On the hunt, sort of, for the dugongs. Yesterday the villagers pointed to an area where we might find them, but our real reason for the change of anchorage was to have a good launching spot for the following day’s passage. The new spot was just three miles away but involved navigating all of the reefs again. With our track inbound, it was easy to get out. A short motor and we were dropping our anchor. Just about the time I put the bridle on I heard the chain dragging over dead coral. No bueno. Up came the chain and we went to our second-choice spot. We actually had to go a long distance since there were all kinds of reefs to work around. Our new spot was a great sandy bottom.
Carl and I paddled into shore of a tiny island with our snorkeling gear. I followed a path that snaked along the edge of the island. About half a mile later I came upon a very small village maybe five or six homes. I looked around for a few minutes, didn’t see anyone to ask permission, so I headed back to the paddleboard. Carl was waiting with his paddle in hand. While I was gone a large pig, medium pig, and four piglets came out of the forest and he was ready to whack them should the rush him. No drama ensued.
Off we went to the pass between this tiny island and the larger island. It sounded likes the waterfall at Ongea in Fji which got me excited. Unfortunately, after a long, upwind paddle it became clear that there would be no amazing coral to dive on. In the water we went and there was not much of a view below the water, on the plus side the current was pushing us back to Sky Pond so very little effort was needed.
We had talked for two days about grilling beef tenderloin and tonight was the night. That is until I pulled out the meat I was defrosting and learned I was defrosting ground beef. Blerg. Whelp, hamburgers on the grill with mash potatoes it is. Everyone still enjoyed the meal, even if it was not as advertised.
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