Misto - October 25-November 1, 2018: Reunion

The sail across to Reunion was fast and easy compared to the passage from Cocos Keeling. We did multiple sail changes as the wind came from several different directions during the trip and varied in strength. Arriving in Reunion, we berthed at Le Port with Aranui alongside us. It was all worthwhile as Misto for first place in the catamaran division for this leg.

Sunday was an all day tour of the island. Piton de la Fournaise, the volcano was the main destination. This is one of the most active volcanos in the world but all the activity is currently underground in larva tunnels. Lunch, a local market and some viewpoints completed the day.

Monday and Tuesday we buddied up with Steve and Anita from Timshel and set off in a rental car to explore Cirque de Cilaos, one of three Cirques creates by volcanic activity on the island. The incredibly winding road led up to a pretty town surrounded by beautiful scenery. We hiked to a viewpoint and late in the afternoon managed to locate a guest house for the night. Regine, our hostess, welcomed us warmly. She insisted, in French, that we should go to another Gite later for Ti Punch ie rum! Later we went to a local restaurant and enjoyed local specialities of smoked meat and lentils.

The following day we completed a circuit of the island, visiting a magnificent waterfall at Grand Galet and crossing larva fields on the south east of the island. The scenery is quite different on the two sides of the island as the eastern side is far more lush due to the very high rainfall.

Today we got a shot of adrenaline and Howard, Ros and Anita went paragliding. It was a simply amazing experience and gave us incredible views of the coast. It’s certainly something I would do again.

So now we are preparing to depart. The weather is still unsettled and we have no idea if we will have to take refuge in Madagascar along the way or if we will get a straight shot to Richards Bay.