We planned a day of swimming and snorkelling on the coral
reefs but after we tendered ashore it was light rain and not exactly swimming
weather. We went ashore in Kuto Beach and in ten minutes had explored all that
there was to see but we managed to find a local tour. We climbed aboard the
school bus and set out to explore the island.
We stopped to look at Brush Island but were soon back in our
seat to escape the light rain. One of the best stops was at Maurice Bay and the
rain soon cleared. There is an interesting collection of totems and local
carvings around a Catholic monument. We went into Vao, the only village on the
island where we inspected the church and the mission buildings.
There was a
small contingent of dancers to greet us.
Gail and local weeds
The island in Kuto Bay. It is considered to be a
sacred place and cannot be touched.
Kuto Bay
The church at Vao
At the Bay of St. Joseph there was a canoe manufacturing
plant. The canoes would once have been used for long sea voyages
Red 081 The canoe
building yard.
It was a long drive up to Queen Hortense’s Cave. This is an
open cavern that extends into the hillside with large, but dirty, stalactites.
Caves
Back at Kuto Beach the water looked very beautiful but it
was windy so not the right day for swimming. We took the tender back to the
ship. We had missed lunch but it was the perfect time for afternoon tea in the
dining room so we dined on mini filled croissants, sandwiches, scones, tarts
and cakes!
It looks warm enough to swim!
We finally arrived back in Sydney entering the heads before
dawn and we were able to watch the city come to life. A great trip and a great
city to return to!
A day later we were home in Forster and saw wales ..hadn’t
seen any from the ship but saw them within hours of our return.
Sailing up the harbour
From our birth.
Rush hour
at Circular Quay.
1 comment:
I especially enjoyed seeing the harbour at dawn photos, lovely way to finish off your trip.
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