Laughlan Islands, Papua New Guinea
During our last day in Papua New Guinea we visited the Laughlan Islands. To say that these islands are some of the most remote in Papua New Guinea makes a serious statement about how far you have to travel to reach them. However, it was not only the last day in this location, but also the last day that this ship will spend in Papua New Guinea during the 2006 South Pacific season. The time has come when the ship will be heading east, then continuing onward over the course of the next two months until it has crossed the Pacific Ocean and arrived in Chile.
We landed on the white sand beach next to the small village. The relaxed air of the village invited exploration and we wandered past thatched huts and into the bush where the locals eke a living from the poor soils. The larger trees were adorned with beautiful orchids, and rainbow lorikeets (small, colourful parrots) could be seen overhead. Many people noted that the gardens were fenced, the result of a simple choice: it seems easier to fence the pigs out that to fence them in. As a result the pigs have the run of the island, along with numerous chickens and dogs. In the village fishing nets were hung out to dry, with plastic floats and sea shell weights. The locals danced for us and sold handicrafts, a now familiar ritual but one which varies with each island.
So it was with some sadness that we left these friendly islands, not knowing when we may be here again. But there is always something to look towards and new acquaintances to make, and it was with the prospect of landfall in the Solomon Islands tomorrow that we set our course. But before dark the day still had a surprise in store for us. As dusk was setting in, a whale blow close to the ship proved to be a blue whale. We were fortunate to see this leviathan several times at close range before the light stopped play and we were forced to retire.
During our last day in Papua New Guinea we visited the Laughlan Islands. To say that these islands are some of the most remote in Papua New Guinea makes a serious statement about how far you have to travel to reach them. However, it was not only the last day in this location, but also the last day that this ship will spend in Papua New Guinea during the 2006 South Pacific season. The time has come when the ship will be heading east, then continuing onward over the course of the next two months until it has crossed the Pacific Ocean and arrived in Chile.
We landed on the white sand beach next to the small village. The relaxed air of the village invited exploration and we wandered past thatched huts and into the bush where the locals eke a living from the poor soils. The larger trees were adorned with beautiful orchids, and rainbow lorikeets (small, colourful parrots) could be seen overhead. Many people noted that the gardens were fenced, the result of a simple choice: it seems easier to fence the pigs out that to fence them in. As a result the pigs have the run of the island, along with numerous chickens and dogs. In the village fishing nets were hung out to dry, with plastic floats and sea shell weights. The locals danced for us and sold handicrafts, a now familiar ritual but one which varies with each island.
So it was with some sadness that we left these friendly islands, not knowing when we may be here again. But there is always something to look towards and new acquaintances to make, and it was with the prospect of landfall in the Solomon Islands tomorrow that we set our course. But before dark the day still had a surprise in store for us. As dusk was setting in, a whale blow close to the ship proved to be a blue whale. We were fortunate to see this leviathan several times at close range before the light stopped play and we were forced to retire.
