08:49S 140:03W

 

Anaho Bay proved every bit as spectacular as other cruisers had told us with jagged peaks rising into the blue sky, white sandy beaches fringed with coconut palms and a stunning landscape we couldn’t take our eyes off.  We dropped anchor in azure water and Southern Cross immediately came over to tell us they’d been stung by a jellyfish while snorkelling.  Out with the rash suits.  The coral was lovely but I was so busy looking out for jellyfish I couldn’t enjoy it.....and when a black tip reef shark appeared we both decided it was time to get out.  Black tip reef sharks are meant to be non aggressive but after seeing the feeding frenzy in Taihoe we opted not to trust this one with our lives.   We moved back along the reef to the point for another snorkel and saw a beautiful manta ray below – amazing.

 

Anaho Bay has no road access but there are tracks over the saddle to the next bay, where there is a village, and along the beachfront to other lovely beaches. With David’s knee still a little sore we had no plans to do anything too strenuous but when we met a Bulgarian backpacking couple who had walked in and they told us there were dozens of mango trees along the track we changed plans.  I set off with a backpack and hiked to the summit – a fair old hike but one that rewarded me with panoramic views over the bay and a backpack full of delicious ripe mangos.

 

The morning has been spent making mango chutney and bottling mangos.  We’re now about to go snorkelling- with eyes open for jellyfish and sharks of course!