Our first full day at Punawan Island.. Blue skies wind E-SE 10-12 knots.
We went ashore this morning to be warmly welcomed and given a guided tour of the island.
Walked to the eastern shore via a water well in the middle of the Island. The water is brackish and only used for washing and cooking. The locals rely on coconut water for sustenance. We also watched the locals preparing the Copra for transport to Alotau. They are all from Brooker Island (35 nm East) and will be returning there over the next weeks.
This afternoon about 13 Sailaus arrived enroute from Legend island (to the west) on the way to Brooker Island. They will overnight here at Punawan.
The Louisiades is one of the few places in the world where the outboard motor and long boat have not yet taken over. Nearly all trade and transport is via the Sailaus.
Also this afternoon, we traded for some crayfish and coral trout. As an example, for two crayfish we traded, one tee shirt, 2 fishing reels with line and hooks, four AA batteries and a plastic bottle (for bailing out the Sailau).
Life is still tough in Paradise.
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| Chopping up Copra for Market |
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| Climbing to collecting PNG PK!(chewing gum) |
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| Salacia off the beach at Punawan |
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