Transport arrived at 0730 as promised to take me to the airport to watch nagol (nanggol) or land-diving at Pentecost Island. After doing the rounds to collect various guests, we arrived at the airport. The weather wasn’t looking too good with rain, light winds but plenty of low expansive clouds without a hint of blue.
Meliana, the Air Taxis rep, said to wait while the boss makes a decision about the flights. The weather at Pentecost was OK, but it was the weather in Port Vila that was marginal. I chatted to Claude and Ishreen at Unity Airlines at the next counter and they were operating normally as they had twin-engined aircraft while Air Taxis had single-engine limitations.
After about 40 minutes, Meliana announced that the Pentecost flight could not operated today. However, they will organise it again for Monday, which is not the usual land-diving day. Not everyone that had booked could make it, so we may or may not have the required numbers.
I was disappointed at myself for not booking with Unity Airlines. But, maybe it is a blessing in disguise as the weather is expected to be glorious on Monday. While the weather improved around lunchtime, it deteriorated in the afternoon with strong winds but not so much rain. While they claim Pentecost weather was fine, I’m sure it was still overcast.
I wasted the day walking around town and hanging around the hotel. I approached a few guests to tell them about the extra Monday nagol trip to help ensure we have a quorum for the flight.
The weather on Sunday was better but not warm enough to make swimming enjoyable, especially with quite strong breezes. That meant two wet wasted days (and counting). It serves as a reminder that I should always allow extra time for activities that are dependent on weather and nature.
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- Looking out from the market area to Iririki Island.
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- At the market.
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- Scene outside the market; people leaving after selling their produce.
