30 Oct 2014

Maskelyn Islands Finale

Our final day of expedition activities dawned calm and sunny. After sunrise the Spirit of Enderby crept between the numerous reefs that surround the Maskelyn Islands to her anchorage. In the early morning light we could make out numerous sailing canoes for which this area in renowned, going about their business around the ship as the locals began their day. After breakfast we made our way in a Zodiac convoy to Laust Village where our arrival was heralded by the Laust String Band. After an exceptionally warm welcome we followed the trail through the forest accompanied by the calling of Dark Brown Honeyeaters and headed to a performance of the Smol Nambas Kastom Dance. Upon our arrival, men covered in yellowish clay and wearing only their characteristic small ‘Namba’ (penis sheaths) and high conical feather hats emerged from the forest and began dancing.

Ours ears rang with the rhythmic sound of the drums and stamping feet as they danced for us in the small forest clearing. Afterwards we returned to the main village for refreshments and enjoyed more music from the string band. Some of our group also took the opportunity to enjoy outrigger canoe rides or explore the village with Suzanne and the local guides.

In the afternoon we based ourselves on a long stretch of golden sand with coral reefs and sea grass beds offshore. This beach with its excellent visibility and great diversity of fish life provided a fitting finale to our expedition to discover the Secrets of Melanesia. At the end of our final day the chefs prepared a magnificent farewell feast which included local Maskelyn Islands oysters purchased from the locals during the morning.