Phare Amedee

What a fabulous day. Very breezy in Noumea when we left and the trip out demonstrated this! Rough ride but the kids treated it like a roller coaster ride and squealed with delight as they stood on the side getting wet as we crashed through waves. The island though was calm and sunny with white sand and clear waters.

The first activity was to climb up the 287 odd steps to the top of the lighthouse. We had a stunning view of the island and its beautiful reef. The kids then went out on the boat again to the reef to feed the big fish and hopefully sharks, and although they were a little elusive Scott is sure he saw a big one swimming under the boat.

Back  on shore and it was time for lunch. Lots of kids tried new foods, Carla now likes prawns (sorry Barbara!) and it was good to see them experimenting. Maggie tried raw fish but wasn't impressed. After lunch we saw the cultural concert and most of the kids hopped up and joined in to learn some moves.

After a short chill on the beach, avoiding the snakes, and in the shop we headed out to snorkel off the glass bottomed boat. Pretty much all the kids got in the water and it was fabulous to see some of them doing this as it was very scary for them looking at the size of the fish swimming under the boat. They were able to hold onto the sides and watch 'Fishy TV' and this was cool until the bread got thrown in then there was a fair amount of screaming at the feeding frenzy!! No-one got back in the boat early though.

Baz and Colleen took the kids for a walk around the island. They had to go clockwise to ensure the kids kept walking and not trip over themselves staring at the topless bather. They saw some giant clams, a snake slithering across the coral and some puffy coral stuff (no idea what that was). Meanwhile back with the bags I'm trying to decide how I would rescue Cameron's bag from the rather large snake that took a shine to it. Luckily it went off it quite quickly so I was saved the trauma.

There was just time to catch some coconut tree climbing and sarong tying before heading back to the boat for Noumea. Colleen especially enjoys these lumpy trips on the boat, the clinging on is just for effect - trust me. When we returned to the port the billet families were waiting and the kids headed off happily back with them. We will meet them at school again in the morning ready for a day at the beach.

A demain and enjoy your evening by the fire. Where's that suncream gone...

It's hard being on a tropical island

Note the French splodge at the top of the path (Colleen)

Amazing what you find in shells

The man from Atlantis strikes again

Shark bait

Literally playing with fire