Tra-La - time to play catch-up on our long overdue blogs - some of you guys may think we must have loads of free time on our hands to do a blog, or even think we’re just lazy and can’t be bothered, but both are far from the truth – we ALWAYS seem to be busy sailing, exploring or partying, and even when sailing its sometimes difficult to find time as generally playing catch-up with yacht stuff, work or eating and sleeping.

Anyway back to the blog catch-up – we (Paul/Trish/Nelius) set sail from Mauritius bound to the neighbouring island of Reunion a couple of hundred miles away on 9^th Nov. Well not sure set sail is the correct terms as unfortunately very little wind so ended up motoring most of the way along with Serendipity, Crazy Daisy, Duchess and Mariela, so was nice to be in company. Setting off there was what looked like a nasty storm so held back and went round it just in case!.

We arrived in Reunion on the afternoon of 10^th into what was really a cross between a commercial port and a marine at the far end, for which all the Oysters rafted up alongside in the commercial port area – closest we’ve all been together for a long while and clearly the basis for a ruckus party or two!

So we expected the island to be similar to Mauritius, a little smaller and greener and English rather than French speaking locals and according to the locals in Mauritius a lot more expensive, all of which are about correct, however beyond all that it really is different in terms of of geology and scenery, being a lot more mountainous with a great big volcano – so on recommendation we booked a 30 minute island exploring helicopter ride to get a proper view of the place along with the folks off Satika (piccy’s attached) – breath taking, with enormous gorges carved into the mountains (thrilling in a copper) and a proper bird’s eye view of the mouth of the volcano. At one location there’s a village with houses literally perched on the side of a ravine some several hundred meters deep – mental, imaging letting the kids out to play!

We think the tourist board in Reunion had heard that Mauritius had laid on a tour so not to be outdone Reunion did the same, comprising a trip to the volcano and the gorge and then most importantly a boozy lunch overlooking a cool bay. They really did well serving what must have been 100 of us!

And of course all the Oysters had a get together for a big party on the dockside, where the local dockside bar had laid on a band (who really were excellent). Crazy night with Ed off Crazy Daisy cross-dressing (no underwear) and really looking the part, lots of banter, esp from Jean re my T-shirt - writing on front says ‘front’ so she went round the back on the pretence of seeing what it said and promptly said ‘arsehole’ – left me speechless, which is amazing in itself! - no it doesn’t actually say that on the back and no I’m not one (well most of the time not anyway). So lots of drinking and dancing!

Finally the tash is still growing nicely (?) ready for the end of Movember judging – not quite sure yet what style mine’s going to turn into, but hay got another couple of week to get it fully trained with an eye on a prize!!

OK that’s it for reunion, leaving on 15^th Nov for the long and potentially exciting sail to Richards Bay in South Africa along the renowned East Coast!

Lots of Luv and Hugs,

Paul & Trish xx

Photos:

1.       Heading for a storm maybe?

2.       Helicopter ride with Satika

3.       Nice pilot

4.       Reunion best seen from the air

5.       Coastal shot

6.       The volcano

7.       Will taking a shine to Nelius

8.       Boozy lunch on island tour

9.       Nice moves Jean!

10.   Another party – go Steph

11.   Tash coming along nicely!?