After a pleasant night with dinner ashore at the Guest House and listening to Ken Gourlay give a talk on his circumnavigation, this morning was full of excitement.
Around 0700 Ron watched the townspeople running away from the market area, We ended up watching an armed hold up of one of the market stores and the taking of hostages. Around 4-5 "villains" armed with shotguns and rifles fired shots and kidnapped the store owner, his wife and children.
They left by long boat and motored past the rally boats on their way out of Bwagaoia Harbour. We were keeping our heads down as they went past. With relief we realised that they had no interest in the rally yachts. The hostages were recovered later in the day, but not the "villains". Needless to say we were all thinking that we need to get out of "dodge".
As things settled down, the planned welcome of the rally yachts by the locals went ahead.
At midday we were met by dancers whom we followed up the street to the Guest House. This was followed further performances and the judging of the "Misima Girl". Over thirty entrants.
We then participated in an auction to raise funds for the health clinic at Nimoa Island and then a lovely early dinner at the guest house. Also cleared customs so we are now okay to leave at our leisure. Back on our yachts before dark.
On Friday night, Ken Gourlay gave a talk on his single handed and unassisted circumnavigation of the globe. Ken is on the rally yacht Allusive from Tasmania. By co-incidence I went to school with the owner/skipper in Launceston in the mid 60's. Small world.
Ken circumnavigated in 2006-7 and was the oldest Australian and first Tasmanian to do so. Great story. Also raised a lot of money for charity.
On our way to dinner we passed close to a 3m crocodile. Fun place.
Plan to head out Sunday.
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| Crocodile on the way to dinner |
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| Miss Misima Girl entrant |
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| More welcome performances. |
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| Rewards of Pem Pewa ceremony |
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| Welcome dancing at Bwagaoia |
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