinghies to the mouth of the bay, there was an outer island and a pass between the two land masses. [<em>You have to understand that Indonesia has tides and currents that are strong and are difficult to predict. There are rules and guidelines that are well documented involving the seasons and the state of the moon’s phase, but basically it’s a crap shoot, you find out when you get there</em>]. <br />
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We dropped into the water and discovered that the current was taking us out through the pass. Towing the dinghies on long lines we had a wonderful, no …better than that …fantastic, drift snorkel. Just let the current take you past all the under sea gardens and brightly coloured fish. What an experience. Arriving at deep water on the outside of the islands, we hopped (I hope that doesn’t make it sound like an elegant process) back into the dinghies and fought the current towards our anchorage.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mx1fdIMCSlA/T06wct-OPZI/AAAAAAAAGjY/_RzEjU2oEqQ/s1600-h/IMG_9791-9554.jpg"><img alt="IMG_9791-95(5)" border="0" height="147" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fYP1tEjiUPg/T06wd2t3Z2I/AAAAAAAAGjg/Hwu6oda01Wg/IMG_9791-955_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9791-95(5)" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you find there is a current that can be of help – take it! Taking the big boats through was a bit ‘heart in mouth’ but it all passed without incident and there followed a very short trip to Gilli Lawa Laut which was just a couple of very small islands north of our last anchorage. </div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C_TdPW2Qz0k/T06wfUnKBdI/AAAAAAAAGjo/1L7J0jbyI0Y/s1600-h/P1150252-5544.jpg"><img alt="P1150252-55(4)" border="0" height="161" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wFXtBtaII1o/T06wgSXjrQI/AAAAAAAAGjw/fJypk5bPlvg/P1150252-554_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150252-55(4)" width="400" /></a>Here we found commercialism and tourism again. It is obviously a good diving spot because several tripper boats were already here and had occupied the mooring buoys, so we searched for a suitable anchoring spot. Space was limited and what we actually found left us rather close to each other at times. We had one of those nights, when you get up every hour to check that all is well and sometimes it is. There was good snorkelling there, but from the traffic to and fro from the tripper boats to an offshore sunken rock we guessed that the prime site was accessible only to the gas bottle brigade.</div>
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A sail of less than 10 miles had us in Batu Monco (Batu Montjo) another deep indentation on the northwest point of Komodo. Another idyllic spot; a sailfin leapt out of the water as we sailed in and we picked up an anchoring spot – ahead of Sal Darago for once! Only one other occupant in the bay, a small catamaran called Decoy, who we had seen before and we made contact. It proved to be good snorkelling before lunch, then a walk ashore in the afternoon. No dragons.</div>
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Time to make the last of our island hops before heading to the much larger island of Sumbawa. This time it’s another offshore island named Pulau Banta (Pulau means island) and the recommended spot is a very deep indentation in the southern coast. The chart shows shallows on either side and as we have learned not to trust the charts completely, we keep a fair distance from both shores as we enter and watch the depth gauge very closely. Finding a suitable place did involve a fair bit of trial and error, but eventually we settled and were quite happy with the location. The real drama came the following day when we tried to leave.</div>
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Obeying all the rules and guidelines as well as checking a few goat’s entrails, we calculated that the tide would be taking us North as we crossed the pass in a northwesterly direction for the northeast tip of Sumbawa. Thus is was with confidence that we set off and rounded the south coast of Pulau Banta to meet a south flowing current of sufficient speed and set that we were facing north, but travelling south! Aaaaaarrrgh! Turn about! We returned to a tiny bay close to our original anchorage and regrouped.<br />
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We thought that a couple of hours delay would see a change in the tide and therefore we resolved to wait until midday before trying again. Before the two hours were up, we spotted three rally boats sailing on our proposed route. Lupari 2, Greg and Sue’s bright yellow 40 footer was unmistakable, so we called them on the radio to get there estimate of the current. “It’s just a little bit against us.” was the reply. Fine, that’ll do, so we brace ourselves and set off for a second time.<br />
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This time it went according to plan and we had a good sail over the top of the northeast point of Sumbawa and just 10 or so miles west to the open roadstead of Teluk Wera. </div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mpnSaw1I3Ok/T06wisieF9I/AAAAAAAAGj4/_NM84m6W7IQ/s1600-h/IMG_98124.jpg"><img alt="IMG_9812" border="0" height="211" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mj-79zGdyqo/T06wkGBdfkI/AAAAAAAAGkA/SSYK0NyxpJA/IMG_9812_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9812" width="400" /></a>There were several rally boats already at anchor, so many in fact that anchoring was tight, but there’s always room for another one or two and we fitted snugly into gaps that were a little tighter than we would have liked, but we felt that they would do. The village of Sangiang was wonderfully visible on shore. It is famous for boat building and two massive traditional style wooden vessels were in advanced stages of build on the beach. We resolved to have a closer look the next day.</div>
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The night proved to be eventful as the wind and current changed at irregular intervals and we were anchored next to a catamaran. I friendly Australian couple that we had met before, but catamarans tend to lie in accordance with wind conditions and are less affected by current, whilst the maxim for monohulls like us is, ‘when tide competes with current, current always wins’. We very nearly collided with our neighbour in the darkness, but as we were both up on deck, a little judicious line twiddling and he was kind enough to lower his daggerboard which made him more responsive to the current and it all settled down.</div>
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The following morning we did visit Sangiang and we invited to look around the boat building project. It was thoroughly enjoyable and a joy to see them working in the old traditional manner using adzes to shape the timbers and making pegs, boring holes and driving in pegs to hold the planks instead of bolts, rivets, screws, nails whatever is the modern equivalent. And of course there was an army of workers assigned to the task – a jolly bunch.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aaONIl3_R6s/T06wmhhiHnI/AAAAAAAAGkI/wRZgnk4X7Hk/s1600-h/P11502983.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150298" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F-xyRYTFdbg/T06wnu2L4GI/AAAAAAAAGkM/6wJnsHQ_WQw/P1150298_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150298" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JObPpNhyB0s/T06wp_XoLyI/AAAAAAAAGkY/Nu_zbBor_1U/s1600-h/P11503033.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150303" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vYaTemE8SrE/T06wqxO-CNI/AAAAAAAAGkg/SOoo2egHAto/P1150303_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150303" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2t8ueUCQQWCnF85OMy1HZjv9ODCy-HA8i_ADhrMGtkYmtpvKFCSryzcbV40OnfgkYNtA9YEcLBa3pO78ycGLjI_B8HRi0Gts6ra7MLmGN_pszuYcabPsMNDyZymeY4o5hL_euA/s1600-h/P11503053.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150305" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-x2C_80X9Va4/T06wteM5_1I/AAAAAAAAGkw/qUTu6i5-Sek/P1150305_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150305" width="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lgHuYi5kAug/T06wwakq2EI/AAAAAAAAGk4/HQEsyXAUbqM/s1600-h/P14305683.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1430568" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_RbCwL5lNlk/T06wxUifCQI/AAAAAAAAGlA/FaR2eFItZSY/P1430568_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430568" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YQmGS3IB8so/T06w0R_iyjI/AAAAAAAAGlI/2HW4bERFT4A/s1600-h/P14305723.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1430572" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-k4b1Edi_3Uk/T06w1XcTpUI/AAAAAAAAGlM/VAa-5U_j0ro/P1430572_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430572" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ONfxeoHoT4U/T06w3Qf6FUI/AAAAAAAAGlY/86P81ArAvQI/s1600-h/P14305783.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1430578" border="0" height="168" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u2lNS_LJVTg/T06w4shDORI/AAAAAAAAGlc/JmsizmG54Z8/P1430578_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430578" width="244" /></a></div>
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We then walked the village just taking in the sights; the neat streets formed of hard packed earth, the large and geometrically precise drainage which probably meant that they have severe water problems when the rains come. There were of course mosques, and other public buildings, small shops that were more like kiosks which to our eyes all seemed to offer the same goods for sale; biscuits, benzene, cheap brightly coloured fizzy drinks and sweets.<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZM7cFtpOo44/T06w_FhF6OI/AAAAAAAAGl4/8003QRy_btA/s1600-h/P11503213.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150321" border="0" height="174" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wdn5TarbKQM/T06xBNQSMsI/AAAAAAAAGmA/0I5M5gwiJoE/P1150321_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150321" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-08lOXtgtXj8/T06xDrIQmWI/AAAAAAAAGmI/WR5j8CT12oU/s1600-h/P11503233.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150323" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_KzTg1cSh50/T06xEQgPZjI/AAAAAAAAGmQ/lxtKlTBqQeQ/P1150323_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150323" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qn65PYEYuvM/T06xHhP7VJI/AAAAAAAAGmY/3_fmGDkhluM/s1600-h/P14305983.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1430598" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xZf_-sx1uWA/T06xIRnun5I/AAAAAAAAGmg/x1lxDR3aXGE/P1430598_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430598" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QqJAKpfLKCY/T06xL_RslJI/AAAAAAAAGmo/j3LDX64St58/s1600-h/P14306013.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1430601" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AzMtiMCSykI/T06xM061y0I/AAAAAAAAGmw/VyNhii-ajxw/P1430601_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430601" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-S6r65VI98zU/T06xPjUMX-I/AAAAAAAAGm4/F-AKGcg8pTI/s1600-h/P14306103.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1430610" border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROr6jlQZ3NnmdKQD1w34kgeDzKk3fDGOTWU9u4rSUOa1caqYZZmx_QtF8Fa2QV4h9s9aylL1ZGG-nBiXhqrSXzt23AvysbslQedq2jrRuI3kqqJVl0gV4gEX53H7ULRB5PnbWLg/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430610" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IF2H1GQ5JU-gzWZrXx5XkI5xOqxg0SeahXQ0FcutzozrknUJE0xbu0C_Y2z1K9-GWAr8KycQCvzF0WMTFXRtgaY4_nIMWssg6vk4yAimFwsncE1wh1jO9YPOD_8J59SVMET8kQ/s1600-h/P14306143.jpg"><img alt="P1430614" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h0uMlVGgZck/T06xVnhL2CI/AAAAAAAAGnQ/lL-qRg1xamM/P1430614_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430614" width="244" /></a>It was wonderful to see the laundry being done in communal fashion around a water supply and animals sharing the proximity of the family home. People were friendly, eager to exchange works and eager to be on our photographs. We had a wonderful few hours just wandering the town before returning to our dinghies to find that they had been guarded by the harbourmaster and his friends. <br />
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Time to resume our journey and a perfectly reasonable sail of just over 18 miles around to the township of Bima. Which was unexpectedly huge. We found an anchorage not far from the town quay, cheek by jowl with a variety of local boats and not too far away from GOSI and HAVEN two friends from the rally who had arrived earlier and chosen a spot further out (where it was a bit windy).<br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-niS_Rjy50Bg/T06xXJn8rXI/AAAAAAAAGnY/Jshpn_RvuDM/s1600-h/P11503493.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150349" border="0" height="139" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z_30GGvFeGw/T06xX1RHqiI/AAAAAAAAGng/KtnPlsx6QaQ/P1150349_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150349" width="244" /></a><br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZeAVZ-FfAlY/T06xZ5KxkTI/AAAAAAAAGno/aWUpgo4ZvB4/s1600-h/P11505333.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1150533" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatzbS1IvkU12gJQQbN3fPz_I-oYY_N77YlpdH9QofYzAw2eVs_qrdMxqSe8ymMt297H4m_wBm982re3X6-bX9RcyJJyEA06gQ-rvEUAIMwxLDprpgGhDsGsj7Iq8I1y2z-QQW8A/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150533" /></a><br />
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I woke early the following morning. No particular reason, I sometimes do when on board and never regret seeing the dawn.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A5lBQuCHY7k/T06xccsvgkI/AAAAAAAAGn4/DSeblmgLvBI/s1600-h/P11503413.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150341" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_ysKT2Ks3Vw/T06xeIaAX9I/AAAAAAAAGoA/J65Ae932la0/P1150341_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150341" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IVdQrjNklC8/T06xgAWjgII/AAAAAAAAGoI/p-psKMmqYKg/s1600-h/P11503453.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150345" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7O4NA0Bpv-k/T06xhAxWXfI/AAAAAAAAGoQ/wqaUntO8v6M/P1150345_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150345" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VXMX10GDvsA/T06xjBZx60I/AAAAAAAAGoY/Q_jEQp3h1X0/s1600-h/P11503497.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150349" border="0" height="139" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1kdrKe0QC54/T06xkCZbEgI/AAAAAAAAGog/q9f5v9GVIW8/P1150349_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150349" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LLAzho1H_zU/T06xlTGpDOI/AAAAAAAAGoo/WI8wUoRU7t4/s1600-h/P11503533.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150353" border="0" height="136" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NAinXuv9C1o/T06xmbWK0JI/AAAAAAAAGos/6DJj9sEJLyc/P1150353_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150353" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HlTcRgnf2Qg/T06xoetfecI/AAAAAAAAGo4/bAixzMvv53Y/s1600-h/P11503553.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150355" border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGX6f-CYwsASxChW6nMcuSMqDGzslbpm-miSH9Ggo7w6VJnBf8SxmprgPpiNBzpd610TzSzs6drm5Uk-6JMMK0ogWP0OAm3KNst6JK9G5q-0WINL3muZdLhWlmE1MbHzTraOK2g/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150355" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_yIwtvhh7bo/T06xrbsy4LI/AAAAAAAAGpI/iDpz8-MnCpI/s1600-h/P11503643.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150364" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m5B8EBHw61w/T06xsLChSfI/AAAAAAAAGpM/kczu-Oq9ph0/P1150364_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150364" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kH7CDdDHYGg/T06xt8CavQI/AAAAAAAAGpY/Ne-57S33OLw/s1600-h/P1430618a3.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1430618a" border="0" height="143" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fS-a2-tjbtM/T06xuhlcQDI/AAAAAAAAGpc/hZ6g-zT9Uu8/P1430618a_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430618a" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1DCl-IWGdis/T06xwjFNAbI/AAAAAAAAGpo/455MJ5F1ekQ/s1600-h/P14306653.jpg"><img alt="P1430665" border="0" height="385" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5-2-mr3orn8/T06xxX_xdtI/AAAAAAAAGps/GedPgWsuAmU/P1430665_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430665" width="640" /></a><br />
The sights of Bima coming to life were wonderful and mystical, but before long the silence of the early light was broken by the arrival of workers by ferry from nearby communities. Health and safety regulations don’t apply around here and the way little boats are overcrowded just amazes us. We did notice that the ladies seem to have the interior accommodation whilst the men-folk take the roof. Are the men letting the ladies have the shelter against the sun or are they grabbing the seats that are most easy to escape from (in the likely event of a capsize) for themselves. We wondered.<br />
Budi arrived and made himself known. He had some English – well lots of it actually – but not all easy to understand. He was quite a small and slight man but was accompanied by a large and silent friend, his aim was to assist in any way that he could. He could supply diesel, petrol, water, arrange for laundry, offer guided tours and anything else that we could possibly need. His charges were very reasonable and we availed ourselves of a top-up of diesel to be conveyed to and from shore by him using jerry cans. This arranged, we went ashore to explore.<br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sE7BZAlhENE/T06x0Fcya8I/AAAAAAAAGp4/zHpiblnOQ7s/s1600-h/P11503803.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150380" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WvckeHPgcjU/T06x1OSraNI/AAAAAAAAGp8/_6_DHGHq9qM/P1150380_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150380" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ux0VzYLO2sc/T06x3l9JCfI/AAAAAAAAGqI/ZhUEPMw3txo/s1600-h/P11503843.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150384" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rEVQl_gZB9g/T06x4UOj1KI/AAAAAAAAGqM/cRPXRnxINYg/P1150384_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150384" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7x1-KTBDaA4/T06x69xvySI/AAAAAAAAGqY/7uSDvYybOlk/s1600-h/P11503873.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150387" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OjY-WGncsF8/T06x7nf2dNI/AAAAAAAAGqc/ru6ureOKuM4/P1150387_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150387" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-UsYo9GUWNqM/T06x-88uJzI/AAAAAAAAGqo/NMAjL5egvlA/s1600-h/P11503893.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150389" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjznnk4711517QVmKT3E98Fs5CGiLpH70mB3wat1hKd5X2Zt0xgyTMWrxaJwAh-YbILQ8NZawiwSx_raf1of1bVby9F4AkzYfXaXqZsZhm_olaomsR4jAT8Qa05reSUFrXqpTZA9w/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150389" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSx9FBoZjS5Ib2E46I9KTKFa25agQgFdrm58J4ThAqMNZm91Rqf_cS-5vgEunUym3ochWutyPeXMItCRE6VPqe6C-0rUhqBW1rPWBX4fxbK9otZ2WCujB8ALuZtXX_4ZBCiRYww/s1600-h/P11503913.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150391" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xVRWJ3wfqYY/T06yDvUz8HI/AAAAAAAAGrA/K5YMiWua8Fs/P1150391_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150391" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--l0TMy0P9-w/T06yGLUKqPI/AAAAAAAAGrI/Q_ea7lsu7qo/s1600-h/P11503973.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150397" border="0" height="186" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tPSiGc8Fvwg/T06yHF5bEoI/AAAAAAAAGrM/h4G9dvPgsHE/P1150397_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150397" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zitTLlhgCfc/T06yJ253CUI/AAAAAAAAGrY/45k91tXcbys/s1600-h/P11503983.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150398" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Dy-VoFxEDkk/T06yKoxIsNI/AAAAAAAAGrg/s6tNOhiiewc/P1150398_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150398" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--UqtjfHhjZU/T06yOIjFTLI/AAAAAAAAGro/hDH1uTu9JsM/s1600-h/P11504033.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150403" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78AcXhf5aXvtsizIu1OpOYl8pTVRSqBny6ZGdnCQW8lcrRi3rjBStNDopzztzshR80Xv2dV1NTm-KqNydAMT1F96NR0fwcZyqylsUdtbzAyvEd9RCynpQ5I_kQmMSLO0Zj_956Q/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150403" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v6fWw2TZJTQ/T06yRUHFj0I/AAAAAAAAGr4/BuwW1fldrNQ/s1600-h/P11504043.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150404" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2SHpjqa6D9Q/T06ySeygr0I/AAAAAAAAGr8/tCbCNSLTSwk/P1150404_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150404" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IArw2gHzLNo/T06yUgIlryI/AAAAAAAAGsI/zDF-pPKZLxc/s1600-h/P11504073.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150407" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8kPs2neiYvM/T06yVc3KTWI/AAAAAAAAGsQ/lWtWTq9DgZM/P1150407_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150407" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i26m957L7H4/T06yYx1mJGI/AAAAAAAAGsY/G6C5JxcF11k/s1600-h/P11504083.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150408" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0GMcdGKBrx8/T06yZ-xtI_I/AAAAAAAAGsc/7yZnQsA5fww/P1150408_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150408" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5VVFydqAhJ4/T06yco2mpmI/AAAAAAAAGso/oDZsbA_d2xg/s1600-h/P11504093.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150409" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UHq2U1bpKnQ/T06yduQKCoI/AAAAAAAAGss/fc3hQy0dd9A/P1150409_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150409" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6fvViQiSfiU/T06yfy8ifUI/AAAAAAAAGs4/5Y1RUpdUpEI/s1600-h/P11504133.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150413" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pMQvVhTrP6Y/T06yg0pouTI/AAAAAAAAGs8/UwtCLbEz6E8/P1150413_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150413" width="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-U0HMBqiL8XI/T06yjU64RjI/AAAAAAAAGtI/-jZgHfRrcKo/s1600-h/P11504143.jpg"><img align="left" alt="P1150414" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Mh-cLAcI6E/T06ykl4vOMI/AAAAAAAAGtQ/HlXb0sWeky0/P1150414_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150414" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pkGlTemWXDE/T06ymz4b-vI/AAAAAAAAGtY/oo1fPx_Q03o/s1600-h/P14306813.jpg"><img alt="P1430681" border="0" height="167" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3S-k-oQvDzY/T06yoQx3Q9I/AAAAAAAAGtc/O8RdKpU_v4c/P1430681_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430681" width="244" /></a>Bima was just a <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ltb_CQm6WyQ/T06yqdCO4iI/AAAAAAAAGto/sxG0Gxo526g/s1600-h/P14306843.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1430684" border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITftI0pJv9eMmjVuHB8Tew7W72DNK4IJItfWX2SIjWWkvVaR6Lo2TGxZsjhU4peZBVssmQZx5XvvjplrnsJ7NlOeE4kVQzDcwDvl19GpJyyx1n7KI8QCAUTxB8oTd5sgnhHdv3g/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430684" width="244" /></a>stopover – we thought. But a brief foray ashore and we were all convinced that it deserved more attention. It is a very large town – in fact a city, the largest city on Sumbawa with a population of just under 150,000. The language is not Bahasa Indonesian like most of the country, but uniquely Bahasa Bima (or <i>Nggahi Mbojo</i> in native language) it is clearly a Moslem majority and like all Indonesia in our own experience, amazingly friendly. <br />
It was a long hot walk into town, but we wouldn’t have missed the experience, life was going on at breakneck pace all around us, but with such colourful variety. Motor repairs, a flour factory, schools, horse drawn taxis a veritable feast of experiences.<br />
In the centre of the town there were shops galore, of course. But we also found a highly complex set of markets, a fabric market, a fruit market and a meat market all large and all separate. Hundreds of temporary stalls covered with low hanging sun (or rain) covers which both Jeremy and I found awkward as a ‘safe’ height was deemed to be about 5’6”. <br />
The Sultan Salahuddin of Bima left his name to the city mosque and also to the sultan’s palace, an impressive stately pile which by dint of good timing we were able to visit and har a demonstration of drumming. Then a return to the boat by horse drawn cab. Not the very best of experiences as we felt the poor animal was overstretched by our weight.<br />
We could have spent longer at Bima, but we chose to keep up the pace and headed off to Kilo, just 28 miles to the west. <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gmIq4q0OyWc/T06yt83hVJI/AAAAAAAAGt4/na8raahqFNs/s1600-h/P11504553.jpg"><img align="right" alt="P1150455" border="0" height="137" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eBqmib7E4oc/T06yuv1ueVI/AAAAAAAAGt8/5u6KbPRoHWk/P1150455_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150455" width="244" /></a>An awkward anchorage, either too shallow near to the tiny village’s shoreline or too deep outside the shelf. However we found a limited patch of rock flecked sand and dropped the hooks, it was fine for an overnight anchorage. We did get a visit from children in boats. It was a good paddle in their dugouts, probably over a mile, but they were all smiles and so we obliged with a few small toys that we kept for such an occasion.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-89361202185102581542011-08-26T05:21:00.000+12:002012-02-27T06:57:24.889+13:00Labuan Bajo Back-Packer Paradise<div align="justify">
It didn’t feel as if we were really leaving Rinca; never out of sight of land, just a few miles of easy sailing. but in fact we were moving from Rinca to Flores – a much larger island, over 200 miles from east to west and second only to Timor in the eastern half of Indonesia.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nfJQl_DQEWM/T0pqVporvLI/AAAAAAAAGfI/GZbggWsnb6I/s1600-h/IMG_9718-IMG_9720%2525283%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="Stitched Panorama" border="0" height="93" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gqBE4OCJD58/T0pqWvSrAmI/AAAAAAAAGfM/Yh23yUrr51w/IMG_9718-IMG_9720%2525283%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stitched Panorama" width="244" /></a>We passed several islands as we approached the town of Labuan Bajo and noticed that many of them had shoreline strips of habitation. Solid buildings with mosques in pride of place, they looked so significant compared with the size of the island they occupied.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7H28CwOrWzw/T0pqb4fzTwI/AAAAAAAAGfo/pwQ9mch6TaI/s1600-h/P1150139%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150139" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d9Z27FiWDdM/T0pqc0oSUsI/AAAAAAAAGfw/jDsAJPMoV9I/P1150139_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150139" width="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SnKZ8_i7PC8/T0pqY8y_1aI/AAAAAAAAGfY/7tWE8xnJH_I/s1600-h/P1150138%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150138" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C-stbTQo-1g/T0pqZ-kZEII/AAAAAAAAGfg/gfHuLPoudTQ/P1150138_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150138" width="244" /></a>Should I confess, I had never even heard of Labuan Bajo before joining the rally and reading about the events that they had lined up for us. So it was a complete surprise to arrive in a bustling port which separated commercial vessels from us leisure boats in a harbour that was bristling with exotic fishing craft of all sizes. </div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KPkvSLhvJPE/T0pqfbxvwAI/AAAAAAAAGf4/8w96CyOYrxc/s1600-h/P1150141%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150141" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s4dLr3hCedY/T0pqgZGBxkI/AAAAAAAAGgA/bJxP7YxXG_M/P1150141_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150141" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_iI_LhlA6rI/T0pqiX2hoII/AAAAAAAAGgI/KceoDxG73Ow/s1600-h/P1150131%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150131" border="0" height="153" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mDB-HdGZFk4/T0pqjGmz66I/AAAAAAAAGgM/ftcP72ss2Jk/P1150131_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150131" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7EdaaUZShok/T0pqnPPuEoI/AAAAAAAAGgY/CXbJgp_K7PI/s1600-h/P1150164%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150164" border="0" height="167" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BgOMul0lO2s/T0pqnx070OI/AAAAAAAAGgg/j-ThULYK-N0/P1150164_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150164" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pfHuUNRxSZI/T0pqqV6YUHI/AAAAAAAAGgo/8KiYsNRn3MU/s1600-h/P1150207%25255B7%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150207" border="0" height="166" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YIBAzd0JLow/T0pqrNb1N6I/AAAAAAAAGgs/vxLeJ9w-lcs/P1150207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150207" width="244" /></a><br />
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Labuan Bajo is the capital of the West Manggarai Regency of Flores and has a population of a quarter of a million even before the tourist invasion. It is a venue popular with back-packers. There are many opportunities to take diving expeditions and low cost travel tours into the interior and also to other nearby islands by coach and ferry. We even saw coach tickets advertised to Bali! Bali is three major islands distant.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zNlIShb1y2o/T0pq3gJ1CZI/AAAAAAAAGho/0CgDueGF0Ws/s1600-h/P1150166%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150166" border="0" height="232" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UK2AD8Niw28/T0pq4qhtB1I/AAAAAAAAGhw/EPvxxxNj8_E/P1150166_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150166" width="320" /></a><br />
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The organisers of Rally Indonesia 2011 had planned a major event for Labuan Bajo, and that had been our target and our reason for passing this way. However in true Indonesian style, it was felt that for various reasons it should be cancelled. </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OmeNVnN_UxQ/T0pqzvrTAhI/AAAAAAAAGhY/O5MN6soRUDg/s1600-h/P1150189%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150189" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XQKh3Q1GCiY/T0pq0kKfo3I/AAAAAAAAGhc/lAtXOv9Te_U/P1150189_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150189" width="244" /></a></div>
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No matter, there was so much to see.</div>
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There were in the region of 40 rally boats in the harbour, but no-one seemed phased by the cancellation, it was a place where re-provisioning was possible. There was even a shop that specialised in deep frozen products designed to appeal to visitors from western nations; pork chops, bacon! Such luxury …and there were restaurants.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-esjx-bdD3to/T0pq6k6-AyI/AAAAAAAAGh4/SIk3nP94gcc/s1600-h/P1150142%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150142" border="0" height="172" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Etg3dGiJGdA/T0pq7hpQMrI/AAAAAAAAGh8/msicajl-PaE/P1150142_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150142" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4p-72RF7HNg/T0pq96QzxfI/AAAAAAAAGiI/jEifR4Izu-U/s1600-h/P1150211%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150211" border="0" height="190" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3YonNvecQwA/T0pq-tcPqzI/AAAAAAAAGiM/_oghEj8vKC8/P1150211_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150211" width="244" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-V9mnUN4s6SA/T0prAA8s4VI/AAAAAAAAGiY/eNZfkoVa6W0/s1600-h/P1150160%25255B4%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150160" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zVifAAb-YJk/T0prBM_iMYI/AAAAAAAAGig/GcKAhIYs3jI/P1150160_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150160" width="220" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PSuR9aoBTTA/T0pqtayRtVI/AAAAAAAAGg4/m_JnnZHDt0A/s1600-h/P1150147%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150147" border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3oCFocU2a8bCgwEXENYE-BJAr4Au9ZsUpMPgMc5WvJltbcLtYBvGHASoICBaW6GZgZCwyk1TlnXg-4xxO6azSYE43CJcj8euKwHvNQKWODnK_NkNrSBetvlQMi6jloAH5aWCsA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 20px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150147" width="244" /></a><br />
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We filled up with diesel, petrol, water and trawled then many hardware, ironmongery and ad hoc hardware shops that lined the main street. Liz had a hairdo in a very pink shop, operated by a young man who spoke some English.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OWKfTpL-GLk/T0prDSp6pFI/AAAAAAAAGio/Nl_7QcOtRIM/s1600-h/P1150153%25255B48%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150153" border="0" height="211" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ODbBbZ37WF4/T0prEagRd6I/AAAAAAAAGis/OxaR5kt4gWk/P1150153_thumb%25255B45%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150153" width="279" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JcjgOz92x3o/T0prFznDDLI/AAAAAAAAGi4/3svKU_G4dug/s1600-h/P1150220%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150220" border="0" height="133" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OQO9ym2ar2U/T0prGuTKubI/AAAAAAAAGjA/FFHmuz0QUJc/P1150220_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 20px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150220" width="244" /></a>The little lizard shown here is in fact a water monitor. We didn’t know that at first when we saw it swimming frantically in the middle of the harbour. Typically British, we felt sorry for it and gave it a lift to dry land. It was only later that we found out that it was in fact a water monitor and was probably better equipped to be there than we were! </div>
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I felt sure that it enjoyed the ride though.</div>
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Before leaving, we used the laundry services and sampled a few of the restaurants. A pleasant and friendly town but we had miles to make so we headed off for points west.</div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-32001940800554951442011-08-24T07:30:00.000+12:002012-02-25T22:05:27.577+13:00Here be dragons<div align="justify">
Leaving Nusa Kode we didn't retrace our route in, we simply carried on around the island until we reached open water again. Then headed north up the west coast of Rinca. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b0m-qfZAsBE/T0ia1v1nBxI/AAAAAAAAGa8/DCgOx6hjqb4/s1600-h/IMG_95443.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="IMG_9544" border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbjyy2eeLvqTSa5fVeJvQqLp2DDOtnBMbMFyrUqG1u0KGgylXnYN8VS_rnoN5n6U5f1sTgA53NRPIDjxKr4K-L9uiteBih9YK1gHD7GZ00WzOCi_KS_RkRF-yH18Z3lBYd7ApwA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9544" width="244" /></a>At slightly under 200 square kilometres, Rinca (pronounced Rincha) is one of Indonesia's smaller 'significant' islands, it has a population of under 1,000 people but it is surrounded by turbulent waters; whirlpools and currents running up to 10 knots can be found (or in our case - have to be avoided). </div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TpZySUReYSY/T0ia4SiuGGI/AAAAAAAAGbM/Kw-gaZ9MEDw/s1600-h/IMG_96933.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="IMG_9693" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z6ShGpkRXKU/T0ia5ZkGmbI/AAAAAAAAGbU/hMudo-qFmHs/IMG_9693_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9693" width="244" /></a>Planning the tidal direction is a bit like forecasting the weather - sometimes you get it right and sometimes you get it wrong. This time we were right and we enjoyed a pleasant passage from Nusa Kode to Teluk Ginggo (Ginggo Bay). Our notes from Beth and Bone on Splinter's Apprentice recommended this spot, so we headed directly there. As we approached the Bay, the winds were steadily increasing, but coming from the south they were beneficial to us and we made excellent time arriving at Teluk Ginggo. Anchoring was tight, very few places afforded a comfortable depth of water, being either too deep (>18 mtrs) or if the right depth, too close to shore. Sal Darago found a spot and as luck would have it, a fellow rally boat was just leaving from a spot nearby, so we waited until they had weighted anchor and departed, then moved into their place. We later heard them on the VHF radio saying that they had had to abandon their plans to head south to Nusa Kode as the wind strength was too much to sail against so they were heading west to Komodo instead.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AF6oXfSeC94/T0ia8N28dtI/AAAAAAAAGbc/GzfrwspQ3QY/s1600-h/P11500233.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150023" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K4pzj1jEi5g/T0ia9H5hsPI/AAAAAAAAGbk/SVGwbdn_sdI/P1150023_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150023" width="244" /></a>It was a peaceful spot for us and very scenic, but we were ready for an early start the next morning and our target was Loh Buaya, the headquarters of the Rinca National Park and a recommended place to spot Komodo Dragons. We battled our way through stiff headwinds to get to Loh Buaya, but on reaching the estuary leading to the Ranger Station, the wind dropped and the full beauty of the place hit us. The Ranger Station was sited at the head of an estuary, approximately 2 miles from the mouth and it was calm. We could see the jetty only 50 metres away and several local boats obviously designed for carrying groups of tourists were tied up there. We knew that the best time to do a tour was in the early morning, so it meant that we had to make contact without delay. So, dinghies launched and we went ashore.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-r2RhCN_3n3k/T0ia_alCOyI/AAAAAAAAGbs/nfPEecnOSek/s1600-h/P11500393.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150039" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Oy6ZggDUGtY/T0ibAOMkEUI/AAAAAAAAGb0/0FEY5Rauw6U/P1150039_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150039" width="244" /></a>We were welcomed by two groups, humans and monkeys! <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QyY_vKpuCGA/T0ibCaYkyOI/AAAAAAAAGb8/eYW66e2mmp4/s1600-h/P11500543.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150054" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UohSAazePnE/T0ibDMgmlnI/AAAAAAAAGcE/cemRstGe6mc/P1150054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150054" width="184" /></a><br />
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The monkeys were actually quite unconcerned and they ignored us even though we were walking within arm's reach of them, the humans however were keen to escort us to the Ranger Station and tell us all about their work. The walk to the station was fun in itself, having passed the monkeys we walked through some interesting territory, fairly sparse and desert-like, but with clear signs of animal habitation.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nBiFMv3He_g/T0ibFojgbEI/AAAAAAAAGcM/I2DOEJdS0is/s1600-h/P11500313.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150031" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_dddylStY_A/T0ibGkSWkII/AAAAAAAAGcU/XEHoIu4Yla0/P1150031_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150031" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HCL3zpJ4V3g/T0ibKCsYfQI/AAAAAAAAGcc/IiGa-ICP11A/s1600-h/IMG_95803.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="IMG_9580" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4rCWRxRklqQ/T0ibLJWV5wI/AAAAAAAAGck/hr6mOrzDrFY/IMG_9580_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9580" width="244" /></a>Approaching the enclave of wooden buildings that form the Ranger Station we could see Komodo Dragons lying about all over the place. </div>
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We both thought that they would be difficult to find, rare species involving a hard hike in order to get just a glimpse. But, we were told that they, like so many wild species of animal, are susceptible to scavenging, and they hang about the encampment in the hope of picking up scraps. They were massive, impressive and definitely intimidating ...but sadly out of context.<br />
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We arranged for a conducted walk the following morning; seven o'clock sharp and bring water.<br />
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At the appointed hour, we dinghied up to the jetty and were met by our guide, pausing only briefly at the Ranger Station surrounded by its coterie of dragons, we set off into the dry jungle area. We were shown pits in the ground which had been 'nests' of dragons and all the time we were keeping a sharp look out. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CAH176dfCm4/T0ibOvwvgyI/AAAAAAAAGcs/P4Wp6rrWJB0/s1600-h/P11500733.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150073" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J2Rew-I_3A0/T0ibPtJGH5I/AAAAAAAAGc0/BDcmcI6Trkw/P1150073_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 3px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150073" width="244" /></a>Before long, a dragon was spotted, slinking through the bracken. By this time we were just approaching the open ground and it wasn't difficult to keep an eye on his progress. Soon he moved into a sunlit area and stopped. Our guide explained that this would probably be his resting place for a little while. Like all cold blooded creatures he has to use the sun to warm up and would remain sluggish until he reached optimum temperature.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LW3UHGISuWg/T0ibSoZ0TbI/AAAAAAAAGc8/uIVHFyAg8Os/s1600-h/P1150085%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="P1150085" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hGabARSMCoE/T0ibTg9sbhI/AAAAAAAAGdA/vQa_9e82Y-c/P1150085_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150085" width="244" /></a><br />
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We approached quietly, they are dangerous creatures after all. But our guide asked if he could take our cameras to get a 'souvenir' shot. Then armed with the cameras, he circled the dragon and took a shot with the dragon in the foreground and us looking on.<br />
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We he got back he offered any of us who would like a closer look to come with him. Liz volunteered at once and before long, she was at the tail end of the dragon, stroking its scaly skin.</div>
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NFMJCepVkW0/T0ibWxeuMmI/AAAAAAAAGdM/oEmqVSchJME/s1600-h/IMG_9654%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_9654" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-02UZabk0gK0/T0ibXxFQqOI/AAAAAAAAGdU/hAKWyIfyYSI/IMG_9654_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9654" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zhFWH6qzoSc/T0ibb1AKtxI/AAAAAAAAGdc/xDpeo3ICLFo/s1600-h/P1150091%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="P1150091" border="0" height="160" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-CyDd2cUT4eY/T0ibfaA4iYI/AAAAAAAAGdk/XYmFl-8K1KQ/P1150091_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150091" width="244" /></a></div>
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Not to be outdone, I had a go too.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GwkJ4ZZGlTU/T0ibipzzwbI/AAAAAAAAGds/0vh-W6KkzY0/s1600-h/IMG_9615%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="IMG_9615" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-49LXr9ogVbw/T0ibj-PrJ0I/AAAAAAAAGd0/l94WuMlo1E8/IMG_9615_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9615" width="244" /></a>Further on in the bush we saw water buffalo and evidence of pigs. Dragons are carnivores of course, so it was only to be expected that suitable mammals would be living on the island as well. Incidentally, we heard that one of the rally boats anchored at another island nearby lost their dog to a dragon! They (possibly foolishly) took it for some exercise ashore and met up with a Komodo Dragon. ...end of dog.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tv-ilxKM3kg/T0ibmErckWI/AAAAAAAAGd8/CH8yIVdiH20/s1600-h/P1150114%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150114" border="0" height="180" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jWueshCKdkc/T0ibm9IYdfI/AAAAAAAAGeE/n6wYpdrLMs4/P1150114_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150114" width="244" /></a>Back on board, we discussed the next move. Jeremy fancied moving out to the estuary entrance where there were a couple of possible alternative anchorages, so early afternoon we were under way again and did in fact find a lovely spot in the shelter of a smaller island. We could see the steady stream of tourist boats heading in to the park and we felt just a little smug having had the benefit of an early start and no crowds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxQ2nwsgqGB7CcQ5aVFOrf-c0ZP75AM6gLcod6gP4zNe1bXYdhD1IMXeAcHWKJx3SMM1f-DpPSYvnCRiVb1lz3aKjQpJPoJJkGVXEyPr6tlNvG4FvFR6HqYxuYd5fOOcc81XqLQ/s1600-h/IMG_9685%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="IMG_9685" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NH_TvyZPkzI/T0ibsy1ylNI/AAAAAAAAGeg/jaQgeSzttdA/IMG_9685_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9685" width="244" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K0Uzg8sSaak/T0ibpDi9TbI/AAAAAAAAGeM/UR37IW0MYws/s1600-h/IMG_9675%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="IMG_9675" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8E20ZVPrhPg/T0ibqLPUhCI/AAAAAAAAGeQ/t4_5a8kzvGg/IMG_9675_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9675" width="244" /></a><br />
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At evening time, a lone fisherman paddled by and we asked if he had any fish to sell, "not today", was the reply, but what we didn't realise was that he would be out that night to remedy that deficiency.<br />
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Just after dawn, he was back with a beautiful red fish which (for a very reasonable price) went on board Sal Darago, but which we shared that evening. The next day our plan is to make our way to Labuan Bajo on the Island of Flores.</div>
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Jk-z4ceWmJE/T0ibujUYlTI/AAAAAAAAGes/oxPK07qyPj4/s1600-h/IMG_9686%25255B6%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" alt="IMG_9686" border="0" height="267" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2dKz7DSepOU/T0ibwJz-ZEI/AAAAAAAAGe0/i_evtNKeoo4/IMG_9686_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9686" width="400" /></a></div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-3294144707109396242011-08-20T16:00:00.000+12:002012-02-20T22:53:48.853+13:00Nusa Kode–Just a dot on the map<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9aA5gZJ5dUM/Tz-mULLBK5I/AAAAAAAAGY8/tT2w5oTqvSE/s1600-h/IMG_9509%25255B13%25255D.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NZDCk5rVzvA/Tz-mQjOrVGI/AAAAAAAAGYs/jBIPiK-TIh4/s1600-h/IMG_9508%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="IMG_9508" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RX9aSiRF-gs/Tz-mRj9VH1I/AAAAAAAAGY0/ENEmqQCziRk/IMG_9508_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9508" width="244" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">It doesn't happen every journey, but we set our sails leaving Waingapu and with the wind blowing from astern we enjoyed a wonderful sail all the way to our next anchorage - Nusa Kode.</span><br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jml14b549ZE/Tz-mVEvXIJI/AAAAAAAAGZE/VCje6Fbs044/IMG_9509_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img align="left" alt="IMG_9509" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jml14b549ZE/Tz-mVEvXIJI/AAAAAAAAGZE/VCje6Fbs044/IMG_9509_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9509" width="244" /></a></div>
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Nusa Kode is tucked very neatly into the southern tip of Rinca, which is in itself a tiny satellite of Flores. However it is large enough to have several picturesque anchorages. Good information was available about anchoring spots on the Komodo National Park website, so we had several options as we approached. Sal Darago entered first and checked out the two main options before our arrival. There was only one sensible place and that was to tie up to a large mooring buoy alongside Sal Darago.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b7KHyVOxnmo/Tz-mXjDfMVI/AAAAAAAAGZM/mY8sQP5Mzzc/s1600-h/IMG_9520%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="IMG_9520" border="0" height="164" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5Hq1iEbiIJM/Tz-mZFuoiLI/AAAAAAAAGZU/a8ySIeGfkSQ/IMG_9520_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9520" width="244" /></a><br />
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We woke up early to the sounds of a local fishing boat with just three young men aboard. A cheery wave from them and they carried on with their work.</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dMhFuCJm2dM/Tz-mb6hBo2I/AAAAAAAAGZc/2zxkRlc__9E/s1600-h/IMG_9511%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="IMG_9511" border="0" height="182" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZhV6JcR32SA/Tz-mdMm4BsI/AAAAAAAAGZk/9DxEdFQ3t7Y/IMG_9511_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="IMG_9511" width="244" /></a><br />
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With binoculars we were able to see on the nearby sandy shore, monkeys, a deer and</div>
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-imgzHZr9EGA/Tz-mg2w5u9I/AAAAAAAAGZs/ondaVyOQboU/s1600-h/P1430502%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1430502" border="0" height="183" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4KU7DNnAeJk/Tz-mjBjoXjI/AAAAAAAAGZ0/gvUfJ70NaSo/P1430502_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430502" width="244" /></a><br />
…our first Komodo Dragon!<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-avnb4d9xFGA/Tz-mmGQ-_MI/AAAAAAAAGZ8/jgRmyp-TPjM/s1600-h/P1150005%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150005" border="0" height="173" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ck9VZ8orHrA/Tz-mm9cbNcI/AAAAAAAAGaE/R-OBEdas9yc/P1150005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150005" width="244" /></a>As the day warmed up the animals disappeared and we took our dinghies ashore and had a preliminary scout around. Huge amounts of rubbish had washed ashore. There was no habitation on the island, so we could only assume that the rubbish was just a by product of the wind and waves. A great shame, but totally invisible from anything more than 50 yards offshore.</div>
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However you can’t keep a good scavenger down and this little chap was scratching a living in the rock pools.</div>
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Then came the winds. They were katabatic in form. Bullets of wind that came down the cliffs swiftly and with great speed. Thirty knots was regularly topped and we were rather thankful that we were securely tied to a massive 'commercially' sized mooring buoy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQM0bx4Aj02u_mh6kkaustCTY_jtVtaQTQ8i_6ZZIyiafG2hcXt_83IzG3J2ViXTqm3ETVyqpolkMMIw7O2YoDoDShvn6qgY_dZc-FNczTk8y-WouB0rLuMyq4hMZkyWB-Jcj-0Q/s1600-h/P1150017%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150017" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oahhApYjEWY/Tz-muplPGTI/AAAAAAAAGak/sVzhcAHkbEA/P1150017_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150017" width="244" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E8A3FmjlC1w/Tz-mpkQTRsI/AAAAAAAAGaM/lk6-ycrooV0/s1600-h/P1150007%25255B3%25255D.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="left" alt="P1150007" border="0" height="184" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZhbsCZqIa0k/Tz-mqkq_7bI/AAAAAAAAGaU/ibjSxr-qsyw/P1150007_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; float: left; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1150007" width="244" /></a></div>
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In between bouts of severe wind attacks we did some snorkelling and found that it was a special place under the surface with many varieties of reef fish darting about in a rock and coral garden. (No underwater shots I’m sorry.) </div>
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Small wonder that tourist diving boats kept arriving and departing throughout our stay there.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-78102432443281277842011-08-17T22:20:00.000+12:002012-02-26T23:38:45.502+13:00Sumba and Independence Day<p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">After the misfortune of the split tube on Sal Darago's dinghy, and also the failing starter motor on Ellida (which after rewiring operated satisfactorily), we agreed that Sal Darago and Ellida should sail together in the interests of mutual assistance, ‘buddy boats’ is the American expression. Indonesia and in particular this outlying part of the country is not a place to be stranded because help in the form of spares and repairs is simply not available.</p> <p align="justify"></p> <div style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-top: 0px" id="scid:84E294D0-71C9-4bd0-A0FE-95764E0368D9:a96540e5-e49b-4806-80e7-063bcfd7d22d" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent"><a href="http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&cp=-9.340672~120.7947&lvl=7&style=r&mkt=en-us&FORM=LLWR" id="map-079b01ed-5a55-4dd2-9061-4165e852aa71" alt="View map" title="View map"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tAMGGCddLeE/TzNtGIVC6tI/AAAAAAAAGPU/OtwR9OLj658/map-346e2bc31a47.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="225" alt="Map picture"></a></div> <p align="justify">We set off for Waingapu on the island of Sumba; 110 miles (which to us equates to a little under 24 hours) and we arrived mid morning to face an awkward harbour entrance. It looked clear enough on the large scale map, but the fine detail was omitted. There is a reef which protects the harbour and Sal Darago, in the lead, had to sail way to the west to find sufficient depth to cross the reef and make their way back to the harbour. We followed and passed a typical rusting and about to crumble marker buoy showing the way in.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hiUGoGvK6A4/TzNtHt37zZI/AAAAAAAAGPc/qY02dTlEt8E/s1600-h/P114081711.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 5px 10px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140817" border="0" alt="P1140817" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-INNzxEnh32U/TzNtIoY3n_I/AAAAAAAAGPk/JA5Ig2K72VY/P1140817_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="182" height="190" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The local harbourmaster had shouted to Jeremy as Sal Darago motored in and indicated to him the precise place where he should anchor. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nvQeEAlZw60/TzNtLHQxm7I/AAAAAAAAGPs/9uxJgNd_Hsk/s1600-h/P11408222.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140822" border="0" alt="P1140822" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fN0TxGMOcJ8/TzNtL4XiNGI/AAAAAAAAGP0/DhT6OSw1Lho/P1140822_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="222" height="181" /></a>Not quite where he would have chosen, a little too close to a commercial boat for comfort, and necessitating a stern anchor to be added. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">We followed and were directed to a spot just 50 metres away, rather better in fact.</p> <p align="justify">First impressions were of a busy bustling harbour with more than its fair share of decaying hulks. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DoQWNAFVTl0/T0oLrrQrV9I/AAAAAAAAGe8/fllBNT_bznE/s1600-h/P11408271%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140827" border="0" alt="P1140827" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4uA1Xa9KQmw/TzNtPGwdQpI/AAAAAAAAGfE/ToLR17efX8Y/P11408271_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="194" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-89rGYeyyuD0/TzNtRRJe35I/AAAAAAAAGQM/qG8m-knFkMQ/s1600-h/P11408283.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140828" border="0" alt="P1140828" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-njhynEr0WQk/TzNtSSJOTUI/AAAAAAAAGQQ/gBzvHyJ_O3o/P1140828_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="192" /></a></p> <p align="justify">A wharf near Sal Darago had two large vessels tied to, one of which was emitting clouds of dust whilst the other was wonderfully typical of this part of the world and was home to men ,dogs and goats. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-YuKAWmYrqLYWur4ZX_sHSUJxRBdxD4XFJuA-i-6ymfX1jUK9L720X6uIOJFJp7GRoOOvHlzPwK4nraL6WPFVZmYLIP9BxnhWPQrMteqtpLf0BQP19RZ-xQTwa_LGROkpJtiRg/s1600-h/P11408353.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140835" border="0" alt="P1140835" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FK2i3rUt7E8/TzNtVtZxS2I/AAAAAAAAGQk/nGHRYJ2JfFQ/P1140835_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gBjKJthKuP8/TzNtYiLE5iI/AAAAAAAAGQs/ngWJMDvwQCw/s1600-h/P11408413.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140841" border="0" alt="P1140841" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBKj5sPxI08jqY_kfzST7slnWbMWEZOacVBFLpaomcDScsJH8Tq1outvo8VVts5NigVDDO_iOkPY1TVEn7u2CWGu_9Ul5AAWOkeSRAOTR3a4GmzuGkhn3H66k5U7XOLeRFtly8A/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The remainder of the inlet close to the town was full of tiny fishing boats, very slender, often with outriggers and most fitted with the familiar single cylinder, hand started Chinese manufactured engine.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_QsryEFfaWg/TzNtbaSAPLI/AAAAAAAAGQ8/VBaoU1RSEuk/s1600-h/P11408393.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140839" border="0" alt="P1140839" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IBweUKTrdt0/TzNtcRJIMuI/AAAAAAAAGRA/Vg5W_8h0Pf8/P1140839_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Barely had we anchored than we were accosted by a young man who had some English and wished to be our guide. We postponed any decisions at that time, but we would meet him later on the wharf. Our Rally guides had advised us that we have no requirement for paperwork or checking-in at any islands other than the ones they stipulate, so the way seemed clear for us to journey ashore.</p> <p align="justify">Taking the dinghies we found a fairly easy place to get ashore in amongst the tiny fishing boats. We were greeted by several locals and were spotted by our potential guide. We have an agenda; we need water, provisions, laundry and glue for repairing a dinghy. Our guide seemed to think he could help us in those respects, so we agreed terms and set off.</p> <p align="justify">I'm not sure what I expected, but it's bigger than I thought; quite a large town in fact with a population of 53,000. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aS_HuAVOEc4/TzNte9I1hoI/AAAAAAAAGRM/jH3srIhtTYs/s1600-h/P11409059.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140905" border="0" alt="P1140905" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWk6kggWqjP5noC_-yDY_fApksvJsy3wXuHdZh3qQwpEspZLQuM6RYPtuoFj6wQGg_YNn3m58rmXvgIQ6q4GjYLNFez2HUolnujdGhQAz0Bm330V5g9OgC0vn5Rf19KnSKPqZjcw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oFhSk23xjFI/TzNtiMqah7I/AAAAAAAAGRc/-HIu7RTipVU/s1600-h/P11409063.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140906" border="0" alt="P1140906" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9oqUHv9gKyI/TzNti15syII/AAAAAAAAGRk/4Z9SrTRHzL4/P1140906_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">It is the capital of the Sumba regency and the largest town on the island. We explored the main shopping street, paying special attention to any likely looking chandleries. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-87MnZGcVClA/TzNtlS1srGI/AAAAAAAAGRs/Ra1saPkr8BY/s1600-h/P11408293.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140829" border="0" alt="P1140829" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6j4Y8i04hlg/TzNtmN67NkI/AAAAAAAAGRw/tFR2NVyMYfM/P1140829_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Jeremy was unable to find the correct vinyl cement, but I found some large sized Jubilee clips for our exhaust system (the old ones were looking a little corroded). </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify">Of course there were some delightfully ramshackle buildings, also street vendors  and marvellously decorated buses to photograph.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7oVeMmEoA4s/TzNtpuiM4qI/AAAAAAAAGR8/AaomvN6QbwU/s1600-h/P11408303.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140830" border="0" alt="P1140830" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h2rIYj7_vQo/TzNtqSv4NGI/AAAAAAAAGSE/kIbS97l7XtU/P1140830_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lJY9foagjls/TzNttElCbgI/AAAAAAAAGSM/3TF6nC8sq1I/s1600-h/P11408313.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140831" border="0" alt="P1140831" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaB8-vWDjboqZ98EgWpRmTb2BmhqY4CAOrZxHOe-JzqSjR-DCBTaf0Wid2pvhIz60TkHr19TFkWSdo4mfPIeJa_z5bSpZ0oF8hHR9ebhrhnwjWdo4aCRC1HEoCrWdPDxXwH3Bmgw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The 17th August is Indonesian Independence day and it feels like everyone is at the town stadium. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X5lLPsgXj9A/TzNtwmbPKoI/AAAAAAAAGSc/1XSSSbqdqXU/s1600-h/P1430344-633.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430344-6(3)" border="0" alt="P1430344-6(3)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-whSNWQAJwq8/TzNtxVZj5SI/AAAAAAAAGSk/xJ-IRd1eruA/P1430344-63_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="109" /></a></p> <p align="justify">We made our way to a stepped monument overlooking the main field, an excellent vantage point from which to watch and take photos. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvNdU4RUFlubBPj3Gg9Ca9l8AtNoT0fmwbN4wTXBsOHp3bEFAG8-_LGRweo3aFCmbiCL9ZCYYxRFiRH0NRwc58qZlWNgSVkZDEHxEW4yxp2R05hfW0v3Zmnv7tAN7RYz_W3r09A/s1600-h/P11408553.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140855" border="0" alt="P1140855" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IWdLehMDc_A/TzNt02rTtuI/AAAAAAAAGSw/g5_AYGuz_FI/P1140855_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">We were surrounded by small children and parents. </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VPbCi2c7olo/TzNt247WUDI/AAAAAAAAGS8/14OevKmV44Q/s1600-h/P14303313.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430331" border="0" alt="P1430331" align="right" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vJyXY0-JLkA/TzNt3zEqgmI/AAAAAAAAGTA/QqE4yyp7ksU/P1430331_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Two sides of the field are filled  children  all in  smart school uniform  standing in neat lines without any shade as a part of the grand parade.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lD2KpoE9POs/TzNt6AXE5DI/AAAAAAAAGTM/YLjRx8J9uGQ/s1600-h/P11408853.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140885" border="0" alt="P1140885" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gZlEkbuF6BQ/TzNt64tC9oI/AAAAAAAAGTQ/256lL1qjsWw/P1140885_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>On the third side of the stadium the VIPs gather under the protection of specially erected marquees with the all important flag pole before them centre stage.</p> <p align="justify">First the speeches. We have been told by Indonesians that their politicians measure the excellence of their speeches more by duration than quality. This has certainly been borne out at the events we have attended - and this was no exception.</p> <p align="justify">The highlight was the 'raising the flag' ceremony, performed with beautifully exaggerated precision by one male and one female soldier. By now several of the children had to be helped as the sun was too much for them. The politicians were fine.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aHCVgN1be8A/TzNt9eiFmvI/AAAAAAAAGTc/iT5BeVKKkA8/s1600-h/P14303493.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430349" border="0" alt="P1430349" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-I2mHP-fpbCE/TzNt-Ljs24I/AAAAAAAAGTk/jy7QjBI24dE/P1430349_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Followed by  the parade that everyone had been waiting for. </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4DxvogAOGgs/TzNuAtUMuVI/AAAAAAAAGTs/yYSJNu3IWBM/s1600-h/P11408793.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140879" border="0" alt="P1140879" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5LRKCDGK1gE/TzNuBcFYNpI/AAAAAAAAGTw/iRqQlc-9bto/P1140879_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-edDWc2LhWY4/TzNuDvg8EtI/AAAAAAAAGT8/gzClWT3vosA/s1600-h/P11408913.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140891" border="0" alt="P1140891" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MO4EQFmDPfM/TzNuEiQzVyI/AAAAAAAAGUA/b3Ko0xu922s/P1140891_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-U7CAec_ygGI/TzNuGtPkECI/AAAAAAAAGUM/ioW8m4Tg360/s1600-h/P11408873.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140887" border="0" alt="P1140887" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DJmJfl4xt6Y/TzNuHmM21JI/AAAAAAAAGUQ/rlL5JI72VSg/P1140887_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Military, youth bands, school children and dance troops, all great fun.</p> <p align="justify"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj10J2WuYBAlo7JcDl4U-pVNu-FM5p_DCcPI3Tw6OaFBF9kdk375uyY_jAjQPoeE6HPgzr4w5pOAxhQYzcuDrU5pvzMgUe8cYwDEdaA0sClG69q5mpnGDlzDATkhwalz3iijVcMZg/s1600-h/P14303773.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430377" border="0" alt="P1430377" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ocy-cQOLoJQ/TzNuK4Z1ToI/AAAAAAAAGUg/iMsh_pjQe6M/P1430377_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aNaPmulIzjc/TzNuMlLIhxI/AAAAAAAAGUs/rNDX4Ju_LB8/s1600-h/P14303803.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430380" border="0" alt="P1430380" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WWwzbqINfuY/TzNuNYPQMyI/AAAAAAAAGUw/qxCPVUYz6hc/P1430380_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xeJrYsJtffc/TzNuO-PEsKI/AAAAAAAAGU8/3OWpweQyjbo/s1600-h/P11408983.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140898" border="0" alt="P1140898" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_C0goOg1pOI/TzNuPlFSXgI/AAAAAAAAGVA/_wvI8Bco6Iw/P1140898_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">There were also greasy pole challenges for the energetic.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EmjeIxZMIa8/TzNuQ2qwVAI/AAAAAAAAGVM/PATRqsxgx8Q/s1600-h/P11408973.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140897" border="0" alt="P1140897" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--gPLjJ42kp8/TzNuRgzpf2I/AAAAAAAAGVQ/Ua4WGY767WY/P1140897_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a></p> <p align="justify">Jeremy is nearly two metres tall and proves to be a great attraction with the young people. As an ex-school teacher he has a natural rapport with the young and there is always a clamour to be photographed with him!</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-yEzVFk6H42Y/TzNuTz_bj_I/AAAAAAAAGVc/cptxTZeS0KQ/s1600-h/P11408963.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140896" border="0" alt="P1140896" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEXw0oWAUimdYaJpM732oPma2rNOjnXyBXHGFYA6Kai8_A3jmkiUfRSb-nYEgcwdK1gB_yrPmMl7azjXE3geieou4acLjtVvMwMvK1LQpPyNq6W00V37Gl4M0NjLnrIj8Qsg0PCw/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-COMY7LipKws/TzNuWoWyaOI/AAAAAAAAGVs/NXyPLNu_Lqg/s1600-h/P11409143.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140914" border="0" alt="P1140914" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vuCLaNDHJaY/TzNuXX6gaNI/AAAAAAAAGVw/n4kQdmUfGao/P1140914_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>Our guide then took us for lunch and a trip to see an Ikan factory. Part of the trip was in a rickshaw powered by pedal-power – a novel way to travel, but a method that is effective and is even used for commercial purposes here. It is hard going on the pedallers though.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-87wDMUxMb6Q/TzNuZT-JMpI/AAAAAAAAGV8/lGgqtyqtT7I/s1600-h/P11409163.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140916" border="0" alt="P1140916" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OyC_DzJdt30/TzNuaM-_ktI/AAAAAAAAGWA/ye5otXB9A2Q/P1140916_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-t9iiNjENkR0/TzNuc58ur-I/AAAAAAAAGWM/GSBfibYt5LU/s1600-h/P11409363.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140936" border="0" alt="P1140936" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZYND39iDAYbMdsujEul0fveql96psNanNqux3uZtiUKN5OnTgcomus162qVFUS7EEBaoxmIWvNyzSDaUSdRcI48FkiGVExYPLuHH5y8KFJFvio4hJzmEQRzHQiRu7WOyVImV4kA/?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI6KYzU0Yx7czQLlThgPi0lUD1gLgb4_RK9Z8wVsHzd-pqEzvJtgon-zpddsQ-Hd1GSgkSw-e3ydQ8zYt4eaz_PBJRuWNoQV94XOke0dpAfMRlxtbCxxjShVCaQAX1q7gurUS1Eg/s1600-h/P11409423.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140942" border="0" alt="P1140942" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bmEm7c89b0w/TzNuikzo4KI/AAAAAAAAGWk/LLupbQS0DCA/P1140942_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>At the Ikan workshop we felt there was a bit of slick selling going on. But the items were extremely expensive – hundreds of dollars! And to be frank, we have neither use nor space for such items on the boat. However the skill in preparing and weaving  all still done by hand was impressive.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9GuSlBoF-Lk/TzNuljL_PJI/AAAAAAAAGWs/e12BaEPxL-c/s1600-h/P11409473.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140947" border="0" alt="P1140947" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WVT9ch0Ryhs/TzNumSS43bI/AAAAAAAAGW0/70V5Ylmx018/P1140947_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7IiiN0G3lXk/TzNuprIrzGI/AAAAAAAAGW8/Ayx6p0MRtj8/s1600-h/P14304473.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430447" border="0" alt="P1430447" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qWFuMa9P2BE/TzNuqfU49qI/AAAAAAAAGXA/As3YE4YIJV4/P1430447_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">The next day we returned to our first guide and agreed to a minibus trip because his friend has a bus and we could have a charter ride, just the four of us.  Waingapu has a beautiful <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MkRihdduVr4/TzNusig42lI/AAAAAAAAGXM/pWiBAjbMSiE/s1600-h/P11409563.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: left; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140956" border="0" alt="P1140956" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sHfd3GvmDs8/TzNutZ6t5LI/AAAAAAAAGXQ/gV0EZNzdZlE/P1140956_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>purpose made  nightmarket area which was not open , but the construction of the stalls was interesting, </p> <p align="justify"></p> <p align="justify">…then on to a splendid street market that was definitely open and we bought provisions.</p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LR2sZMCdAJc/TzNuwJ5roaI/AAAAAAAAGXc/qiKNIUqb27A/s1600-h/P11409763.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140976" border="0" alt="P1140976" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nU7g0tzO2-k/TzNuwxXwcdI/AAAAAAAAGXk/aUQ1MUusi7U/P1140976_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TgZ447irJHg/TzNuzkWv96I/AAAAAAAAGXs/dH25BXQX9Z0/s1600-h/P11409643.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140964" border="0" alt="P1140964" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ur9X3BwGs-s/TzNu0nbtCkI/AAAAAAAAGX0/tbmGjnkKkxI/P1140964_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">We then drove out of town to see a traditional village. This one had many wood and straw buildings but some stone (including the last  King’s tomb shown below). There was a strong hierarchy in place and we were introduced to the folks that mattered.</p> <p align="justify"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M97k32HQpo4/TzNu39G_CWI/AAAAAAAAGX8/gHGvxWADDJM/s1600-h/P11409243.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1140924" border="0" alt="P1140924" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RmkJ3JXEjAM/TzNu4mRcW9I/AAAAAAAAGYA/q61u_R25EVY/P1140924_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-d7llrgpUnLw/TzNu60XOfyI/AAAAAAAAGYM/jHGfKoid0bg/s1600-h/P14304263.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430426" border="0" alt="P1430426" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H8uo96nlupM/TzNu7uN_SpI/AAAAAAAAGYQ/ocoAR0ARqTw/P1430426_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VeUCNqaso40/TzNu98iJy6I/AAAAAAAAGYc/Ovs16M6jPzs/s1600-h/P14304913.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="P1430491" border="0" alt="P1430491" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WwuHf-tQTVw/TzNu-o1cocI/AAAAAAAAGYk/ItTCW-8Qmn8/P1430491_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p align="justify">A good day out and we said goodbye to our guide and his minibus owning friend. </p> <p align="justify">Time to press on the next island.</p> Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-50969393977692351882011-08-10T09:00:00.000+12:002012-02-05T00:25:51.736+13:00Savu – Travels on a Small IslandJeremy and Kathy's [Sal Darago] invitation to join them in Savu sounded like a good option - it was only 100 miles or so from Kupang, so we set off for what promised to be an easy sail. In the event it was very pleasant, we had a few hours motoring at first, but after that a gentle sail took us right up to the shores of Savu.<br />
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The Sail Indonesia Rally had notified their tourism contacts on any islands that the rally participants might visit and in some cases they had negotiated welcoming ceremonies, guided tours, music and dance performances etc. to be hosted for the visitors. Savu was one such and they were prepared for an invasion. <br />
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We arrived at Savu (sometimes called Sawu) at the anchorage off the main town of Seba, having been given very specific instructions over the VHF radio by the harbourmaster Zoltan. He had heavily accented English and spoke it very, very quickly. Throughout our stay there he proved to be an assiduous helper, guardian, interpreter, chaperone and reserve tour guide. In the harbour were:-<br />
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Local boats with plenty of crew.
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…and those with just family!
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Having anchored, launched the dinghy and had quick chat with Sal Darago; we headed for shore. It's a tricky trip as the shoreline shallows quickly and steeply which has the effect of creating good surfing conditions. However, no mishaps and we found our way ashore and meet Zoltan. He wanted a few official papers, but is quite relaxed about waiting until tomorrow for them, so were free to walk.<br />
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Seba has a definite 'smile to the face' factor. It is small, ramshackle, throbbing with activity, friendly and hot. Vehicles and pedestrians share the road space without any real demarcation and all the stores are open fronted with tables lining the roadway.<br />
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We stuck out like Mormon missionaries on a St. Tropez beach and we were constantly greeted with, "Hello, where are you from?" or "Selamat pagi" (Bahasa Indonesian for good morning). Occasionally someone with a knowledge of English would want to chat and practise their skills.<br />
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Making our way through the entire main street we finally reached an office where we found Juli Hina, who was to be one of our main contacts. Julie is young and pretty; she is a local school teacher cum tourist guide and has good English.
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She told us a little about her island after which we quizzed her about the local weaving and the 'Ikat' that is worn for dress occasions. Then, as well as a full explanation, Juli disappeared for a couple of minutes and reappeared wearing her 'best' traditional outfit.<br />
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Everything was ready for tomorrow, when our programme of events was to begin.<br />
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Morning, and we met Juli and John (a local official) at the harbour.<br />
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The transport will be here shortly, we are told. Well, not exactly shortly, more '...in a little while'. Perhaps nearer half an hour but it was an interesting place to wait. People carried loads using a yoke, a device rarely seen on 5th Avenue or Bond Street, but very popular here.</div>
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The market was only a stone's throw away, it seemed to be a vegetable, fruit and grain market, but we felt we hadn't got time to explore too much as the transport must surely arrive any second.
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The transport arrived !<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h_L1k7rcMP1X7DQ5vS7jk4BOJ85U-eXqeNhuqDRKa894o_undLHWNLc0OMinH85Q63oGgpUqA2pN5q1VXK0uzHGw5TFjC6o66WTdwxw4FlMeVhhvVF0goj1pc5N0IyQv6Fp5DQ/s1600-h/P14108873.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1410887" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_Hy9coO64QA/TyyDvsdTtrI/AAAAAAAAGGI/4j9IFT7Dg08/P1410887_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1410887" width="400" /></a></div>
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It wasn't quite what we expected as we had seen coaches and minibuses ferrying people to and from from the harbour, but ours was a 10 ton truck, canvas top, open sides, no seats - no, I tell a lie ...there were two, two-seater bare wooden benches bolted to the floor. This promised to be fun!<br />
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Fortunately it was only a short ride to the reception. The venue was the beach just a little south of Seba where Captain Cook anchored in 1770. A lot was going on, stands and a podium were being constructed and large numbers of cadets were practising singing. Apparently Independence Day was imminent hence all the activity.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MuGeMYi-xN4/TyyDyJET2hI/AAAAAAAAGGU/PnzPk57ZEno/s1600-h/P14108913.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1410891" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XZd_b3M5Mlw/TyyDywAJGSI/AAAAAAAAGGc/KdOBpao53-A/P1410891_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1410891" width="244" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjapxoX73FVyrH4d3z9OxNbH7Ru53tU45GQIfBLfZ0S8VVhj1_Pu3MvpImaumLYZ_U9IjRjavIX6S2D9UffmI5Ix8zta1SuLza5gDzYBRaHWI_uHfTq1Me-nqJ7z3PoLx8zOPGM4w/s1600-h/P14108923.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="P1410892" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uTphmJqUQcM/TyyD1bY12aI/AAAAAAAAGGs/GtYSZSD_wGo/P1410892_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1410892" width="244" /></a><br />
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We were taken to our covered shelter on the beach where already costumed dancers and musicians were gathering.<br />
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Interesting looking instrument !!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURiPh9Yaij2swZiKeolSpM7oI3knGCd_fCeGOcl0qb3IxsbsWzx0qx6FZQwzxHuUSEz7Li3T8IjEmhIODfTOY62m3iGFsqQqW4z8RtnZBp3Rc-MY4g3pQBVZDmlCerCfZhNv0qA/s1600-h/P11405433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1140543" border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKL6fooeUVV_p6Ecr6Qr-_AYhOKNox2u1wWGws1lrf_bpRmqq0BD1UgBrJO5mZeKyLF0l74zEBaZFFQeOjWPRszxmUPeYpb7BdnUJiaDDPCcy-KlhAbZYSUZlBHSUS4rXhKWHblA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1140543" width="400" /></a></div>
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And what a glorious setting. The beach was pristine with just the occasional wooden boat lying temporarily inactive, the sky was blue and the rollers were piling onto the shore. Also we could see Ellida and Sal Darago and therefore knew that that they were safe.<br />
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We took our seats on the carpet and the show began. Only photos can describe the scene.<br />
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After the dancing we were presented to the senior official of the welcoming party and presented with Ikats.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--m0KHCEVgr4/TyyEHtwMd6I/AAAAAAAAGIk/Z0rBDvQW0kg/s1600-h/P14109073.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1410907" border="0" height="244" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Pt1XOzTAC-w/TyyEIghBdqI/AAAAAAAAGIo/khQNWUGNsgg/P1410907_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1410907" width="192" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-X9TWNJfoUh0/TyyEKVPZsbI/AAAAAAAAGI0/n5SvopN0BwM/s1600-h/P14109083.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="P1410908" border="0" height="192" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PfV4IgtL7eg/TyyEK2zsyGI/AAAAAAAAGI4/Gt4yh63CosU/P1410908_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1410908" width="244" /></a><br />
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These are locally woven fabrics that come in several sizes and shapes and are widely worn by locals. After the presentation, the food (it was only half past ten in the morning) comprising rice, meat and soup <br />
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...during which a little more music and dance before being shown the art of Ikan manufacture.<br />
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We retired to our transport for much longer trip this time.<br />
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Covering the ground is a function of distance and terrain. Here the distances are all relatively small, but the terrain gives home to bumpy unmade roads. Our journey took us around the west and north of the island. A largely completed hotel was pointed out, apparently it is just waiting for a water supply to be found, then who knows, Savu may take off as a tourist resort!<br />
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We arrived at a village where there are some unusual features to be seen, first a stone with an engraving of a sailing barque of antique design, perhaps several hundred years old, our hosts did not know.<br />
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Also around the village were boulders set on plinths. These you might guess have a ritual function. <br />
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We were then introduced to a couple of priests, one extremely elderly with gnarled and misshapen toes.<br />
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Finally a quick stop at an education establishment for older teenagers. We were given a cheery greeting by the students and shown around the building by the senior lady whom we were told was a descendant of royalty.<br />
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The next day we reported as the day before to the harbour and waited the customary time for the truck. All aboard, we set off to see a little more of the island. After only a very short drive, our driver stopped alongside a salt production area, the like of which none of us had seen before.
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Sea water was poured into what can only be described as little boats made of leaves, the photo below shows Zoltan holding just one.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FE51YLHkY7c/TyyEeGzEiDI/AAAAAAAAGKk/sas7aGBe42A/s1600-h/P14300513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1430051" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oanKFbFuQR4/TyyEeoej9TI/AAAAAAAAGKo/45MY0ZyyIsY/P1430051_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430051" width="400" /></a></div>
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For an island of several thousand people however, one needs a large number of such boats. One more shot, to give a more photogenic angle showing off their unique beauty.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4OoW1SuoIjw/TyyEkTp0uBI/AAAAAAAAGLE/vC4UoxCBjWo/s1600-h/P14300563.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1430056" border="0" height="301" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-a4vc446WOQs/TyyElc8-JTI/AAAAAAAAGLI/i_M7z_FCveM/P1430056_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430056" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think it was just happenstance, that we met a family whose business was sugar syrup production. John was quick to make their acquaintance and we were allowed to see the process of gathering sugar juice from a type of palm tree. A task performed by young agile men. They had their task made easier by small rocks tied at intervals up the palm trunk acting as steps. The sugary liquid was then boiled and reduced. We bought some sugar cakes in the market next day.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-svmnXEVtOHg/TyyEm6XGBxI/AAAAAAAAGLU/J_SO1vBtqd4/s1600-h/P14300823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1430082" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CBQNtfQJQA4/TyyEnnrypII/AAAAAAAAGLc/1C-4QNPJbjU/P1430082_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430082" width="301" /></a></div>
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The scenery on the route was arid but gently mountainous and with the backdrop of a clear blue sky and deeper blue sea it was very photogenic.<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q2Z8De9MQZw/TyyEpfDa2lI/AAAAAAAAGLk/gw8j5VtSufA/s1600-h/P1430089-P143009133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stitched Panorama" border="0" height="157" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ndPOz8ClC1o/TyyEp8tTLyI/AAAAAAAAGLs/BHRCZXwjS8M/P1430089-P14300913_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stitched Panorama" width="400" /></a></div>
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John wanted to show us a village which was constructed on a hill.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5DPDoxcbbZ0/TyyErmFKeVI/AAAAAAAAGL0/Tn2SJDNoUbw/s1600-h/P14301193.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1430119" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sJb472m4e0U/TyyEsHIx6KI/AAAAAAAAGL8/l2ywQ8jN03c/P1430119_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430119" width="400" /></a></div>
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The buildings at the top have a sacred significance and life in the village was lived along very traditional lines. There was a head man, a group of elders and holy men. All was peaceful and neat, grains were laid on mats to dry and Ikats being woven.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AAOyHY72kX0/TyyEu3sRqkI/AAAAAAAAGME/5tayrFhBG9A/s1600-h/P11406243.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1140624" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vsNm8fkeqTU/TyyEvl9PsyI/AAAAAAAAGMM/Docm6S7Euzo/P1140624_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1140624" width="400" /></a></div>
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We were guided to the hill top and introduced to the head man who was proud to adopt his unique stance atop a boulder and be photographed.<br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-twX38tixUac/TyyExejY8II/AAAAAAAAGMU/0WuyW4ygkI4/s1600-h/P11406543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1140654" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-058RHXB8Qd8/TyyEyG99zdI/AAAAAAAAGMY/RyOVXt1F3ec/P1140654_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1140654" width="301" /></a></div>
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I have also shown a picture of him laughing heartily, his toothy grin shows the tell-tale red stains of betel nut, which is very popular here. Not with me I should add. I tried some but it is so very bitter and has an after taste that lasts for hours.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5WLNGMHRwuc/TyyEz7nNWyI/AAAAAAAAGMk/jMzhaO73bEU/s1600-h/P14301263.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1430126" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7DE16-0iSas/TyyE0qSjrQI/AAAAAAAAGMo/5qME5dkdEtE/P1430126_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430126" width="400" /></a></div>
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The view from the hilltop shows the terraced appearance of the surrounding hills. They did not appear to have any crops on the terraces and I believe we were told that they are a natural formation.<br />
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<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kTAdVBey66Q/TyyE1hd0UXI/AAAAAAAAGM0/x-0tgPHBAJc/s1600-h/P1430142-P143014543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stitched Panorama" border="0" height="132" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UylhA3TFBPc/TyyE2YhBMQI/AAAAAAAAGM8/5WkYneLFgNc/P1430142-P14301454_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stitched Panorama" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just one more destination and that was to the highest point on the island and thus a great viewing point. It was cool (a relative thing) up there and we could see the arid landscape for miles around and spotted a few wild horses.<br />
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We made our way back to the harbour and our dinghies, to find that Jeremy and Kathy’s dinghy had burst open at one seam. Disaster! We assumed that the extreme heat and the associated expansion caused the split, but whatever the cause, the chance of fixing it looked slim. At least in extremis, Ellida’s dinghy will carry four people. <br />
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Jeremy worked hard with patches and adhesive, we donated some, but whatever he tried the seam pulled apart. The final solution (pardon the pun) was pinch the seam and trap it between two strips of wood, then clamp it all with wood clamps. It worked, not 100%, but sufficient unto the day.<br />
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Another day, another trip. This time to see the remains of an old Dutch fort. In its day it must have been very impressive with its commanding view of the seaward approaches. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-d0nBclt0Hc0/TyyE5YXQMsI/AAAAAAAAGNE/JSmQFfAAJjM/s1600-h/P1430206-P143021273.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stitched Panorama" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Ew4yo97i408/TyyE6CfKiRI/AAAAAAAAGNM/mpszEktV-bM/P1430206-P14302127_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stitched Panorama" width="400" /></a></div>
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Above is a water tower and below, the remains of the main facade.</div>
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HDPsBkWyNl0/TyyE85mB7jI/AAAAAAAAGNU/XeNi_slb_Ww/s1600-h/P14302043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1430204" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DGZ5cyoiDis/TyyE9nt26UI/AAAAAAAAGNc/oGTncJyMjjQ/P1430204_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430204" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our ultimate destination however was a walled village, name unknown, but the childhood home of John and utterly fascinating.<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FB8qp2MxXpk/TyyFAIBwM8I/AAAAAAAAGNk/icftiigdk4g/s1600-h/P14302813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1430281" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SeLYTr5HIV4/TyyFA18c_KI/AAAAAAAAGNo/pVIu_Qs9rY8/P1430281_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430281" width="400" /></a></div>
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Everyone had to enter through a strongly constructed gap in the wall; designed so that only one person at a time could enter. We were told that this was to discourage invasion. <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VFglwHBbRDA/TyyFCJJdqvI/AAAAAAAAGN0/UkIRc8fiv20/s1600-h/P1430245-P143025283.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Stitched Panorama" border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNTfToYMBxDTHjzPekAmjhuKoPbU-Ur-9gTk1LHYm9gEOdPRfemDO1SNdIkz0f3tHGcU5NO27eQueYvDUe2nRoi2_20UqV8PprWc0a9U-R9kBl1MtVeowz34x5W3Gvc1nC2-DxA/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="Stitched Panorama" width="400" /></a></div>
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The buildings were all of wood and straw construction. We didn't see any evidence of power, but very few places are without mobile phones these days !!!...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PgQKawe4g3A/TyyFEj5qENI/AAAAAAAAGOE/65VhHZJS74k/s1600-h/P14302593.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="P1430259" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aAkpzoSPALw/TyyFFR-mkrI/AAAAAAAAGOI/lc68TC8p2_Y/P1430259_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430259" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket making</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eQeEXOoMom8/TyyFHcURroI/AAAAAAAAGOU/JQLq1gBgJyM/s1600-h/P14302603.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="P1430260" border="0" height="314" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qCYPAxsLk_I/TyyFIOxsIlI/AAAAAAAAGOc/KtI3m9ebqaM/P1430260_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1430260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The resulting baskets</td></tr>
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It was interesting to see life being lived in such a basic way. Farming was the source of food and materials and we saw no evidence of mechanical aids.<br />
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The return trip was interspersed with stops at places of scenic beauty. Any stop was welcome as our bones recovered from the bouncing truck ride.<br />
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After a day's rest we received an invitation to attend a feasting and dancing evening. Julie warned us that we might be required to join in the activities; sing a little song, make a speech or something like that. What we needed was some moral support. Fortunately there was another boat anchored nearby, Brazilian flagged and manned by 4 young travellers, 3 lads and 1 girl. They were totally focussed on surfing, but they would try to get to the celebration if they could.<br />
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They did arrive, and we were all a little surprised by the large numbers of people and the amount of preparation that had been made. There was a stage, with a DJ and sound equipment. Our place was on the stage with the 'great and the good' and the music played and food was served - just to the stage party it seemed - but all the while a Karaoke concert was being performed by young locals.<br />
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As the evening wore on, and I had had a few beers, first one of the Brazilians brought the house down with his rendition of Besame Mucho…<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4mQgKddH5XM/TyyFMgWp8OI/AAAAAAAAGO0/8Mj5lMMFDxc/s1600-h/P11407873.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="P1140787" border="0" height="400" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tmraWohihQQ/TyyFNK0VTXI/AAAAAAAAGO4/j9jc5T7cycs/P1140787_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1140787" width="314" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apologies for poor quality photo </td></tr>
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…then the dancing started. One of the tunes that blared from the mega-watt speakers was one that Liz and I remembered (well almost remembered) from our line dancing days, so we started to perform the sequence. It caught on and before we knew it the music was being repeated and the steps copied by the audience. Wow! Great fun.<br />
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Finally, we were dragged down to take part in traditional dancing. We left our belongings behind and joined the throng. It was quite a danceathon and enjoyable in a 'unique' sort of way but eventually we staggered back to our seats on stage. It was then that Kathy discovered that her camera was missing. She had put it down with her belongings near the edge of the stage and it was no longer there. Pause for a communal camera hunt. The proceedings were halted and after a thorough search it was declared fruitless and the head man made a speech to the assembled masses. Being spoken in Bahasa, it was completely incomprehensible to us, but the tone was clear, 'if anyone knows who has this camera, we want it back'.<br />
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Jeremy and Kathy were resigned to the loss and it was time to move on, so we thanked everybody and flagged up our intention to leave nice and early the following day. Zoltan, the harbourmaster was consulted and our plan was to visit the tiny offshore island called Pulau Raidjua en route to Sumba for a day or so swimming and resting.<br />
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We did set off as planned, receiving several VHF calls from Zoltan wishing us well and speeding us on our way. The tiny island was about 20 miles away, but we had sailed only 10 or 11 miles when Jeremy reported that he had received a phone call from Julie. The camera had been found and the head of tourism would like to return it to him personally.<br />
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About turn …and our engine refused to start. The starter motor was not engaging. I checked all the wiring, but still nothing worked. Jeremy offered to tow us back to Savu where we could drop anchor and examine the problem more thoroughly. <br />
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We accepted their kind offer and set off<br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-va54Ycwt0Ck/TyyFOS-fV6I/AAAAAAAAGPE/HXI50SYwuxc/s1600-h/P11407893.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="P1140789" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1JWiFqikWS0plu5FEzlmd8QjTwWepaIC0uf6FKQhnNWwpbM_EPuughm6QN_GWGBPoja4AZEsiJLXXrX1igltvL9yf-5htWT9kp1lvXgR_2EeIOuIW7-T-n5vXGyNDT2tGMsSYw/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1140789" width="314" /></a></div>
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It's difficult to see the towline on this shot but it’s there! Thanks Sal Darago!<br />
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Jeremy and Kathy duly reported back and were given the camera. Apologies were made and we were exhorted not to leave with a bad impression of Savu and they hoped we would return one day. There was more to it than that. Apparently the assistance of a seer or medicine man had been sought. This person had advised that ground coconut must be sprinkled on the ground near from where the camera had disappeared, then a set of prescribed words must be spoken or chanted. This done, he was confident that the camera would re-appear. <br />
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After the sprinkling and chanting had been performed, the search was renewed and lo... the camera was found under a nearby bush! Who needs modern science.<br />
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After the delay, we opted to make a direct run for Waingapu on Sumba the following day.<br />
<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-44071938182888105362011-08-01T07:00:00.000+12:002012-02-04T14:16:09.946+13:00Onwards to Kupang<br />
Tipperary Marina was an ideal location for us. The marina manager, Keith, was helpful and always busy keeping the place smart and up to date. We enjoyed meeting up with several friends berthed there, notably Beth and Bone from Splinter's Apprentice who when in UK, live only 20 miles or so from the Mousehouse.<br />
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Now down to business. We have an engine that needs attention, a roller furling that jams and several small niggling repairs to do. Taking Keith's advice, we engage the services of Nafea from Cullen Marine Services. And what an intelligent and hard working man he proved to be. No instant diagnoses here, Nafea worked his way systematically through the electrics and the fuel line before coming to the conclusion that we had blocked hoses due to dirt in the fuel tank. He then set about draining the tank, which contained nearly 200 litres of diesel and spent what seemed like hours scrubbing and cleaning until it was spotless. The diesel was filtered before putting it back and ...Bob's your uncle! Job done.<br />
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The days flew by, including several barbecues, (marinas can be very sociable places) and many trips around Darwin buying parts and provisions. Everyone says how difficult it is to obtain foodstuffs and drink in Indonesia.<br />
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This photo is taken from the Yacht Club on the occasion of an 'official' Indonesian Rally pre-departure meeting and barbecue. The boats are anchored in Fanny Bay.<br />
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Our lockout for the rally was actually the day after the official start time. Only so many boats can pass through the lock during the half tide slot, so as we were not in a desperate hurry to be first off the line ( and we had not booked in advance), we volunteered to lock out the day after the start date, so we had a very relaxed departure, no jostling, no waiting for the flag to drop, we just went.<br />
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It was a very calm day so we ended up motoring and managed about 20 miles when the engine died again. Bother! ...Double bother! We carry spare jugs of diesel, which are definitely clean, so I secured one of these firmly in the saloon, just over the engine compartment and using a couple of lengths of diesel hose I fed the engine directly from the jug. That worked beautifully, so we turned about and we were in Darwin just before darkness fell.<br />
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Repairs took several days, this time we replaced the old copper line with new plastic/rubber hose and that appeared to cure the problem. Let's try again.<br />
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It was 29th July before we set off again. Still there was no wind, so engine on again. It's a four or five day run to Kupang, and we sailed - albeit slowly - for a couple of those days, but for the remainder of the journey the engine performed faultlessly ...until we were alongside the southern coast of Timor, then it happened again! How could that be? We had completely renewed the fuel system!! But it did - and we linked up the fuel jug once more and motored to Kupang.<br />
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The final stretch, heading east along the north coast of Kupang was into 25 knot winds. The sea was rough and lumpy and we made slow but steady progress whilst constantly looking for the anchorage. The detailed charting was confusing and the co-ordinated provided by the Sail Indonesia Rally organisers is 'approximate'. Not to worry, the Rally organiser, who was on board a motor boat saw us coming and not only gave us directions to an anchoring spot, but also requested us, very urgently, to launch our dinghy and come straight to the beachside restaurant to meet the officials who were waiting.<br />
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A tall order actually. The seas were really rough and the wind still topped 20 knots in the (open) anchorage. Nevertheless we did as we were bid; anchored, launched the dink and sploshed our way to the beach. Normally I would be expected to ferry the officials back to the boat to finalise the paperwork, but looking at the conditions outside they all agreed that a site visit was not essential. All that is except one, the young Customs officer who bravely did the trip with me and got his neat uniform totally saturated. The boat examination was pretty perfunctory too.<br />
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Now to settle back and just take a good look at Kupang from where we sat.<br />
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It's so wonderfully atmospheric. The little fishing boats at anchor nearby are of a design that we had only before seen in pictures. The buildings onshore were mainly delapidated, but possessed of a charm of their own. The mosque however was in beautiful condition and had fully working Tannoy systems , at 0400!<br />
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And the sunset is glorious here as in Northern Australia. Have you ever seen the posters for Miss Saigon? ...all reddish sky with a gloriously orange setting sun large on the horizon? Well, it really is just like that. Time for a photograph!<br />
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Traditional fishing techniques. Manpower intensive and close inshore.<br />
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The anchorage, now dominated by small fishing boats was until last week host to about 70 sailing yachts from the Rally, is seems like we're the last to leave these shores!<br />
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We have a persistent diesel problem to sort out. A careful examination led to the opinion that we still had dirty fuel, so it had to be drained and changed.<br />
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We needed help and help came in the form of a young man named On, who said he could supply empty jugs, sell or otherwise dispose of the foul diesel (he said it could still be used as stove fuel). On owned a dugout canoe and could also obtain new diesel. So our task was clear, we had to drain from our tank 250 litres of dirty fuel, whilst On had to transport in 20 litre jugs to somewhere onshore, then return with 250 litres of new clean fuel. This was achieved using the same dugout canoe and 1-boy paddle power (although sometimes he had help). An amazing young man ...and he spoke English.
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You will be pleased to know that we can now set aside the diesel saga.<br />
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Kupang the town was a great experience. It is quite an extensive metropolis with taxi-buses known as Bemas jostling for custom. This young man is trying to persuade us to hop on board. "Where are you from?" He shouts.
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They are very individual to the owner/driver in decor and sound. Sometimes the horn tones play 'Colonel Bogey' or 'I wish I were in Dixie' and sometimes it was the in-bus entertainment system that was played to attract the custom.<br />
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This bema had so many fluffy toys dangling in the windscreen. How did the driver see to drive? Perhaps he didn't and the lad hanging out of the door is shouting directions, who would know!<br />
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The main streets have tightly packed shops with totally open fronts, crowds are everywhere and everyone wants to say 'hello'. It was a completely happy experience just walking the streets of the town.<br />
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These little fellows were having a fine time in a small side street.<br />
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We tried local restaurants (all reasonably priced), I found a barbers shop and had a haircut, we sampled local delicacies from street stalls and went to the local mall.<br />
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The first time we spotted chickens being transported in this way we were too slow to get a shot off. But we needn't have worried, it's a very regular sight and two minutes later another motorcycle similarly loaded whizzed around the monument and across the bridge and you do have the early warning system of clucks to allow you time to focus the camera.<br />
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The Sail Indonesia Rally team had provided names and telephone numbers of people who could help: we needed to buy a SIM card for our phone and a dongle for internet access (yes they have 3G here - usually of the minimal EDGE standard in fact - for the geeks amongst you).<br />
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We also needed to obtain local currency - all these things become difficult when English is not commonly spoken and our command of Bahasa Indonesian is limited to looking up words in a dictionary. All of these hurdles were surmounted and we enjoyed nearly a week in Kupang...</div>
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(just a quick snap to show the baskets made from folded leaves. Now there's green for you!)<br />
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...but we were now looking to the next stop.<br />
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Our first rough plan was to head north to Flores. Most of the fleet had gone that way and we were getting regular communiqués from Beth and Bone describing good and poor anchorages etc. However out of the blue we received an email from Jeremy and Kathy Spencer aboard their British Westerly Conway 'Sal Darago' suggesting that we might like to join them on the 'southern route'.<br />
<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-3995121212159049102011-07-07T00:00:00.000+12:002012-01-21T07:14:03.716+13:00Across the Gulf of Carpentaria<br />
We remained only overnight at the Bay of Cape York. Our plans had included a visit to Seisia, a small but active township on the West coast of the Cape York Peninsula. However two major detractions forced us to abandon the plan; firstly we were short of time and secondly the depths of water in the area of the anchorage were rather shallow depending on the tide. So we headed for Endeavour Strait, a journey that took us past the entrance to Seisia, and took us at speed!<br />
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The current had to be in our favour to enable us to sail the route and we timed it carefully. Leaving our anchorage also required care - we had watched as a fellow cruiser ran aground on a sandspit just minutes before our own departure. At least he had kindly highlighted the extent of the shallows for us!<br />
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Passing alongside Possession Island, (the spot where, just before sunset on Wednesday 22 August 1770, Lt. James Cook declared the coast British territory in the name of King George III) having established that Australia was in fact an island. We were achieving over 10 knots as we raced through and this continued for a number of hours, almost until Endeavour Strait in fact. At this point we moved into the Gulf of Carpentaria and the sea state changed. We had been prepared for the benign smoothness of the coastal waters to morph itself into the lumpiness and short chop of a typical shallow waterway and it did!<br />
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As dawn approached we picked up an unexpected passenger in the shape of a Booby. He looked enormous at close quarters, and Liz took several photos, expecting at each click of the shutter he would take fright and go. But no, he was settled in for a jolly good rest!<br />
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It's official, the Gulf of Carpentaria is lumpy! But it was downwind sailing and we made steady progress. Our plan was to break our journey at the Wessel Islands - about 300 miles West - in Two Island Bay. Our friends Beth and Bone [s/y Splinters Apprentice] had passed this way a few weeks earlier and had written to recommend it as a good anchorage. Two Island Bay is situated on the Western side of the Wessel Island group, just 5 miles South of its Northernmost tip. Typically, we arrived about 2 hours before daylight, so we opted to stay offshore until the way was visible. It was indeed a very pleasant place to anchor, even though there was a very strong tidal current flowing even in the head of the bay. Extreme weather does herald fine sunsets...<br />
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The weather forecast had for several days been warning of winds in excess of 25 knots and there was no relief forthcoming as we listened to the short wave radio broadcast. So, there being no point in delaying, we pressed on, now of course in the Arafura Sea. The sea state was no longer particularly lumpy, but the winds did pick up and we regularly saw 30 knots. Another stint of (just under) 300 miles and we reached Port Essington, which is a very large inlet with several places for shelter. Again we had been recommended a safe stopping place and so we made a bee line for Coral Bay.<br />
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We arrived there to find 'Cop-Out' the Canadian flagged catamaran of Ken and Wendy who had been so hospitable in the north of Queensland and also Atlantia, a lovely large ketch owned by Will and Margaret a charming British couple whom we had met before. They had been in the bay long enough to have explored the nearby settlement, which is aboriginal and has a tourist facility. They planned to leave the next morning and we felt we should do the same as the tide times were favourable as was the weather.<br />
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Just a day sail took us to Alcaro Bay which is situated no more that a couple of miles from the notorious Cape Don, where the timing of currents is crucial.<br />
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Whilst there we took a trip on Ken and Wendy (Cop-Out)'s dinghy. This is reputed to be an area rich in wildlife, notably the infamous saltwater crocodiles (salties). And we spotted on emerging from the creek onto the sandy shore. It was only about 20-30 metres away and Liz and I looked at each other '...hmmm, is this wise we asked ourselves!' they call dinghies 'salties teething rings' in these parts.<br />
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Our trusty skipper seemed unconcerned however, so we pressed on a little longer but no more salties appeared.<br />
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Many boats wait at Alcaro for the right timings and we did the same. The following morning saw us sailing very gently around Cape Don and getting a mild current boost as we headed South across the mouth of Van Diemen's Gulf.<br />
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Nothing is straight forward however, and we suffered another fuel blockage which restricted our engine speed to just a little over tick-over. This was fine whilst the current was with us, but as the current direction shifts 180 degrees every six hours or so, we had to content ourselves with just better than breaking even for the remainder of the time.<br />
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We did have a brief stop-over for a rest near to Cape Hotham, but we were off very early on the final stretch to Darwin. It was a long run in totally calm waters, partly motoring at 7 knots and partly at 1 knot depending on the state of the current. However as we entered the Beagle Gulf, the wind started to pick up and by the time we were approaching the city limits of Darwin, we had over 20 knots on the beam ...we were hurtling into the busy harbour. We took in a bit of sail to make our progress more sedate and then finally made radio contact with Tipperary Marina (they call it Tippery here - just to be different) and were directed into our pre-booked berth. Phew!<br />
<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0Possession Island -10.8824072996641 142.03438282012939-10.8863057996641 142.02944732012941 -10.8785087996641 142.03931832012938tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-71223715996848598172011-06-10T07:00:00.000+12:002012-01-21T05:49:26.476+13:00The Cape York Peninsula<br />
We timed out departure carefully and headed off to Port Douglas, entering Packers Creek at exactly high water ...and it was a doddle. We had a gentle motor into the Marina Mirage and berthed in shallow water overlooking the roadway into town.<br />
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The date is Friday 10th June and guess what... Monday is a bank holiday, so we greatly fear that this is not a rush job. I ring Dan and he seems quite unphased and seems to take no cognisance of weekdays/holidays/weekends, they're all just names. He'll be there tomorrow and start work. We were surprised and delighted, but still there is the availability of parts to consider.<br />
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Dan came, measured up and announced that he has all the wire and fittings in his workshop. "Let's go and do it" he said. I followed him round the impeccable modern resort marina complex to the disused wharf with archaic sheds housing artisan workshops and scrap yards. Here was his workshop, open sided, no windows, but well stocked. He quickly found new wire of the correct size and thickness with fittings to match and with my help he swaged on the necessary terminals all within the space of an hour and we were back on board Ellida.<br />
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In fact he replaced two wires, the matching portside partner to the broken one as good practice dictates. Then we agreed that the rig required a full inspection,top as well as deck level, so he agreed to come on Bank Holiday Monday and carry out the survey.<br />
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After getting our repairs done so speedily, we had a couple of days to explore Port Douglas before the weather and tides would allow us to leave. The town proved to be fun and attractive. Granted it does have a lot of modern improvement, but it also has some interesting history too. The town is situated adjacent to two World Heritage areas, the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. So tourism was bound to be a major industry. Like so many Australian towns, gold was the factor that led to its founding. In 1877 the discovery was made, the town (which has had several names) flourished and at its peak had a population of 12,000. Of course that dwindled and after a calamitous cyclone in 1911 struck the town and flattened all but 2 of its buildings. Post WW2 it was just a fishing village with a population of 100. but in the mid-1980s, tourism boomed in the region after investor Christopher Skase financed the construction of the world-class Sheraton Mirage. The rest - as they say - is history!<br />
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A small photo collection of Port Douglas:<br />
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The harbour entrance is just the other side of the white building.<br />
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Lighthouse overlooking the entrance harbour<br />
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Inside the Creek<br />
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The picturesque church of St Mary's by the Sea. A wedding was in progress on the day we visited, guests were gathering...<br />
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...then we saw the bride arriving; striding out in her thongs (flipflops to us), entourage in tow, with mother bringing up the rear carrying the bridal shoes!<br />
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A yacht race off the entrance.<br />
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The southern beach seen from the lighthouse walk.<br />
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An old sugar train converted for tourist trips.<br />
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and an amazingly futuristic catamaran returning to the harbour with trippers fresh from visiting the Barrier Reef islands.<br />
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All work complete and with confidence in our rig, we depart Port Douglas with an epic 8 mile journey ahead of us, all the way to the Low Isles. We could have made more miles if the tide times had bee suitable, but the Low Isles are renowned as a local beauty spot and so were too good to miss. Another point of note is their proximity to Batt Reef which gained notoriety as the place where Steve Irwin was fatally injured by a Stingray spine.<br />
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We were able to pick up a mooring buoy on arrival and we enjoyed a truly picturesque scene complete with neatly painted lighthouse. As we went forward to slip our lines the following morning, a turtle was grazing on the grass/algae on the mooring buoy - always fun to see.<br />
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We by passed Cooktown as we had already visited here on our land trip and the annual festival celebrating Cooks landing and stay here to repair the Endeavour after running her onto a reef. We also by passed the Endeavour Reef thanks to modern technology much of which is still based on those early explorers surveys.<br />
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It's over 100 miles to our next destination, Lizard Island. Famous in lots of ways. Athough it has an aboriginal history Captain Cook named the place Lizard Island in 1770; "The only land Animals we saw here were Lizards, and these seem'd to be pretty plenty, which occasioned my naming the Island Lizard Island." He also climbed the peak on Lizard Island to chart a course out to sea through the maze of reefs which confronted him and the island's summit has since been called ‘Cook's Look’.<br />
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Another part of it's history involves the heroic/tragic story of Mary Watson and her vain attempt to escape from attacking aboriginals to the mainland in a fish boiling tub. She was unsuccessful, ending her days on Howick Island, just 20 miles away.<br />
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Howick Island was in fact our next anchorage. Situated in a narrow deep water passage, it was an unusual looking anchorage on the chart, but as it was recommended we gave it a go. As it turned out it was calm and peaceful and we had a good night's rest there. Interrupted just once by a vessel that was too deep for the main channel and was committed to using the Howick Passage. We heard his radio annoncements and went up on deck to watch as he passed close by. (well it seemed close at night).<br />
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An early start for a 38 mile sail to Bathurst Bay near the Flinders Group of islands. Another of the 'gentle slope' variety. Approaching the bay on our chart-planned course, we could see another sailing boat near to shore, but it looked small enough to be just a dinghy. However as we inched forward in the very shallow depths for several miles the yacht seemed to get bigger and bigger - it was just an illusion caused by the distance we were offshore. We stayed further offshore than the other yacht and had our night's sleep.<br />
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One of the problems caused by our enforced stoppages in Gladstone and Port Douglas is our need to keep up the momentum. Today we were tempted to sail just a few miles an visit the islands of the Flinders group, but good sense prevailed and we put the miles in. The last few being very cautious as were were in very shallow partially charted water approaching Hedge Reef. Beth and Bone had been there before us and gratefully we had details of their precise anchoring position. It felt unusual to be anchored in the open sea - we knew there was a reef protecting us - but we couldn't see it!<br />
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Thirty miles is just right for a day run. Roughly 6 hours sailing for us. As we approach Morris Island we can see that it is several miles long and has vegetation and a light. Looked ideal as a sheltered anchoring spot. As in fact it was, we spent a pleasant night there with a lovely island view.<br />
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We had a choice at this point; Lloyd Bay was the next significant stopping place, but at 51 miles it was a long hop. We could stop at Night Island, which looked pleasant enough with shelter given against the prevailing southeasterlies, but the long term forecast was promising high winds we thought we had better make the push for Lloyd Bay and be prepared to sit out the bad weather.<br />
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We arrived in the late afternoon at Lloyd Bay which offered little shelter owing to the distance we were forced (by depth) to keep offshore. However we seemed secure and surprise surprise, there was a 3G broadband signal available from the vicinity of the Aborigine settlement at Lockhart River. And the bad weather came! Strong winds and rain to the extent that our anchor dragged at one point which left us hauling up and re-anchoring in rather nasty conditions. It seemed to go on for ever, but in fact is was just one week, nevertheless we were ready to move on. The photo shows Lloyd Bay in one of its more benign moods.<br />
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Portland Roads - literally just around the corner, 10 or so miles. Another open anchorage, it used to have re-fuelling facilities from a barge, but no more. A few boats share the space, some fishing boats and one or two yachts.<br />
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The wind is still strong, but after resting overnight we decide to make tracks north, to Margaret Bay. 43 miles of pretty reasonable sailing, that is until we reached Clerke Island and Nob Island. They mark the turnng point into Margaret Bay and we found that we had to make a track harder and harder into the wind. As if by magic the wind sensed our presence and stiffened to a robust 30 knots. Not far to go however and soon we were anchored in the lee of the land and the protection of the bay. We looked around and recognised several of the nearby anchored yachts, but it was getting late and it was blustery, so we did not make any house calls.<br />
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As darkness approached, one by one our fellow yachties made sail and disappeared into the dusk. We assumed that they had arrived the day before and we knew that it was an overnighter to make the Albany Pass and round to Cape York Bay, so it was to be expected.<br />
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Very soon after, we heard the sound of an approaching engine and spotted a large fishing boat that was bearing down on our stern. We waited and he kept coming closer until at last he was only a couple of metres from our stern. "We've got some shrimps if you've got some booze." Shouted a voice from the massively high bow towering above us. "We have a little beer and some spirits." I shouted back. The deal seemed to have been struck, we rustled up a six pack and a small flask of spirit and taking careful aim hurled them up to waiting arms. In return there came down a sack of mixed crustaceans. Exchanging thanks, the fishing boat turned off to anchor in deeper water and we examined our 'deal'.<br />
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Wow! There were (approximately) 6 large crayfish - more like lobsters really, more than a dozen Morton Bay Bugs and a couple of kilos of large prawns (known locally as shrimps). Our problem was how to keep such a haul. In truth we simply couldn't and sadly all the other yachts had left. So, as many of the creatures were still alive and kicking, we set them free. We kept a few crayfish, all the Bugs went overboard and we set about cooking the shrimps then and there. We had one full fridge!<br />
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Heading north once more we had an overnight journey to do which required careful timing. The Albany Pass has to be taken at the right state of tide i.e. at low water. The flood should then be north flowing which makes for a swift passage. All went well and we were round the top of Australia's east coast and into Cape York Bay feeling like one major hurdle had been surmounted. It's a famous challenge for land travellers too, there being no 'proper' road to here from Cooktown - several hundred miles of hard going. Several hardy souls had made the trip on the day that we came ashore and we watched the celebratory photos being taken.<br />
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We met Wendy and Ken from Cop-Out who were also anchored in the Bay and they offered us a lift in their dinghy. We simply had to go ashore here, 'the famous top right of Australia' it's only 80 miles from here to Papua New Guinea! But of course we are not going that way.<br />
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We had a fun walk along the beaches. Quite a few tourists were evident as people fly and boat in from Thursday Island, plus an adventurous few have driven up the dirt road from Cooktown - a long and arduous journey in a 4WD. The tip of the continent is clearly marked with a sign and we had to wait for the endless chain of tourists with cameras to have their fill ...before doing the same!<br />
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<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-36293718077250712632011-05-11T07:00:00.000+12:002012-01-21T05:44:23.123+13:00It's not the leaving of Bundaberg...<br />
The Great Barrier Reef<br />
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We had been away for a year and it was time well spent in England, we now have a home base of our own there and we did get to see our family, the absence of which is the hardest part of our travelling life-style.<br />
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However back in Oz, Bundaberg to be precise and re-united with Ellida it's nose to the grindstone to bring her back into cruising fettle. We expected to be greeted with a soggy boat after the extreme flooding that Bundaberg has had to endure over the last six months, but no, she was dry and no mould was evident.<br />
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After a couple of weeks polishing and painting, we were ready to launch. We suffered a temporary glitch when the engine refused to start, but the fault (a blocked exhaust manifold) was soon identified then cured and we were back in business.<br />
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We departed Bundy on 11th May just 2 years and 7 months after our arrival here from Vanuatu. This time we sailed north on an overnight sail to Great Kepple Island (the photo is our first seascape sunset in over two years). Or so we thought. But Elli had other ideas.<br />
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At about midnight, the engine developed a fault and after going through the usual first aid procedures, it became apparent that it was not a quick fix. Fortunately we could move under engine - at just over tickover speed, so we decided to divert into Gladstone.<br />
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As we have come to expect in Australia, nothing was too much trouble. Craig, the young diesel engineer was on the case without delay as was an electrical engineer (because we also discovered a battery charging problem) and within just a couple of days we were ready to go again. But our freedom was short lived as the same old problem cropped up again, just half an hour after leaving the marina. So back we came for a second time.<br />
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We got to know Gladstone quite well! The replica of Capt Cook's 'Discovery' was in port for some of the time<br />
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...and Gladstone has several sights of interest as well; for example, the marina taken in the late afternoon.<br />
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Passenger ferry entering the marina from the sea channel.<br />
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The Auckland Inlet a little before sunset<br />
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The porch supports on this church reflect the shape of the bottle trees which are a feature of the Gladstone area.<br />
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We also met up with Jeremy and Kathy whom we had first met in Bundaberg. A super couple from Preston who have raced here in just 3 years aboard their 36 foot Westerly Solway, 'Sal Darago'. They are also on the Sail Indonesia Rally and so our sailing plans are quite similar.<br />
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We left Gladstone on the same day, but as they have a much shallower draught than us, they were able to take a significant short cut and they were away for slates, not to be caught ...for months!<br />
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We made our way to Middle Percy. From its name, it wont surprise you to know that there are more than two Percys, North East (which is quite small), South Island and Middle Percy. It came well recommended as an island offering a choice of sheltered anchorages suiting most wind directions. We chose White's Bay on the South East side, which as quite a deep bay proved to be a very good anchorage.<br />
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After a brief stop our next destination was Scawfell Island. Not the spelling we are used to, but the names of the islands in this section of the Great Barrier Reef are all very redolent of home. Names like; Whitehaven,St Bees, Keswick... the list goes on.<br />
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After a brisk sail we arrived at the northwest facing Refuge Bay. The wind was blowing over 25 knots as we approached and we were convinced that the name was going to turn out a misnomer, but as we progressed deep into the bay, the winds changed from frantic to manageable, then as the day wore on - to mild. A lovely anchorage after all with delightful views - this one taken at sunset just as a small catamaran was entering the bay.<br />
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The following day we eased our way between Carlisle and Cockermouth Islands...<br />
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...to one of the most delightful anchorages on the Reef, Goldmith. A long bay with only two other boats in sight, northwest facing and beautifully sheltered.<br />
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A peaceful night, we would love to stop and have a snorkel, but we must press on.<br />
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It's the kind of day sailing distance that we enjoy, 28 miles only to Sawmill Bay on west of Whitsunday Island, facing Cid Island, a renowned beauty spot. We are entering charter-boat territory now. The anchorages are more crowded and channel 16 (the VHF hailing channel) is constantly busy; but it is beautiful and we enjoyed another calm and tranquil night's sleep.<br />
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Onwards and ever northwards, we have a 40 mile trip that takes us around Gloucester Head to Bona Bay. Just a convenience stop really, it's perfectly good, but somewhat of an open roadstead. As ever, our journeys are governed by how much we can do in the daylight. Anything over 60 miles is, to us, a 'night run'. We much prefer to travel by day not only because it's safer, but also we enjoy it more. We are greeted by a dugong swimming past as we arrive.<br />
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Next stop Cape Bowling Green. It sounds as if it should be flat and calm if the name is anything to go by. The pilot book advises a wide sweep approaching the anchoring area, and as we approach we realise why; the depths are shallow. We need at least 2.5 metres to float and we were quite a long way off with the depth gauge showing 5's then 4's. Hmmm... anyway, it turned out to be a very gentle slope and we anchored in lovely peaceful waters and enjoyed a glorious sunset.<br />
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However it was not to last. All hell broke loose at about 4:30 to 5:00am and the water surface was incredibly turbulent, the wind strength had increased from a gentle zephyr to a stiff 17 knots. No option but to up anchor and get out of the bay. There was only one other yacht in the bay with us and he was doing exactly the same in the breaking light of dawn.<br />
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Our next target was Magnetic Island. A well known and popular tourist spot, very close to Townsville, one of Queensland's biggest townships, and served by a ferry from there. It does however have a marina in a resort/condominium development. Our friends Beth and Bone (Splinters Apprentice - a fellow Saltram) had passed this way just a few weeks earlier and had emailed us to recommend it. We took their advice and pulled in. We were met by a very helpful and friendly marina manager, who got us well situated and outlined all the facilities - which were superb. We resolved to stay a couple of days just to relax and enjoy the island.<br />
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The Marina in the early morning light:<br />
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Unusual rock formations on the approach to Picnic Bay:<br />
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Hawkings Point from ground level:<br />
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...and just around the corner, from a high viewing point.<br />
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A young Kookaburra:<br />
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The old jetty in Picnic Bay:<br />
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We were recommended to do the Forts Walk because as well as providing a good viewing point we also stood a chance of spotting koalas. So we took a bus ride to the start of this walk. The track follows a ridge behind the bays and arrives at the ruins of the Forts complex operated during World War II. The lookouts did afford excellent views of the Palm Island Group in the north to the infamous (in anchorage terms) Bowling Green Bay National Park in the south. This walk is also famous for spotting Koalas in their natural environment ...and we did! Two of them, both doing what koalas do best (sleeping) but nonetheless there to be photographed.<br />
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A Koala, seen on the way up the Fort walk:<br />
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Views from the top (1):<br />
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Views from the top (2):<br />
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We spotted another one on the way down:<br />
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Our few day's respite passed all too quickly and we were off again, first to the Northeast Bay on Great Palm Island, an easy 33 mile trip and we anchored in shallow waters but with a very pleasant view of the coastline. When darkness was approaching we saw a small power boat heading straight for us.<br />
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The little motorboat hailed us as he approached and it turned out to be just two Aussie fishermen possibly even a little older than ourselves. "You don't happen to have a 12v pump for inflating an air bed do you?" one asked. As luck would have it, we did, left over from our camping trip, "Yes we do." I shouted back. At which point they proceeded to come alongside and the transfer was made. They set up their sleeping arrangements very quickly and they were off again. You meet the nicest people cruising!<br />
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At this point were were passing close to Hinchingbrooke Island,<br />
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...one of the major beauty spots on the east coast of Queensland. Normally, cruisers sail between the mainland and the island and although a twisty route and shallow in places under normal conditions, after the drama of Cyclone Yasi which struck land at this point on February this year, the navigation markers are still unreliable and some of the sandbanks have shifted. So for that reason and also because we were short of time, we opted to take the outside route. Our anchorage for the night was Agnes Island. A bit short on shelter, but it turned out to be just fine.<br />
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Next stop Dunk Island. The island gained it's moment of fame when in 1969, James Mason and a young Helen Mirren and all the necessary entourage came to film 'Age of Consent'. It is a holiday island with a resort, but at present it is under reconstruction - after Yasi of course. Nonetheless it was a perfectly good anchorage for us, we didn't go ashore, but we had excellent scenery.<br />
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The jetty that may be the one that features in the film, or it may have been reconstructed several times since then!<br />
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Just 22 miles on to Mourilyan Harbour, but an early start and we are rewarded with some spectacular sunlight and cloud effects.<br />
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A frighteningly narrow entrance to this natural harbour, which opens out into a well protected inland sea. However we still have to be very cautious as it is extremely shallow outside the bounds of the actual harbour even though it looks as if there is infinite space. We could see yachts moored in line down a passage of reasonable depth, but we were amazed to find that one of those masts that we could see had no hull! We assumed that it had sunk on the spot - perhaps another legacy of Yasi.<br />
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We are getting very near to Cairns now. It's just too far for a single shot in daylight, so we take 44 miles off the distance by overnighting at Fitzroy Island. Only 15 miles short of Cairns, but necessary. It was a bit difficult to anchor - deeper than we normally like and it was a very open roadstead. However the other 20 or so boats didn't seem to mind, so we dropped our hook in about 18 metres of water and had a peaceful night. It seems that Fitzroy is a resort island served by pleasure ferries from Cairns. However it still looked very green and pleasant.<br />
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Ahhhh, Cairns. It was always in the mind as a target. There was BC and AC, before Cairns and after Cairns. We had discovered a crack in the kicker bracket that hung off the boom. It didn't look dramatic, but we resolved that Cairns was the next major city at which we could hope to effect a repair.<br />
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We were directed to a berth in Marlin Marina and we set about getting one or two things. Firstly, full marks go to the chandlery; managed by Jenny Gangell, we were able to top up our propane, buy several boating essentials and she even managed to source and collect some vital diesel filters for us. Big thanks to Jenny.<br />
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Cairns is an attractive town, we think. Particularly the waterfront. So here are a couple of photographs taken in that area.<br />
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A bit of a shock though to find out that a place the size of Cairns has no rigger. The nearest is in Port Douglas, just 20 miles up the road. Furthermore, the master-rigger has been admitted to hospital and is out of action, but he does have an assistant, Dan, who by a supreme stroke of luck was in Marlin Marina on another job. He called by and we talked about rigging and examined the kicker problem and also the rest of those parts of the rigging that were visible from the deck. To our surprise he found a broken strand on one of our aft lower shrouds - a vital part of the rigging especially for downwind sailing. It has to be replaced. Dan however, says that we must take Ellida down to his workshop in Port Douglas for this to be done. Now I've seen the chart for the Port Douglas entrance and it has a bar of 1.5 metres at the entrance! "No problem," says Dan "we have over 2 metres of tide - come in at high water."<br />
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<br />Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-7190868460258776122009-11-20T09:00:00.005+13:002010-03-07T22:28:49.116+13:00Mingenew in Western Australia's Wheatbelt<div style="text-align: justify;">Greenough (pronounced 'grenuff') lies about 24 kms south of Geraldton with which it joins forces as a shire identity i.e. Geraldton-Greenough. It has trees that have bent to an angle of 90° due to the force of the coastal winds. Much favoured by photographers.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVt9WTTUoAmk4kQpo_kO3OZ6QR6EMnrWIYhssX36IGJp1hoSQFpwzvHbWRfhPUroVXnsBZFCmz7dv0C_QlUQJisNQjTWkRmpVQ5heSDau5BC0JAB5KFKljFT82nMO8-DsU1sTLA/s1600-h/IMGP5983.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVt9WTTUoAmk4kQpo_kO3OZ6QR6EMnrWIYhssX36IGJp1hoSQFpwzvHbWRfhPUroVXnsBZFCmz7dv0C_QlUQJisNQjTWkRmpVQ5heSDau5BC0JAB5KFKljFT82nMO8-DsU1sTLA/s400/IMGP5983.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444587320026509634" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">They also have a historic visitor site with a fine collection of period buildings.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHU5sANJ370lN0CC9CYvz44UTgDuy2478473l3TsfAODTpDQDvF_97bdxkT0ezexf6HLlI1xLr29hhDQnAj0P9Fkep7JTae-_OK502QiLoEeCn-rHvjzfcvoLZ6SBssCV6ftmPQ/s1600-h/IMGP6002.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHU5sANJ370lN0CC9CYvz44UTgDuy2478473l3TsfAODTpDQDvF_97bdxkT0ezexf6HLlI1xLr29hhDQnAj0P9Fkep7JTae-_OK502QiLoEeCn-rHvjzfcvoLZ6SBssCV6ftmPQ/s400/IMGP6002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444587313612529538" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The priest's home. It was Mgr Hawes last parish before he returned to the Bahamas where he became a hermit on Cat Cay.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLF1xQiw6-hQuv08hWhiRiCNe6jEa-YYwy4Uo12fhvryZ_WIoVDbrVUK3RfzGvG34UViZoc5TpMX9tcBUhN8DZYSR4tjXaFoTXf5ql9qSkn28Gq3UETFfunQ9n1dyCSjBOR0sAaA/s1600-h/P1400270-P1400271(2).jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 148px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLF1xQiw6-hQuv08hWhiRiCNe6jEa-YYwy4Uo12fhvryZ_WIoVDbrVUK3RfzGvG34UViZoc5TpMX9tcBUhN8DZYSR4tjXaFoTXf5ql9qSkn28Gq3UETFfunQ9n1dyCSjBOR0sAaA/s400/P1400270-P1400271(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444587306310969442" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The old police station</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB23cu073_Gl_aSPGsPhWFQbdXs3IHKEI35bKmbgvka2SKDdQHoi81T6iffh8JgWUPk-Vq1GpkYQtUqiZB6k8WHwIZMe3lsyco2LZgSzcUqmivXAxMrIWp_bYf6jutPTN-AQq5A/s1600-h/P1400299.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdB23cu073_Gl_aSPGsPhWFQbdXs3IHKEI35bKmbgvka2SKDdQHoi81T6iffh8JgWUPk-Vq1GpkYQtUqiZB6k8WHwIZMe3lsyco2LZgSzcUqmivXAxMrIWp_bYf6jutPTN-AQq5A/s400/P1400299.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444587287218592130" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...and a friendly dunny!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSawtRMP07hmTK3rqG0A88NqZEbO9IJdRYFl3wi1xs7eTmQ0GZdrJ9FQzqRIuWZSThaWp-AuaOXdedGM2Lvo_gLFqGqHlRn0tkmFEu-LzuBXbkkM7QgCmjB3tZIrqWDII_W6NDw/s1600-h/P1400304.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSawtRMP07hmTK3rqG0A88NqZEbO9IJdRYFl3wi1xs7eTmQ0GZdrJ9FQzqRIuWZSThaWp-AuaOXdedGM2Lvo_gLFqGqHlRn0tkmFEu-LzuBXbkkM7QgCmjB3tZIrqWDII_W6NDw/s400/P1400304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444586860967476674" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The old school room today...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr2wAb2ik7GGVtpCGAKR6yKbtDkVUW-8q_qQLapE6JEOjTskfogOaBkj60IJ-lqrE0wtKgpURsxi1hglumPkzyNFZkBvYbjKaoCy7Y_XYj11DeENt8x8_mECWGuvv1afULYDFCg/s1600-h/P1400306.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 256px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr2wAb2ik7GGVtpCGAKR6yKbtDkVUW-8q_qQLapE6JEOjTskfogOaBkj60IJ-lqrE0wtKgpURsxi1hglumPkzyNFZkBvYbjKaoCy7Y_XYj11DeENt8x8_mECWGuvv1afULYDFCg/s400/P1400306.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444586853862384866" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...and in its heyday.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW465-FmiixwZKGzOUXqjNTB_j7cj0wE4_lAvETv3IRh4GC71DlO66XzjbLQl-PH6AnL8rplP3QQ6WT8viLcHeSIL7cZ_Z4gV1prc2Fu27giqe03Xb5xOmn0Yac8eYofAREGYv9A/s1600-h/P1400323-P1400325(3).jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 179px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW465-FmiixwZKGzOUXqjNTB_j7cj0wE4_lAvETv3IRh4GC71DlO66XzjbLQl-PH6AnL8rplP3QQ6WT8viLcHeSIL7cZ_Z4gV1prc2Fu27giqe03Xb5xOmn0Yac8eYofAREGYv9A/s400/P1400323-P1400325(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444586841243306738" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">We are in wheat country, should one have been in any doubt.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GzK3zLEHOAVFkJmqjiW_-OA7g0IDZWyGwhOits2arharVvQdCtBxjCPw0jNuGtQcAgH2nFE0A_Ql4h5SBVGWUWUz91MkZ8VGFLGs22foME6JevNrj4F_lHVDJhP0JY2wqjD_Ow/s1600-h/P1400328.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6GzK3zLEHOAVFkJmqjiW_-OA7g0IDZWyGwhOits2arharVvQdCtBxjCPw0jNuGtQcAgH2nFE0A_Ql4h5SBVGWUWUz91MkZ8VGFLGs22foME6JevNrj4F_lHVDJhP0JY2wqjD_Ow/s400/P1400328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444586825563776242" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">At harvest time.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8UQ5xTfXkyNQ5u_ZfBB_0c8SmJuOm_k-z_gvl6haIfkWCJQ6pL-ADUT0iin7fmtD4WXQP5OvW4S7DOv4UfsBLLFwNkHchyphenhyphenwcYMrJQ5OfIaZdWJsUt7F5OCdBCv2yddVq-i5kQg/s1600-h/IMGP6083.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA8UQ5xTfXkyNQ5u_ZfBB_0c8SmJuOm_k-z_gvl6haIfkWCJQ6pL-ADUT0iin7fmtD4WXQP5OvW4S7DOv4UfsBLLFwNkHchyphenhyphenwcYMrJQ5OfIaZdWJsUt7F5OCdBCv2yddVq-i5kQg/s400/IMGP6083.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444586214157649906" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"> Kangaroo Paw. To think that we hunted for these when we were further north; now they are abundant.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrswQXQs3AW3trAosbCi9KJ4VWLTOrgRYHAPKHbokT95ShSR4bOiBY8AOVXNwIsoOJmEmrtJxIymH7NCh8j7bdjukvvpOmYlOl72dTZfmszVGYU_E8O-_8s5zpvF44t4LLe7GXQ/s1600-h/IMGP6173.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrswQXQs3AW3trAosbCi9KJ4VWLTOrgRYHAPKHbokT95ShSR4bOiBY8AOVXNwIsoOJmEmrtJxIymH7NCh8j7bdjukvvpOmYlOl72dTZfmszVGYU_E8O-_8s5zpvF44t4LLe7GXQ/s400/IMGP6173.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445821297801950370" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div>The township of Mingenew has an impressive display announcing its presence.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6amscRQmnXl6LLFJZYyyvJEhhRk_oGARSdItiBrX7pv9vcA04Q4j8bG9MJg23D2W1vWlMoA8q3BET_4i7EnCqnQC2Cbt0yIYZdisval6zrOpg2Elyc35Nn3GS7UNPxK_xIubq8Q/s1600-h/IMGP6087-IMGP6088.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 228px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6amscRQmnXl6LLFJZYyyvJEhhRk_oGARSdItiBrX7pv9vcA04Q4j8bG9MJg23D2W1vWlMoA8q3BET_4i7EnCqnQC2Cbt0yIYZdisval6zrOpg2Elyc35Nn3GS7UNPxK_xIubq8Q/s400/IMGP6087-IMGP6088.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444586203292215154" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...and a wheat statue (know to the locals as 'big ears'). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The origin of the town name is sometimes attributed to the aboriginal word Minganu which means place of ants. We can believe that. It now majors in sheep, lupins and wheat the latter having spawned the town's claim to being the largest inland, grower-fed, receival facility in Australia.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBozgdjsVwxZ4SzcVAMeKwlmApKuzyh4FEvReBFXmiLVi97iK_QhjXQmzggWARTFbHMBx687if4kYn9Bzwp7nYa9Y-LYynA8PuP8V-97zXE5tkd_nNAbyZKiNq755iDsKezXf5A/s1600-h/IMGP6101.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBozgdjsVwxZ4SzcVAMeKwlmApKuzyh4FEvReBFXmiLVi97iK_QhjXQmzggWARTFbHMBx687if4kYn9Bzwp7nYa9Y-LYynA8PuP8V-97zXE5tkd_nNAbyZKiNq755iDsKezXf5A/s400/IMGP6101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444586197426161858" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Emus used to be plentiful in the area and local myth has it that they used to hit balls of grass to each other using Mallee sticks. The mural made use of the myth and challenges the observer to 'name the emu'.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbnweBi3CDF9LhaVSSi_qUzAdd7olM5j6RD0yzbb9GJ2z3D7XHpw6CY-hESlSTOrvJIh3_l2OjzJ3QvH8EThDi3IgrZ21EI6OlYPQRfJqy7lfrbmQccD9bagrGcBms1olmJRYlA/s1600-h/IMGP6111.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbnweBi3CDF9LhaVSSi_qUzAdd7olM5j6RD0yzbb9GJ2z3D7XHpw6CY-hESlSTOrvJIh3_l2OjzJ3QvH8EThDi3IgrZ21EI6OlYPQRfJqy7lfrbmQccD9bagrGcBms1olmJRYlA/s400/IMGP6111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444585840370026946" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">More Kangaroo Paw, this time the yellow variety.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJlRjFnrQ7UQW2ehIj1Qn2LFsWSUfOd9fty1DcUHLJQxgGLmErEbbcGNx6z4nJtvX0NXVz04spCXzt3x8WiXiAzMGtyFYz4h0WtIb8QQVpHXs97Cek7BmqwUvPNTD-f1rMENNWw/s1600-h/IMGP6123.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJlRjFnrQ7UQW2ehIj1Qn2LFsWSUfOd9fty1DcUHLJQxgGLmErEbbcGNx6z4nJtvX0NXVz04spCXzt3x8WiXiAzMGtyFYz4h0WtIb8QQVpHXs97Cek7BmqwUvPNTD-f1rMENNWw/s400/IMGP6123.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444585821526592818" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">A rather charming corrugated iron cow at Drovers Rest, part of a sculpture reminding visitors of Mingenews droving history. We love all the outdoor paintings and sculptures which are found in almost every town we visit. Sadly we cannot include them all, the site would overflow.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICUHM1QgoOS2dBT1EviBOQVUVzBc4kqnaHa5Tn7rHOS-OygvPk6jRwXnMEXjxPRq-aqMB3XTKvaaWPnMvaGOOj-f-gwPTUOUwY4C92s5Ul3yLktk0Y5kkgABhwhTXj2Tgg6Zc7g/s1600-h/IMGP6153-IMGP6154.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 196px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICUHM1QgoOS2dBT1EviBOQVUVzBc4kqnaHa5Tn7rHOS-OygvPk6jRwXnMEXjxPRq-aqMB3XTKvaaWPnMvaGOOj-f-gwPTUOUwY4C92s5Ul3yLktk0Y5kkgABhwhTXj2Tgg6Zc7g/s400/IMGP6153-IMGP6154.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444584461480359074" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Enanty barn on the edge of town is one of the oldest buildings in the area. Built in the late 1800s as a shepherd and sheep facility you can see from the following note it was often pressed into service for other duties.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Visitors often had to sleep in the barns or outside. A petition by local homestead owners sought more wayside inns:</div><br />'We are compelled, at our own individual expense (and frequent inconvenience) to accomodate[sic] the majority of the horsemen and many of the pedestrians that are continually passing by our homesteads.'</div><div><br /></div><div>Our reason for visiting Mingenew was originally to escape the wind on the coast. It has been blowing constantly since we were in Exmouth, apparently this is not unusual for this time of year but it does rattle the tent somewhat if the campsite is at all exposed, so we decided to go inland. Turns out this was a good idea , it was much calmer and we got to visit several charming towns too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Rather like cruising most of the people we meet on our travels are heading in roughly the same direction and a family we first met in Kunnannurra told us in Perth they had stuck to the coast and only spent one night at the seaside towns Dongara /Denison before moving on to somewhere more sheltered in Perth.<br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-55170350279849090742009-11-16T09:00:00.018+13:002010-03-04T15:07:47.734+13:00Australia's Best Climate - Geraldton<div style="text-align: left;">The journey out of Kalbarri was punctuated by photo-stops for wildflowers. It was still astonishingly beautiful.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF5Hb1AYxVFo-P3irt5-c7UIrqBcSGOFSIksAwLD0ERORmegMsjNqoqr8vOfnP2s0-dsxgad3gV4uz5MtDygW2f1N-4k2j9Y41uyz7aHIgS9LQfLQJ1_ycOglNTw4cxP66JamGQ/s1600-h/IMGP5441.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeF5Hb1AYxVFo-P3irt5-c7UIrqBcSGOFSIksAwLD0ERORmegMsjNqoqr8vOfnP2s0-dsxgad3gV4uz5MtDygW2f1N-4k2j9Y41uyz7aHIgS9LQfLQJ1_ycOglNTw4cxP66JamGQ/s400/IMGP5441.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444330366337632082" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">It was a lovely day (most of them are) and the rolling wheat fields with distant farm buildings made a fine landscape.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZs_M7gbI2jpNbTVwwQd7geAyZnWYQmaVKyyp6PQT0kbP1aR9OsKuP85dFyTO06C-J3MpYLNR_P3LnR06_vp-dtbJLdGf-pylmqLuIXbQHjII_ze9BPAmMKZ71yb3BAAGxjYzjQ/s1600-h/P1390814-P1390815(2).jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 237px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZs_M7gbI2jpNbTVwwQd7geAyZnWYQmaVKyyp6PQT0kbP1aR9OsKuP85dFyTO06C-J3MpYLNR_P3LnR06_vp-dtbJLdGf-pylmqLuIXbQHjII_ze9BPAmMKZ71yb3BAAGxjYzjQ/s400/P1390814-P1390815(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444330357846032450" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Passing a sign to Hutt River Province would not have caused much of a frisson of excitement, but having read the delightfully whacky history of the province (now officially called the Principality of Hutt River) outlining the series of events that led to Prince Leonard declaring his realm independent of Australia in 1970. It's a great tale, read all about it through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principality_of_Hutt_River">this link</a>.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERnHDytecIKVwVszT_79JN4TiK9mL2bKPFSMrEhivZJco8PRx3ILHgZvrm26E553orqqoERkAMjhXsQic-9K044F3nEYlqxHwN3BGRGRBz2MEmVhAJPQSsFcdIKGXLe6V1NGmGA/s1600-h/IMGP5492-IMGP5493.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 150px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERnHDytecIKVwVszT_79JN4TiK9mL2bKPFSMrEhivZJco8PRx3ILHgZvrm26E553orqqoERkAMjhXsQic-9K044F3nEYlqxHwN3BGRGRBz2MEmVhAJPQSsFcdIKGXLe6V1NGmGA/s400/IMGP5492-IMGP5493.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444329894979468626" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Another feature on the starboard side is the pink lake. We were warned that it was pink, but we didn't expect it to be quite so ...so ...pink really. Caused apparently by a bacteria (Dunaliella Salina) which gets trapped in the salt granules. Best seen at sundown, the guide book says, but we were quite impressed shortly before lunch.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNbr7kFeaOBvLnpos23LC94j9p510-Ybvu0gMopZr7FbX_OfMOibfStB7C_9MW_pvVwDsGXWQqvRPhYZUkCtd04bd1xSSSyMTwajrjhFPAAtan1SjGK0E3zPvOxIAiH0LH63dew/s1600-h/P1390840.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNbr7kFeaOBvLnpos23LC94j9p510-Ybvu0gMopZr7FbX_OfMOibfStB7C_9MW_pvVwDsGXWQqvRPhYZUkCtd04bd1xSSSyMTwajrjhFPAAtan1SjGK0E3zPvOxIAiH0LH63dew/s400/P1390840.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444329885546210178" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The historic site of Lynton. The signpost probably tells the tale better than I could, must have seen its share of hardship.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6sEeZrCascN_Vz21eMlskR6DPfesxD5DJCL6ef_OVn5aWoaxPBm4gA0doPSkniaA4EFLDUrFl3xLKKpc_uLe_jcyo1M2himuWO0yVUOC52mx1T1e2DS2nFiCAaT5phzJbydEQw/s1600-h/IMGP5522.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6sEeZrCascN_Vz21eMlskR6DPfesxD5DJCL6ef_OVn5aWoaxPBm4gA0doPSkniaA4EFLDUrFl3xLKKpc_uLe_jcyo1M2himuWO0yVUOC52mx1T1e2DS2nFiCAaT5phzJbydEQw/s400/IMGP5522.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444533024460921330" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When we visited it was totally deserted and although we did not venture along the dirt road to inspect the old Sandford House, the ruins themselves were in a beautiful state of decay.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVacQcWRernZonNOHZnwfAX4SQvLdxxqMCA9m3-2dLphRqQ_DfeFlJ0QYGIh3jNy2paPwcQJ9qd5_1afm6VWV5yy_k4OdPjbV2STsc-ktlOIGrzePBJrmrplA-kn6x4-dFjDnwFA/s1600-h/IMGP5534.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVacQcWRernZonNOHZnwfAX4SQvLdxxqMCA9m3-2dLphRqQ_DfeFlJ0QYGIh3jNy2paPwcQJ9qd5_1afm6VWV5yy_k4OdPjbV2STsc-ktlOIGrzePBJrmrplA-kn6x4-dFjDnwFA/s400/IMGP5534.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444329874818786258" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Austere but very solidly constructed old buildings.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYJ8qMmTwMNn7NmvozUTYyEMe51FGjh6IfsJc_2400mt1ZUskoQtXGlzgKWMmHI18tnCXCLaXbDq3_ovoQQt5_y-zZmCgbIAX6ig8yceQ43n8gP5i9sf_gSXQq3iR2wXgmiGjnQ/s1600-h/P1390856.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYJ8qMmTwMNn7NmvozUTYyEMe51FGjh6IfsJc_2400mt1ZUskoQtXGlzgKWMmHI18tnCXCLaXbDq3_ovoQQt5_y-zZmCgbIAX6ig8yceQ43n8gP5i9sf_gSXQq3iR2wXgmiGjnQ/s400/P1390856.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444329865471140306" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The gateway to the dirt road and the house boasted half a set of windmill blades as an embellishment.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCBISvbnamqKnEycAqjrvgd4oJqFq6IyywLBd-UAekFOO8ca4S8emywrpHl73zAk2vpJZz2MOMED5ZNkMmQIYSbs0v36PvYZOJ4ZOr1Eoo4_Q-dDxqybaoyBWX03t0Jot02PCiA/s1600-h/P1390865-P1390866(2).jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCBISvbnamqKnEycAqjrvgd4oJqFq6IyywLBd-UAekFOO8ca4S8emywrpHl73zAk2vpJZz2MOMED5ZNkMmQIYSbs0v36PvYZOJ4ZOr1Eoo4_Q-dDxqybaoyBWX03t0Jot02PCiA/s400/P1390865-P1390866(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444329070974875442" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Our first sight of the Western Australia Christmas Tree in full bloom. These became more abundant as we journeyed south and make for a brilliant splash of colour.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOKGG0wKBOOzYJl6_mIl6y3pl1mPv92wL3nhydpCOoe3LbX_J4hh2YITiDE8g4Nqm7bOnttEy5Hvy0J1Yk2_PDRBUYqTMAjWciJHjeoUfPWiDcDR7M93hL2X6yze0wnfZsOi-6g/s1600-h/IMGP5559.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOKGG0wKBOOzYJl6_mIl6y3pl1mPv92wL3nhydpCOoe3LbX_J4hh2YITiDE8g4Nqm7bOnttEy5Hvy0J1Yk2_PDRBUYqTMAjWciJHjeoUfPWiDcDR7M93hL2X6yze0wnfZsOi-6g/s400/IMGP5559.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444329055816119218" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">We met the North West Coastal Highway at Northampton. An impeccable small town which started life in the mid 1800's with lead mining followed by copper mining later on.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tAeZ6ejiRUbJf6mghQDOd6tc3VxC6Ix06uQWocEKzK9g862aWUYNFZk_ySp9UDzgNcr4SZAUOBtyC7YyDcJuWqqptJmR7LIh8kjg403L7msC1aTH0iWp0D43ARAP6KAVGGPkxg/s1600-h/IMGP5582.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tAeZ6ejiRUbJf6mghQDOd6tc3VxC6Ix06uQWocEKzK9g862aWUYNFZk_ySp9UDzgNcr4SZAUOBtyC7YyDcJuWqqptJmR7LIh8kjg403L7msC1aTH0iWp0D43ARAP6KAVGGPkxg/s1600-h/IMGP5582.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tAeZ6ejiRUbJf6mghQDOd6tc3VxC6Ix06uQWocEKzK9g862aWUYNFZk_ySp9UDzgNcr4SZAUOBtyC7YyDcJuWqqptJmR7LIh8kjg403L7msC1aTH0iWp0D43ARAP6KAVGGPkxg/s400/IMGP5582.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444329040658326882" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The old Roads Board Office now houses an arts and crafts centre and there are several other buildings from the last century and some interesting traditions are perpetuated, notably 'the airing of the quilts'. We missed it, sadly, but it is what it says. Colourful and intricate quilts are hung from the towns main buildings on a specific day each year, 'the airing' and it has become a tourist attraction.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2apJyjB8vCczdwaA3X-36BThkqfVoK5SVpVko_a-svUDLUU9Ay5zjl6RvZmzIlJ1kmdjM_1k2GO62V86ktnn3_VGuec7S47n2Xj-IBo8RJC0Pgl-gfMUcBLAo5KXfXNQo2RSJg/s1600-h/P1390881.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO2apJyjB8vCczdwaA3X-36BThkqfVoK5SVpVko_a-svUDLUU9Ay5zjl6RvZmzIlJ1kmdjM_1k2GO62V86ktnn3_VGuec7S47n2Xj-IBo8RJC0Pgl-gfMUcBLAo5KXfXNQo2RSJg/s400/P1390881.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444561847740235090" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is time however, to introduce the exceptional and talented Monsignor Hawes. He was a priest who doubled as an architect. For Northampton he designed a church in Byzantine style with domes and rounded features - leaning towards the Greek Orthodox. It was not to the taste of the incumbent priest, Father Irwin who insisted on something more conventional, more Gothic. The result was a mixture of both, made in rough hewn stone (locally quarried) which gives it a 'hand-knitted' appearance. Monsignor Hawes left quite a trail however and we pick up on him later.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6tAeZ6ejiRUbJf6mghQDOd6tc3VxC6Ix06uQWocEKzK9g862aWUYNFZk_ySp9UDzgNcr4SZAUOBtyC7YyDcJuWqqptJmR7LIh8kjg403L7msC1aTH0iWp0D43ARAP6KAVGGPkxg/s1600-h/IMGP5582.JPG"></a>Geraldton is a large town [pop. 31,500] and according to some sources boasts the best climate in Australia and some pretty special buildings. The glorious tourist office for example, was once a hospital was from a style of a by-gone era.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yhrQKfuKydu4BNrq6PXXi1xDbixvwk1PkRDWF9DQRMzCQAST3-K6KvUtn3O49gmphufK4rZaX-FiBBUG7CsQdWNE2nRdY58jXHmCylxW_D9tM1CTWLnmBTnOshkQSeHlcD-C5g/s1600-h/IMGP5726-IMGP5727.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yhrQKfuKydu4BNrq6PXXi1xDbixvwk1PkRDWF9DQRMzCQAST3-K6KvUtn3O49gmphufK4rZaX-FiBBUG7CsQdWNE2nRdY58jXHmCylxW_D9tM1CTWLnmBTnOshkQSeHlcD-C5g/s400/IMGP5726-IMGP5727.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444328212405482178" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 176px; " /></a><div><div style="text-align: justify;">We <b>had</b> to visit the old police station of course which is now a craft centre and the cells which were open to the public. Liz and I walked into a tiny cell and met a lady manning a craft display. "...and what crime did you commit to deserve incarceration here?" I asked. "My crime was to have a brother in law who makes models out of drink cans," she laughed.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_yhrQKfuKydu4BNrq6PXXi1xDbixvwk1PkRDWF9DQRMzCQAST3-K6KvUtn3O49gmphufK4rZaX-FiBBUG7CsQdWNE2nRdY58jXHmCylxW_D9tM1CTWLnmBTnOshkQSeHlcD-C5g/s1600-h/IMGP5726-IMGP5727.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi5aDfAulIB_WK4MT0GVrGbTJT-FNAF8L0SYDB4WPDRLY88tnmB2QFhy81HDrRj3zx9yh2bxjoFnDgDYzKzA4FhrQ_j1HQadSDfbgBQ5ImtEWvR4orE7heZB1euxOXYv9uX1ERA/s1600-h/P1390928.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBi5aDfAulIB_WK4MT0GVrGbTJT-FNAF8L0SYDB4WPDRLY88tnmB2QFhy81HDrRj3zx9yh2bxjoFnDgDYzKzA4FhrQ_j1HQadSDfbgBQ5ImtEWvR4orE7heZB1euxOXYv9uX1ERA/s400/P1390928.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444329032044693730" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Geraldton Museum had, amongst other things, relics of the <i>Batavia</i> which I mentioned in the last blog. A canon, but most strikingly...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOwVFQBN1Fa10wENddS5sSdPSRzvMaKpCubhF_-bq3H7n_Hkt5v3fHxItAbFXsCCp1A2w6D3hJi4ajvFE_PiGfKs6HQKg-YK84ovTsh-dH9yv7eMz3gN8z0AcamY8ejltCHcq-g/s1600-h/IMGP5708.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOwVFQBN1Fa10wENddS5sSdPSRzvMaKpCubhF_-bq3H7n_Hkt5v3fHxItAbFXsCCp1A2w6D3hJi4ajvFE_PiGfKs6HQKg-YK84ovTsh-dH9yv7eMz3gN8z0AcamY8ejltCHcq-g/s400/IMGP5708.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444328222759785186" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...a stone archway. Carried as a collection of stones of course and originally thought to be ballast it was assembled at the Museum. The archway was destined for the important Dutch colonial port of Batavia, now known as Jakarta. The Batavia was not the only Dutch trading vessel wrecked on this inhospitable coast though its story does make it the most distinctive and the museum has treasures recovered from several other wrecks.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rrxkMNAbVp01hG6lqZMR5qcG8kWlnNyAyxTksZlvH9UeUDo7cHxknisXcLSfovTltvzExptdmMKfaEY_HmNLPVJl1IV49CcB3PRVWtDkYRFFsbYd2tJHKyD4bnz1Qge6LKB4mw/s1600-h/P1390947.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 297px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rrxkMNAbVp01hG6lqZMR5qcG8kWlnNyAyxTksZlvH9UeUDo7cHxknisXcLSfovTltvzExptdmMKfaEY_HmNLPVJl1IV49CcB3PRVWtDkYRFFsbYd2tJHKyD4bnz1Qge6LKB4mw/s400/P1390947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444328213727677842" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">On a hill overlooking the harbour there is a monument to HMAS Sydney. On 19 November 1941, Sydney was involved in a mutually destructive engagement with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran, and was lost with all 645 aboard. [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Sydney_(1934)">Link to full story</a>]</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYg30iVGZlb9oCEKWPNvtT5IhRr_0pZVPY23dzXzDZ7-kGEJdZXx1bv9mr_hEg5liwVgxAQwI-W1OjAe2L2TdTVDWZ-41EsYxc7m1gxMWafSTlQZWywLn3gSr9VrqhEkly2MHpwA/s1600-h/P1390970.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYg30iVGZlb9oCEKWPNvtT5IhRr_0pZVPY23dzXzDZ7-kGEJdZXx1bv9mr_hEg5liwVgxAQwI-W1OjAe2L2TdTVDWZ-41EsYxc7m1gxMWafSTlQZWywLn3gSr9VrqhEkly2MHpwA/s400/P1390970.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444327696977155250" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">A poignant statue of a lady looking out to sea stands near the monument.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1RGT7L3cuMN12lexRD_9dk6Z3FDyObxzSvLoSHDrsM8lcJGcRKuTN8FC7xcB_svioTUHPYaaBcchpPUTyJIZhi_xo88zlkJvAqdveafQ7r5FE63m5OdggxSwYUB8fjefHiNpJA/s1600-h/IMGP5742.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1RGT7L3cuMN12lexRD_9dk6Z3FDyObxzSvLoSHDrsM8lcJGcRKuTN8FC7xcB_svioTUHPYaaBcchpPUTyJIZhi_xo88zlkJvAqdveafQ7r5FE63m5OdggxSwYUB8fjefHiNpJA/s1600-h/IMGP5742.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1RGT7L3cuMN12lexRD_9dk6Z3FDyObxzSvLoSHDrsM8lcJGcRKuTN8FC7xcB_svioTUHPYaaBcchpPUTyJIZhi_xo88zlkJvAqdveafQ7r5FE63m5OdggxSwYUB8fjefHiNpJA/s400/IMGP5742.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444328200678427986" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's no escaping the Batavia story! The statue of Wiebbe Hayes celebrates the hero of the occasion. He was one of a group of soldiers who had been abandoned by the lawless mutineers and left to die. Fortunately he did not die and managed to alert the forces of the authorities who were seen arriving by sea. The mutineers were overpowered and brought to "rough" justice.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1RGT7L3cuMN12lexRD_9dk6Z3FDyObxzSvLoSHDrsM8lcJGcRKuTN8FC7xcB_svioTUHPYaaBcchpPUTyJIZhi_xo88zlkJvAqdveafQ7r5FE63m5OdggxSwYUB8fjefHiNpJA/s1600-h/IMGP5742.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmHORqyom4mBGEP0IstoHBfaDKAqSPj_7LShcegJKmGhx-9OMLq9kG2THbpzMJEZhVrMpp6umwKz7SGyjQb8i6QhjJklTo3yZCOT_LL3wiaYz33uHZTguVMPkrAbSk_V1XdPE-A/s1600-h/P1400006.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 362px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmHORqyom4mBGEP0IstoHBfaDKAqSPj_7LShcegJKmGhx-9OMLq9kG2THbpzMJEZhVrMpp6umwKz7SGyjQb8i6QhjJklTo3yZCOT_LL3wiaYz33uHZTguVMPkrAbSk_V1XdPE-A/s400/P1400006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444327692070771954" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Geraldton has a fine collection of impressive buildings, one such is the Law Courts.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DBsyQunIMkoIXIauYEAJvsLfkBKAW5AqECSMgGfaOrN5dSTzv-Bf_HLA0lcpJv0z0joph0ZInh7idYsEVM0LNWzduKrcX2ertlt_TLqGP6K9AN0rzyZu2r2Sn8Fqen1tcSKwOA/s1600-h/P1400010.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 222px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DBsyQunIMkoIXIauYEAJvsLfkBKAW5AqECSMgGfaOrN5dSTzv-Bf_HLA0lcpJv0z0joph0ZInh7idYsEVM0LNWzduKrcX2ertlt_TLqGP6K9AN0rzyZu2r2Sn8Fqen1tcSKwOA/s400/P1400010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444327685646089666" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">This bold red and white striped landmark has become something of a Geraldton icon, overlooking the blue waters of the Indian Ocean at Point Moore.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A pre-fabricated steel tower built in the UK, it was erected on site in 1878 and stands 34 metres tall. Its beam can be seen 26km out to sea. The recently repainted structure is the only one of its kind in WA.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenX7c3Kbz30j7FvMcb-195DIsPmklurs3YQU0IP4dH_uHxiMtFhVbUzPL9hJx3pMH6ISH649VyASif5E4amGP7kce3Hjq3IwJXhdcBHiEbzxIsh5TgHkWCvLbHuCFchUN5HwPJw/s1600-h/IMGP5765-IMGP5766.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenX7c3Kbz30j7FvMcb-195DIsPmklurs3YQU0IP4dH_uHxiMtFhVbUzPL9hJx3pMH6ISH649VyASif5E4amGP7kce3Hjq3IwJXhdcBHiEbzxIsh5TgHkWCvLbHuCFchUN5HwPJw/s400/IMGP5765-IMGP5766.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444327678862695890" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">As promised, a return to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Hawes_(Monsignor)">Monsignor Hawes</a> and one of his creations on the grand style; Geraldton's St. Francis Xavier cathedral. This work was designed on the Spanish Mission style. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVioAS9VAbJNITU2d75B8hRss4gKcTD1UpuqUz0kwbC4cpVmzo6flneiVgcfqSdn7ekwBQ7G6CnWz2eeBr7oT-FKIvH0lb0geQHNgkyATnARXe5dvsd4iVbkVNjMVXt0avmb70Gg/s1600-h/IMGP5810.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVioAS9VAbJNITU2d75B8hRss4gKcTD1UpuqUz0kwbC4cpVmzo6flneiVgcfqSdn7ekwBQ7G6CnWz2eeBr7oT-FKIvH0lb0geQHNgkyATnARXe5dvsd4iVbkVNjMVXt0avmb70Gg/s400/IMGP5810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444326771282476498" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">A view from outside the cathedral grounds.</div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKkJyLciNZyq6W63IYDRG1P2ONUCZnsuebwZvRZtuMg4bIW8eCYwZVN2MRTt4nu66-coRnPvAL15rLhWKpuK1dVl35ua1Y0NC5raQOD0p4AHPmyGhmmolj2RCMjDHls29wDhf1g/s1600-h/P1400063.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNKkJyLciNZyq6W63IYDRG1P2ONUCZnsuebwZvRZtuMg4bIW8eCYwZVN2MRTt4nu66-coRnPvAL15rLhWKpuK1dVl35ua1Y0NC5raQOD0p4AHPmyGhmmolj2RCMjDHls29wDhf1g/s400/P1400063.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444326398737740402" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Internally, it can only be described as bold and exciting. This is the original colour scheme.</div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeFLASJ7ea2WQ2uNnFMSDRob3KZiudj307p1tf1YE4QChcprvlYXjsnTDLazsLzR8Z6LyIY9DhFAO_wjDYQULcAh1y-A0u7884JnPAAJ1MZKFjmTmMkFDvbyH5l475YEQTZQBFg/s1600-h/IMGP5807.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeFLASJ7ea2WQ2uNnFMSDRob3KZiudj307p1tf1YE4QChcprvlYXjsnTDLazsLzR8Z6LyIY9DhFAO_wjDYQULcAh1y-A0u7884JnPAAJ1MZKFjmTmMkFDvbyH5l475YEQTZQBFg/s400/IMGP5807.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444326777071131170" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Every year the fishermen in Geraldton scrub the decks and decorate their boats for the annual blessing of the fleet which has been running almost continuously since the early 1900's. We missed it by just one week and a great shame, by all accounts a splendid day, with excellent weather, record crowds and added attractions.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXCmCAii4Utu6x16f9zxaeOGDl0GKAvD9fV6qZWUHI5wnp_g2oxPUnb6AgPzB6taRMiTNEyrXD4UkqQBlEIC039D2Crawc8Xt5BcankwjVVNubMEsdK6r5fo93e1-5ykJNDZJGw/s1600-h/IMGP5831.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXCmCAii4Utu6x16f9zxaeOGDl0GKAvD9fV6qZWUHI5wnp_g2oxPUnb6AgPzB6taRMiTNEyrXD4UkqQBlEIC039D2Crawc8Xt5BcankwjVVNubMEsdK6r5fo93e1-5ykJNDZJGw/s400/IMGP5831.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444326388540936994" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Using Geraldton as our base, we took a trip out to Mullewa, just a 100 km hop - hardly worth getting the car out, in Western Australian terms. At the approach to the town we spotted the street sculptures; a cow, a dog and a man on horseback straddling a dual carriageway.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHl8PT5ycs7Ly-O84dwAADx5k-OcG4Cecd_DEwH4_kze8L3ZigRWOVo45369BEuJES5qUogDY3GhiaGKNieFeEJxgqsmQdCPcVwlsmL5LWnfwqawhQpsbuu_YJcAknF-LDYIxaGA/s1600-h/IMGP5876.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 147px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHl8PT5ycs7Ly-O84dwAADx5k-OcG4Cecd_DEwH4_kze8L3ZigRWOVo45369BEuJES5qUogDY3GhiaGKNieFeEJxgqsmQdCPcVwlsmL5LWnfwqawhQpsbuu_YJcAknF-LDYIxaGA/s400/IMGP5876.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444326045860145714" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">This is another town on the Monsignor John Hawes trail, he appealed to us. He was a free spirit (in so much as he was allowed to be as a priest) talented, amazingly hard working and definitely quirky.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F78BkJaTzkQzTW4UeMWX8AvxQKaKOgM7S7Y4pyZURllw96y2Oylhyw1CkfPUipXY1MsvobNcL07osN44Ae4EeOdHiD1pSgRD_j7UbBqVqajNiDOjOSuANZf32ETp4e_7iVyjKw/s1600-h/P1400132-P1400135(4).jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9F78BkJaTzkQzTW4UeMWX8AvxQKaKOgM7S7Y4pyZURllw96y2Oylhyw1CkfPUipXY1MsvobNcL07osN44Ae4EeOdHiD1pSgRD_j7UbBqVqajNiDOjOSuANZf32ETp4e_7iVyjKw/s400/P1400132-P1400135(4).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444325796818656546" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and adjoining priest house were designed and built by Fr. John. They may look as if they were transported from France or Italy, but they do add a little variety and excitement to the township. The priest house incidentally is now a memorial museum to the man himself.</div></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6vjFfevIXmHYsTneRVSDl75k4UlqgSfrlMOM3kw_qMUpPCOYo7uJRW2fjMm7brSF6oo_OsH8f-byyGHL8CbiTiP5UqfnpH8uZZz2x_fTAH1QNLLqlLBIOWhIGCz5hjzdFyVdpQ/s1600-h/P1400120-P1400122(3).jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl6vjFfevIXmHYsTneRVSDl75k4UlqgSfrlMOM3kw_qMUpPCOYo7uJRW2fjMm7brSF6oo_OsH8f-byyGHL8CbiTiP5UqfnpH8uZZz2x_fTAH1QNLLqlLBIOWhIGCz5hjzdFyVdpQ/s400/P1400120-P1400122(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444326036219784098" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 140px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We were fortunate that as we drove up a coach party with a booking for a guided tour had just arrived. We were welcomed by the group and it gave us the opportunity to see far more than we could otherwise have achieved. Including the church interior.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuE2SrXEtQLyoSBlGAVA5wZihQSSwWWl7WN-inkfTXl_gRAndDPMcLcePfo6269kX4LTyk3Rm1QA2w12LPzBjDbDqEjQJEFitPX9p4XClM8FeaGD_u1wpjYXQIkGvAHKOU8_dHg/s1600-h/P1400169-P1400171(3).jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtuE2SrXEtQLyoSBlGAVA5wZihQSSwWWl7WN-inkfTXl_gRAndDPMcLcePfo6269kX4LTyk3Rm1QA2w12LPzBjDbDqEjQJEFitPX9p4XClM8FeaGD_u1wpjYXQIkGvAHKOU8_dHg/s400/P1400169-P1400171(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444325157156388226" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Not far from the Mount Carmel church there is a walking trail punctuated with distinctive shelters each one housing an information site relating to the Monsignor and his work.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wd5ZjDk36KGX1eKPgHDtKlJrvPgq6tSN_l82g_pzaZCk4RHsWDtCd1Y-EPVQjykeAPtjaO5sZoPzUxi_crlE8CpDvl_bHHinfzhRquesWCxt9z8INCDS3UqJ0y4s4VRuRmATbg/s1600-h/IMGP5928.JPG"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wd5ZjDk36KGX1eKPgHDtKlJrvPgq6tSN_l82g_pzaZCk4RHsWDtCd1Y-EPVQjykeAPtjaO5sZoPzUxi_crlE8CpDvl_bHHinfzhRquesWCxt9z8INCDS3UqJ0y4s4VRuRmATbg/s1600-h/IMGP5928.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wd5ZjDk36KGX1eKPgHDtKlJrvPgq6tSN_l82g_pzaZCk4RHsWDtCd1Y-EPVQjykeAPtjaO5sZoPzUxi_crlE8CpDvl_bHHinfzhRquesWCxt9z8INCDS3UqJ0y4s4VRuRmATbg/s400/IMGP5928.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444325787138300914" style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">...and also a little replica of his dog Dominie (in various poses) which used to follow him everywhere.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9TO75-66_eUJK0da_fAiKH7Eez_QvAJVcHet_buX0draSNlQKr0SSOpKQPYIb-qSI5ceKK23YwABXKn0vNk7F_ykF84xZNtXJGeuzqidyeU7pU_IS4bWjGBeszc6lXDVMN3Y4w/s1600-h/P1400200.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn9TO75-66_eUJK0da_fAiKH7Eez_QvAJVcHet_buX0draSNlQKr0SSOpKQPYIb-qSI5ceKK23YwABXKn0vNk7F_ykF84xZNtXJGeuzqidyeU7pU_IS4bWjGBeszc6lXDVMN3Y4w/s400/P1400200.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444593805618621490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div>On our return journey we ran into some heavy skies and patches of rain. The sun still emerged through gaps in the cloud lighting up the wheat fields and providing a rainbow. Stand back ...we are amateur photographers.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div></div></div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-66383092763726718952009-11-13T13:08:00.027+13:002010-03-03T19:24:41.207+13:00Wild Flowers in Kalbarri<div style="text-align: justify;">Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with bleak and barren. But we saw quite a lot of it on the North Coastal Highway driving south from Denham. Then we turned right onto the Ajana Kalbarri road and very soon found a signpost with a camera - which as every tourist knows - indicates a photo opportunity. Quite frankly it didn't look promising. The highway was flanked by shrubs and there were no mountains at all.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We stopped and peered over the surrounding shrubbery and were astounded by the splash of colour that greeted us. Acres and acres of purple.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpi24tGr2ApZe34HzQzpD-AjwAPSiA4hfytVDgKKGb-YXTgWVpE2lQQTejTZmUfekVQdB1pFPVhQpulvPmPLYo3IohcBGSsVWKJ7SuJt9JcLgrtZNlVCZK02AJEqTmQ_mbv0rpQ/s1600-h/IMGP5032-IMGP5034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpi24tGr2ApZe34HzQzpD-AjwAPSiA4hfytVDgKKGb-YXTgWVpE2lQQTejTZmUfekVQdB1pFPVhQpulvPmPLYo3IohcBGSsVWKJ7SuJt9JcLgrtZNlVCZK02AJEqTmQ_mbv0rpQ/s400/IMGP5032-IMGP5034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443912203989615586" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">We later found out that the purple mass was Pink Morrison ...ok, so it was pinkish sort of purple. But there were more varieties of flowers everywhere we looked. What a change, in just a few kilometres.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukRctOPn8PVrJW5zeXSzah9D1vlFlfxXsmEnOvNidrfzYwtt8VkZY-UUWKTLV0rkVWYhBtJ9BMWqLc-a2sytgrFwmNkYOSaQ3Nqq7Hhen3BNIyj3qwvHSrDb9vYdsxAhOng_YKg/s1600-h/IMGP5043.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukRctOPn8PVrJW5zeXSzah9D1vlFlfxXsmEnOvNidrfzYwtt8VkZY-UUWKTLV0rkVWYhBtJ9BMWqLc-a2sytgrFwmNkYOSaQ3Nqq7Hhen3BNIyj3qwvHSrDb9vYdsxAhOng_YKg/s400/IMGP5043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443911998285263090" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Eventually, after repeated stops, we arrived at Kalbarri and took stock of what we wanted to see. The really big attractions; Eagle Rock, Natures Window and Z-Bend were only accessible by 4WD but there were a few historic sites and some wildflower reserves within driving range. However we discovered that Jan and Joe, whom we had first met at the Monkey Mia dolphin display, were staying at the same site and they offered to take us to see the off road sights in their vehicle next day. Thanks Jan and Joe, a great offer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Ross Graham Lookout</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05PZ63ZktmgeEpXQhz4hqT5LnU-T6cOzGrO5U42uTRAriOXTSeTozFvc9AbCIl3z-SQ7NLm9doa1SXIQWiRwjQeXcHcOum-z1WYnav5hPq927y1z2nu88r-Y30TNmQut8eT6J1w/s1600-h/P1390406.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05PZ63ZktmgeEpXQhz4hqT5LnU-T6cOzGrO5U42uTRAriOXTSeTozFvc9AbCIl3z-SQ7NLm9doa1SXIQWiRwjQeXcHcOum-z1WYnav5hPq927y1z2nu88r-Y30TNmQut8eT6J1w/s400/P1390406.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443911848681458674" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Even the route there was part of the pleasure. We had numerous stops ...no more than that ...Joe spent some of the time standing up through the sun roof with his video camera, the rest of us just hopped out every few yards and took stills. This view is just a bit of context with the trusty 4WD.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxKujkpKa35Y5E0BX8_6tghT80yd02tUqWKxzyPhEuQ-yKsjGnjxOKIG5xSXnYHm79V_nuthaYPQShGmxCjucpecX9_3vNI0YJs1DHAY7oHC905WASr3xrlIm06kZ_eeqR56teQ/s1600-h/P1390449.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBxKujkpKa35Y5E0BX8_6tghT80yd02tUqWKxzyPhEuQ-yKsjGnjxOKIG5xSXnYHm79V_nuthaYPQShGmxCjucpecX9_3vNI0YJs1DHAY7oHC905WASr3xrlIm06kZ_eeqR56teQ/s400/P1390449.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443911405986251490" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmb2Rt8l7T64MBKssKnJ7ZcC5rFUi8oAq_kVlzUfWaXXg2xjyp8je-CrpF_p5A4Llx8LZqWYXXeld5MFEwwtzTLys1xMIssitSTFptRZ3EHhN_BivvcFkfgaPmsUIa6C10BknGw/s1600-h/P1390475.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmb2Rt8l7T64MBKssKnJ7ZcC5rFUi8oAq_kVlzUfWaXXg2xjyp8je-CrpF_p5A4Llx8LZqWYXXeld5MFEwwtzTLys1xMIssitSTFptRZ3EHhN_BivvcFkfgaPmsUIa6C10BknGw/s400/P1390475.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443910348228475538" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Jan and Joe at Z-Bend.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-kBX5FncDxb1APTahet-njKh01P1GZl-dwCh2hJrzAnrUdLM4nHMiWeIVMG4Fr2lbExTZAqxCnJ3Y_Bki0LzXgxwH5UlqBAhms_IKlI_KLSAmZm54mleB29McxZLIlVVLtf23A/s1600-h/IMGP5138-IMGP5140.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 191px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-kBX5FncDxb1APTahet-njKh01P1GZl-dwCh2hJrzAnrUdLM4nHMiWeIVMG4Fr2lbExTZAqxCnJ3Y_Bki0LzXgxwH5UlqBAhms_IKlI_KLSAmZm54mleB29McxZLIlVVLtf23A/s400/IMGP5138-IMGP5140.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443909933054300338" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">This is a sample of the glorious richly coloured and wonderfully textured rock formations.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLKWBmkjG3XlpmuEi4Q3_BdONWBiNoV5rVAc01nBGxXEIftc8kNqjZfLfzga5NdQeD32vKrtu4tAv-_qihoMkba-Oz7CIMlkegjxVuZW7np-pXL__KBCuxC_9zmyyWVLQU608-g/s1600-h/P1390528.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkLKWBmkjG3XlpmuEi4Q3_BdONWBiNoV5rVAc01nBGxXEIftc8kNqjZfLfzga5NdQeD32vKrtu4tAv-_qihoMkba-Oz7CIMlkegjxVuZW7np-pXL__KBCuxC_9zmyyWVLQU608-g/s400/P1390528.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443882542248879426" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Pictured at Nature's Window. Joe became camera man to endless groups of young backpackers after this shot.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincFtEXYikTw3wVB40kcQIgWD3J2ucWJhgtIVWnVlHOaL9ITsJmFOwKHNp7HSUfUacIX4LM2irfHT9SkbBTlBZ46GdnfYqTPWMYWLjjnpDsAqGu8mobvIP1dMaScfZ3oy0Mv4Z8Q/s1600-h/P1390537.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincFtEXYikTw3wVB40kcQIgWD3J2ucWJhgtIVWnVlHOaL9ITsJmFOwKHNp7HSUfUacIX4LM2irfHT9SkbBTlBZ46GdnfYqTPWMYWLjjnpDsAqGu8mobvIP1dMaScfZ3oy0Mv4Z8Q/s400/P1390537.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443882286667689186" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">River Gorges galore.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4N3-zdv_4yio86CFK6yUR3AAcWcBvI44VGSmqxyBJmTJQCCqn7rGX0Np_csnI9NYF6cKx3-J5yA9olrcUG3szlLrLoQxIFMTuZfd50s8G08GnYj5IM-8d6yA6Z1nhq0WFhhgz_A/s1600-h/IMGP5174-IMGP5175.jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 159px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4N3-zdv_4yio86CFK6yUR3AAcWcBvI44VGSmqxyBJmTJQCCqn7rGX0Np_csnI9NYF6cKx3-J5yA9olrcUG3szlLrLoQxIFMTuZfd50s8G08GnYj5IM-8d6yA6Z1nhq0WFhhgz_A/s400/IMGP5174-IMGP5175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443881968745426242" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...and yet more wall to wall Pink Morrison. (it's purple really)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlWQHP_8oEP-5oC4ilFVV-JN7lg4TGF41WOglWIsrO_gOCousk46xno38saDy54Kd_2V4kIBSZ-A-O-rDhGsreUqoM_h1rJHPyTmFm4sH9Fv9Ly1OJMQ3tEmnzylVyj2IBnKvAA/s1600-h/P1390603-P1390605(3).jpg"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 163px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlWQHP_8oEP-5oC4ilFVV-JN7lg4TGF41WOglWIsrO_gOCousk46xno38saDy54Kd_2V4kIBSZ-A-O-rDhGsreUqoM_h1rJHPyTmFm4sH9Fv9Ly1OJMQ3tEmnzylVyj2IBnKvAA/s400/P1390603-P1390605(3).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443880314891176466" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Grass Trees are fairly common. Unusual in their appearance, they have a sort of pre-historic charm.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNENbw8F2zaMUaMRmmVFhdBAcFBNVzsrAil2XcKmbR5Kx9TZIq2bIR3VbFvPfsAc-b2eaF9u7Qhc4MoZPQVeRfMrXiEzXHtuzFkTSbxlIWhNzX9_Tw-2k0B_JjNqLEdKLHsqBJiw/s1600-h/P1390610.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNENbw8F2zaMUaMRmmVFhdBAcFBNVzsrAil2XcKmbR5Kx9TZIq2bIR3VbFvPfsAc-b2eaF9u7Qhc4MoZPQVeRfMrXiEzXHtuzFkTSbxlIWhNzX9_Tw-2k0B_JjNqLEdKLHsqBJiw/s400/P1390610.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443831699840388578" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Just a few yards from the camp site, local volunteers host a pelican feeding and information event most mornings at around 8am. Next morning we were with quite a large crowd to see the spectacle. Some of us were trusted to throw the odd fish or two...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKVZs1ulPyD0UjJEa2bwpXr4YHOtIH3skObEDnMJ1aDyNee9JvHg0Br20Obl57JL0DSNl71piWHQMkg_FdvKqGXW_G5nodFubJ8a7IqiV3-LbVYyz_iG7bc0wWh2YNtOFk7lUoQ/s1600-h/IMGP5256.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjKVZs1ulPyD0UjJEa2bwpXr4YHOtIH3skObEDnMJ1aDyNee9JvHg0Br20Obl57JL0DSNl71piWHQMkg_FdvKqGXW_G5nodFubJ8a7IqiV3-LbVYyz_iG7bc0wWh2YNtOFk7lUoQ/s400/IMGP5256.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443831689756560018" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...and whilst Pelicans were the stars of the show, there were several opportunists just hovering around - and meeting with some success. A gull stole the fish Liz was offering to the pelicans straight from her hand with a fast dive and a faster getaway.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvpuzNNzSNbP5DJ8OjPHmc6TgqO46aCdHbw21hhTPhArPPtKAW0_zB1wc5S0KEKrNoqqCNw-nYUIQ5BOaTtXTeob1USdjPoL0W7FENq0YkeyMyJF1GFQByqQnXK6aA2F4J0E5Hg/s1600-h/P1390620.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvpuzNNzSNbP5DJ8OjPHmc6TgqO46aCdHbw21hhTPhArPPtKAW0_zB1wc5S0KEKrNoqqCNw-nYUIQ5BOaTtXTeob1USdjPoL0W7FENq0YkeyMyJF1GFQByqQnXK6aA2F4J0E5Hg/s400/P1390620.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443831178122566914" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Setting out once again with Jan and Joe, we tackled another direction and a new collection of beauty spots. At an impromptu wildflower photo-shoot just five minutes into our journey, we disturbed a 'roo. A disappearing back view, I know, but isn't the grace in the sweep of that tail so elegant.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTG_-rWugIPFUUf05ygr-5ZYtt9YpW-pY_bmTcoO5qmUuRAKZ0ine2LjglFXxVSmYvWa1g3hjE4gJTHRy3YeUrWseh9N6dfppwzfy2_oKVBc0wuCZdVYy5a6LQswkBofQLug1-g/s1600-h/P1390643.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTG_-rWugIPFUUf05ygr-5ZYtt9YpW-pY_bmTcoO5qmUuRAKZ0ine2LjglFXxVSmYvWa1g3hjE4gJTHRy3YeUrWseh9N6dfppwzfy2_oKVBc0wuCZdVYy5a6LQswkBofQLug1-g/s400/P1390643.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443831172894139010" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">We drove to the southern end of the Coastal Kalbarri National Park to Island Rock.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1isGq-tQvtcHD-TGlXV70z9RJCbgq9OUMJsDEJDSQQ2dQcXUKM1LPAhlsGG1j2v07_JyKvsWSlclIOVcA5A-Lz5lUa1B8HH-MMTL4lWls5Kpv9isp6PWNM-r4mTmUdljhEQPoQ/s1600-h/P1390646.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1isGq-tQvtcHD-TGlXV70z9RJCbgq9OUMJsDEJDSQQ2dQcXUKM1LPAhlsGG1j2v07_JyKvsWSlclIOVcA5A-Lz5lUa1B8HH-MMTL4lWls5Kpv9isp6PWNM-r4mTmUdljhEQPoQ/s400/P1390646.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443831157884417234" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Then gradually retraced our steps visiting several wonderful vantage points. From on high we watched a pod of dolphins making their way south and a whale spout further out to sea.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriuzxrmNHtzoYncpyuw_E9XwQXrGvf8aMRuY8UPwI3GEezQK7muBuGfIGs5bqQya9pVt4sxcM9xmXmvY2DlqpmYsX0VL5FW76Cw6WnSZDq8BcbUIMGyQ0YFfYkZwV99viunJliQ/s1600-h/P1390649.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriuzxrmNHtzoYncpyuw_E9XwQXrGvf8aMRuY8UPwI3GEezQK7muBuGfIGs5bqQya9pVt4sxcM9xmXmvY2DlqpmYsX0VL5FW76Cw6WnSZDq8BcbUIMGyQ0YFfYkZwV99viunJliQ/s400/P1390649.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443830813091239170" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">One of many breathtaking cliff views.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEN6f0hYIRImW-1pzRjaHbYye5_JbiMPSXuKeXZiaYZcr71nXyrv3gYfPADvkRJY_k-kQz6B-hUjsanzbmFpZW0NwtjPOLo6OPCJ62PJDgG-xR_c791QrA6GPi6MnBpLo3prpWw/s1600-h/IMGP5333.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEN6f0hYIRImW-1pzRjaHbYye5_JbiMPSXuKeXZiaYZcr71nXyrv3gYfPADvkRJY_k-kQz6B-hUjsanzbmFpZW0NwtjPOLo6OPCJ62PJDgG-xR_c791QrA6GPi6MnBpLo3prpWw/s400/IMGP5333.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443830805673209234" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">A photo-call at a cliff edge. It looks pretty tame here, but from where we stood it seemed a long way down!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjmDfkRnkDsq5nO6qTYYnRHeb-pn7YEVJqVMLGdf57fuMgKSx7Qy0e2PNgrH4ZY8wxA7B4lIBAR5yh4fdYMAtQk4cuF2mxHhSgxBAIxPlOH4qy2dFUgtjDh8VZBN98LwTEJIWdw/s1600-h/IMGP5334.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjmDfkRnkDsq5nO6qTYYnRHeb-pn7YEVJqVMLGdf57fuMgKSx7Qy0e2PNgrH4ZY8wxA7B4lIBAR5yh4fdYMAtQk4cuF2mxHhSgxBAIxPlOH4qy2dFUgtjDh8VZBN98LwTEJIWdw/s400/IMGP5334.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443829965882927874" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, thanks to Jan and Joe for sharing the ride. The sign below warns us saloon car drivers when to back off, so we would have seen a lot less without their help.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs8ncv7KCdDCxiJNbrh4iNfyNODXHJsNzhb_40QdKY2JBl1GaNYwqJjnKTHSfxkntS0dckwHHmh-64t8HUPaL3id62J7atFsdfxOv3S6i3aT_fxXB80OiQ9OajywEqOvjB9ZzfA/s1600-h/IMGP5376.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirs8ncv7KCdDCxiJNbrh4iNfyNODXHJsNzhb_40QdKY2JBl1GaNYwqJjnKTHSfxkntS0dckwHHmh-64t8HUPaL3id62J7atFsdfxOv3S6i3aT_fxXB80OiQ9OajywEqOvjB9ZzfA/s400/IMGP5376.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443824372624628674" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Time to move on and our road out took us past a monument which recalls a fairly horrendous period in the regions early European history. It involves a sailing vessel named the Batavia in the year 1629, a ship-wreck and a mutinous band of men. Not a bedtime story for the under-fives, but if you're interested try clicking onto <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batavia_(ship)">this link</a>.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvHHuMp9IUSvJH8sX5xg6ZHUpCszu7oPryEcw8JksdkMkQb-UCwGMmhLG3Ww1Ju3RG9-C7uzoezZpCsKONgBXrBAM3ApAtUJ6tfUvI9XISGjHUDdlW-2zCw4Ak3FhoXWqtdGZsg/s1600-h/IMGP5413.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvHHuMp9IUSvJH8sX5xg6ZHUpCszu7oPryEcw8JksdkMkQb-UCwGMmhLG3Ww1Ju3RG9-C7uzoezZpCsKONgBXrBAM3ApAtUJ6tfUvI9XISGjHUDdlW-2zCw4Ak3FhoXWqtdGZsg/s400/IMGP5413.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443824364333856338" /></a>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-67520240911938152272009-11-12T09:00:00.008+13:002010-02-25T19:40:00.914+13:00The François Péron National Park<div style="text-align: justify;">Further north and west than Denham lies the François Péron National Park. Quite small by Australian park standards, having approximately the same area as the Isle of Man. It has become one of the most important natural areas in Australia and is home to many rare and endangered species Unfortunately for us it would require 4WD capability to explore the park itself, but the old homestead is accessible to 2WD.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Once a pastoral homestead, it is now preserved as a museum aimed at providing an insight into what life was like as a sheep farmer in the last century. The view below, taken through the dinner gong, is of the shearing sheds.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eXbtvGOcL27yY1NnFT0lTTNO8RnX_LlPyQAYZ8J8VxDi_iLWECuERQ8xUnVhnyyfI-crOhYzW-9-XFry72uEP8lTRqPjIYzefbSFhWzdKC0TP3WiikzTWW8MSxeVUpQeZJ1C7A/s1600-h/IMGP4976.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eXbtvGOcL27yY1NnFT0lTTNO8RnX_LlPyQAYZ8J8VxDi_iLWECuERQ8xUnVhnyyfI-crOhYzW-9-XFry72uEP8lTRqPjIYzefbSFhWzdKC0TP3WiikzTWW8MSxeVUpQeZJ1C7A/s400/IMGP4976.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442054185190592802" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Inside the sheds, much of the tools and machinery are there to view, but even here there was automation. Hand shearing was a tough business.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_1OlE9PU_-PXHSIwT-fc2Ec8rgRF2xq3ms8wMN_QyvU99qyBwQnI-a0N6Fuz-_RP964bA2lOKtBtH2XDxt9d-ckhzA2UJnpgJpB-MStPSF7YOuy5lYr2UZJblp5zfTfcZP4qNA/s1600-h/P1390352.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_1OlE9PU_-PXHSIwT-fc2Ec8rgRF2xq3ms8wMN_QyvU99qyBwQnI-a0N6Fuz-_RP964bA2lOKtBtH2XDxt9d-ckhzA2UJnpgJpB-MStPSF7YOuy5lYr2UZJblp5zfTfcZP4qNA/s400/P1390352.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442054179781596450" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">An indication of the severity of the sun out here is the construction of the 'holding' pens. Sheep waiting to be sheared or having been sheared were protected from the worst of the sun's direct glare by vegetation thrown onto netting over the pens.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1jFVaR1bib3qEiB47ku_SFZ-iaPMBgJcj-LjEwNGQjvCaq6JDR8-fM1VpuYlr2hwMzi1JpJurFABDoO7c9ZWw8b2MqI9llBb4h47Mtnb77mhyphenhyphenqhtd3rYdOVdcLsCM-gfXlbHbQ/s1600-h/P1390355.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH1jFVaR1bib3qEiB47ku_SFZ-iaPMBgJcj-LjEwNGQjvCaq6JDR8-fM1VpuYlr2hwMzi1JpJurFABDoO7c9ZWw8b2MqI9llBb4h47Mtnb77mhyphenhyphenqhtd3rYdOVdcLsCM-gfXlbHbQ/s400/P1390355.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442053912112324898" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The grounds of the homestead boasted some incredible plumbing. Water for the farm was from artesian bore, drawn by windmills and pumped via a complex junction and network of pipes to the surrounding land. However one of the outlets produced (and in fact still produces) hot water which fills a tub near the house and can still be used by visitors. ...er ...no we didn't, we were really hot enough!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The home garden pool was very attractive and offered a glimpse of some unusual wildlife. A Gould's Monitor lizard marched purposefully away when he saw us. This fellow was about 18 inches long, quite harmless and rather handsome really.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVLe9iKZI5Egu7e0Q7wDe-2QUK_qjxf5cvFyy77UlhDrOdMP6lKN1afyVTWKvnNvPGlLWCtPbtvKJZ48qfdaC0DluJM-Oe8JaqHAslUpZLRJOKd5g3S50YZntJ9yXn4dnH72NHw/s1600-h/P1390375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVLe9iKZI5Egu7e0Q7wDe-2QUK_qjxf5cvFyy77UlhDrOdMP6lKN1afyVTWKvnNvPGlLWCtPbtvKJZ48qfdaC0DluJM-Oe8JaqHAslUpZLRJOKd5g3S50YZntJ9yXn4dnH72NHw/s400/P1390375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442053905302192114" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Just a little further away near the same pool, an emu stalked snootily past not even acknowledging our presence. Probably thought it was Michael Parkinson coming to make peace.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3uZl07QycLKh-79YjhVtZL3vhJSqGtnW4Hle760VjaSvxLHp6iVwyqPth2cRYsZenT63UFLV8AxgMX1LliotQFnHpm_S00ubH8xNl0mzZFlHS5H4MBecCRdbzSzIjsVCa24Fsw/s1600-h/P1390379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3uZl07QycLKh-79YjhVtZL3vhJSqGtnW4Hle760VjaSvxLHp6iVwyqPth2cRYsZenT63UFLV8AxgMX1LliotQFnHpm_S00ubH8xNl0mzZFlHS5H4MBecCRdbzSzIjsVCa24Fsw/s400/P1390379.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442053895153127074" /></a><div><br /></div></div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-61782897607341953532009-11-11T09:00:00.006+13:002010-02-25T02:14:45.615+13:00Monkey Mia - Meet the Dolphins<div style="text-align: justify;">Monkey Mia is a well know tourist spot and the big attraction is the dolphins. They are wild of course and the literature is quite clear that it is up to the dolphins whether they come in to feed at the appointed hours. We were there for the early show and kept our fingers crossed for the stars to arrive...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJFLl3W-ikYQpyc24uDwPVWs3C0TZgpCgy7IMWTP_ardsf8e35lJw7njQn3SWqgnuYFJtNBZSTQaSEn16j5p2dhmXyPx9ukeO3kS7A-eIhqMxglNd3IKNU87L6bNNYDlsgS6hxw/s1600-h/P1390157-P1390158(2).jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 177px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioJFLl3W-ikYQpyc24uDwPVWs3C0TZgpCgy7IMWTP_ardsf8e35lJw7njQn3SWqgnuYFJtNBZSTQaSEn16j5p2dhmXyPx9ukeO3kS7A-eIhqMxglNd3IKNU87L6bNNYDlsgS6hxw/s400/P1390157-P1390158(2).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441790443598986178" /></a>..and so did many others.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoe1EogWf9NBHb6YA-viATQn2WefJMP1AgQUVltLGpkBwRNITtxbDMsAc5toByxT9WaxIymxNt8vR8BVmcJrHNvkOGOWb-lHeL7AM9KR3PGWU1B1TOFQOue8VPZgyopV5hqKnXA/s1600-h/P1390215.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKoe1EogWf9NBHb6YA-viATQn2WefJMP1AgQUVltLGpkBwRNITtxbDMsAc5toByxT9WaxIymxNt8vR8BVmcJrHNvkOGOWb-lHeL7AM9KR3PGWU1B1TOFQOue8VPZgyopV5hqKnXA/s400/P1390215.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441790435180568914" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">They have a group of six staff who each man a bucket of fish and after the introductory talk visitors are invited to feed the dolphins. The staff know the dolphins individually by their shape, colour, battle scars etc. and they feed only the same six dolphins each day, just a small amount of fish - insufficient for their needs - so as to ensure that they continue to fish and fend for themselves.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qOe4sa16POMt0aa5iwfu2P2SIIQhtqiBpXl47y9oadJ3UQoCXUPVLSOmxz0IfznRKTBHUMYHHfbIlrq2wJI5fr8AhYEhnCIyR-uuG9cVxPX_CGLLOF5iD9VaLYXzKG9NmSSe4g/s1600-h/P1390226.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qOe4sa16POMt0aa5iwfu2P2SIIQhtqiBpXl47y9oadJ3UQoCXUPVLSOmxz0IfznRKTBHUMYHHfbIlrq2wJI5fr8AhYEhnCIyR-uuG9cVxPX_CGLLOF5iD9VaLYXzKG9NmSSe4g/s400/P1390226.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441790425860483362" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">We watched the first feeding from the pier knowing that the organised trips would soon depart and the visitor numbers would decrease for the second feeding. It also gave us a good angle to photograph the dolphins as they arrived.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELLgkWSlDFQ9zRKdhLZnfY5N9yJDopVoDmAsx_uSXS80tlpS-IzLyK2gUCkdwMf6HvXNLbxDY-q414NG677zKSEXJLb4NG5CdS2Y4Mk5vfm7wNqwLtw4OEi4-_lX_nsIV289nHQ/s1600-h/IMGP4880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELLgkWSlDFQ9zRKdhLZnfY5N9yJDopVoDmAsx_uSXS80tlpS-IzLyK2gUCkdwMf6HvXNLbxDY-q414NG677zKSEXJLb4NG5CdS2Y4Mk5vfm7wNqwLtw4OEi4-_lX_nsIV289nHQ/s400/IMGP4880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441790074569980018" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">They always seem to be wearing a smile!</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8Qa4jFwZHSypUikEqevB1FjyMprGZ-7dwgHjyjty7vw3dr20_jO0DvC4579I62AKIyu2XVtIE6EDkke-UGXm0rj2yjAAoS2zwrV8fYJ1NSL_HZs1iVyePREr6ixuT1H-1OfSVg/s1600-h/IMGP4885.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8Qa4jFwZHSypUikEqevB1FjyMprGZ-7dwgHjyjty7vw3dr20_jO0DvC4579I62AKIyu2XVtIE6EDkke-UGXm0rj2yjAAoS2zwrV8fYJ1NSL_HZs1iVyePREr6ixuT1H-1OfSVg/s400/IMGP4885.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441790059492647554" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The second sitting (an hour or so later) had far fewer visitors, so we joined the shoreline feeding party. The dolphins have learned that as soon as the visitors step back out of the water, the buckets containing the fish will arrive, and it is then that they come in really close to shore.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pOBpw8KoxYbt0cMApEIuOMwfyZaKC1ijQ2Fb-oaJNRDZnEqzAZHRQP9iPCGXoTaecJfIgWzDTaRMOYO1HR6BVizOLwidzOzhYTg4gJiisOgOjvNC8i4CQvgr2FyI1xu8uejXfw/s1600-h/P1390261.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pOBpw8KoxYbt0cMApEIuOMwfyZaKC1ijQ2Fb-oaJNRDZnEqzAZHRQP9iPCGXoTaecJfIgWzDTaRMOYO1HR6BVizOLwidzOzhYTg4gJiisOgOjvNC8i4CQvgr2FyI1xu8uejXfw/s400/P1390261.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441790051302006834" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">And the dolphins obligingly followed the script.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRNnY8I1jVzun2JLQOZ3kPmNriU-p5VhpNqdHiP0DKUwsr95ri3auJlNXk4s9LysszwPkktgCgpzMHM2-Q0NCXgh51WRhcgogt-e6tK_k51X94vBDDEcvP4LMWpVokY-C0gD9cA/s1600-h/IMGP4904.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisRNnY8I1jVzun2JLQOZ3kPmNriU-p5VhpNqdHiP0DKUwsr95ri3auJlNXk4s9LysszwPkktgCgpzMHM2-Q0NCXgh51WRhcgogt-e6tK_k51X94vBDDEcvP4LMWpVokY-C0gD9cA/s400/IMGP4904.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441790042684452290" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">There are also those who believe that if you shout loudly enough, there may be some fish to spare</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEADRUyomOdTSyVzo084jzPoyhzv2fhI9dV1LXAyviwfaod38nl6t0w_7RR1vF5yWyEd75GjDPhdyCiuIt_STzXL174Vx6sVqUh8_cLOBPWvpMlXZ_wzgddqJQ20h071wtJInOg/s1600-h/P1390269.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiEADRUyomOdTSyVzo084jzPoyhzv2fhI9dV1LXAyviwfaod38nl6t0w_7RR1vF5yWyEd75GjDPhdyCiuIt_STzXL174Vx6sVqUh8_cLOBPWvpMlXZ_wzgddqJQ20h071wtJInOg/s400/P1390269.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441789478620754338" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...and they also serve who only stand and wait.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiolF78Js7RLoUY-SS1mIIlW0yDmQm8yRCkFVy9KRVv-soE3Dl9Ep8Z8kYdu7QFeCS-9bz_PKN-BVkeuTkGkg2u7yfJIAt1GQYslStGkGYtkEL8q99zfQPRKErwf_NmLNifxgeqg/s1600-h/IMGP4931.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiolF78Js7RLoUY-SS1mIIlW0yDmQm8yRCkFVy9KRVv-soE3Dl9Ep8Z8kYdu7QFeCS-9bz_PKN-BVkeuTkGkg2u7yfJIAt1GQYslStGkGYtkEL8q99zfQPRKErwf_NmLNifxgeqg/s400/IMGP4931.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441789463870647202" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The entire beach area is picturesque. Space to walk, no crowds, beached boats...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7BERPS-ZD64bDKIeFsFLE7Z08EBSnIWBYJgunHCQsnM4Ra9GR8SmP2ycFmHwIaPIXll0xw7vUaZwRvsAdrfpv9vcwJHSejQ3Cg49JW9Z3tzURze6IV1myiU5WYAGoC9iaO8ZDw/s1600-h/P1390326.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP7BERPS-ZD64bDKIeFsFLE7Z08EBSnIWBYJgunHCQsnM4Ra9GR8SmP2ycFmHwIaPIXll0xw7vUaZwRvsAdrfpv9vcwJHSejQ3Cg49JW9Z3tzURze6IV1myiU5WYAGoC9iaO8ZDw/s400/P1390326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441789446559944242" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...moored boats and of course white sand and blue skies.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUzF419gtDGY3PVfv4UpjTHjzsKfCP1SsAqx0AwyZtTh5WDXIXi87HbVxAN7Slw6PGgGqIGeTubsJVVWlRWnILlBx-d3kxgCTPLq1Iz7p30C5H5P74VhiAmvC5t5FjJvQGWA-Iw/s1600-h/IMGP4937-IMGP4938.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUzF419gtDGY3PVfv4UpjTHjzsKfCP1SsAqx0AwyZtTh5WDXIXi87HbVxAN7Slw6PGgGqIGeTubsJVVWlRWnILlBx-d3kxgCTPLq1Iz7p30C5H5P74VhiAmvC5t5FjJvQGWA-Iw/s400/IMGP4937-IMGP4938.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441789439465977170" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">This shot is an inland pool. It has a dirt road surrounding it, with our 2-wheel drive saloon car we only ventured down the main track but several people had found secluded spots to make camp and fish.</div><div><br /></div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-90344631909855917912009-11-10T09:00:00.004+13:002010-03-03T19:28:30.814+13:00Denham - The Westernmost Town<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><u><br /></u></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Denham is the most westerly town in Australia, it is the administrative centre for the shire of Shark Bay, has a population of 607 (at the last count) and has a lovely open harbour which is protected by a reef...</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFFGRMoxrMVlt-p-DAzSAjYNLhQsnrmC2NsZP5mLriygIx2tR0HkPdQjMCA1oSS8F5cMUcYKG8uwSE0mRQTIeMqhItI1S0RKGNFN4FBet2PfqsN3QxSUuupixO-LXIyAM18YIIA/s1600-h/IMGP4761.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFFGRMoxrMVlt-p-DAzSAjYNLhQsnrmC2NsZP5mLriygIx2tR0HkPdQjMCA1oSS8F5cMUcYKG8uwSE0mRQTIeMqhItI1S0RKGNFN4FBet2PfqsN3QxSUuupixO-LXIyAM18YIIA/s400/IMGP4761.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441730348887191922" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">...through which has been cut an entranceway for vessels of a modest size.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzGJmIudthsEKmjPXBNOEx_9hUJe5KXLm97DX63Yk0IUDAMPwfU2nCMGn2GCIR6cIoYnMDbllhmOpNRxiuNHTK2-mtdonfiLeJ5D1eWUCM12Vf1ByvDQ2KBcz4BykABxLFQeWKQ/s1600-h/IMGP4785.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdzGJmIudthsEKmjPXBNOEx_9hUJe5KXLm97DX63Yk0IUDAMPwfU2nCMGn2GCIR6cIoYnMDbllhmOpNRxiuNHTK2-mtdonfiLeJ5D1eWUCM12Vf1ByvDQ2KBcz4BykABxLFQeWKQ/s400/IMGP4785.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441729776592145138" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">A nearby lookout advertises that sharks can be seen prowling the shallow waters in a bay near the town. We had to go and see of course and from a very high vantage point the sharks could be seen clearly enough.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH-p-gOMjomm9a9ZntnjEJ48RZRKPUy6sh8Jx5P7ZfuwjyhcwrokmwsFDTfk2yXy0luuQRiVoIo1xf_Z64k69kXGwVasr-KMf8ADZSHaNeyzujJ2qVpx8OJ-aRIkQxFC6ivc1EQ/s1600-h/P1390102.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQH-p-gOMjomm9a9ZntnjEJ48RZRKPUy6sh8Jx5P7ZfuwjyhcwrokmwsFDTfk2yXy0luuQRiVoIo1xf_Z64k69kXGwVasr-KMf8ADZSHaNeyzujJ2qVpx8OJ-aRIkQxFC6ivc1EQ/s400/P1390102.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441729762347948402" /></a>Thank goodness for zoom lenses!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoNp-_avxp09ZB9nfSyZE9PKI8JzTPeBiVwlmKc488KPtWCWrLkMGdwOf4BSHyqFyTz8kaJjRuvgrUQblP-To6hwSgaVe8J8qqD3pjYgg8ufYwQZWX3WSnLXvk1K4GRMuupPj4g/s1600-h/P1390116.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMoNp-_avxp09ZB9nfSyZE9PKI8JzTPeBiVwlmKc488KPtWCWrLkMGdwOf4BSHyqFyTz8kaJjRuvgrUQblP-To6hwSgaVe8J8qqD3pjYgg8ufYwQZWX3WSnLXvk1K4GRMuupPj4g/s400/P1390116.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441729749446084594" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The viewing point is named Eagle Bluff and gives a scenic view of the arid landscape surrounding the town.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsiwf-6ZLggpcjkk7qHAh8C7RfoxLLn5DAO-X5u4l1IKFnd2_TVDBQ-kb1Jq78cHJUwQoeuU5rL8OUrCr7S9MqlhTzIVCuppym4JOqtN4DhiNx0tQ91Yv2mA8NtAV1tgCQFLCXw/s1600-h/IMGP4804.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNsiwf-6ZLggpcjkk7qHAh8C7RfoxLLn5DAO-X5u4l1IKFnd2_TVDBQ-kb1Jq78cHJUwQoeuU5rL8OUrCr7S9MqlhTzIVCuppym4JOqtN4DhiNx0tQ91Yv2mA8NtAV1tgCQFLCXw/s400/IMGP4804.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441729175078917970" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Leaving the main town area, this sign was a new one to us. The Bilby is pretty rare and nocturnal, so our chances of spotting one are remote. To protect the native species a fence and gate have been installed across the peninsula and when you cross the grid a noise comes from speakers at the roadside as an extra frightener. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MYoNghy5MbJOoSXHEm0t6SoJ1Y0HEfnlJ6BxQXfNiOCeWCUnV5DjH97WKgyP6X3-yXnbv93sQcusfmM0lE6pqgjcWyF3M_7MiN2luBKOJAgkhSKq8TqlZ_X4GVUgC5WtntvouQ/s1600-h/P1390134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MYoNghy5MbJOoSXHEm0t6SoJ1Y0HEfnlJ6BxQXfNiOCeWCUnV5DjH97WKgyP6X3-yXnbv93sQcusfmM0lE6pqgjcWyF3M_7MiN2luBKOJAgkhSKq8TqlZ_X4GVUgC5WtntvouQ/s400/P1390134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441729162164970226" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">A novelty picture. Denham is not blessed with a natural water supply, their drinking water is desalinated. There are artesian wells nearby, but they only provide brackish water - ok for agriculture, but not for human consumption.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIZgUDzZ-RIPOWIHVDMptEzA9fpYtcfaMFUKjp8BM3ZQ4oCf-nKxiYBChZSgy02xbg94VcrZBS8O5E2Nbl7S9BbNrleDk0EG7mPvqn32pFlGe5oSnA7kJMgKbM2acvFUl-qEnlw/s1600-h/IMGP4810.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIZgUDzZ-RIPOWIHVDMptEzA9fpYtcfaMFUKjp8BM3ZQ4oCf-nKxiYBChZSgy02xbg94VcrZBS8O5E2Nbl7S9BbNrleDk0EG7mPvqn32pFlGe5oSnA7kJMgKbM2acvFUl-qEnlw/s400/IMGP4810.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441729154085509714" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">This restaurant is included because of its contruction, which is from the same 'coquina' stone that we had learned about at Hamelin Pool. It looks so clean, modern and 'uneroded' that we wondered if it was a modern construction, but apparently not so, it's exact dating we couldn't find out, but it certainly isn't just a modern replica.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8voo6dxEijwBfsjVTKNCaXeym_Oh9c5AQcfwaMp8jwSxHkuuWRpTlnaBqzYPBcqDCe5BLHpeZsYO8Jtgnr59j6v2Q4twcyaJ3dXgRIzj5OCVXRZJCGe6pKxlXN25cA9PZozyYA/s1600-h/IMGP5005.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8voo6dxEijwBfsjVTKNCaXeym_Oh9c5AQcfwaMp8jwSxHkuuWRpTlnaBqzYPBcqDCe5BLHpeZsYO8Jtgnr59j6v2Q4twcyaJ3dXgRIzj5OCVXRZJCGe6pKxlXN25cA9PZozyYA/s400/IMGP5005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441785411099640482" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px; " /></a></div><div>Finally, a 60 km long beach formed entirely from the coquina shells to a depth of several metres. It is called rather aptly, Shell Beach. No souvenirs allowed.</div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17767055.post-60596618619634535662009-11-09T09:00:00.020+13:002010-02-24T22:17:47.478+13:00Hamelin Town's in ....Western Australia<div style="text-align: justify;">Well, actually Hamelin Pool, just a little poetic licence. This part of Australia was a popular stopping place for Dutch (1616 and 1697), British (1699) and French (1722, 1800 and 1818). They all left their mark, (actually they mostly left their names: Dirk Hertog, Vlamingh, Le Freycinet, Peron, Hamelin, all still landmarks hereabouts). But in 1858 Captain Denham aboard H.M.S. Herald set about charting the entire area. Since then it has been populated by British Australians.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Telegraph Station was built in 1884 as a vital link between Perth and Roebourne. It now contains a museum. </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuF-XPTO0RBwl9xfODWqivsMunIjzl1UtZVOX3Zwja5Ra_AWyuD7dZclUrPrQaWHqjSAIZ3C_dQhksq5kFI9Ld5ef_drjF_bBNXf2j3WNnWGbal2Or5gf4IdgkA2VlHyrfW-S_w/s1600-h/IMGP4665.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuF-XPTO0RBwl9xfODWqivsMunIjzl1UtZVOX3Zwja5Ra_AWyuD7dZclUrPrQaWHqjSAIZ3C_dQhksq5kFI9Ld5ef_drjF_bBNXf2j3WNnWGbal2Or5gf4IdgkA2VlHyrfW-S_w/s400/IMGP4665.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440915862365672514" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The old quarrying area shows where the blocks of coquina, the material used for making the buildings were cut out. It is composed of tiny white shells that have dropped to the ocean bed in such profusion that they have eventually formed a solid mass.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjys_eo8jlKLfc6QKzRD2t0LLexSp-gjAb4B7E3_9iFriwD5TGujEOteh7SVoFh_PIfBo-u9u4NkvyPlDQSAB6TK1ArbF2ckUN4pG064UzTGxQJiDdWkk87JAqZbToRJ4Jc29VayQ/s1600-h/IMGP4677-IMGP4679.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjys_eo8jlKLfc6QKzRD2t0LLexSp-gjAb4B7E3_9iFriwD5TGujEOteh7SVoFh_PIfBo-u9u4NkvyPlDQSAB6TK1ArbF2ckUN4pG064UzTGxQJiDdWkk87JAqZbToRJ4Jc29VayQ/s400/IMGP4677-IMGP4679.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440915853595992002" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">A close up of the material used.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh8tadaeTWRtha3jDZrs8ClDCooq3sulukVpaYoTxWGN2LaYlyhvRMnEUfGhY_4uHUBnj8RtHvEqcBKn_Wso_3kxB2cqtgrg1X6ytW35hspkKMMmcWv5NDjc5XNT0pPCMOld_GA/s1600-h/P1380947.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRh8tadaeTWRtha3jDZrs8ClDCooq3sulukVpaYoTxWGN2LaYlyhvRMnEUfGhY_4uHUBnj8RtHvEqcBKn_Wso_3kxB2cqtgrg1X6ytW35hspkKMMmcWv5NDjc5XNT0pPCMOld_GA/s400/P1380947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440915850220702594" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The big attraction was to see the Stromatolites at Hamelin (named after a french 'naturaliste') Pool. There was a beautifully constructed board walk designed to provide a good view of these prehistoric life forms, but protect them from further damage.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJqPmI0Xbv-wVRaZ1K6h7Bx_ka8xlrVfJUnsGBoGpBotHFHr39cLydcWHWn771jsEmyT_sPhM2fJaF9u8PCro6EERWB0OR4IPz4f7z71cbfuN4r53mQ8M7F7aKB4loZ18d9UbMQ/s1600-h/IMGP4697-IMGP4698.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 210px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSJqPmI0Xbv-wVRaZ1K6h7Bx_ka8xlrVfJUnsGBoGpBotHFHr39cLydcWHWn771jsEmyT_sPhM2fJaF9u8PCro6EERWB0OR4IPz4f7z71cbfuN4r53mQ8M7F7aKB4loZ18d9UbMQ/s400/IMGP4697-IMGP4698.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440915841676722610" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">The labelling was fun. "Meet Stumpy Stromatolite" it declares; and proceeds to provide easily digestible facts on boards along the way.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS4Rjs5Hx1amjCdD7UwqiiNtlH-s5-LedGNOoca2Uxzj0LS3UBhKjCWXhaeXC5S5qdEKUy3yPf1rd2Mzv9nJ1B5qVk6PNXytXMLRSiGbErCQ8f3kYUrkAdsYXXa5zNJf23_LJAw/s1600-h/IMGP4702.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS4Rjs5Hx1amjCdD7UwqiiNtlH-s5-LedGNOoca2Uxzj0LS3UBhKjCWXhaeXC5S5qdEKUy3yPf1rd2Mzv9nJ1B5qVk6PNXytXMLRSiGbErCQ8f3kYUrkAdsYXXa5zNJf23_LJAw/s400/IMGP4702.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440915333739925090" /></a>They are quite colourful formations, mostly grey but with some reddish rust coloured that result in an interesting overall effect.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuGJZz-Gk2JhzBAYH1OW8otU3EAJaRCx3cHYp-FiwooIH13E-9dr36spJQ882ZeGlRbQzG1mpsCtkKUFwXajBRnKmGZpMOsoU13f9rsfrcU-EXC4HO-ftofr2ygV_P_OnAB_Hbg/s1600-h/IMGP4709.JPG"><img style="text-align: justify;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfuGJZz-Gk2JhzBAYH1OW8otU3EAJaRCx3cHYp-FiwooIH13E-9dr36spJQ882ZeGlRbQzG1mpsCtkKUFwXajBRnKmGZpMOsoU13f9rsfrcU-EXC4HO-ftofr2ygV_P_OnAB_Hbg/s400/IMGP4709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440915330255386290" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">From the boardwalk it is possible to see tracks of vehicles leading from the shore.</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7c4p08WDt6lKaZ1kiISj2iW6iobKWVGRGXSaS6dVPteqOxVwl0ZQTYjmfCprsG-jl3vBatD9dxH6CCfTCZVvXNuNzmJuTKmoRk1IunQi4ou5d45d5tMvD3uVvV-WiriReBjU_lw/s1600-h/IMGP4710-IMGP4713.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7c4p08WDt6lKaZ1kiISj2iW6iobKWVGRGXSaS6dVPteqOxVwl0ZQTYjmfCprsG-jl3vBatD9dxH6CCfTCZVvXNuNzmJuTKmoRk1IunQi4ou5d45d5tMvD3uVvV-WiriReBjU_lw/s400/IMGP4710-IMGP4713.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440915321516705602" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">In the late 1800's and early 1900's, camel trains transported wool from nearby pastoral stations to a Government wool shed once located here at Flagpole Landing. Wool bales were carted to the foreshore in small drays, loaded in dinghies and ferried out to a waiting lighter (a small sailing ship).</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The lighter then sailed 190 kms (118.75 miles) to a deep anchorage off Dirk Hartog Island where the cargo was transferred to a larger ship for the journey to Fremantle.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As anyone who has read Bill Bryson's account of the universe will know, stromatolites give off oxygen and over 2 billion years gave off enough to sustain life as we know it today. This photo shows the glint of air bubbles being given off by the stromatolites - is that what they are talking about?</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjUVRzHqiIAxR19bdxOsDQ7ych0mnMKdKiRl1Yl-gwdOKkWftXj76Uyvy51RYmzGbfYCBnxgQxU7SByDZKTBloUoiAAVnmoItgk5Yyf7l4rpYyxqauhJ_W8daOeqrzd1sRKjgIg/s1600-h/P1390005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjUVRzHqiIAxR19bdxOsDQ7ych0mnMKdKiRl1Yl-gwdOKkWftXj76Uyvy51RYmzGbfYCBnxgQxU7SByDZKTBloUoiAAVnmoItgk5Yyf7l4rpYyxqauhJ_W8daOeqrzd1sRKjgIg/s400/P1390005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440914952402917154" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Leaving Hamelin Pool for Denham, we passed a beautiful sign. Fancy calling a place Useless Loop. In fact it was a name given by the French approaching from the sea. They declared it a 'useless harbour' as it had an impassable sand bar across its entrance. Sadly it was a bit too much of a diversion. So we pressed on directly to Denham (named after ...you guessed, Captain Denham of the HMS Herald).</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjPvLqnELFa51H-G56dBkdof5LR9b_Ja47p0UkObpR8fTwdtN1-XXO6Blm2wuHW8mHJUyWnPORutx1D7QDlbhqtP7-o0c-AS9vEIYt2BAGCsRpnEYNINVxBfgxARtjhE1HWBAsQ/s1600-h/IMGP4740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjPvLqnELFa51H-G56dBkdof5LR9b_Ja47p0UkObpR8fTwdtN1-XXO6Blm2wuHW8mHJUyWnPORutx1D7QDlbhqtP7-o0c-AS9vEIYt2BAGCsRpnEYNINVxBfgxARtjhE1HWBAsQ/s400/IMGP4740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440914945974722786" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">End of the day at Denham harbour.</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvNZYHqNFfw2VDMg7edUE8Ia22auPgxFLxjNh_9-3SryL8nZdpDFGK_TeVCmtZDEksQxK2Ctp9kvIMi4vb-Je-puHDuNEYfhfZxm9R32kBEjMCMe9PqMyMQIbVmh6_qoLpRGeBg/s1600-h/P1390065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvNZYHqNFfw2VDMg7edUE8Ia22auPgxFLxjNh_9-3SryL8nZdpDFGK_TeVCmtZDEksQxK2Ctp9kvIMi4vb-Je-puHDuNEYfhfZxm9R32kBEjMCMe9PqMyMQIbVmh6_qoLpRGeBg/s400/P1390065.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440914939483106674" /></a><br /></div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12355630934416746772noreply@blogger.com0