Nepal Himalayas Report

Puerto GaleraA very long flight with a coffee stop in Singapore, we finally arrived in Manila on Sunday afternoon March 21 stat 13.10 Toni and Rosemarie were awaiting us.

We, Nelly, Spartan and Hildegard, were very pleased that Toni and Rosemarie came to Manila to give us a lift to Batangas by car and with the ferries to Puerto Galera. after arriving in Puerto Galera, the porters brought our very heavy luggage to the service Boat, which ferried us to our old familiar "Little Swan “ We “finally moved into our holiday residenceshortly before darkness. Immediately we felt at home on Little Swan Following a nice dinner which Rosemarie cooked for us and later after a nice welcome drink we all went to bedin our Cabins. Toni Chef

On our first day in Puerto Galera, Rosemarie and Toni picked us up. Of course  our first plan was to see Toni's place. On Toni's construction sit we wereastonished to see the frame work of his Little  Round House . The care taker was busy with the roof construction. Following a short sightseeing tour around Toni's place they drove us to the nice golf course of Ponde Rosa where we enjoyed a terrific view Puerto Galera. We, enjoyedfresh Mango juice. White beachThen we went to White Beach. We spend a fun filled afternoon watching the Billiboys.

On Tuesday we drove with a Jeepney and sandwiched between the local people to Sabang. Walking along the tourist mile in Sabang, and after several stops  we arrived in LaLaguna Beach, where we spend the whole afternoon. In the evening, back on Little Swan, Toni “chef" cooked a chicken dish for us. Unfortunately Toni's backache got worse so he decided to stay overnight in his luxury bed in Rosemarie's house. Sailing west

Wednesday morning we cruised along the coast around Puerto Galera and got a nice look the Puerto Galera scenery The next day we started to prepare our 8 sailing trip, which meant we had to go to do some shopping and preparing the boat. It was incredibly hot, and we still weren't used to the humidity and the heat. In the evening Rosemarie invited us for a wonderful dinner at her House. Later we moved back to our swimming hotel Little Swan.

The weather forecast was listen to and Toni was a bit concerned as there was a Typhoon developing 800 km north of Manila. Should we go on our trip or not?

In spite of uncertainty regarding the weather, we weighed anchor on Friday morning at 6.10. The sails were set and we enjoyed an admittedly short but smooth trip along the Mindoro coast towards Paluan. In western Occidental Mindoro .
Then the sky darkened and a developing storm forced us to drop the sails quickly.  The wind speed was estimated at 30 to 40 knots ( ca. 60 km/hr)

Little Swan was pushed at 10 km/hr without any sails or motor, but we were able to maintain course. Late afternoon we reached our destination in the protected bay of Paluan. The wind gusts were still very strong, but with plenty of chain
out we were safely anchored. After dinner and a nice nightcap on deck we retired to the bunks. Little Swan gave a good shaking during the whole night.

PGYCSaturday morning we left without having breakfast at 0600. Destination Apo Reef  about 45 miles away. Coron Island Finally the sea had quieted down and the sun was shining brightly. Around 4 pm we arrived at the Apo Riff, where we anchored in the inner coral reef in a tremendous anchor spot. Immediately Nelly and Spartan snorkeled the riff, and after a very short time a shark was spotted. Sunday we sailed on to Coron Village. On this wavy trip the diesel engine suddenly stopped running. A few fear filled minutes and thanks to our skippers talented maintenance work we were able to able to continue our trip. Toni handled the engine breakdown brilliantly. Shortly before night fall we anchored in the Bay of Coron Village. Following this exhausting day Hildegard made spaghetti with tomato sauce and  parmesancheese. 
Coron Village
The next day a dinghy ride away was Coron Village. First we went the local market and bought some food. Nelly and Spartan went to the Sea Divers office to get information on daily SCUBA dives.Coron Bay is famous for shipwreck dives.

In the afternoon  Toni took us to Coron Islandwith the dinghy. Nelly, Spartan and Hildegard listened to Toni's advice and went to the inland lake. Climbing with flip flops over the hill we came to wonderful place. Snorkeling in the lake was just great the watertemperature was about 28°. For dinner we went back to the Seaside restaurant in Coron Village a typical place with a local atmosphere.

The next day Nelly and Spartan took a diving trip to the Japanese WW2Wrecks which was an  absolute thrill and the highlight for both of Spartan dives on Wrecksthem. Toni and Hildegard stayed on board Little Swan, relaxing and enjoying dolce far nientem In the evening  village, we had some lobsters at the Seaside restaurant. During our dinner the generator was out of order. We, as old yachties, armed toure teeth with headlamps enjoyed dessert in a romantic atmosphere. Looking at each other wearing our headlamps, we burst into laughter.

On Wednesday at 0615 we had to bring up the anchor and sail back to the Apo Riff.

Once more we go for a dive and enjoyed the large variety of fish and corals. A top spot for divers. It is not so interesting backtracking a route and even more frustrating when wind and waves are against us. But 2 days later we arrived back in Puerto Galera safely  Thursday we started at 0500 . Poor Toni., it was a hard day for him. Battling against strong winds and very high waves. He steered Little Swan for 9 hours. It was a tough 25 miles.9 hours to do25 sea miles back to Puerto Galera. All of us very happy to come back healthy and in one piece. Toni, many many thanks for your commitment. Coco Beach ReportThe evening of our return we spend at the yacht club.

The remaining days were spent in Puerto Galera. Toni and Spartan went diving, Nelly and Hildegard enjoyed the days at Coco Beach Resort and La Laguna Beach . Easter Monday , our last day on Little Swan, Toni and Rosemarie invited us to Coco Beach for a wonderful lunch. It was very and we just sat and enjoyed life at Coco Beach Resort. In the evening we started to pack our luggage and prepared ourtrip back home. Tuesday morning at 9.30 it was time to say Goodbye to Toni and Little Swan. Puerto Galera Sunset

Toni, once again, thank you very much for all work you had with us. We enjoyed the wonderful time with you and we are looking forward to seeing you again .

These fantastic adventures with you will always remain in our memories

Your Swiss friends
Hildegard, Nelly, Spartan


www.adventure-yachting.net

svlittleswan@yahoo.com.au