Vanuatu Part 5

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" background="1ccd05a3.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><B>DRUMBEAT</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="DRUMBEAT"><B>home</B></A></div> <div> back to  <A HREF="id94.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Voyages"><B>Voyages</B></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="1cdd2123.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="id386.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vanuatu 2007">Vanuatu 2007</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id377.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vanuatu Part 1">Vanuatu Part 1</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id383.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vanuatu Part 2">Vanuatu Part 2</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id387.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vanuatu Part 3">Vanuatu Part 3</A></div> <div> <A HREF="id385.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vanuatu Part 4">Vanuatu Part 4</A></div> <div> <B>Vanuatu Part 5</B></div> <div> <A HREF="id389.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Vanuatu Part 6">Vanuatu Part 6</A></div> <bR> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div>  </div> <div> <B>PYM Team Two</B></div> <bR> <div> <I>Monday 6</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>We woke to the most beautiful day we have seen in a long time.  The air was clear and still.  We could see the smoke bellowing from the distant volcano on Ambrym Island.  We up anchored and casually motored on one engine down to Lonorore to meet the plane with some of the team 2 members on board.  Brian went for a snorkel while we waited for the plane to come in.  We collected the Cattons from the airport and headed down to Homo Bay.  It was a slow sail with just the drifter up but pleasant enough to have lunch and get to know everyone a bit. In the afternoon everyone from the other boats came over to meet together and discuss the plan for the team. </I> </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="dcdc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="The plane skims the trees to land on the bumpy strip at Lonanrore, with PYM team two on board" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="dcfc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Geoff & Carol Catton arrive at Pentecost Island. Marcus & Chelsea yet to emerge" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="dd5c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Brian, Jan & Mattias of on a 'drug run', delivering much needed supplies to a nearby clinic. The budget had run out before they were dispatched from the hospital, so they just sat there until PYM arrived on the scene, ready and willing to help." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Tuesday 7</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Up early to surfing safari and the team was off for their first day of clinic.  Jeff has come down with some flu and is not very well at all.  He was going to stay home on the boat but changed his mind at the last minute.  Everyone went over to the clinic with all of the gear and started to set for the days work.  The locals organized a welcome for the team.  This time we all went into a room and some young school girls lined up in front of us and presented us with leis made of leaves and flowers.  The clinic was underway once all the formalities where completed.  The first patient was a guy who had trod on a starfish or sea urchin while diving.  It had happened about a month ago and was all infected and rotten.  Jeff attended to him but apparently fainted towards the end of the procedure from his own flu problem.  Carolyn had to then run the clinic for the rest of the day.   </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Wednesday 8</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>After a very rolly night on the boat the team headed off for clinic again at Pangi.    We stayed onboard all morning and the kids got a bit (small bit) of school work done.  After lunch we went in to catch the last of the puppets performed by the guys off McDiver.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>We met a young girl who is in Vanuatu as part of the Peace Corp of USA.  She is working at the school in Melsisi, Teaching English.   She has been here for nearly two years.  A life changing experience!!     Jeff had a better day at the clinic today, no fainting spells and worked most of the day through. Today we finally met Bob and Judy from Sidiqui.  We have been emailing with them for quite some time but only now getting to meet them.  Judy gave me an “Island Edibles” cook book that she has written.  It is very well done.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="dddc2580.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="600" ALT="The PYM kids with their hand woven flower laes." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="ddfc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Dr. Geoff at work" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="de1c2580.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="600" ALT="Dr. Caroline was invaluable, especially working with the women" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> The Catton's have been to Vanuatu twice before with PYM.  Geoff is one of the Directors.  They worked long hours, and saw an amazing amount of patients.</div> <bR> <div> Their son, Marcus was team leader, and his wife Chelsea is a nurse.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="de3c2110.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="273" ALT="Firewood anyone?" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="de5c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Woodfired oven, unfortunately they don't know how to bake anything but white bread." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="de7c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Rich kid!! - Shoes AND a toy." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Thursday 9</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Up early and set sail off to Melsisi.  We arrived at Melsisi at about 7:30am and quickly got ready and went ashore.  The dignitaries where all ready for a welcome ceremony for us.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>There were a lot of little pre-school kids who bought out little baskets with croton leaves in them and placed them around everyone's neck, then Mattias, the local chief and others gave short speeches in bislama to us.   The kids were so cute as they are everywhere.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>The doctors and dentist got straight into it.  They were delegated rooms in the very well set up clinic and patients were ushered in.  We helped Mavis set up the DVD so as to show the programs on Aids, domestic violence, smoking, healthy eating, germs etc.  The people seem to enjoy these.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>We were given lunch down at the local restaurant,  John Mark was the restauranteur and he had a good chat with Brian.  Lunch was quite nice so we decided to go back for dinner instead of going back to the rolly boat.  </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="de952c30.jpg" border=0 width="338" height="451" ALT="Welcome gifts from the picanninni's" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="deb58c20.jpg" border=0 width="600" height="450" ALT="Melsisi Kids" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="ded52c30.jpg" border=0 width="338" height="451" ALT="Marcus shows how it is done, island style" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="20"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="df1c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="The catholic church at Melsisi is the biggest in Vanuatu, and one of the biggest byuildings at 20m x 40m." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="df3c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Brian Dodds & I call for an impromptu Mass on the traditional drums, which are still used. No-one came." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="df5c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="The catholic church dominates the landscape at Melsisi." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>We went for a short tour around the Catholic compound after lunch.  Visiting the huge church and out buildings.  It is a very impressive church about 800 m</I><I>2</I><I>   It would be awesome to hear the singing in this building.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Afternoon clinic continued and we decided to catch a truck to the top of the mountain with Mattias.  He was going up to spend the evening with his first wife's family. She died some time ago from breast cancer and he is now married again.  He has two boys to his first wife and they are living with he and his second wife in Luganville.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>The trip up the mountain was a little scary, the road is very windy and steep but it is made of concrete so not slippery.  Haley was not wanting to go but we talked her in to it eventually,  she didn't want to die.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>We saw a lot of people walking along the side of the road.  We waved to them.  A bunch of kids went wild with excitement.  Brian had this silly tea towel on his head as his hat didn't fit him.  The kids thought he was quite strange.  It was a good trip up and back I am glad that we went. </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="df7c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Aaaaaaarghhhh me hearties......" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="dfdc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Looking down on the village of Melsisi." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="dfbc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Drumbeat & Another Angel in the exposed anchorage" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="dffc2440.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="324" ALT="Warriors on the warpath" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e01c2ff0.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="255" ALT="We beat a hasty retreat in the face of overwhelming odds...." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e03c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Mavis amuses the kids at a highland village. mavis is a midwife, and came along as health educator" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>When we came back down the clinic had finished and the team were heading for the restaurant.  John Mark was there making kava for the evenings customers.   Brian had some (dah) and he talked Jeff into having a go.  Jeff has not been well so I think the kava had a more prominent effect on him for some reason. Anyway we were all surprised that he was affected as he was.   We were a long time getting our meal at the restaurant and it was vegetarian as requested so it was a bit disappointing.    It was also getting dark which was a bit of a worry as we had to negotiate the waves and reef in the dinghies.  Fortunately we didn't have any gear, just people so it was launch and run. We all got home without event and everyone settled into bed early.  The boat was a little rolly but not too bad.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Friday 10</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Damon woke with a fever (39.4) today so we stayed home from town.  We cleaned up a bit and had a bit of a quiet time.  Damon's fever was back up in the early afternoon (38.8) but the Panadol in nutella is keeping it under control.  We collected the team shortly after lunch.  All the gear went on a truck with Mattias.  It has been drizzling all morning the clouds look great on the huge mountains around us.</I></div> <div> <I>We are heading for Bwatnapne village under dual headsails, moseying along at a gentle 3.5 knots. We arrived to a nice anchorage, had dinner with just the crew on board even though all the boats are in the harbour at the one time. Siddiqi, McDiver, Windango, Another Angel (AA) and Drumbeat.  We could hear a string band on the shore and they played to the early hours of the morning.  I think they are raising funds for something in the village.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Saturday 11</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Woke to a lot of rain this morning and the team is supposed to catch a truck up to Lasisi village and do a clinic up there.  Chelsey is still sick so she and Marcus stayed here with us.  Only Mavis, Carolyn and Jeff went from here and the Ni Van Dentist and Jan went from AA.  A quiet morning with dolphins playing off in the distance and Ni Vans milling around the back of the boat watching the monkeys in the cage.  Damon still has a bit of a fever this morning and a cough however that didn't stop Brian from taking him out in the dinghy to chase dolphins.  Boys!!!  Brian and Marcus went for a snorkel while the rest of us relaxed on board.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>In the afternoon, we had a visit from a heap of local boys from the village.  Damon had to look after them while Brian was off snorkeling.   I got Haley to set the timer for half an hour and then I was going to tell them it was time to go.  Fortunately Brian came back before the time was up and I left him to deal with them.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Damon jumped in to have a swim with them even though he is still not healthy.  I guess he will survive.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Sunday 12</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Another lazy day as half the team is still up on the mountain.  The kids and I stayed home, Brian ventured ashore a few times.  The crew all arrived back shortly after dark.  They had a very good couple of days up in the mountains.  All very tired and ready for some good food and a soft bed.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e0cc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Two modes of transport" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e0ec2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Unusual building at Bwatnapne. A child minding centre??" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e10c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Sunset at Bwatnapne" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e12c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Brian Dodds relaxing in the soft evening light at a Nakamal" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e16c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Jean-Marc's restaurant" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e18c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Kava made the traditional way, by a young man in his late teens-early twenties." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Monday 13</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>The team stayed in Bwatnapne today to do a short clinic here in the coastal village.  At lunch time it was time to collect them and all the gear and set sail for Asanvari on the southern end of Maewo.    We hit 20.8 knots coming up the coast and decided to furl the drifter and put out the headsail.  The wind strength was just a bit strong reaching almost to 30 knots.  The guys on board seemed to really enjoy the chance to have a nice sail up.  We arrived at Asanvari in time for a snorkel. We found a really nice grotto along point.  Up in this channel was a real garden of coral.  There were some little clown fish and a great array of corals and fish.  It was really pretty. A quiet evening on the boat in a really pretty anchorage.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e1cc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="A picture is worth a thousand words......." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e1ec2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Mavis gives a leacture on womens health, or maybe self defence???" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e22c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Kerepei lunch spread." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e24c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="'Cooks Rock', supposedly engraved on his visit to Pentecost Island." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e2ac2580.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="600" ALT="Mountain of produce donated by the Kerepei locals in appreciation...." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e28c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Chelsea & Marcus" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Tuesday 14</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>The day started with everyone going ashore for the welcoming ceremony as in the other villages, however this one was marred by the soon arrival of an elderly member who was about to die.  She had been in hospital in Luganville but was bought home to die.  The team conducted their clinic during the morning and when the old lady arrive at around lunch time the tone of the village changed.  She died shortly after arriving and then the wailing began.   Brian and I and Damon and Sarah decided it was time to go back to the boat.  Haley was on the boat which was about 500m from the shore and she could hear the wailing from there.  It continued through the night on and off. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>We collected Haley and went back to this beautiful waterfall just near the village.  It runs really strongly and the kids played in the water for a while.   It was really lovely. Haley said it was the best waterfall she had ever seen. We had dinner on Drumbeat with the crews from McDiver and Another Angel.  There were discussions about the running and organization of PYM with Jeff who is a member of the board.  I am hopeful that some of our suggestions will be taken seriously.  It looks as though Haley is coming down with the dreaded wog now.  Feeling lethargic and stuffy in the head.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e2cc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="The beautiful anchorage at Asanvari" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e2ec2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Welcome speach by Chief Nelson at Asanvari yacht club" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e30fe520.jpg" border=0 width="254" height="338" ALT="The waterfall at Asanvari" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="20"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Wednesday 15</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Up early and set sail for Nasawa.  Only a short trip but had to motor some of the way as the winds were too light. The team went ashore and conducted the clinic even though we were a day early.  They had quite a few patients and enjoyed their time at Nasawa.  The kids and I stayed on board, Damon has kindly shared Geoff's wog with Haley who now has a raging temperature.  She is looking and feeling pretty horrible.  Damon did a bit of work on his diary and started a story.  I am struggling to get him to enjoy his diary. I read, cleaned up and cooked for dinner. </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e3ac2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Geoff & Carolyn" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e3cc2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Follow link to diving page" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"></I></div> <div> <I>Thursday 16</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>This morning we are supposed to be traveling further up the coast to the next village.  Brian D on AA has sailed up in order to find out how we are to get the team there as there is no anchorage at the village.  About an hour after they left. Tony from McDiver came over and advised us that about 40 people have just walked into Nasawa looking for the Doctors and Dentist.  We radioed AA and there was silence on the other end.  Mattias was stuck for words.  They finally decided to do Medical today as the Doctors were still here and come back with the Dentists tomorrow afternoon.  I hope their tooth aches are not too bad.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>The Catton's went for a snorkel this morning before all the drama started and then had to rush to get ready to go to shore to do another clinic.  It appears that we have been double booked in Nasawa and the next village, Kerepei.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Clinic in Nasawa was completed by about lunch time.  A truck came from the next village to collect the team.  The people of Kerepei had planned to do a custom dance and welcoming ceremony but because the medical team was still working in Nasawa cancelled it.  The only had a small ceremony instead.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Haley is still not well so we didn't go anywhere.  She needs to have rest and I don't think we will be able to go anywhere tomorrow either.  I wouldn't mind seeing Kerepei apparently there are large waterfalls and an exciting trip in the back of a truck up and down mountains and through gullies and creeks.   It is a really lovely anchorage here at Naravoro so it is not a problem to us to stay.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e3ec2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Everything, including the pig!!" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e40c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="Tossing pomplemousse up to the passengers on th elocal trading boat." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e4247520.jpg" border=0 width="327" height="338" ALT="Beach at Naravorovo" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="20"></I></div> <div> <I>Friday 16</I><I>th</I><I> August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Last Day of Clinic.  The team were up early and gone before I was even out of bed at 7 am.  They headed down to the clinic at Kerepei.   We had a rather lazy day chatting to the McDiver crew at morning tea and cleaning up and preparing dinner in the afternoon.  When the team came home at about 3pm, Haley and I decided to go for a quick walk along the beach.  We walked along the rocky shore to a small but fast running stream.  We struggled our way across the stream, trying not to lose our thongs.  There were a few Ni Van Ladies and a little girl doing there washing in the stream.  They must have thought that we needed help so they sent the little girl to help us find our way around up stream to where it was easier to cross.  The little girls name was Lucy and she kept saying “come here” to us like we were naughty children.  She was a sweet little thing. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>As we came around the road there were two little boys about 4 & 5 who were butt naked and sliding down a little grass hill on some up-turned palm fronds.  It was really funny to watch them and they were showing off for our benefit.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>We thanked Lucy and her mum for the tour and continued up the beach.   It started to rain so we waited under a rather large tree until it eased.  There were some men under another tree a few metres up and one of them came up to us and babbled something in either his own language or unrecognizable bislama.  He was pointing to the ground and then he said sht sht.  We looked and sure enough this tree must be the local small house.  We moved down the beach a bit further somewhat embarrassed and sat on a log that looked like others had sat on it before.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Some women came up to us and started speaking in bislama but we had we had a bit of trouble understanding them. They must have had trouble understanding us too as they didn't stay long.  Eventually Brian came and collected us and took us back to Drumbeat. We had a lovely evening with everyone from McDiver, AA, and DB on board, including the two Ni Van dentist.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e44c2520.jpg" border=0 width="450" height="338" ALT="The Vanuatu bob-sled team.....not a lot of future in that sport!!!" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e485ed30.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="467" ALT="Naravorovo, Mawoe Island" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e4a5ed30.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="467" ALT="Marcus with coral trout" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="20" VSPACE="20"></I></div> <div> <I>Saturday 18th August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>In the morning AA  & McD had already set off.  AA were going down to Nasawa to do some more dental work there and McDiver were heading towards Luganville.  They decided to stay on the top side of Ambae Island and were invited to a Wedding on Sunday.  We also set off for Luganville.  We had a scorching sail across sitting on 18 to 20 knots part of the way until we got behind the Ambae Island and the wind dropped out completely.  When we came back into the wind we set off again but this time the drifter halyard snap shackle let go and the drifter started to come down the furler.  We quickly furled it and put out the headsail and knocked the reef out of the main to compensate for the smaller sail.  The ride was no where near as comfortable and the speed dropped down to 10 to 12 knots.  We did the 60 mile stretch in 5 hours 45 min.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Back in Luganville! We went into town for dinner.  After watching the Windango dinghy make a bad sideways landing at the beach, Brian said "That's what we are not going to do" only we did it worse!! Damon fell over and got wet to his waist so we had to buy him some dry shorts at one of the general stores in town.  The rest of us got wet too but not as badly as Damon.  We had some rather bad Chinese at the only restaurant that was open and then headed back to the dinghy and got wet again getting back out to the boat.  </I></div> <div> <I>Everyone was in bed by 9.30 ready for an early flight out of Luganville.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Sunday 19th August 2007</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>It has been really nice to have these guys on board.  Mavis is a real goer.  She spends all her holidays in other countries doing volunteer work.  She is a doctor (Phd) and Midwife and spends a lot of time helping others.  A lovely lady in purple.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Carolyn and Geoff, our doctors, have been a delight to have on board as were there son Marcus and his wife Chelsie. They are hoping to come back next year and do it all again on Drumbeat.  We dropped them off at the beach early in the morning.  They fly into Vila today and back to Australia tomorrow.   They have been a great crew to have on board.  The team saw 577 medical patients; 345 dental patients with 450 teeth being pulled and 82 sets of glasses given out in 10 days.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>The PYM yachts for the 2007 season</B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="e4c5e070.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="263" ALT="Windango (Windamnslow), James & Carmella Ward" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e4e5e070.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="263" ALT="Siddiqi (Sir Ducky) Bob & Judy Mac Donell" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e502c230.jpg" border=0 width="300" height="291" ALT="Another Angel (Fallen Angel) Brian & Jan Dodds" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="20"><IMG SRC="e525e070.jpg" border=0 width="350" height="263" ALT="McDiver (Mack Driver) Tony, Carol & Sarah Batten" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> Siddiqi joined us after team two and Drumbeat had to finish the season early.  The four remaining boats did two more teams in the northern island chain, and had some amazing experiences.</div> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>