Still in Noumea as it is still blowing- as it seems to be in the entire pacific due to stationary highs. Oh well, the economy of Noumea is improving as we stock up on french shoes and clothes. The Bastille Day parade was very different to those in French Polynesia. David missed the hip swaying hula girls but enjoyed the military display. Very spic and well armed. All branches of the military and police were represented as well as the fire brigade and a pipe band- seen practicing near the marina which alerted us to the parade. Some units had a mixture of french and local and male and female whereas others were solely male and french. And very fit looking. We will leave in the weekend for the south and hopefully (says Patricia) we will anchor near where the french foreign legion have their R&R.