Island Hopping...

After having 12,988 vendors ask us "Sir, Island hopping?" the conditions were right and we booked our boat. The wind had decreased significantly over the last day or so and it was a relatively smooth water awaiting us as we arrived at Station one on White Beach for our tour. We booked through Alta Vista and I was a bit nervous about how that would work but once again talking to the manager everything is smooth.

We were picked up at the hotel and driven to the beach with our guide and owner of the company Salvae (not sure of the spelling of this name) it was of course a beautiful morning and we waited a bit for the boat to come by but it was thankfully covered because it was to be a scortcher of a day. We headed south along the lee side of the island getting a great view of the beach from the water. some nice coral exists at the south end of the island but we were heading to Crocodile Island, so named because it actually does kind of look like a crocodile. Heading around the south tip of the island we encountered some swell but it was head on and kind of fun.

The snorkelling site is actually in the lee of the island and was, as expected packed. Fortunately nobody here swims well so they all "snorkel" in constant contact with the boat. Tony, Karla, and I had a splendid time cruising the 2-4m water for about 45minutes. Salvae and the skipper took Ruth and Sean to the beach for some sand time and we snorkeled. It was better than I had expected, saw a school of batfish, an eel, lots of sargeant majors, and some expectant black fish that were so ready to be fed they nibbled our hands. Coral was okay in spots but will be destroyed eventually because it is just common practice to chuck anchors over the side onto the coral below. I know I am forgetting stuff but the fish life was good.

We swam to shore got the boat and headed to Crystal Cove a beach that you pay to come ashore on but offers nothing. Tony and I snorkeled in a strong current with some interesting coral and deeper cooler water. Current was pretty strong though and you had to watch were you were. Sean and the ladies quickly found out there was nothing redeeming about the island and we headed to our next stop. The wind and swell were at our back now and we had fun "surfing" some of the swell as we headed back west to the calm side of the island.

Last stop was right out in front of Diniwid beach at a place called Baling Hai. Some good coral there but the it is getting destroyed by anchors. I witnessed our boat anchor ripping up coral while we were there. Back for lunch to the hotel.

FOOD REPORT:

I had Mami - a philippino noodle soup which was great. Karla had veggie noodles, I forget what Ruth and Tony had but I am sure we can fill this in later.

After lunch we played at the pool til nap. Karla and I headed for D'mall for our second Date of the trip and Sean slept over at Gramma and Opa's. Karla and I had gelato and foot massages, with Karla getting a pedicure as well.