Arrived at Lahewa Bay, Nias.
S/V Galatea update
Neil Scott
Wed 1 Apr 2015 12:29
We pulled out at 6.15 this morning. Some moderately heavy rain for most of the morning but cleared in the afternoon, and of course, an unreliable wind. So motored to make sure we covered the 50 miles to Lahewa at the NW end of Pulau Nias. We arrived at about 4pm and it started pouring down, just as we began anchoring. The first anchoring spot had a stony bottom and the anchor would not set. We found a muddier spot the second time and we are well set. Regardless, this is a very protected bay, so has no swell or chop, no matter the wind direction or strength. Still as can be now, just a bunch of pesky midgies.
We will head across to the town tomorrow to try to pick up some fruit and veggies. That's probably all we need.
After a couple of nights here we will have a short trip, 20 miles, down to Pulau Wanga which is almost an atoll. Apparently boats can't enter through the mouth these days due to the uplifting of coral reefs and bommies after the '04 tsunami, this area being the epicenter of that nasty event. Supposed to be a tenable anchorage outside the lagoon, which we will try.
Haven't seen another sailboat since Sabang, and only one there anyway. We are definitely on the road less travelled, so very quiet and peaceful. So far I am glad we didn't go the busier Sri Lanka/Maldives way.
Ok, that's it from Galatea.