Penuba 1 - Welcome to our island - 31 Oct 2015

Tashi Delek
Mike & Carol Kefford
Sat 31 Oct 2015 10:25

00:19.14S 104:28.15E

 

The anchorage at Penuba was in a narrow inlet between two islands and proved to be both deep and subject to very strong currents and eddies in both directions.  After our experiences in the river at Ketapang we were well prepared to spread ourselves out and lay plenty of chain.  With the windlass now working at nearly full speed we felt safe to anchor in 15m  but managed to find a place to stay out of the main current, albeit a long way from the dinghy landing point.  Shortly after we had all arrived a very violent thunderstorm struck with torrential rain and lightning for most of the night.  We all stayed tucked up on the yachts not wishing to venture ashore but glad the yachts were getting washed after all the ash and dirt from Kalimantan. 

 

The following morning we all went ashore for the formal welcome by the village.  It is another very small fishing village in a very lovely but isolated group of islands.  They have a regular ferry service to the main town in the area at Tangjung Pinang so the few shops in the one and only street were reasonably stocked and we were able to buy a few supplies.  The welcome ceremony was low key, genuine and much more just the local people, then some we have had.

 

The village elders and the welcome dance ………..

Performed by an excellent team


A few short speeches of welcome

Followed by local cakes………..

 

….. and fresh coconut to drink

Later, meeting the some of the island children on their way to school