28 Oct - Nic's Dive Trip

Nic and a heap of friends drove to the other side of the island for a couple of dives. This side doesn't get dived often as the swell usually comes from this direction. As a result of the constant swell the corals weren't as good as where we normally go but it was a good opportunity for her to dive without me supervising her gear. Nic enjoyed the day but it was very long, leaving home about 8am and home about 6pm.

 

 These little buggas are everywhere over here.

 

 A very large plate coral, pretty cool.

 

 Yet another anemone loaded with clown fish.

 

 Lots of boulders and broken reef.

 

 Still it looks like it was interesting enough for a one-shot dive.

 

 A single piece of black coral holding on for dear life.

 

 A very colourful soft coral.

 

 Nic loves starfish, this one was tucked away out of the current.

 

The water was definately clean enough to see quite a way. I can only wish Perth waters are like this when I start chasing lobsters again next year.



Climbing Sokez Rock

One of the things that I've wanted to do was to be up on Sokez Rock when the United plane landed. I've climbed Sokez once before and it was an awesome experience. I had no problems talking myself into doing it again when Mike and Alex asked me to join them.

 

 Alex is our mate, but today he was also our guide. He has climbed just about everything there is to climb on Pohnpei.

 

 Before you even get to the rock you have to climb up through the forest that surrounds it's base. Mike and I agreed that doing this was actually harder than the vertical climb up the rock.

 

 Once you get through the forest part you are met with this view. Somewhat daunting but we weren't backing down now.

 

 A friendly local questioning our sanity I'm sure.

 

 And up we went.

 

 The view from the top looking towards the airport.

 

Looking straight down, yep it's a long way.

 The Maritime Wing sits in silence. You can see just how close we are to the island's rubbish dump here, providing us a 'lovely' smell when the wind is right.

 

 Alex taking a well deserved break.

 

 The reason way we are on top of a very big rock. To be honest it wasn't as spectacular as I imagined, but it's a been there.

 

 About to land.

 

 A quick time-delay photo to celebrate the occasion.

 

 The top of the rock is covered with pineapple plants. They are definately in a safe location.

 

 Climbing down is often more dangerous than climbing up. But with no time-pressure we stopped for a few pictures.

 

A great experience to share with Mike.

 The not-so-steep part.

 

Steady as she goes.

 



The climb down through the forest across giant roots and moss cover boulders was challenging and we were glad to be back at the car. A quick swim in the ocean for a much needed cool-off and then it was back to wives and children.

21 Oct - Diving Ant Chanel

With the boat packed and secure for the trip back to the main land we stopped at the chanel out of Ant for a dive. The current was stronger than expect and after getting out of the boat and then back in again to relocate to a different spot we were away. It was a great dive, but being slightly hungover and tired we came up well before running out of air.

 

 Plenty of fish even at depth in the chanel. This is some sort of boxfish or pufferfish: I think.

 

 The colours of the fish and water clarity made for a visual spectacle.

 

 The ever present Nemos.

 

 Dull-coloured hard corals but interesting shapes all the same.

 

 A bit of 'photo-cropping' and this isn't such a bad photo.

 

 Definately not a barren landscape on the bottom with lots of little hidey holes for the fish.

 

 Looking up from about 15 metres you can see how calm the day was. Perfect.

 

A 'signing-off' nemo shot to end an awesome dive.

 

We trolled all the way home for one more wahoo, the marlin eluded us again. Next time.....

20/21 Oct - Overnighter on Ant Atoll

After our dive at the back wall and then a quick snorkel at the pass we headed over to the beach and set up camp. Nic and I decided to sleep in the back of the boat, which was great until it started to rain..... But the rain was short and the rest of the night was peaceful, kid-free bliss.

 

 Home Sweet Home. Definately a picture perfect location.

 

 Moving up to the front of the boat to get the anchor ready.

 

 After all that hard swimming it was time for a beer.

 

 Super Model Mummy before the cocktails kicked in.

 

 The crabs were safe this time, no kids to harass them.

 

 Cocktails out of coconuts, does it get any better.

 

 Definately a great way to watch the sun go down.

 

 Our boat driver Francisco rounded up some driftwood for a beach bonfire.

 

 Enjoying some 'quiet time'.

 

 The Australian Embassy boat anchored safely for the night.

 

 The clouds played the game and gave us a quite a pretty show at sunset.

 

 The campsite and bonfire in full flight.

 

 After reheating some spagetti bog for dinner it was time to relax for a while before climbing into the boat.

 

 Not a bad sight to start the day.

 

 Bacon and Egg muffins for breakfast. Yep we did it tough.

 

 Doing the dishes local style.

 

 'The Supervisor'

 

 After a nice coffee on the beach we went for a walk and snorkel.

 

 We are going to miss the opportunity to do things like this whenever we want.

 

 A nice big brain coral.

 

 Super calm conditions.

 

 I've snorkelled this place plenty of times and never noticed this one before. Very cool.

 

 Nat Geo sort of stuff.

 

 So many different things to see under the water.

 

Nic with her wahoo from the day before.

 

All good things must come to an end. So we left the beach about 1pm and headed back to the pass for a dive on the way out.