Pastime of Sydney- 2006 Adventures

We spent a relaxing couple of days in Graciosa Bay. We anchored off a very pleasant sandy beach with a freshwater stream running into the ocean. So, you could have a 28deg "Sauna" in the salty water and then move a couple of metres to 20deg fresh water. VERY relaxing. Indeed, Graciosa Bay was very pretty and one of the best anchorages we have had. We met up with some Malaitans working a logging concession. Like the Ni-Vanuatu people, they are passionately interested in soccer and the SI DID beat Australia in one of the qualifying games where Aus ended up on top. They were hoping we had TV on our boat. We explained that humble Pastime does not run to TV! Charlie said a "family Mass" for one of the Malaitans (Godfrey) who is sad there are no Catholic facilities in this Province. He was very appreciative & it was rather special sharing with him. With some excitement, we saw a small ship coming into the Bay. It was the "National Geographic" on an expedition and carrying tourists. We radioed them and learned that they had Customs and Immigration staff on board. Our hopes were dashed when they said they did not have the correct forms for yachting people. Before leaving Santa Cruz, we went the 20NM to the NE side of Santa Cruz and spent a very pleasant 24hrs in "Kala Bay" which is an abbreviation of Carlisle Bay. We inspected the local school, handed out balloons to the kids and magazines (courtesy of the Holmwoods) to some of the adults who read them with delight. We also provided business advice to the Chief's son who wants to start some Village Stay activities. When we left the village to return to Pastime, a bunch of kids came too. First prize went to three boys in a canoe who beat us in the rubby ducky at full throttle! So, three Solomon Islanders equals 3.3 horsepower of outboard. All of us went swimming (ah yes, the water is 28.2deg Celsius) and soon all the kids were in too! No matter that the canoes were sinking as the kids leaped out. All in all, great fun for all and it was with the usual sadness that we departed next day for the island of Santa Ana, off the SE corner of Makira Island. This passage started out with rain squalls and deteriorated that night with strong winds from every direction of the compass, interspersed with no wind for periods of a couple of hours at a time. Next day was dismal with an almost continuous torrential downpour ALL day and some of the night! At least the canopy drain filled our water tanks to overflowing. The final morning started with 30->35kt winds and us racing along way too fast at around 9kts with a 2 metre sea on a 4 metre swell. We took down the main sail and were still fast enough but more comfortable. We had to sail 33NM extra due to current and did the 250NM in just under two days. It was very demanding with sail changes and continuous wind direction and strength variations. Here we are anchored at beautiful Santa Ana Island. First settled in 1380BC it is a great place to be. Kids have been swimming out to us to "see DVDs"! Our Cruise Directors (Charlie and Will) diverted their attention by playing noughts and crosses & Bingo with them for a couple of hours! There were about 16 children crowded into the cockpit and it was all great fun with lots of noise. Finally, we had to send them away so we could have some peace and quiet. Well, time do do some swimming and snorkelling. See you (someone has to do it), The Pastime Crew