While walking along a dirt track skirting the island of Nguna in Vanuatu, I spied a tiny trail leading down to a glimmer of blue.
I can never resist a mystery trail so I clambered down the little hill, stepping carefully over a tangle of vines until I found a gap in the trees and emerged onto this hidden beach.
After the relative cool of the bush, the searing heat hit me like a blast from a furnace as I stepped out onto the sand. But the sight of stark black lava rocks from a long dormant volcano was worth the threat of sunburn and heat stroke.
I investigated tidal pools and scrambled atop rocks and sandy cliffs for great views of the Coral Sea and nearby islands.
Peering through another gap in the bush I saw sheets of rain falling across the bay. I was cutting it close with my ambling, but some things are worth risking a drenching.
I loved watching these island children laughing uproariously as they chased each other hand-over-hand around the boat. They caught me smiling at them and waved wildly, calling out hellos at the top of their lungs.
A bit further down the track I came upon these dapper fellows lined up on a fallen log in their Sunday best. I couldn’t resist having a chat with them and had to laugh as they answered each of my questions in loud unison. When asked if I could take their picture they squished closer on the log and assumed their most cool poses, hollering good-bye as I headed back to town.
I glanced out to sea in time to see rain plummeting into the surf only a few yards from shore. I dashed back to my bungalow as the first drops began to fall.
I was in for a doozy of a boat ride across the stormy Coral Sea.
What’s the wildest storm you’ve ever been in?
I think heavy rain would make me extend my stay. Except you had that lovely farm to get back to, so maybe not.
I did miss my farm very much, Deanna. 🙂 But the heavy rain was such an adventurous twist to my journey. I loved it! 🙂
Wow, so gorgeous Krista – I love the black “rocks” contrasted with the sparkling blue. The kids are adorable too… I’m sure they loved chatting with you!
I loved the contrast too, Tuula – SO striking. 🙂 And the kidlets were awesome and cracked me up. 🙂
How absolutely gorgeous.
I’m so glad you like it, Linda. 🙂
LOVE those black rocks! They almost made me think they were some sort of large, lazy, sea creatures sunning on the beach.
As always, loved reading this!
Oh, wouldn’t it have been fun to spot a sea turtle, Melody? 🙂 I would’ve loved that. 🙂
Your photo essay brought back memories. I was in Vanuatu in March during a South Pacific cruise.
What a gorgeous spot for a cruise, Donna! All those beautiful little islands. 🙂
Sounds like an amazing way to wile away a few days in the beauty of the islands.The storms I remember most are when I was in Jamaica and there were torrential storms at 4:00 on the dot every day. It rained for less than 5 minutes and then dried up, the shone shone and everyone carried on for the rest of the evening.
That is so interesting, Val! Imagine being able to anticipate rain like clock work. 🙂 My Aussie friends tell me that it used to be like that here as well. They used to count on a rain storm every afternoon around 3 p.m. 🙂
your photos are just exquisite! wish i was on a beach right now…sigh…
Thank you so much, Jennifer! It was such a gorgeous place to take pictures. 🙂
Krista what an incredible place. It feels that summer will never come to San Francisco. I miss having the tips of my fingers and toes warm walk in shorts, tshirt and flip flops 🙂
Oh well Spring is here and pretty soon temperature should rise a bit and I will be happier! Lovely trip you had! Cheers. Heguiberto
It truly was wondrous, Heguiberto. 🙂 I wish you summer in your beautiful San Francisco very, VERY soon. 🙂
Glad you didn’t get lost in all your adventurous wanderings 🙂 Oh, how I envy you, though I think one day would have barely whetted my appetite and I would have longed for at least a week 🙂
I’m glad too, Darlene! 🙂 That would’ve been an adventure I’d like to avoid. 🙂
I don’t know about wild storms since I try to forget these. I was once on a flight between Barcelona and Madrid and the plane was so bumpy that when we landed several passengers were sprawled out on the seats and at least three had used the on-board bags. Not good.
My folks once took a cruise and were struck by a hurricane. Sort of on the side. The boat was so choppy that they nearly lost it.
Oh my, Stevie! Those experiences sound dreadful. I only like storms when I am safe. They’re positively terrifying otherwise. So glad you all made it through those misadventures unscathed.