Exploring Noumea, New Caledonia

In between boat projects, estimates, ordering parts and waiting for deliveries, we have been enjoying the beautiful spring weather, catching up with friends and exploring Noumea.  We can only describe this island as a paradise of beauty, convenience, and good services.  It is quite a change from the developing countries we have been in the last six months.  Noumea is like the French Riviera.

When we limped into Noumea two weeks ago, friends on Tahina, Karen and Frank were already here and awaiting new batteries for their cat.  Trim with Ken and Lori, pulled in the Friday after arrival, and Serenity, Baja Ha Ha compatriots - Sherry and Gordon, came in a day or two later, along with Lila and Klaus on Comedie whom we had met in Luganville.  Friends that we met in Port Villa, Kay and Steffan on SV Fruity Fruits, are also here as semi-permanent residents this season.

With friends, we have shopped, coffeed, eaten French pasteries, walked, shopped, coffeed, eaten French pasteries......Yes, life is good!

Karen SV Tahina, Lori SV Trim, Sherry SV Serenity

On Friday of last week, we were notified that our hydrovane had arrived in Noumea.  We sent in the appropriate paperwork and were hoping to have it sometime today (Monday), but it hasn't arrived yet.  Hopefully we will get our new vane this week. The welding and davit repair is almost finished. The back of the boat will need some cosmetic work in Australia, but is ready for the vane and davits to be reinstalled.   So things are coming along, not quite as fast as we hoped, but we're still hoping to leave here for Australia within the next two weeks.

Since we have been here, we have attended a World War II/911 Commemoration of Americans,

hiked the mountain to Fort Terek,

found a geocache, logged in our travel bugs, visited the City Center, Flea Market,

Commercial Fair, New Caledonia Museum,

zoologic and botanical gardens, 

cultural center, 

Men's Dream in Every Culture

Palm Beach,  

and Aquarium. 

Most of our friends have left for cruising grounds around Noumea, and we are feeling a bit lonely here with the exception of Kay and Steffan.  We'll keep you posted about our plans to leave for Australia.  In the meantime, we are enjoying ourselves.  Looks like we may be celebrating Russ's birthday here next week.  Cheers!

All is Well with the 2 Sail R's on the Sailing Vessel Worrall Wind