The trade winds are what the meteorology guys call "reinforced" this year. This means that they are honking like hell and seldom drop below 25 - 30 knots with 3.5 - 4.5 metre swells. We don't like to strain either ourselves or "Destiny" too much, so will just hunker down here until the next lull - this could be as late as Thursday this week, if the Grib files are to be believed that far ahead (they have been very accurate for us so far).
The harbour has been very overcrowded by the arrival of the 30 boats in the ARC World Rally. The conquering heroes kicked us mortals off the seawall into the Iririki anchorage, monopolised the fuel dock and temporarily raised the cost of goods and services ashore. What, me bitter about them?
Sunday we visited the home of Aloi Pilioko, a well-known Melanesian artist who is a very flamboyant and cheerful character. He is also very savvy and has a retail outlet and is a little like a local Ken Done - bright, vibrant work which is Melanesian-based but very accessible to know-nothings like us. We have put some photos in the Gallery - worth a look.
Today we are off to do some more exploring in the hills, and are having a meal with Margaret and Andrew on "Mollycoddle" as they are heading North about the same time we go West to Oz.