Year Two
Date: 6/7/2009 14:00
Weather: Brilliant
Location: Kenutu Island (18 41.93' S, 173 55.72' W)
Author: Peter.

The whole region of Vavau is the result of tectonic uplift between the Indo Australian plate and the Pacific plate. Each island is based on exposed coral rock and limestone. These rocks are so different to anything we have seen before in Australia. The rocks tend to be a dark grey in colour and have the most jagged appearance I have ever seen. Shoes are a must for all soft feet and the universal boat shoe (crocs) are out in constant use. With weathering, the rocks have become rather holey, and this mixed with their closely packed sharp points would make them easy for rock climbers. You can also see old coral fossils within the rocks. The rock runs straight down to the waters edge where it has been undercut by wave action.

When you walk into the dense forest of the island it seems like it is always Autumn. A constant stream of leaves is falling from the canopy above. On the sandy atolls these decaying leaves seem to be the only nutrients available to future plants. When you sit down and just listen, it does sound a little like it would just after rain when only drips remain. The soil on the islands however does look really rich. It is either a dark red brown clay or a black as black can be granually soil. All the household or village gardens seem to love it.

It is also strange to find so much pumice stone. After working in the garage or with some messy product I would always clean my hands with this stuff. Here it just floats around waterways until it ends up on some beach. Maybe I should do an engine oil change while we are here so I still have access to it afterwards.

We saw our second sea snake this morning. It freaked Kylie out little. The first one was rather small and I spotted it looking through coral while snorkelling at the Japanese gardens. It was surprisingly beautiful being having black and white vertical strips. Todays one was not as attractive, swimming along in the shallows just near where we hopped out of the Kayak at Umuna Island. It was grey with black spots and twice the size of the previous one.

put snake photo here.

I wish we had had the Kayak with us last year. The two person Advanced Elements inflatable kayak we purchased earlier this year with our "Rudd Bucks" has been well worth it. Apart from giving us some bonus exercise it has allowed us to explore areas the duck can't get, and it is rather cheap to run.

The weather here during winter is wonderful. Every day no matter if the sun is shinning or if it is overcast seems to be in the high 20's. We live in minimal clothing, which is also great as it keeps the laundry load size down. The water is also about the same temperature. Although we still snorkel in wetsuits for the protection. Kylie who hates swimming in cold water has had no problem getting in. Only about two hours ago she was having a swim behind the boat.

Whales have apparently started to arrive so in a few days we will head back west a little and start to see them. We are still hoping to be able to get in and have a swim with them. Stay tuned for the photo's if we manage to pull this one off.

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