Waterfall Bay to Sola
We set out for Sola in light NE winds. This involved tacking up the West side of Vanua Lava. The winds are very often this direction on the lee side of the Vanuatu islands. When we got to the top, we encountered very strong 25-35knot winds and very rough seas. The rubber ducky flipped so we hove-to and the menfolk pulled it onto the foredeck and lashed it tight. We then tacked all the way across the top of the island and then out wide (to avoid the reefs) on the other side. It took us about seven hours and we were pleased to reach the large Bay which is called Port Patterson. Unfortunately, the anchorage was excessively rocky and rolly, being quite exposed to the prevailing swells. The dinghy landing was also very difficult, and youngsters were surfing their dugouts into the beach. Still, we made it safely. David achieved Customs clearout quickly but the policeman/immigration was nowhere to be found. While Penny, Charlie and Will went in search of bread and some other supplies, David quizzed every person he met to determine last known location of the policeman. After an hour's walk, there was still no sign. David found where the policeman lived and then his father. Secure in the knowledge that the policeman was likely to knock off work early, David chatted with the locals, in front of the Policeman's house. Eventually, he turned up and we went to the police station. So far, the process had taken 3.5hrs! Then he found that he was missing his immigration stamp and paperwork! He also discovered we were Aussies and not Americans. He is a total soccer "nut". While a messenger went for the immigration objects, he pulled out his police notebook and told us all about every soccer team playing in the World Cup. He was very excited about that night's game between Aus and Japan. He pulled papers out of envelopes on his desk, and they all related to soccer! Draws, locations, times (converted to Vanuatu time) etc. The messenger returned but with the wrong items. He was sent again to the Policeman's nouse, which gave him more time to tell us about soccer. There is no doubt that if we were not Aussies, we would have not been cleared that day. As it was, the process took for ever, but it did get done. During all of this, Charlie had found a local bar and was having cups of coffee with a local and learning lots about the area, the crocodiles, the agricultural training centre run by his father (the Anglican minister) and other useful info. Charlie was also able to replenish dwindling beer stocks. On the way out from the beach, a wave soaked much of our purchases, including bread rolls (we had had no bread fort over a week). Still, a spell in the oven fixed the buns and we prepared for our departure to the SOlomons the next day- Tuesday 13th of June. Happy Birthday to my sister Rose for today the 13th! All the Best, THE CREW
