Departing Japan
05 April 2012
We are now all set to leave Chichijima, Japan for Saipan. As it will be 7 to 8 days before we reach Saipan and went for a run and swim this morning. I was able to swim across to the south east side of the harbour to the colony of staghorn coral which I photographed 15 years ago (pg 67 in my book) and was delighted to see it is still healthy. It is one of the most northern colonies of staghorn coral in the world. Was also delighted to see a couple of Moorish Idols and an Imperial Angelfish - 2 of my favourite tropical fishes (for looking at not eating).
It really is a special place this remote subtropical island chain. There are palm trees, pandanas, casurina trees and vines which all make it look tropical. But there are also huge tree ferns which give the place a very soft look. I will definitely make the effort to come back here again someday.
We have completed formalities with customs and immigration. It was great filling out the embarkation card. For 23 years I have been writing "QF22" or some other flight number under Flight No./Vessel name. Today I wrote "Yarramundi". Wanted to take a picture but Mr Yamano of immigration was concerned it would violate some rule. As we have been getting ready we have had a steady stream of visitors. Kasai San of Fish Eye Diving brought us a case of beer. He was the boat master when I shot the video of humpback whales and dolphins 19 years ago used in a NHK documentary. Suzuki San - owner of a pension here who let us have a shower gave us some bread, and Hirose San brought us a case of passionfruit. I've never seen passionfruit like it. We also had a visit by the head of the Ogasawara Coast Guard office - pictured above.
Time to leave - the wind is perfect.