Hi
We are at an anchorage on a small island just north of Efate, under a rather a classic shaped volcano (no longer active) called Taputoara. We and Harmonie are the only boats in the bay and we are about to leave. Anne cooked us a wonderful farewell meal last night on Harmonie as they are heading North from here to join the ARC boats for one last time, and we are heading South back down to Villa. We shall really miss them, but plan to meet up again in New Caledonia when we come back out at the end of September. Our new blog can be found on http://sailblogs.com/member/ladykay/
We had a great sail down to a beautiful cove we had planned as our half-way stop. The cove has white sandy beaches and you enter very carefully between two coral reefs, avoiding a third in the middle as you go in. The anchorage is shallow, pale blue water on white sand with numerous coral patches and crystal clear water. No other boats. Stunning. Only one problem - we anchored, went for a snorkel and sat down for some lunch, noticing a few bees around. As lunch progressed the number of bees increased until it became unbearable. We tried escaping up the front - which was somewhat better, downstairs - too hot and eventually, after being stung, I took to the dingy, hoping that they would travel home as the afternoon wore on. We went exploring in the dingy, did a bit more swimming and snorkeling and returned to boat about 5pm. The bees were still there and had settled in places where there was fresh water - the sink, my swimming costume which was rinsed in fresh water etc. Decided to clear the cabin and shut the door. Bees didn't depart until after sunset. Guess what, they are back this morning. Had breakfast inside and are planning a snorkel before revving up the engines and getting out of here as fast as safety will permit!
Cheers for now
Jackie & Michael
Harmonie in bay