Tag: customs

ARRIVING VANUATU AND HOSPITAL VISIT

My first taste of Vanuatu Tusker Beer, its good. Photo Ray Penson

On the way down from Lata I had developed ugly looking ulcers around my mouth and lips.  I was worried about what was causing them, I set off to find the hospital.  It was a long walk to the hospital along the road to the airstrip.  I managed to arrive before the doctor finished for the day.  I told the doctor about my recent malaria and the drugs I was taking.  He responded that the ulcers were a common side effect of the Primaquine tablets I was taking.  The doctor gave me some multivitamin pills and said the ulcers will clear up when I finish the course of treatment.  That was a relief, it wasn’t some flesh-eating tropical disease.

0

CLEARING INTO THE SOLOMONS

Gizo fresh market, so well organised, what a lovely way to shop for fruit and Veggies. Photo Ray Penson

The Customs office in Gizo is easy to access being in town.  The only picture hanging on the wall is a very old photo of Queen Elizbeth II.  I asked why it was still there as she has passed away.  I was told that no one had said take it down!  So, I suppose it will be there forever until some higher authority makes an executive decision.

0

WEEVILS CAUSE BROKEN TOOTH

Getting ready to take the Banana Boat to Kavieng Town for inward Clearance. Photo Ray Penson

As my shop bought bread had run out I decided to make some bread with fresh flour I had bought in Biak.  When I opened the flour container I was greeted by whole bunch of Weevils. The second flour container was also similarly infested.  I really dislike weevils, the flour went over the side immediately.  Bread was off the menu but my craving for bread only intensified.

0

DRAGGING ANCHOR, SQUALLS AND SAIL DAMAGE

Into the cat, Kuching Cat Museum. Photo Ray Penson

The sky to the south was becoming darker and at ten in the evening we were hit with a violent squall, it was ferocious. Even as I watched it coming there was no real indication that it would be super strong. Unfortunately, I was unable to furl in the yankee fully before the wind hit, the sail clew flogged like a demented demon

1

PREPARING TO DEPART INDONESIA

Secluded Cove at Belitung. Photo Ray Penson

Social life on Belitung  has been good with a few hardy cruisers passing through to have drinks, food and conversations with.  The local village has an excellent coffee shop and café serving delicious Indonesian food.  The girls serving were surprised when I ordered ‘local hot’ as they are used to serving bland mild food to non-Indonesians. The staff were very kind, helpful and interested in what I was doing. They sort of adopted this old man, on one visit they made me a special soup, it was delicious. I even left a tip which is usually against my religion.

0

CHECKING INTO SAUMLAKI

Passing through the Hole in the Wall. Photo Ray Penson

The trip from Gove to Saumlaki was a slow affair, taking a full day longer than I expected.  However, once I overcame the sheer frustration of being becalmed at one point, the voyage progressed at a constant slow speed with favourable winds and a calm sea.  Sailing wing on wing it turned out to be a very pleasant trip . 

3

CLEARED OUT AND HEADING NORTH

A look outside this morning and a double take – thick fog.  At 10:00 the anchor was aweigh and with radar on we slowly motored from Matauwhi Bay down to Opua.  By 11:00 we were anchored off Opua Marina and the fog was lifting.  With ships papers and passport in hand I headed off to custome to complete the outward clearance.  An hour later I was back on board Truce and getting ready for sea, it was actually hot now that the fog had gone, a beautiful sunny day to going boating.

0

BAY OF ISLANDS

What a beautiful sleep, I set my alarm for six but the phone battery expired overnight, the alarm didn’t and I awoke  at seven.  Outside the sun was just coming up and it was a beautiful calm morning, such a contrast to the wet windy evening before.  Shortly after my first fresh cup of coffee... Continue Reading →

2

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑