Urepara Bay
22 August 2009 | Banks Islands Vanuatu
Michael and Jackie
An amazing anchorage which is simply a volcano crater.
In some ways it is reminiscent of Santorini. The boat sits in the centre of a volcano with the rim towering above us. The difference is that here the crater walls are full of greenery whereas in Santorini the rock cliffs are exposed. The crater has broken out to the South West of the island like a great gash which goes from south west to north east through the heart of the island.
The islanders are very curious and you are quickly greeted by canoeists. Probably even more than usual since the schools are on a two week holiday at the moment. We had a modest half dozen canoeists, ages ranging from 4 to 60. However, the greatest excitement was when a motor launch, Lizzie appeared and as they anchored a fleet of 11 canoeists all raced out to greet them in the hope of gifts and trades.
The fishing is good off the island and we caught a small tuna which we plan to eat tonight. We have promised the villagers at Waterfall Bay to give them some fish if we catch a lot. So hopefully we will have better luck on the return trip.