18 Oct 2014

Choisul, Solomon Islands

A new day and a new country. This morning we arrived in the Solomon Islands, so the first task of the day was to find the customs officials and bring them aboard. Formalities over, it was time to board the Zodiacs and make our way towards the Sui River where an enjoyable morning was had by all as we cruised slowly upstream through the mangrove forest and then into the mature rainforest of Choisul. Overnight there had been a heavy rainfall so the river was quite high which enabled the Zodiacs to navigate further than usual upstream towards the Sui Falls which were a real treat in full flow. While cruising we were treated to some great bird sightings including Ultramarine, Little, Beach and Collard Kingfishers as well as large flocks of Cardinal Loris and a nesting pair of Eclectus Parrots. From the Sui River it was straight to Poro Poro Village where the traditional warrior challenge was followed by a warm welcome.

The village had laid on a great spread of fruit to refresh us and then put on a series of excellent demonstrations including clay pot making and basket weaving. In the afternoon the swimmers relaxed on a beautiful white sand beach while the snorkellers experienced the reef in the local conservation reserve. Now as the sun sets we are on course for yet another action packed day at Kolombangara.