Bastille Day
Bonjour!
Relaxation has set in. Overall, we were happy with our passage. The speed was very acceptable (6.5 days). We were not seasick and below decks remained totally dry. We had a day and a half of lousy weather with maybe 20hrs of gale force winds plus big seas which seemed to take a long time to abate. Will and Dave hand steering for 55 hours was a significant challenge and rather tiring particularly when the seas were around 4 metres on a 4 metre swell. They warn that maximum waves can be "twice the height" and indeed there were one or two of these where everything combined and then was bigger again. However, none of this was boat or life threatening. Likewise, the lightning never got closer than a mile away which was comforting (unlike our fearful return from Lord Howe in 2005). So, overall very pleasing and we are delighted to be here with no deadlines for a couple of months.
Today is Bastille Day and we wondered what the French would do. The main event has been a huge military show with band, fly pasts, a couple of thousand uniformed soldiers and sailors and all the local police, fire fighting and other services. There was even a bunch of proud Aussie returned servicemen. About 40 in all. The only non-French or non-Kanak group, so we wonder what their history is? There were thousands of sight seers lining the streets.
It was a bit surprising to see tanks rolling down the main street! Anyway, a stirring light hearted performance and celebration. It is always good to see people who are passionate about their country. Of course, the indiginous people will have been less amused and enthusiastic and undoubtedly we will be hearing more of their side of things when we leave Noumea. After the show, Sodeb'o left for parts unknown. Oh to be able to sail more than 400NM per day- we are jealous.
Tomorrow, Sunday, we will leave Noumea for several days in the South Lagoon before Will leaves to return to study.
He keeps "forgetting to mention" his results, even to his sisters and brother! He got two High Distinctions and two Distinctions (which were each only a mark off a HD as well). Well done Will- hard work rewarded!
More news for you, perhaps when we have left Noumea.
We note that yet again there are gale warnings for parts of the NSW Coast. Wow, what a winter. These low pressure systems have also been significantly affecting New Caledonia weather, though today is hot and cloudless. The 27 deg ocean is certainly easy to take!
Regds,
The Crew
Tess: WILLIAM! Congratulations! I am so impressed and proud of my little brother! Sydney also had a tank rolling through the streets - apparently someone took it and mowed down mobile phone towers in numerous suburbs. (07/14/07)