15 Oct 2014

Rabaul Ramble

After another beautifully calm night sailing the Melanesian seas the Spirit of Enderby arrived off Kokopo at dawn. Shortly after our arrival the birders headed for the hills. After a pleasant drive on surprisingly good roads, they found themselves wandering amongst tree ferns at the pleasantly cool higher elevation. The group enjoyed some excellent sightings with Finsch's Imperial Pigeon and the Black Honey Buzzard being particular highlights. The main party departed from Kokopo at a more respectable hour with Suzanne and Connor to explore Rabaul’s volcanoes and history. Highlights included General Yamamoto's bunker, the Rabaul Volcanic Observatory and Kokopo Market with all the hustle and bustle of a market day in full swing. Elsewhere in the market, Chef Cath Thorpe, Cruise Director Meghan Kelly and Expedition Leader Nathan Russ shopped for fresh fruit and vegetables. They are shown below making their way back to the ship with their purchases.

Lunch was served once everyone was back aboard as we sailed for the Duke of York Islands, where a very pleasant late afternoon was spent snorkelling and enjoying a cold beverage or two on the beach!