September 24, 2013
As we motored down towards the head of Mbavatu Harbor, the scenery became more and more impressive. The mountains were higher and steeper, covered with lush rainforest.
There was a small island up near the head of the bay, the shallow water around it a beautiful blue-green. We made an attempt to anchor nearby and found that the water went abruptly from too shallow to very deep, about 70 feet and didn’t have good holding. Getting more worried about our predicament, we brought the anchor up, moved to another spot, and tried again. This time it was much better, not perfect but satisfactory.
The silver lining to this situation was we were close to the dinghy dock and a famous stairway that leads to the top of the mountain. This was a trek we hoped to make while we were here, but (with our dying outboard) it would have been too long of a dinghy ride from the other anchorages. Thus, we really found the perfect spot. And besides, I think of the anchorages we looked at, this one was the prettiest.
(Below a few photos from where we ended up anchoring, including some photos taken during the following day’s hike up the mountain. Click to enlarge and scroll through gallery.) –Cyndi
