Garove Island, Bismarck Sea, Papua New Guinea
This morning we cruised into the fantastic caldera that is the center of Garove Island. The inside of the island is all steep walls of green on volcanic ash and stone. Out of sight of the sea, the Oceanic Discoverer anchors in beckoning, clear blue water and launches our lander, the Xplorer, a covered craft able to carry us all to shore in one go.
We follow a colorful local boat to shore with splendidly decorated rowers and a singer wishing us well and welcome. At the dock there is a brief performance by yet another group of singers.
We are led by costumed dancers and musicians to a concrete stairway on the side of cliff that climbs to a lava plateau where there is a school, playing field, ceremonial field and a catholic church, St. Michaels. Here, we are treated to a number of performances by villagers in a variety of gorgeous native costumes - a number of performances because each clan wants to participate. Afterwards we are free to wander about with our new and very friendly acquaintances.
In the afternoon we take the Xplorer to the mouth of the caldera for watersports. We have diving, snorkeling and tours on a glass-bottom boat. The water is warm and the fish are amazing in color, form and motion. There is lots of light with the sun so high in the sky and I think that more than a couple of us are reevaluating our sun block strategy, I certainly am! Not a bad thing…
