Exploring on the Explorer. Lautoka, Fiji to Broome, Australia

[LAexNY]

2 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Wow Wes, what a cool story. And what a keepsake that carved boat would be.  I'm sorry to see Explorer go. The ship has a very low key, less corporate vibe. 

Will be on the Explorer this August in the Kimberley.  Looking forward to that low key, less corporate vibe.

[highplanesdrifters]

UP NEXT.....or not

 

Rabul, Papua New Guinea 

Baining Fire Dance

 

Hmmm. So let me get this straight. Three and a half hour excursion. Two hours on a van with no AC, windows down, dusty, advised to wear a mask, no toilets, lots of mosquitoes, and it's HOT. Think I've got a iced G&T on air-conditioned Explorer in my future tonight. Color me spoiled.

 

See the spectacular Fire Dance performance, a nocturnal sacred dance presented in the traditional manner by the men only. Disembark the ship at the Rabaul pier and board the tour bus for the one-hour nighttime drive to Baining village at Kainagunan in the province of New Britain. The Baining tribe are the first people to settle the eastern part of New Britain.

From the bus drop-off take the short walk to the performance venue. Enjoy the performance, with costumes that are utterly unique, found nowhere else in Papua New Guinea. Legend has it that the movements of the Fire Dance imitate the spirits the of the forest. The fire represents the first volcanic eruption witnessed by man.

Watch as the performers dance around the bonfire and then into it without being burned. The ceremony lasts for about an hour and a half.

Please note: The walk is easy but may be slippery if wet. Bring a small flashlight to supplement lights tour guides carry. Long pants, long sleeve shirts and shoes that grip are recommended. Guests may leave the event early with a local escort to wait in the tour bus. No toilet facilities.

[highplanesdrifters]

Rabaul, PNG

 

If surreal and unique experiences are your thing, then the Papua New Guinean town of Rabaul should tick your travel boxes. Found on the north eastern tip of New Britain Island (the largest island off mainland PNG) Rabaul, the former provincial capital, has quite a remarkable location. The town is inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano and several sub-vents are still quite active today! The lively city was almost entirely devastated by Mount Tavurvur in 1994, covering the city in ashfall, but thankfully costing no lives. Since then, thanks to Rabaul's deep-water port, commerce has been on the up, and a few shops and hotels have managed to find an audience. However, Rabaul's remote location together with the volcano still being one of the most active and dangerous in Papua New Guinea means tourism in not rife. Rabaul has an impressive WWII history which includes a 300-mile network of tunnels dug by Japanese POW designed to conceal munitions and stores. After the Pearl Harbour bombings, the Japanese used Rabaul as their South Pacific base for the last four years of WWII, and by 1943 there were about 110,000 Japanese troops based in Rabaul. Post war, the island was returned to Australia, before it was granted independence in 1975. It should be noted that patience is a virtue here. However, that is not all bad. The slow pace of transportation allows travellers to marvels at the quite astonishing landscape. Divers will also be richly rewarded – the marine life of the island is extraordinary.

Edited May 4, 2023 by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

Rabaul, PNG

 

OK- we'll get a little hot and dusty for this one!

 

Learn Rabaul history and see panoramic views of the surrounding islands and bay on this half-day excursion. Disembark the ship at the Rabaul pier and board a tour bus for your driving tour, with distances between the four sites on this tour varying from three kilometers to just meters.

Visit the national Volcano Observatory Station that monitors activity of the 14 active and 23 dormant volcanos in Papua New Guinea. Rabaul is situated inside the flooded caldera of a giant volcano with several sub-vents still active today.

Drive to a WWII barge tunnel, part of at least 300 kilometers of tunnels built beneath Rabaul to hide and protect Japanese Imperial forces and materials from Allied air-raids. An engineering feat of the Japanese, the barge tunnels were built mostly by the forced labor of POWs and local Tolai people. Next, take the tour bus to the Yamamoto Bunker, named for WWII Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto. From here he directed the Japanese Pacific campaign. Naval charts can still be seen drawn in the ceiling of the bunker.

Walk to the Rabaul Museum located opposite the Yamamoto Bunker and see exhibits related to Rabaul's history from the 19th century to Papua New Guinea's independence in the 1970s.

If time allows, take in the super-heated volcanic hot springs frequented by Japanese military during WWII. They are still used by the local owners to cook traditional foods. Alternately, take a walking tour from the pier into nearby Rabaul Township to explore the colorful town market and mingle with the local community.

Please note: Papua New Guinea is a very-low-income country with very basic infrastructure, and vastly different to the western culture mentality. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. Guests with limited mobility may be challenged at some sites; however, this tour does not include a lot of walking and guests may return to the waiting buses. We suggest guests to bring a mask as the roads are dusty and because the local buses are not equipped with the a/c, windows will be open.

[jpalbny]

Definitely off the beaten path! We are eagerly anticipating a follow-up report - but enjoy that ice-cold G&T first. Then have another while you're writing your report. 

 

1 hour ago, highplanesdrifters said:

If time allows, take in the super-heated volcanic hot springs frequented by Japanese military during WWII. They are still used by the local owners to cook traditional foods.

 

And tourists? Don't fall in!

 

[Port Power]

22 hours ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Njari, Solomon Islands

 

Another nice snorkel. Top spot? Hmmmm. Nonetheless, very pleasant.  The Coral surrounds the island and we were given plenty of room to stretch out. Easy to avoid the noodle brigade which seems to snorkel in a pack as if the noodles are linked with invisible noodles.  Many folks walked around the island on a nature walk. I understand they heard a parrot. Some people even saw it. Lovie was almost trampled in a rush to photograph it.  After our snorkel we walked around the island.  We were alone most of the time.  Another perfect day on a perfect little island.

 

 

 

The welcome committee.  He did not dance or sing. Nor did he carve anything.

 

 

 

 

Cheese Ball Coral - you can tell I missed breakfast.

 

 

Let me know when you tire of the blue stars.

 

 

 

 

You will be pleased to find blue sea stars also on Ashmore Reef.  Who could ever become tired of seeing them?  I just love the burst of colour.  

[highplanesdrifters]

2 hours ago, jpalbny said:

Definitely off the beaten path! We are eagerly anticipating a follow-up report - but enjoy that ice-cold G&T first. Then have another while you're writing your report. 

 

 

And tourists? Don't fall in!

 

And tourists?  Ha ha, don't laugh. Cannibalism was still practiced until the late 60s.

 

I've been holding out this little tid bit.  We've been on 4 expeditions in the last year.  Three on Silversea and all with Chef Pia, including this one.

 

JACKPOT 

 

Me after 4 more weeks with Chef Pia

Edited May 5, 2023 by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, Port Power said:

You will be pleased to find blue sea stars also on Ashmore Reef.  Who could ever become tired of seeing them?  I just love the burst of colour.  

Oh goody!  BTW, I did score you a bottle of Blue Turtle Gin in Fiji. And happy to take AUD.  Price was 119 FJD. 😃

[highplanesdrifters]

RABAUL SAIL IN

 

Spent some time on deck this afternoon and enjoyed the sail in to Rabaul. Even saw a few critters.

 

Very dramatic skies.  Volcanos in the distance. 

Almost looks like a blow up

Saw a lot of flying fish.  Even got a mediocre picture of one. They easily fly a few hundred feet.

 

Getting closer. 1994 volcano leftovers on the left.

 

What's going on here?

 

Don't think we'll be walking around the port tonight.🤣

 

 

 

[WesW]

highplanesdrifter; terrific posts with exceptional photos telling your expediton experience well--BZ (Bravo Zulu=Well done!).  Treasure when we have Pia on board, once she made the most delish crepes we have experienced on board Silversea.

[TLCOhio]

On 5/3/2023 at 10:23 PM, highplanesdrifters said:

Thanks much Terry. Just upgraded to a Go Pro 9 black, and really like it.  I had been using a GP 7 which I found at the bottom of the ocean in Turks.😃  This one is so much better. Larger screen so I can actually see what mode I'm in. Longer battery life, big plus. Didn't feel like I needed the higher models as my career as a millennial streaming influencer never really took off. 🤣

 

Appreciate your excellent follow-up regarding that Go Pro 9 black.  Will check out more about that camera equipment.  Keep up the great postings and travel details.  

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

[RachelG]

Really enjoying your posts, though I can't get the videos to play on my office computer.  Will try ipad at home.  

Chef Pia is outstanding!

[drron29]

I always remember Pia going out and buying enough coconut crabs in Vanuatu for all of us to enjoy in Vanuatu.

Rabaul is a magic place. I was lucky to visit in 1969 before the volcano acted up.

 

And yes in 1969 I was able to speak to a tribal elder who was able to tell me which body parts were est to eat. Was amazing to me that cannibalism had existed until then.

[highplanesdrifters]

Thanks for all the encouragement. Will keep em coming!  I don't know why the videos are being troublesome. I've been regularly rebooting the phone in hopes that would help. 

 

Last night was a bit of a challenge. The usual garbage and agriculture fires were burning. The smoke settled in and it felt like we were sleeping in an ashtray. We got our KN95s out and slept in them. Helped tremendously. Skies clearer this a.m. I really hope things went well for the Baining Fire burning and folks had a fantastic time.

 

Vans and busses being loaded.

 

 

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, drron29 said:

I always remember Pia going out and buying enough coconut crabs in Vanuatu for all of us to enjoy in Vanuatu.

Rabaul is a magic place. I was lucky to visit in 1969 before the volcano acted up.

 

And yes in 1969 I was able to speak to a tribal elder who was able to tell me which body parts were est to eat. Was amazing to me that cannibalism had existed until then.

Wowza, what a story. Thanks for sharing.

 

Hope all keep their comments and stories coming. 

 

So.....which body parts did the elder recommend. Asking for a friend.😃

Edited May 5, 2023 by highplanesdrifters

[drron29]

It is better if it remains a secret.

[mysty]

4 minutes ago, drron29 said:

It is better if it remains a secret.

 

 

20 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

So.....which body parts did the elder recommend. Asking for a friend.😃

 

Perhaps the Prairie Oysters.   😅

[highplanesdrifters]

Just now, mysty said:

Perhaps the Prairie Oysters.   😅

Oh M....🤣🤣🤣

[highplanesdrifters]

Had some free time yesterday and a wander about the ship.  As Explorer is leaving the fleet thought I might document some of the ports visited. Always amazed by the artistry in the plaques.  Have a look see when you have some time to kill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mysty]

8 minutes ago, highplanesdrifters said:

Had some free time yesterday and a wander about the ship.  As Explorer is leaving the fleet thought I might document some of the ports visited. Always amazed by the artistry in the plaques.  Have a look see when you have some time to kill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beautiful memorial High! 🥰

[jpalbny]

Thanks for the memories. I often gazed at those plaques while wandering around Silver Explorer. Will not have time to have another cruise aboard her SS tenure, sadly.

 

PS thanks for the many pictures that say PAII. We still have our parkas from December 2009 that say Prince Albert II, not Silver Explorer. I wonder if I could sell them on eBay for a profit? 😉

 

Edited May 5, 2023 by jpalbny

[taxatty]

Since I'll be on the Explorer in a month or so, and as you mentioned it will be leaving SS later this year, I'm curious to get your impressions as to how well the ship common areas are being maintained as well as your suite.

[highplanesdrifters]

5 hours ago, jpalbny said:

 

PS thanks for the many pictures that say PAII. We still have our parkas from December 2009 that say Prince Albert II, not Silver Explorer. I wonder if I could sell them on eBay for a profit? 😉

 

Ebay?  Me thinks precious items like that deserve a Sotheby's consullt.😉

[highplanesdrifters]

2 hours ago, taxatty said:

Since I'll be on the Explorer in a month or so, and as you mentioned it will be leaving SS later this year, I'm curious to get your impressions as to how well the ship common areas are being maintained as well as your suite.

As for decorator wear and tear, Silversea have done a fine job of keeping everything up. Ship shape for sure.  Staff are all fantastic. Many are staying through the handover. 

 

The bones of the ship....well....that's another matter.  Of the two guest elevators on the ship one has been broken since we boarded. Im not sure if there is a staff elevator. The other rarely works. We have been stuck in it twice and had to pry the doors open.  Today our shower clogged and flooded the bathroom.  She's an old girl so we expected some issues. 

None of this has diminished this fabulous trip.....yet.😉  will keep you posted.

 

A regular site on the way to our cabin.

Edited May 6, 2023 by highplanesdrifters

[highplanesdrifters]

RABAUL CALDERA 

There we're two recent eruptions, 1994 and 2014. A 51 year rest for these sleeping giants.  The 1994 event was the more devastating as both Tavurvur and Vulcan erupted simultaneously. Can you imagine! Their magma chambers were connected.  Only Tavurvur erupted in 2014. Hence Tavurvur still has a charcoal appearance.  While Vulcan across the bay is blanketed in green.

 

This scenic overlook affording sweeping views of the Rabaul Caldera was our last stop of the day. Sadly the volcano center was closed. Rather disappointed 😞. But oh what a view.

 

 

You can see Explorer docked in Rabaul.

 

Maps. Me likey.