HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY

We made our way back to Christmas Bay to celebrate my Birthday.  I had admired watching young Matt flying around the bay on his Wake Board…and said “I can do that”.  Last Year I jumped out of a plane…this year I figured wake-boarding must be safer…Christmas Bay had the ideal conditions…flat water and no obstacles in my way.  My day started with Eggs Benedict…a rest…then with Matt at the helm, and Triston yelling obscenities (not exactly encouragement) I did my best not to dislocate my shoulders and break anything. 

I will admit, I did not get up the first try…or even the second…but I did get up…and as the picture shows…it weren’t purdy…but I got er done!.  After that…another rest (mandatory).  Finally, the party repleat with treats and frivolity, and with all present and accounted for we finished off the night with a few fireworks that Tristan had been saving.  Good Friends, Good Fun,  Another milestone and good Memories.

Eagle Rock and Yanggelo

We departed Wayag sailing south to Eagle Rock which is known as a habitat for the Giant Manta Rays. 

With no place to anchor Kaija jumped in for a Manta swim while I kept close vigil on her flippers and the large underwater gliders.  They are a spectacle.  They are here because of the nutrient rich waters which makes underwater photographing difficult in these murky conditions.  But Kaija got one money shot. 

We have enjoyed numerous anchorages in Raja Ampat and in particular Yanggelo. 

This is a snorkelers paradise and where Kaija found the elusive Tasseled Wobbegone, the Crocodile Flathead, a Yellow Box Fish and more importantly "Nemo" and "Dora".

Crossing the Equator - Wayag and HAPPY NEW YEAR AND BIRTHDAY KAIJA

In light wind conditions we motor sailed north to Wayag. 

 

It was a fun time as we sailed north across the equator for the first time since crossing south enroute the Galapagos in 2013. 

We arrived in Wayag and found we were not alone.  There were other cruising boats, Phinisis, Mega Yachts and local fisherman and all ready to party for New Year’s.  Wayag is filled with nooks and crannies and you can spend all day and even get lost with your dinghy finding hidden dive spots and some really fun snorkeling. 

We enjoyed it all, but we were all looking forward to New Years.  We had a lot of fireworks and combined with the other boats it was a fun spectacle of light and sound and for Kaija a special night as she celebrated yet another milestone in her life’s journey, set in the middle of of one nature’s prettiest places and surrounded by good friends.  On a personal note...no I am neither as bald or as red as I look (at least I sure hope not)...I had just been running & I had a very short cut :o)

Wayag is quintessential Raja Ampat…the stuff of travel brochures, the land of Karst, the unique large rock formations that seem to defy gravity and tower high above the surrounding waters.  It is the flora and fauna that grows out of these seemingly solid rock formations that makes you wonder…how is that possible.  The hikes were somewhat challenging but well worth it.  Aside from the beauty under the water if you really want to ‘get it’, you need to climb to tallest peak for the money shot...the real million dollar views!  If you've got a Bucket List...you might want to add Wayag!