June 20, 2013
Once we got through the pass, we found ourselves in what appeared to be a huge bay, but looks were deceiving as this area’s divided by an underwater reef. From one side to the other, though, it’s a mile across, quite a large area.
We headed over to the east side of the bay. There were probably 15 boats in the entire bay, most of them on the east side because it’s a easier to anchor there. Not to say that it’s easy! Viani Bay has a lot of coral on the bottom and it’s challenging to get an anchor to hold.
We motored over and found a spot we really liked: a corner formed by a protective arm of reef reaching out from the shore towards the small island of Yanuyanuwiri. We were lucky to get anchored on our first try.
Now it was time to sit in the cockpit with a glass of wine and take in the scenery. On the opposite side of the bay were golden grassy hills. The hills near us were greener, with some thick jungle growth and mangroves by the shoreline. At the head of the bay was a long narrow beach backed by palm trees.
Just outside of us was Yanuyanuwiri island, the view of which reminded me very much of the Corona beer Christmas commercial. From shore we could hear birds that sounded like howler monkeys and the chattering of fruit bats. Viani Bay was a beautiful place, very special, and we knew we’d enjoy staying here awhile.
No rest for the weary. Helena from Merilelu came by with the book for the PADI dive course. My assignment was to learn the first two chapters before my first dive lesson day after tomorrow. I finished my wine, made dinner, and started studying. –Cyndi
