Day 3

Sorry to report that it has been another amzing day here in 'the happiest place on earth' - sorry for you, not us!

We had an early start to the day for breakfast at 7 as we were due to be picked up from the ferry shack at Port Vila at 8. So began our day with us thinking that perhaps we had booked the adventure tourism outing - we had Michel Schumacher's Vanuatuan cousin pick us up in his Toyota Hiace and perform some low flying manouveres (some of them VERY low flying into the numerous potholes) as we travelled to the other side of the island.

We emerged from a clearing to see a 2 masted schooner upon a turquoise ocean beyond a golden beach. Toni and I both gasped at the sight of it, so sudden and so perfect. And yes, thats what we were there for - our day trip on the ocean.

We were ferried out to the boat on a motorised barge and , once another 2 van loads of passengers had arrived, headed under motor over the channel to Moso Island. We disembarked there to look at the turtle farm that they have there which is devoted to continuing the turtle population.

Next we were back on the boat and motored around to the other side of the island and moored off a beautiful beach. We were ferried to the beach to drop our gear and then those who wanted to snorkel (definitely us!) were taken out to a reef on the edge of a drop off to the Pacific. It was gobsmacking! The water was clearer than when we snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef so the colours were extraordinary and SO many beautiful and interesting fish and coral. Just magical.

Too soon, it was time to head back in and we had a barbeque lunch before lying in the sun and having a wee bubbly as today's birthday drink (as this is Tony's birthday trip, we must have a happy birthday moment every day you see).

Around 2:30, we headed back to the Coongoola (who was the mother ship for the Sydney to Hobart race in the 50s and 60s) and the crew unfurled the sails to prepare to sail back. Unfortunately, somebody had become sick (probably too much sun and too much beer - some of the Aussies can chug it back!) which meant that we had to take the sails back down again and motor home. Ah well, it was still an amazing day and I'm sure we will still find some sailing time before we come home.

Tonight we are hanging out at home, having been to the supermarket for bread, cheese and choccy. A fab end to a fab day. Tomorrow we are hiring a car to do some more tripping around exploring the island. Will let you know what treasures we find.

We have all been thinking of you, our families, missing you even though we are having a wonderful time. Love to you all from us all xxxx