SV_Stylopora's blog

The trip back to Noumea was as good as the one north, although with fewer stops. The highlight for us was Ile Ndukue with its beautiful circular bay, its rocky hill that we climbed and its unexpectedly beautiful snorkeling beside the rocky northern beach. We followed the advice of the guide book which promised walks through the island with lovely views at the top, and while the view was indeed lovely, the walk was a case of trailblazing. The intrepid Steve led the way through the spider webs and made enough noise to warn off any snakes that may have been snoozing in the long grass. At the top we found a navigation mark lying on the ground so we were very pleased to have been following our Garmin plotter rather than navigating by sight. Although all of the islands we visited were stunning, we usually had to share them, but we stayed at this one for a couple of days and saw no sign of civilization at all. No lights. No planes. No sound at all except for small waves breaking on the rocky wall as the tide came in; and the thousands of birds that lived there.

Back to civilization. Lots of night life on the esplanade beside our anchorage. Restaurants, bars, even a casino.
Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

Very pretty anchorage well sheltered from SE winds but open to the west. Great lookout but hotel is well past its prime and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Heading back to Noumea today to Bae de Citrons Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.

Wow! We've been incredibly lucky to have had such perfect weather. The winds have been light and the sun has been shining except for some stunning clouds providing the most amazing sunsets; and we've been anchored beside beautiful sandy islands surrounded by spectacular coral reefs. We left Noumea a week ago to visit the islands to the north, many of which are surrounded by coral, and whilst the coral makes for more challenging anchoring techniques, we've sat down to dinner in the cockpit each night surrounded by the most incredible views and very few people. Tonight we are the only boat anchored at Ile Ndukue and there are no lights or other evidence of civilisation in sight. The only thing we can hear is the distant sound of surf breaking on the outer reef about two miles away. Remember the advertisement that went something like: 'Tahiti please James!? That explains a little of how we are feeling. Every evening we discuss the day's anchorage and activities, examine the guide book and charts; and then decide whether to stay for another day or carry on to another piece of paradise.