After a 380 nautical mile “washing machine” passage from the Banda Islands, we dropped anchor at Hoga Island, part of the Wakatobi Marine National park. As we were warned, deep anchorages was to be expected and this one was no joke…we motored right up to the reef and dropped anchor in 90 feet of water then backed down and let out 220 feet and are currently sitting in about 130 feet of water ( I know..not enough scope but it is what it is). Windlasses are having a hard time keeping up and Trevor had to help a fellow cruiser troubleshoot why his windlass wasn’t turning…it ended up being a battery connection. Allin a good day’s work.
When we arrived, we finally got cell service and was able to connect to internet. Trevor received a message from his sister, Carrie-Ann, that his step-dad, Bill Manning, had passed away a few days ago while we were underway…. Trevor immediately contacted his mom and sister and we toasted to Bill that night. Bill, we will miss you so much and you will always be remembered!
Bill and Trevor sitting poolside drinking margaritas 
Just the two of us! 
I am not sure who is having more fun?!
Every morning we would be greeted by boats/canoes selling fruits and some vegetables but mostly fish…one day we bought 4 Mantis Shrimps…see the below link to more cool info about Mantis Shrimp….they are too cool to explain all right here… check it out!
http://mentalfloss.com/article/86128/10-eye-popping-facts-about-mantis-shrimp
This guy was the big one 
On 1, 2, …. 
3!!!!!
The village of Sampela – “Stilt City” – SV Elan (German) and SV Blue Roger (Dutch) and us went on a tour of the village directly opposite of the island. Excited to spend time with some of our European fleet, we all dinghied over to the village over reefs at about mid tide (opps). We met Pondang, how has a homestay where you can stay the night and food is included all for about $25 usd a night (see the Trip Advisor link below). We were invited to lunch at his house and then he walked us…carefully…through the town that is built on top of a reef.
https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotel_Review-g1598982-d12597064-Reviews-Seagypsy_Homestay_Wakatobi-Kaledupa_Island_Wakatobi_South_East_Sulawesi_Sulawesi.html
This is the first village we have visited with this type of construction and it blew my mind! However, Pondang had to keep reminding us to walk “in the middle” of the wood pathways that hovered over water. There was some concrete paths towards the center of the village, assuming the government paid for it to be there as it helped connect the heath care and school to the rest of the village. However, the interesting thing to me was that life here was as usual as any other village we had visited..nothing different besides canoes parked underneath houses… Not sure why I would think it would be different but I am probably just projecting my own version of how I would deal with living above the water.
The approach to the village by dinghy 
Oh…new construction?! 
“Not sure what I am eating but that’s ok… I am hungry” 
Peace 
Got health care? 
Reef soccer anyone? 
Back to school 
Imagine this as your front path…don’t drink too much! 
Someones dinner 
Store…of course there is a store! 
Here kitty, kitty, kitty…chickens too! 
Never seen a coral foundation before
Chillaxing – We haven’t put on shoes in almost a week…just hanging out on our boat or other boats and getting into the water as much as we can. Trevor did have a work day to help Carlos on SV Mirniy Okean to put in a fan. It was funny, Trevor came “home” with his tools in hand just like in the old days… I said…”How was work honey?”….. we laughed!
“I work out…” on SV Starry Horizons 
Starry Horizons Gym…complete with yoga classes…maybe I can sign up for a monthly pass and get free dinghy parking?!
Grils night on Starry Horizons 
Boys night on Slow Flight 
Happy Hour on SV Henrietta
And snorkeling….it was so nice to just jump off the boat and get into the water…the “wall” was only about 100 feet from our bow and we would be in coral paradise.
Not a lot of big fish but a TON of little guys. 
Still healthy coral here…
Boat races – Our last day we touched our feet on ground for the first time on Hoga island beach so that Trevor could fly his Drone to capture some of the boat racing going on. Today, August 22nd, is a holiday….. Idul Adha – commences the prophet Abrahams willingness to sacrifice everything to God. I believe some villages sacrifice a large animal at this holiday and then prepares it for a big feast. We did not see any sacrifices…cool as it may sound…I personally will be far away from that!
So many little boats! 
The woman in red 
Cheese 
The race is on! 
Trevor flew his drone and had 2 boys fascinated with it…
Because we spent so much time in the Banda Islands, we missed 2 other rally stops….you just can’t see it all! Additionally, the rally can be a bit overwhelming and we needed time to reset and refresh and get ready for more action. All is well and we are getting ready to attend the next rally point which will be INSANE!!!! You’ll have to wait until next post : )
It’s been fun! Back to the crowds tomorrow!
I like the layout of the website!
Oh good…coming from you I will take that comment in high regards : )