Really? Perching on the edge of an active, exploding volcano, where the thunderous sound alone is enough to send you screaming back to safety?
I knew that I’d be overcoming fear when it came to sailing on this adventure, but not every day in every way! Again, we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We saw the inside of the earth explode.
Tanna Island was one of the worst hit by Cyclone Pam. They’re rebuilding but they were without medical support for a long time. The visitor centre at the bottom of the volcano was demolished.
The people were lovely yet quiet.
We want to come back here to see the rest of the island. There’s the fascinating John Frum ‘cult’ – locals who worship an American who perhaps once bought supplies. Some of the other boats tried to visit their festival night but almost killed themselves in their dinghy getting round to the village.
Leaving here, hurt.
Our guide didn’t have shoes or a headlamp. I gave him mine but without batteries, what’s the point? That’s what we’ve seen the Chinese do…give free solar panels to villages (for fishing rights?) but leave them unable to fix the panels or afford to replace the batteries. Junk.
Dean loved the insane ride up to the volcano. I had my eyes closed a lot.
This tree defied the cyclone. That’s me at the bottom. I walked around it, holding on to it’s hanging branches and whispered, “It must of been scary. I hope you’ll be okay next time too.”
The make-shift visitor centre.
Some of the rock on the way up the volcano. I thought it looked like gluten and dairy free carob muffins.
Yep.
Safely back at the bashed-up ‘Yacht Club’ at Port Resolution for a beer. The next day they were starting to rebuild the bungalows next to the Club. We really wanted to stay and help build, but I had my own little volcano erupting – a ruddy huge coldsore! Adventure was wearing me down. So while people needed our help I spent two days watching TV episodes of Private Practice. Crappy, crappy guilt.
Sailing is Not Scary 
HI AGAIN YOU TWO INTREPID TRAVELLERS – You really are experiencing every thing on your sailing trip. That volcano looks rather awesome and I admire you guys for standing on the edge like you did. Janie, you’ll never be scared of anything on your return to dull old NZ!! Thanks again for your videos and great commentaries on your trip etc.
LOVE AND ALL THAT,
COLLEEN AND DAD.
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