Ponapompom and Nirvani Islands, Deboyne Island group, Papua New Guinea
We awoke this morning inside of the protective coral ring of an atoll and made for a landing at the village of Nulia. Here we were treated to a fascinating visit with these incredibly happy and beautiful people. They are master boat builders, and we were treated to views in a boat shed of one ocean sailing vessel nearing completion. These people ply the open waters in these vessels, trading far and wide. The intricate carving of the prow is master carpentry at its finest. To top the visit off, a few of the sailing vessels returned to the village, giving us an example of these crafts in action.
We then crossed a narrow channel to the smaller island of Nirvani, where we snorkeled and checked out the excellent bird life. The trees were filled with screeching sulphur-crested cockatoos, brilliant white in color with a large, yellow crest. Also, many white bellied sea-eagles soared overhead, and a pair of osprey was building their nest in a nearby tree. We also observed a few birds endemic to the Louisiades group of islands, the white-chinned myzomela and the Louisiades white-eye.
Snorkeling was of course enjoyable in the warm and clear water. One area was comprised of healthy corals with many juvenile fish and some giant clams. The highlight for many was snorkeling on an old Zero fighter plane, resting on the bottom in only about 8 feet of water. Still relatively intact for being underwater at least sixty years, it was exciting to examine all the parts of the plane, and for some even to sit in the cockpit. A number of fish have moved in and now call the plane home, including many colonies of anemonefish. Three different species of these damselfish were observed, all hiding in their protective anemones.
We awoke this morning inside of the protective coral ring of an atoll and made for a landing at the village of Nulia. Here we were treated to a fascinating visit with these incredibly happy and beautiful people. They are master boat builders, and we were treated to views in a boat shed of one ocean sailing vessel nearing completion. These people ply the open waters in these vessels, trading far and wide. The intricate carving of the prow is master carpentry at its finest. To top the visit off, a few of the sailing vessels returned to the village, giving us an example of these crafts in action.
We then crossed a narrow channel to the smaller island of Nirvani, where we snorkeled and checked out the excellent bird life. The trees were filled with screeching sulphur-crested cockatoos, brilliant white in color with a large, yellow crest. Also, many white bellied sea-eagles soared overhead, and a pair of osprey was building their nest in a nearby tree. We also observed a few birds endemic to the Louisiades group of islands, the white-chinned myzomela and the Louisiades white-eye.
Snorkeling was of course enjoyable in the warm and clear water. One area was comprised of healthy corals with many juvenile fish and some giant clams. The highlight for many was snorkeling on an old Zero fighter plane, resting on the bottom in only about 8 feet of water. Still relatively intact for being underwater at least sixty years, it was exciting to examine all the parts of the plane, and for some even to sit in the cockpit. A number of fish have moved in and now call the plane home, including many colonies of anemonefish. Three different species of these damselfish were observed, all hiding in their protective anemones.
