That afternoon we anchored at Rendova Island inside a protected lagoon. It was still raining heavily and two girls (Sisters) came out to visit in a canoe, they were completely bedraggled and shivering cold. They brought the most appealing and healthy vegetables I have ever seen. Despite the cold and rain they were cheerful and happy to trade. As they had such amazing produce and had endured the weather to get to me I gave them more than I probably should have. But they were delightful young ladies and cheered me up. We were both happy with the trade and that’s all that matters.
CLEARING INTO THE SOLOMONS
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.
ARRIVED GIZO – EXHAUSTED
As I was daydreaming, I suddenly noticed the depth sounder was reading 5 meters! Immediately I put the engine into neutral and we slowed, as we slowed the depth reduced, I gave a kick astern and we stopped. The depth now read zero, that means nothing under the keel! I checked everything, a flashlight over the side, we should be in deep water. Then I realised my mistake. I was so tired and my brain so befuddled, I had been reading the wind instrument instead of the depth sounder. As we reduced speed so the relative wind reduced to zero as we stopped. Clearly, I had not been thinking straight. I was very tired.