Cassidy's Photos - Summary of the last couple weeks

Sept. 28, 2015

I spent the day at the dock doing TONS literally I think, of laundry. Washed all our blankets, towels, sheets, all the kid's clothes, winter jackets, etc. Getting ready for New Zealand. Also using the vacuum and bleaching under the beds and things. Getting ready so that we aren't overwhelmed with things to do in New Zealand when we haul out. Now taking an Internet break at McDonalds, then having a friend boat over for lasagna tonight. Cassidy went with them to the cultural center today. Integrity smacked his head on the gate at the end of the dock, I think he was running with it and it stopped suddenly (end of the hinges I'm sure) so he ran right into it with his forehead. He got a nice laceration that looks like a gate on his forehead. I had derma bond (skin glue), 2 bottles had set up, but one worked, so I glued him back together. He may have a scar, but it'll look tough.

Shannon

Trying our new spinnaker

Fish -

So here we are anchored off this idyllic island of sand and sunshine, and a local boat stops by to say hi and give us some fish. Valiant and I go down the back swim-step, and start filleting the fish. All is wonderful, and as I fillet the fish Valiant helps by throwing the skin, guts, and fish carcasses overboard.

All is going great until Shannon asks where the fillets are. Apparently there is no difference to Valiant between the actual fillets of fish, and the parts of the fish that we do not eat. Valiant unfortunately had thrown everything overboard in an attempt to be the "biggest helper".  Shannon managed to save the very last fillet so at least we have a tiny bit of fish for dinner!

And the adventures continue!

Courage

Sand $ Island

We are at another beautiful white sand beach. It was covered in sand dollars. The only nautilus was broken and fading, so we left it there. We had the place to ourselves for a few hours, and then a motorboat with 4 people came here to camp for a few days. Our last anchorage, we were the first ones there, but there ended up being about 6 boats. It was nice, but not nice enough to stay with everyone else, so we came here. The last island had again just gorgeous coral for snorkeling. The boat beside us saw about a 3.5-meter shark below them when they were snorkeling, so they got out of the water. We just snorkel right above the coral, making it hard for the large sharks to come where we are. We have stopped swimming out to our boat though, so we are not out in the open. The coral is so alive and colorful here. I haven't taken the GoPro yet, but really need to. It's so nice. There were 2 sea turtles the other day when I was out.

Shannon

Sharks -

So the rumor is that there have been shark attacks here. There are always stories, but these seem to be based on a little more facts. Yesterday one of the boats at another anchorage called to say there was a giant shark under their boat, and it was not a reef shark. Then today the catamaran next to us who were diving all day yesterday, stopped by and let us know that yesterday evening a 10-foot shark was under their boat. They did not do any diving today.

Sooooo, we are only doing diving at the shallow reef areas until we know what we are dealing with. Anybody know if there have been any shark attacks in New Caledonia in the last couple of years?

Courage

Another Beautiful Island

We are at another beautiful island.  It is really picturesque; cold water, but great snorkeling and coral.  I swam with 2 sea turtles and a huge fish that had been hovering around our boat for the past few days at the other anchorage. 

There were probably 20 remoras that ate our scraps and one huge fish.  We think maybe it was a jack, or a giant trevally.  When he saw me swimming, he left, but it was real clear water and he likes pancakes, so we had a lot of fun watching him and the remoras.  All of these little islands are surrounded with soft white sand and coral.  We can walk around each of them in about 30 minutes in general.  We've found some nautilus shells, broken and washed up, but I really like them. 

The day before Cassidy's birthday she found a large and complete nautilus washed up.  It's really nice!!

Shannon

Snakes and Sharks

There have been snakes and sharks everywhere. Most of the sharks are in the 3-foot range, but Shannon found a 6-footer when we were diving earlier today. He was just sleeping peacefully on the bottom.

Now the sea snakes are super friendly, and unfortunately the children have started to interact with them a little. When I went to shore this afternoon, all five of the little children had a snake in hand. I had them set free, but unfortunately there is an endless supply. Now Integrity wants a snake for a pet! He is always on the edge of coolness!  The snakes are black and orange/grey stripped. I believe that it is a sea krait, but not really sure.

Beautiful sunny days! We moved anchorages today to a more all-weather anchorage, so that we don't end up on the coral if the wind changes!

Good times,

Courage

Little Hop -

We took a little sail over to an island called Ndo. Not sure how to pronounce it!  It is a perfect little island with a white soft sandy beach all around, lots of black tip reef sharks swimming in the shallows with their fins sticking out, tons of sea snakes. These sea snakes are black and grey/red striped. They are super friendly, and not concerned with little hands petting them.

The anchorage is a little small for my comfort; we put the anchor on one side of the anchorage and hang on the other side. As long as the wind doesn't shift a lot we will be just fine.

The water is super clear, and diving is certainly on tap for tomorrow! The ocean is decidedly cold at 72 degrees. Does anybody know where our wetsuits are?

Our plan is to bounce around these little islands/reefs for the next week or two, then get some more fresh food before departing for another couple of weeks of exploring. The dream is to jump to New Zealand in late October. Should be fun. Hope it is warmer down there!

New Caledonia

Enjoying New Caledonia!! Gorgeous super fine and soft white sandy beaches, turquoise water, coral, sea turtles, and warm/cool weather, not too hot for sure! Launched the motorcycle in isle de pines, Cassidy and I hiked to the mountain top yesterday for 360 degree views. We've all been out to explore the caves, two at a time on the motorcycle. Walked to see a jail ruins from 1881, which was very interesting. And generally enjoying playing on the beach. You can walk right across this peninsula to another beach across the street. From the dock we saw a lion fish, a sea snake and lots of tropical fish that the kids couldn't help but feed their baguettes to. We will be going to a more remote location to celebrate Cassidy's 17th birthday in a few days!! This is great, but our own island and own beach is even greater!!

Shannon