Advertisement
We stayed near Noumea for our last night on the boat, because it had to be returned at 8 AM in the morning. Our anchorage in Baie de Sainte Marie protected us from the fierce easterly winds that played havoc the previous night. This time we were safely tucked away in a cove that was protected by a small hill. The location itself wasn’t spectacular. No crystal-clear waters, corals and fish here. But we did see some soldiers doing some sort of training on the beach with what looked like proper automatic machine guns. And just to the left of them a school group sailing small catamarans. To their right the rest of the school kids kayaking. They didn’t seem to have any problem with me walking around very close to their training drill to explore the island either. That is something I can’t imagine happening in Australia. Likewise, I can’t imagine the sailing and kayaking happening in that strong wind. Our Nanny state mindset would prohibit any sort of danger or discomfort for our young ‘uns.
When we got to Noumea, we headed off to the Hilton for three nights, and we had imagined laying beside a pool in
sunshine, sipping cocktails whilst Nathan was entertained with other families’ kids. Well, June is not the sunny time of year and there was more wind, cloud and rain than what we were hoping for. So, we had to find other ways to occupy ourselves. Unfortunately, Noumea didn’t have many interesting sites to keep us entertained in the questionable weather. We went for walks and found a few parks. The highlight was a visit to the aquarium. Then there were also some decent restaurants where we ate with Jeff and Lyn.
I noticed lots of good sporting facilities in Noumea and they were all being used. There are cycling lanes and paths to keep riders safe from cars, lots of soccer pitches, some basketball courts, a horse racing course, swimming pool, rugby, bocce, volleyball and tennis.
Nathan had another birthday overseas and got a nice present from Jeff and Lyn. LEGO is always a winner. He charmed the receptionist and lined up on the morning of the 29
th for the kiss he had been promised. There was also a present waiting for him on the table when we came home that afternoon. The rest of his birthday celebrations will
Coconut square
At the end of the square there was a stage and a band playing. have to wait until he is back in Australia, where a scooting party is on the agenda.
So that is it for New Caledonia. Sailing the lagoon was fantastic, but spending time in Noumea was less interesting to all of us. There are a few more videos from the time on the boat below.
Feeding sharks at night. They are eating the prawn heads and shells left over from our dinner.
Whale in the lagoon.
Walking starfish. At piscine natural on the isle of pines we saw these long-legged starfish and this is how they move.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.365s; Tpl: 0.01s; cc: 9; qc: 48; dbt: 0.0597s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb