After clearing in at Noro on Monday, we motored around the Kula Gulf to anchor for the night at Vovohe Cove on Kolombangara. We had stopped here overnight once before but had not stayed long. We arrived at the entrance after dark, however it is a relatively easy entrance to navigate, and we anchored in 27m in the middle of the Cove. It is a still night and the stars reflected on the water as we settled back on the anchor chain. The electric fence was set up as a precaution, however as usual there were no screams in the night to tell us it was working, and there wasn’t a volunteer on board to test it.
Looking back to the entrance from our anchorage, Vovohe village is on the left
The next morning, we were greeted by a big smile and a bunch of handpicked flowers from Insito Galo, a 25 year old local guy. He welcomed us to the bay, and told us of the highlights we could visit, including the river, and their local community pipe band. When I suggested a dive at the entrance, he offered to be our guide and would return at 10am to take us out. He also arranged for the pipe band to play for us later in the day. We were happy to chill out for the day, so we happily agreed to the agenda, and he was happy to accept a flash drive from us.
The dive turned out to be a real downer as Linda’s camera housing flooded, ruining her Nikon D300 and prized 105mm macro lens. Damon and I continued the dive as Insito took Linda back to the boat to try and deal with the camera. The dive was OK, but hard to enjoy knowing the trauma Linda was going through.
Some girls from a nearby village bring us flowers
After lunch we received a text from Insito telling us his uncle had caught a big mackerel which we could buy for $150 SID ($30AUD) if we liked. We went over to the shore, and decided to take just one fillet for $75 as we couldn’t fit the whole beast in the freezer! I was amazed at the rig he had landed this with, looked like 10lb line with a 4/0 hook on a hand line. Quite skilful.
Whilst I took the fresh fillet out to the boat freezer, the pipe band set up and we then wandered up the hill and were treated to a few songs from the pipe band and lady singers. Check out the video below for one of the songs. So simple yet so skilful, and performed by kids from 8-20 yeas old. They must do a lot of practice. The band has up to 18 pipe wackers at its peak, but many were away at the time, boarding school, work etc. The whole community supports the kids, and the joy on their faces tells the story.
After a stroll around the village we returned to the boat for a peaceful nights rest, awaking to the reflections on the mirror like cove. Insito brought his little niece out to say goodbye before we departed.
Kolombangara Volcano forms a dramatic backdrop
Insito and his niece come out to say goodbye
Vovohe Pipe band performance...
