12.06. -
25.06. 2006
We're spending our days here, off the island of
Espiritu Santo, preparing for our cruise to Australia.
And, after a very long time, we even run into our
friends Judy & Dave from the catamaran Freebird
again.
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Together we explore the inlands of Vanatus largest island,
which agricultural sites are predominant.
Apart from growing coffee and cocoa the most income, in
spite of falling prices, is generated by the productionn
of copra. The cocoa-nut meat is painstaikingly taken out
of the shell by hand and then dried in sheds heated by open
fires.
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Our mooring place about 3 miles from Luganville
off the island of Aore, also happens to be the finishing
line for an international ocean-swimming competition.
Since some of the swimmers are concerned that they
might not be able to recognise the finishing line
- due to the mediocre weather conditions - we're
asked to hang a signal buoy onto our mast.
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No problem for us. And therefore all swimmers find the finishing
line, accompanied by music from a local string band. The fastest
swimmer arrive after 35 minutes, die last ones after 2 hours,
but they all deserve respect for the achievement.
Yes, and that's actually all for now. On onw of
the following days we'll set out for Australia.
Our final destination is Darwin, 2.100 miles away.
We're planning a short stop-over at Thursday Island
in the Torres Straits.
In the meantime Antoine is playing with the mimosas.
He'll soon have to give up those shore holidays
for a while.
See you then ... and take care!
Tom, Nela & Antoine
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