[password]8Tarnhows
[position] Bay of Saint Marie, Noumea
[weather] sky clear, sea calm
[status]Hello folks
As planned, last Thursday Jim and I went diving on the outer reef. The wind was from the south west at 15 knots, enough to make the sea choppy and, with us going into it at about 30 knots in an open boat, very uncomfortable. Bang, bang, for about 45 minutes, our knees were worn out and our bottoms were sore. Two boats with about twenty divers of varying experience. We now realised why this excursion was relatively cheap - it was spartan (back packer style) diving for young purists who like ?camping out?.
However once in the water we were at home and we had two dives; the first on the inside of the reef within sight of Amedee Island and the second was a drift dive through the main shipping channel to the outside of the reef. Features, apart from coral etc included some Grey(Nurse) sharks and a Manta Ray.
On Friday we were joined by our new crewman Pedro des le Isle des Hindmarsh, aka Mount Gambier Pete. Saturday was another pleasant day in Noumea preparing for the next adventure.
Sunday August 18 we motored south in very light winds to Mato Island. The lagoon and anchorage there - simply fantastic; with wonderful snorkeling from Ambler?s stern. On Monday we motored again, in still glassy conditions, through the channels in the reefs, across some open ocean and into the a beautiful bay of the Island of Pines. One of the nicest places we have been to - a safe sandy anchorage, a couple of friendly resorts with beachside dining, white sandy beaches and easy snorkeling around a little island connected to the beach by a shallow sand spit. Picture perfect!
Tuesday night the wind blew up from the south-south-west, as forecast, and on Wednesday morning we sailed north-west toward Noumea. The sail north was pleasant with the added bonus of seeing Humpback whales on several occasions and catching a Bonito; which subsequently became a sashimi lunch and a fish steak dinner. Delicious!
It is now Thursday morning, 22 August, in the Bay of Saint Marie and we, having just devoured Pedro?s famous chilli ? beans for breakfast, anticipate motoring out to Maître Island for little bit more resort and snorkeling time on this beautiful sunny (windless) day. This afternoon we will head back into Port Moselle, Noumea before another crew change on the weekend.
Until next time, cheers,
Jim, Pete and Bill

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