08:22.009S  120:00.017E

Gili Bodo

Thursday 15^th September, 2010

Arrived in the anchorage of Gili Bodo after a short 38 mile hop, a bit hairy on the approach as the reef extended much further north than our electronic chart indicated.   We were about to have our delicious anniversary lunch of  of smoked salmon roll stuffed with capers and feta cheese and of course a bottle of fiz as Valerie noticed that the deep blue sea had turned to a very beautiful light turquoise just ahead of us, in the middle of nowhere!  A quick look at the paper chart confirmed the reef right across our path, so we gently veered away from it, and slowed the engine down whilst we enjoyed our lunch, before concentrating on eyeballing our way into the anchorage!

Did an oil change on the generator and changed the alternator as it had stopped charging the battery.  Must look after it, as we have no other means to charge the batteries since the electrician in Port Moresby stuffed both our engine alternators!  Captain cooked with help from crew roast leg of lamb, pommes de terre dauphinois, flageolet and green beans with a bottle of pinot noir rounded off by a French Camembert for our Anniversary dinner.

Position 8:22'.00s 12000'.91e

Days run 38 miles average speed 6.08 knots

 The snorkelling had been pretty good too with lots of soft corals, but the fish were missing, despite it being an isolated island with no habitation.  The fishermen we were anchored close to used it a lot of course.   Sad that David still did not have the time to come and enjoy such a delightful spot with us.  But of course, he knew there would be plenty more occasions in the next few days.