Day 22 of our Sailing Adventure

I was torn today. Go ashore or watch the Blue Jays Game 5 of the ALDS that started at 06:00 a.m. a day before they really started to play. Deborah convinced me that our tender tickets took priority, so after a filling room-service breakfast we headed out to the tiny village of Kuto on Iles des Pins in New Caledonia. I can see from our balcony why they named the island – Iles des Pins, the whole island is covered with pine trees. This island owned by the French has approximately 2,000 French-speaking inhabitants including their own airport.

Located in southern Melanesia, sleepy Ile des Pins is paradise found. White sandy beaches, clear turquoise lagoons and a lush landscape of rainforests ensures a high level of relaxation. Named by Captain James Cook in 1774, archaeological excavations on the island have revealed settlements dating back some 4000 years. While there, we explored the limestone caves known as the Devil's Grotto and marvelled at the island’s unspoiled beauty.

This was our third tendered port in three days. I always try to get to close to the zippered doorways when we get inside the tender in order to take pictures wherever possible. Today was no exception. As we headed into the dock, the tender was hit by a rogue wave and wouldn’t you know it – I got absolutely drenched sitting by the open hatch. All the other passengers just had to make comments like "it looks like an inside job" – it was my fault, I could see a huge wave coming - and all I could do was to protect my camera behind my body. With the high humidity, I ended up soaked all day walking the island.

From the pier, we headed to Oro Bay which is a popular destination for snorkelling, as it is sheltered from the ocean waves and hidden away by the banks of the pine tree forest. On the way to the bay, I saw a horse tied up in one of the properties, so while Deb went to shop at one of the roadside boutiques, I thought I’d make friendly with the horse. I’m not sure whether the horse knew what he was doing, but I’m convinced that he knew there was some slack in his rope. Just as I started to rub his face he stepped forward and took his nose and pushed me backward. On my ass I went, camera and all. I sat there and I’m sure that I saw a little twinkle in his eyes. Well played Mr. Ed.

Later in the afternoon the rain moved in making it necessary for Deb and I to periodically find the leafiest tree every few hundred feet or so. Given the constant rainfall, albeit light we decided that an early lunch was in the cards and grabbed the first tender back to the ship. You will note, I sat in the nose of the tender on the way home.

Tonight is our anniversary dinner so it’s back to the Pinnacle for all the fixins. Tomorrow is our last stop in Nomeau, (pronounced New-may-a) New Caledonia before we arrive in Sydney on the 19th so the sailing portion of this adventure is all but over. We’re hopeful that we can get some access to some quality Wi-Fi in this city of 180,000 so that I can send my blog updates.