Alotau, Milne Bay

Wednesday we arrive early in Alotau, the capital of Milne Bay Province. Many of the population of around 10,000 rely on the sea for their livelihood and as a result the busy harbor is the focal point of the town. Cargo movements drive harbor activity, and there’s an array of colorful vessels to be seen. We have a surprise at breakfast as a group of local dancers performs for us aboard the ship.

We board some shuttle buses for a tour of the area which takes us to a site with the rusty remains of some WW II American landing barges. Later we move to a lookout point and then to a tiny village where we are welcomed with some fresh fruit and a tour of the houses. We see the inside of a cook house for the first time. Cooking is done in a separate house as wood fires are used. In the afternoon we take a guided walking tour around the town that takes us to a memorial of the Battle of Milne Bay and to the local market. This is our last day in Papua New Guinea and we are already getting a little nostalgic and sad. This is Halloween and the dining room is decorated with many carved pumpkins which the crew members have carved as part of a contest. The waiters are in costume. Later we were treated to a performance by our multi-talented crew ranging from singing and dancing to magic. Today is a day at sea on our return to Cairns and we are given tours of the galley and bridge. Lectures are held on mammal life in the Pacific and an overview of WWII in the Pacific. Last night there was also a presentation on JFK and PT 109. The seas are a little rough on our crossing today and some passengers are feeling a little queasy.

Kitava and Nivani

Monday we visited the island of Kitava one of the Trobriand Islands which is an archipelago of several low-lying coral islands situated to the northeast of New Guinea. As usual we had a warm welcome from the locals and once again delivered aid in the form of clothing, shoes, first-aid supplies, fishing gear, and school supplies. In return we were treated to an elaborate cultural dance presentation.

Some guests joined an hour long uphill walk to the village to see the famous Trobriand yam houses.

Next we went by Zodiac to the adjacent small island of Nuratu for a beach barbeque and snorkeling. It rained a very little but for the most part our weather has been fantastic for this entire trip, albeit a little warm. In the afternoon we began our cruise to the next destination, Nivani, which is part of Deboyne Lagoon in the Louisiade Archipelago. At Panapompom, an adjacent island, we visit a small village of just about 20 or so people and we get a glimpse of what the simple life is like in Papua New Guinea. There is a garden consisting of mostly yams and taro. For food they grow their own and fish. For cash to send the kids to school and receive medical care, they collect and dry copra (dried coconut to make coconut oil) and fish for sea cucumbers to sell to the Asian market. When we arrive Robin Tauck gives all the children knapsacks. The usual aid supplies are also given.

Later we swim and snorkel. There is a intact sunken Japanese Zero in only 6-10 ft. of water.

Tufi Village

Today we visited Tufi Village. We were transported by local ship to the end of a fjord and then into a mangrove by outrigger canoe to the village where we were greeted by angry villagers who would not let us pass without knowing why we had come. When we informed them that we were only here to see the making of Sago we were allowed to enter the village where we were greeted with fragrant floral necklaces. Of course the challenge to our entering was just symbolic. We were shown demonstrations of the various stages of Sago making from the chopping of the tree core into sawdust like substance on to the filtering and finally the cooking of the paste. We then got to taste the finished product. Sago is a staple of the local diet. Also demonstrated were facial tattooing and the traditional making of fire. Later we were transferred again by canoe to another village where we saw dancing and singing by the school children as a thank you for the support the village had received from the Orion.

In the afternoon we headed for the beach for some swimming and snorkeling.

Madang-Bilbil Village and a Day at Sea

Yesterday we visited the town of Madang. Our first stop was the village of Bilbil where they are well known for their clay pots. We were first treated to a demonstration of how the pots are made, entirely by hand, no wheels are used and the pots are fired over an open flame. Afterwards we are privileged to witness a traditional sing-sing which is a dance that is used to celebrate various occasions.

We spend the afternoon touring around Madang. First we visit the local market where produce of all types is sold as well as some handicrafts. It is one of Papua New Guineas larger markets as Madang is accessible by road to the rural areas so goods can be transported from a distance. Next we move on to a museum of artifacts where all manner of arts, crafts, tools, and musical instruments are displayed. The museum is followed by a look at the coast watchers memorial which commemorates the Australian coast watchers who were pseudo spies against the Japanese during World War II. It was a coast watcher who helped rescue JFK during the war.

After dinner we were treated to a photo slide presentation by one of our guests who is an award winning photographer, and who has had work published by National Geographic.

Today was spent at sea. We were very busy however, attending a series of lectures and talks. First was an orientation to snorkeling and the fitting of gear. This was followed by a slide show lecture on Indo Pacific coral reef biology. After a buffet lunch, Robin Tauck presented a preview of 2008 and 2009 Tauck programs throughout the world. Following was a presentation on Papua New Guinea history and culture, one on Douglas McArthur’s campaigns in Papua and New Guinea, and finally a briefing on tomorrow’s activities and a short talk on the Bird of Paradise. Some of the guests commented that it felt like being back in school, going to so many classes in one day.

Bats hanging out in Madang

More Madang market

Watam Village

This morning we visited Watam, a village near the mouth of the Sepik River. Watam is a village of 300 people consisting of 7 clans each with its own leader and one chieftain. The villagers give us a royal welcome right from the start. As our Zodiacs approach, a boat of villagers decked out in full ceremonial garb comes out to greet us. Dancers are waiting on shore as well. After we make a procession led by a dragon costume, we witness a flag raising ceremony with the local children reciting the Lords Prayer and singing the Papua New Guinea National Anthem. There is then an exchange of gifts. Tauck home office employees and Orion passengers have all donated clothing and school supplies to be given to the village of Watam. Robin Tauck presents the goods and is given some bilum bags and necklaces in return. Costumed dancing goes on for the entire time of our visit. Representatives from other villages have come to Watam and brought their handicrafts for sale. Based on all the carvings, bags and necklaces brought back to the ship it appears the Orion passengers have made a significant contribution to the local economy today. We sadly have to leave Watam feeling as though we have made some new friends.

In the afternoon we again embark the Zodiacs to enter the mouth of the Sepik River. The Sepik is one of the worlds great rivers running more than 800 miles from its origin in the mountain highlands. The Sepik has no delta and stains the sea brown for up to 30 miles. We can clearly see where the river water meets the sea. We spot several species of birds of prey along the river banks and in the trees. Also along the river banks grow the Sago Palm which is a food staple for the natives. The pulpy center of the tree is ground up and sifted through water to extract the starchy foodstuff.

Orion

The Orion is a magnificent ship. She is 318ft. long and accommodates a maximum of 106 guests. Those guests are served by 75 crew members which is a very high guest to crew ratio. For this Tauck voyage we have 79 passengers aboard. Orion is considered an expedition ship with an Ice Class Hull and 10 Zodiacs to get passengers to and from remote shore destinations. She draws only 12 ft. so can maneuver in shallow water. The Orion has a cruising speed of 15.5 knots.

Today we spent the day at sea on our way to Watam Village and the Sepik River. After breakfast we had a lengthy briefing on tomorrows destination followed by a presentation by Robin Tauck about Taucks World of Giving philanthropic program to enhance the people and places they visit. In the afternoon is a presentation by our onboard historian about the Pacific Campaign of World War II and how it affected Papua New Guinea.

Yesterday there was a hike to one of the active volcano areas that also is the nesting ground for birds known as Megapodes. They dig deep into the ground to bury their eggs. Local villagers then dig up the nest sites to get the eggs to sell in the markets. Pictured here are a group of villagers displaying their find.

More Photos From Papua New Guinea