We spent 5 days in Luganville, more than we would like. Other than
being able to buy food and extend our visas there is really not much attractive
about Luganville. In World War II there were over 100,000 American in
Luganville to defend from Japanese attack. The town swelled by more than 10
fold. There are some interesting artifacts left from the war. We snorkeled/dove
on million dollar point, which is where the Americans dumped hundreds of
trucks, bulldozers, tanks, etc. after the war because the ni-Van government was
too corrupt to pay for any of it. There were also 2 ships that sunk there more
recently. All of this was accessible from an attractive park on the beach. The
day we went was extremely windy, so we went inside the thatched building to
enjoy our picnic lunch.
Sketchy lighthouse tower Axel and Gigi climbed
Gary and Gigi diving Million Dollar Point
As soon as Sam left for the airport we headed north to Oyster Bay.
We caught a massive yellow fin tuna on the way and have been eating like kings
for 5 days off it. We initially anchored at the outer anchorage, but got the
nerve up to move to the inner anchorage when we heard that there was a threat
of a tropical depression/cyclone heading our way. Fortunately that fizzled out
and we didn't even get any strong wind. The pass is narrow, shallow and filled
with coral, so we waited until 1 hour before high tide and went for it. The
shallowest part is right at the end and by the time you get there you are fully
committed, there is no possibility to turn around or back up. Gary and Gigi
were on the bow spotting the pass and I was driving. As I was calling out the
depths my voice kept getting higher and higher as the water below the keel got
skinnier and skinnier. Ultimately we had
2" to spare. None of us are looking forward to leaving, but we plan to
head out 30 minutes before high tide, maybe that might give us an extra inch or
two.
Oyster Bay has lots of activities to offer, and a very secure anchorage off the friendly Oyster Island
Resort. We have enjoyed snorkeling the pass and outside reef, kayaking and
paddle boarding the rivers, swimming in the blue holes, listening to music at
the resort,...
We took the dinghy up the river to Matevulu Blue Hole. The jungle
growth along the river is so lush it reaches out and grabs you. The kids found
some vines to swing on. At the blue hole there is a massive banyon tree that
you can climb up and swing from a rope into the water. There is a second blue
hole up the RiriRiri River that we plan to explore today.
Yesterday we headed into Luganville to dive the USS Coolidge. This
ship sank close to shore during WWII from a friendly mine, making it a great
dive site. It is a very deep dive, so Axel could not do it. So Gigi, Gary and I
dove twice on the wreck. On the first dive our guide lead us through one of the
cargo holds where you could see bulldozers, boots, gas mask, etc. On the deck
he showed us mortars and guns.
The second dive was inside the wreck to see the white lady artwork
in the first class smoking room. She is at 130 feet deep and inside, so Gigi
was nervous, but after the dive she decided it was one of the coolest things
she has done. Gigi and I stroked the unicorn mane, Gary stroked her breasts.
Also in this room were a few chandeliers and some light came in through the
port holes above us. As you exit this room, you swim up through the elevator
shaft where rays of light shine down on you. It was fascinating seeing the ship
and all of the possessions that were left behind on her.
Photo of the White Lady (from the internet)
Calm winds and fair seas,
Julie
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