We’ve had 30 hours in this astonishing anchorage and we’re slowly getting Bandit back into”cruising”mode rather than “passage”mode.  The worst job has been scrubbing the horrendous growth off the hull – we were warned about it but nothing prepared us for how bad is actually was.  After a morning nap we attacked it as apparently the longer you leave it the worst it gets but we honestly couldn’t see how it could get worse.  None of our boat products worked – even our faithful rust remover – so it was elbow grease, saltwater and scotchbrite scrubbers.  We spent most of the afternoon at it and were up at 6am this morning for another burst and we’re slowly getting on top of it.  There were also barnacles to scrape off and, with everything encrusted with saltwater, a fair bit of cleaning to do.  We’re hoping for a good tropical downpour to help us with that task.  We also had a heap of washing to do so for those of you who think we arrive in an exotic anchorage and sit and drink cocktails we hope we’ve firmly dispelled that myth.  We did celebrate our arrival here with a hearty rum at sunset....but after three weeks without drinking we both woke with a headache this morning.  Lightweights I hear you say!

 

Yesterday after we went and chatted to a few other cruisers and realised how lightly we’d got off, damage wise.  One boat has damaged shrouds (the things that hold the mast up!!) which was surprising as it is fairly new.  Lots have sail damage and there were several sailors up masts this morning.  Once we’ve finished the hull we will do a thorough check on Bandit.

 

This morning we ventured ashore – not too far as David has injured his knee (which we need to attend to on the next island which has medical facilities).  The village here is best described as sleepy with the ubiquitous church, a school and a cluster of well maintained cottages all surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.  There were dozens of fruit trees – breadfruit, citrus, banana etc – and lots of fruit on the ground but you are not meant to pick it.....the locals sell it.   We’d heard they are keen to trade which was our only option as we don’t yet have Polynesian francs there is no bank or ATM here.  Our first foray didn’t go well – they’re quite fussy and the deal is definitely favoured their end.  We managed to agree to make a waterproof gun cover for a chap in exchange for some bananas, oranges and papaya.  At another place we swapped a length of rope, a lipstick and nailpolish for breadfruit, melon and yet more bananas.  We’d been told to bring lipstick, nailpolish and cheap jewellery but not many were interested in our offerings, asking for perfume, jandals, rum, backpacks and rope. 

 

Anyway – we’ll be here for a few days before heading to the next island – a day sail away.  Another early night is in store!