|
Valesdir
|
||
|
Some locals got off in Tonga and then we boarded the plane and set off to Epi. The air-strip appeared and we landed on grass in a cow pasture. Once out of the plane we notice the plane was covered in Cow Doo. Once out of the plane we saw the airport, which consisted of a small shack with a weight scale. A truck was waiting (our taxi) to take us to Lamen Bay. Our taxi took us through pastures, coconut plantations and through small creeks. On the way we picked up whomever needed some transportation. Apparently, if someone pays for the ride everyone else is welcome to ride along free of charge. |
July 31, 2000 Once at the "domestic" airport we checked our luggage in. You are weighed with your luggage on a scale since the plane is a nine-seater. We loaded up on the plane and buckled up. The man behind us did not fit in the seat belt so the pilot went from plane to plane to try and find an extension. After 10 minutes of searching the pilot gave up and did not have the man buckle up (like it mattered in such a small plane). We pulled up to the run way and traffic control consisted of a simple look both ways before getting on the run way. We gradually climbed just below the clouds and within 15 minutes we made our first stop on Tonga.
Look Close to see our grass landing strip. |
|
|
Valesdir's High Tech Airport |
We arrived in Lamen Bay 45 minutes later only to find out the boat we were to take to Lamen Island had run out of gas. Amy, Geoff and I walked to the secondary school to find someone who might have gas. Luckily Donald (a boat owner) was returning from Palma and gave us a ride over to Lamen Island. The boat ride took 25 minutes because the ocean swells were so high. Once on the beach we heard "white man here" as children gathered around. And our Lamen Island Adventure began
|
|
