Sunday 18 September 2016

Cool entry into small inner lagoon of Pef Island between vertical rock pillars and down narrow channel.

After anchoring in 16 meters went ashore at small dock and across mangrove boardwalk to Raja 4 Divers, other side of island. They cater mostly to Europeans for usually 2 weeks or more. Jan ('Yan', French Swiss dive instructor) showed us around. 18 guests max., rustic, but nice, lots of staff, many toys and extensive dive facilities so figured expensive. Didn't ask, thinking it wouldn't effect us. Got the good news later when boat came by just before dusk.

Yachts must pick up one of 3 moorings and pay 20 euro/person/day. Yowser! Includes full use of services: laundry, wifi (onshore), kayaks, small store, etc. for additional cost. Restaurant is available: breakfast 25 euro, lunch 35, dinner 45, bottle of Bintang 5. 55 euro/person/dive, equipment rental extra. Holy trust fund Batman! Another anchorage, 1.5 ESE, is free - better choice. Not wanting to screw with moving we worked out leaving anchor set and paying 1/2 price. Dinnered aboat.

Cruising guide (having given erroneous information about anchoring and costs) reports a large croc, but resort dives in lagoon, so maybe not. Wouldn't be surprised, however, to find the odd mosquito who tells 2 friends, who tell 2 friends, who tell... anyway, screens were in.

Now en route to Waisai into 3 knot current. Just passing a family of wee dolphins with tall, pointy dorsal fins out for their Sunday excursion. If we ever get there at this rate hope to stay a week or so on dock to make repairs and mount previous purchases before abandoning our home in Wamon river near Sorong to sponge for awhile off relatives and friends in N. America. Although particularly lovable, we'll try not to abuse their hospitality too much.. may want to visit again one day.

Jack