Madagascar
06 September 2014 | Hellville, Nosy Be Island
Madagascar
Mayotte was to our starboard when we set our course from Mount Samboro pass at dusk on Tuesday. We arrived safely at Hellville on the island of Nosy Be, Madagascar on Thursday morning.
We covered 204 nautical miles in 41 hours and were able to sail a good part of the way, but we did need the help of our engine some of the time.
Upon arrival in the Hellville harbour, we were re-united with our friends aboard s/v Smoke and also our dear friends, Jenny and Randy, aboard s/v Mystic, whom we hadn't seen since Sri Lanka 5 months before. Our friends Peggy and David, aboard s/v Rhythm are going to be here in a few days. We haven't seen them since last summer while we were in Canada. We are very excited. This is the first time in all these years that we will be together with so many sailing friends and we are hoping that our schedules will be in sync to be able to cruise together all the way to South Africa.
Despite being tired, we hustled to get organised to go to shore to begin the obligatory check-in process. It went relatively smoothly and by the end of the day we were legal! It was a bit late in the day to go to the local fruit and veg market so we wandered around a bit and really liked the feel of the place.
Friday morning, Jenny and Randy and all the Gromits went in search of the market. Oh my gosh! The variety of fruits and vegetables was amazing and the prices so much less than Mayotte. We will feast on pineapple, mangoes, guava and papaya which we haven't had since Sri Lanka! And green beans, sweet potatoes, avocados, lettuce and fresh parsley, basil and chives!!
Once we get our internet organized I'll be able to post some pictures.