Exploring New Cal's South Lagoon

We've met a very nice couple from Australia, Norbert and Sharon, their boat Cadeau is docked behind ours. They have been a fountain of information for us with regard to Noumea and for our upcoming trip to Australia. They walk everywhere! (We are getting better at that - taxi prices dictate!) We all hoofed off to the Yacht Club at Port Pleasance (a mere 100 miles away) in order to watch the semi final world cup rugby game between France and Wales. Upon entering the building the first people we see are David and Jacqui from Jackster, they have JUST arrived from Vanuatu. They've thrown the anchor out, changed their clothes and dingy'd over to watch the game. Jacqui is a ruby NUT. Glen and I are still trying to sort out the rules, but Norbert/Sharon and David/Jacqui are all happy to coach us through the game, even though the commentary is completely in French (only Jacqui speaks French). We have a great time razzing the fellows across the table who are cheering for France as we have all aligned ourselves with Wales on Jacqui's recommendation. It is a fun evening. On the walk back, Norbert and Glen whinned so much about being hungry that Sharon had us on for some snacks and of course a night cap.

It is Oct 16, 2011. We've walked to and from Mass on this lovely Sunday morning. David and Jacqui are at our boat when we return and the kidnap case of the Costa del Mar sunglasses is concluded. They return Glen's sunglasses. Coffee on the back of the boat is so much nicer when it is shared with friends. At 1:30 pm we cast the dock lines off to head out for 10 days of exploring the Southern Lagoon. The weather has been warm and windy but wind doesn't matter when you are on the dock.

Because it is a short day of cruising, we head for the north side of Ouen Island for a tiny indented bay, Kouo, arriving about 5:00pm. It is a lovely snug little bay surrounded by palm trees, mangroves and their famous towering pine trees. We are the only boat there. The late afternoon is magical as we relax on the back deck and watch Mother Nature get ready for night time. There are several turtles breaking the surface of the flat clam water as they bob up and down feeding. It is such a thrill to see them just doing their thing. The trees are filled with song birds that are trying to outdo each other with their music. Slowly darkness falls and everything becomes still and silent. By now Glen and I have finished our BBQ dinner and are on to our next level of entertainment, the underwater lights off of the back transom. It is very interesting to see what little sea creatures and fishes are attracted to the glowing lights. Tonight though, we attract something very un-desirable!

A small motor boat, overflowing with 9 young men, pulls suddenly up to our back swim grid. They are local Kanak men, all sporting "Bob Marley" hair-do's, and they have clearly been doing some sort of partying. They are all speaking loudly and at one time, each saying something different. These are not the shy respectful locals that we have become accustomed to from Fiji and Vanuatu. They are aggressive and bold. A demand for whiskey or beer! Where is the owner? How many people on board? This is OUR island! ... Glen managed to diffuse the situation like a true diplomat, discouraging them from coming on board and eventually getting an invitation to visit their village the next day. When they finally left to continue their "good times" we were sooo relieved. A snap decision was made to up anchor and head out in the darkness to someplace safer just in case they decided to come back later.

In the blackness of night we venture into Prony Bay, hoping that the charts are accurate so we don't run ourselves up on a rock. The big nickel mine on the shore of the bay is lit up like a small city. We coast into an area where there are several other boats and put down our anchor. Good night!

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