We left Lembata on the 19th August and did 10NM to this beautiful sandy cay. We were invited to have sundowners on the beach, so we decided we would take Snoopy. He had a fantastic time as we did catching up with some of the friends we had made. Next day it was another short day travelling. We went ashore with Peter and Evaline, a young boy climbed a coconut tree for us and got 4 coconuts for us. I do not really like coconut milk, but the others enjoyed them. It was then back to Keris for sundowners.
MAUSAMBI - it was not a rally stop, but quite a few boats ended up here. The main attraction is the Kelimutu National Park, where are 3 volcanic crater lakes, each different colour. The day started at 5.30am with 10 of us clambering onto a very uncomfortable Bemo for a 2 1/2 hour trip over rough and windy roads. These volcanic craters are listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, and I must say they were quite spectacular. We lunched at the really nice Warang on the way down the mountains, and stopped off at a local veggie market. We arrived back at the anchorage at 4.00pm. Next morning it was a quick trip to the market and we had the anchor up by 10.00am.
RIUNG - it was about 80NM to Ruing, so we overnighted in a small sheltered bay. We set off at first light next morning and arrived at West Bampa, Riung at 1315 hours. West Bampa is approx a 15 minute dingy ride to Riung, a small island of beautiful white sand and clear crystal clear waters. I even got in the water, it was too inviting not to go in. We had dinner on Renegade that night with Ruth and Kelvin as well. It was a great night, Mike and I keeping Pete and Evelyn up to quite late, though they did say they did go to bed early, which is the general rule for yachties. At one point, there were 18 boats here.
GILI BODO - What a beautiful anchorage, the best so far. What more could you ask for, crystal clear water, coral gardens and we were sitting over the top of it. I even went for a snorkel, it was breathtaking. Monkeys came down to the beach of a night time to feed on small fish.
From here it was on to Labuhan Bajo.