We had another wonderful day here in Vanuatu yesterday. Our lunch did get cancelled with Chessie in the village due to the lunch operation being shut down. We did however make it to the hot springs. Bill, Jim, and I dinghied into the shore and met two lovely ladies sitting under a tree. They were Ruth and Becky. I asked if we could go to the hot springs and Becky volunteered to show us the way. First, Becky took us to the springs located right on the shoreline. Bill and Becky walked out to check it out. Becky had placed her dinner into the springs. Jim and I cautiously waited on the sand while Bill and Becky walked close to the springs. Bill was shocked at the temp and hot-footed it back to the sand. Becky with no shoes did as well. They don't call them hot springs for nothing!!
Then she took us up a steep path to the forest and showed us several other springs along the way. The plant life and trees were just amazing along the route. It was cool and the air smelled wonderful. We saw several small pigs and piglets along the way. They were quite tame and would have eaten out of our hands. Becky showed us her village on our way back. At the end of our walk I had already decided to go back to the Crazy Horse and get a few items to give to Becky and her village. A man named Jack met us on the way back and requested some shirts and shoes if we had any. So we returned back to the shore and gave them some shirts, flip flops, and shoes. Jim gave them some really spiffy YMCA shirts which they were wild about. They loved the great colors and designs. They were very appreciative.
Today we will have a welcoming ceremony where we bring gifts to the village. They in return have a welcoming ceremony for us, will teach us how to make baskets out of palm leaves, and have a feast for us tonight. It sounds exciting! We will take pictures and have the cameras charging.
Last night we had a great dinner aboard A Lady. They are charming hosts and a wonderful time was had by all. It appears there is no shortage of good cooks on that yacht. Their world is your Oyster. Before dinner we had sundowners aboard Chessie. They make a world famous rum punch that will knock you on your .... after half a glass. They as well are wonderful hosts and have such a warm inviting atmosphere in their cockpit. There are lights, candles, music and interesting conversation.
So today is the feast and tomorrow we leave for Port Vila. After all this eating any weight I may have lost has returned. So when I return home I won't look as overworked and gaunt as I would have liked.
Rosemary, Bill, Matt, and Andrew