Our journey back south began with a stop over at the Reef Islands for some snorkeling, although it was quite windy it did not stop anyone from exploring the magnificent blue/green waters! By afternoon smoko we were anchored just off the Twin Waterfalls, some grabbed their swimsuits while others filled their laundry bags to get the best possible clean in the fresh water pool! The following morning we were spoiled with a bag full of fresh water prawns traded for a bag of rice and sugar! The keen snorkelers were once again dazzled with the under water world in search of tropical fish, coral, turtles and sharks!

After lunch we motor sailed the 16 miles to Lakon Bay were we had a lovely Sunday roast dinner in your best Sunday night formal dress. In the morning, between rain showers, we made our way to the black sand beach for the ladies display of water dancing. It is hard to describe this amazing presentation, but it is not really dancing, it is more music. Ten ladies stand in waist deep water and cup their hands to create amazing notes and in unison produce a marvelous swish!

From Lakon Bay we headed southwest for a cracking sail towards Espirto Santo, averaging 6 knots but reaching speeds of 8.5 knots. By 2230hrs we had reached the North West tip of the island and unfortunately had to turn on the engine for a head to wind motor south, by breakfast we were anchored off Wusi village, joining two other sailing vessels, Siome and Ranui, two ships sailing around Vanuatu delivery aid to the locals. The women of the village make clay pottery and woven mats to sell to the few visitors they meet each year, the Soren group did a fine job supporting the natives. Jim and I went for a walk through the jungle to the local school. I carried my camera and as Jim went to talk to the head school teacher I was surrounded by 40 students wanting their picture taken and even more excited to see the display on the back of the digital camera! They were so happy to have visitors in their classroom, we of course were glad to sign the visitor’s book!

Not only is it exciting visiting these islands, but also it is comforting knowing that we are so welcomed into the villages. It is so satisfying seeing the faces of the locals when we bring bags of clothing, cooking supplies and gardening tools ashore for distribution. Stacey and I have the exciting job of trading bags of rice, sugar or clothing for bowls of tomatoes, pumpkins, bananas, grapefruit or anything that there may be a surplus of in the village.

These are the days when being apart of Soren Larsen is so rewarding, although we are not able to help everyone, making a difference in a few villages is so valuable.
It is the last day for a few of our voyage crew, many will remain for another opportunity to sail with Tiger on the next trip south towards Port Vila, but unfortunately after tonight’s fancy dress party we will have to bid farewell to a few of our friends. It has been a fabulous 10 days and sharing in these experiences with such exciting people made the trip all the better, thank you for your support to the villages and to making life on Soren all the more enjoyable!