Sailing to Uoleva Island

The winds were building so we were up at dawn and off to the secure anchorage at Uoleva Island. By 0645 the anchor was up and we were on our way in time for a beautiful sunrise over the ocean while having our morning  cups of tea and coffee.

Not long out of the bay and away from the reef near the island we were treated to a spectacular show by two adult whales and a calf as they continued to swim about 300 metres away from Salacia as we sailed alongside of them for 20 minutes. The adult whales appeared to be teaching the calf to breech in the choppy windswept seas, and it was a quick learner, outdoing its parents in all manner of spectacular breeches. They competed with each other, continually breeching, while we sailed slowly along with them. Unfortunately we needed to change course to head to the new anchorage so we left the whales frolicking while we sailed on.

Whale & her Calf

By 1000 we were anchored safely as the winds increased in strength. As it was “father’s day” in Australia, we had a special brunch of baked beans, bacon and egg on toast made from Cyndy’s specially made bread.......delicious! As we were unexpectedly in mobile range, we spoke to both Cherie and Naomi and was spoilt for the rest of the day. We even enjoyed Cyndy’s freshly baked mixed berry muffins.

Cyndy on the Phone to Cherie & Naomi

Peter and Mary on Asolare also anchored nearby and as they had been here earlier on their trip they suggested a visit to a resort close by called Serenity Beach. We went ashore in dinghies and walked up the beach to a Bali style building where sand was washed off feet in a large bowl at the foot of the steps and all guests at the tables were bare footed. Dinner was Tongan style with our first taste of Casava made into small fritter type servings along with slices of pork from a pig on the spit. All lighting was from candles and hurricane lamps so although the mood was relaxed it was a little difficult to see exactly what we were eating. The eight guests at the small resort were all from Australia so we found out a little more about the latest electoral updates. The walk back along the beach to the dinghies was interesting as small crabs ran from all directions as we went along the damp sand. It was a very interesting evening but we were all happy to be back on the yacht safely as the winds began to increase in strength.  

Anchorage at Uoleva Island. Asolare in the foreground.