Fun with out taxi driver (right) at sliding rock.
We have a week ahead of us in Samoa so lots of time to explore. After breakfast and a dip in the pool we take a taxi to ‘sliding rock’ which is a series of connected natural pools through which a river runs . Between the pools the river flows of smooth slippery rock that you can slide down.
The taxi driver knows the way and is keen to join us for a dip. We pay a small fee to the local villagers to access the pools and our taxi driver shows us how its done before we have a go. It’s lots of fun !
Overnight Samoa lose narrowly to Tonga in the Rugby World Cup. This is the continuation of a series of ten losses and the newspaper headlines shout out how shameful the loss against their near neighbours and arch rivals is. Hopefully England will face a backlash !!
We pick up our hire car today at midday and head across to the ferry port to catch a ferry to Savai’i.
Ferry between Opolu and Savai’i
The ferry crossing takes about an hour and a half with the ferry like a small cork (it is a very short and tall boat) buffeted by waves. Several people are sick but we are all ok.
Cari with the captain.
Ellie catches-up on Treasure Island.
On Savai’i we drive for about an hour north to a place called Fagamalo where we find accommodation in a small beach resort called Le Lagoto. The island of Savai’i is much less populated than Upolu and pigs and chickens wander into the road as we drive through the various villages along the way.
A cricket match, Savai-style.
Our accommodation fronts onto a bay with a beautiful beach which is lapped by a turquoise sea. We are the only people staying.
‘Our’ beach at Fagamolo, Savai. You can just make out two yachts in the bay.
There is a yacht in the bay and in the evening a small rowing boat is launched is heading our way. The occupants (whose name now escapes me) lands near us and we have a chat. He is and ex-military chap with a posh accent from Bath who has been sailing single-handed for the last ten years.
No fixed abode, the man from Bath heading back to his yacht with fresh provisions.
He’s come ashore to purchase some fruit and vegetables before he sails to Auckland ahead of the cyclone season. He plans to stay at Bayswater marina in Auckland for a couple of months. Reading between the lines it sounds like he has an income from a military pension and property and is living a frugal but comfortable life on his yacht.
An enviable position to be in and hats-off to his lifestyle choice !
NewZealandly 