Whales and Dolphins

We worked or way over the top of Sumbawa Island to Lombok Island. We didn't spend much time in Sumbawa, we were more focused on getting the passage done with. We did see whales and dolphins along Sumbawa, which is always a good thing.

While anchored on Moyo Island, just off Sumbawa, we had these whales visiting us in the morning. The anchorage is a small transition spot between the reef surrounding the shore and the 500 feet depths just off it. This made it easy for the whales to come in close for a visit. We think this is Blue Whale. The upper photo is a side fin, not a dorsal fin.

We sailed past the anchorage in Were, Sumbawa because it was too rolly. They do a lot of the large Phinisi ship construction here.

We got into the anchorage in Kilo just before dark. But not too late for the locals to load up a boat with kids and come out to say high and ask us for things. There were too many of them crammed into the boat to offer up individual 'gifts', so we gave them our last professional soccer (foot) ball, courtesy of Juli Vee. They always seem really pleased with whatever gift you give them, then they pause and then ask for something more. It's a cultural thing, I guess. 

We anchored in a nice bay on Medang Island (after a night in Moyo). This young guy, Brianne (sp), came out to say Hi. He had enough English to have a good conversation with his words and some active hand gestures. he told us his mother saw us sailing out to the island and told him to go and greet us. She sent him out with two brown chicken eggs as a gift. We reciprocated with a pair of old fns, a cap and some reading glasses. Everyone was happy. Brianne learned his English, and his good manners, from his mother. He was very interested in our ages --- older than dirt -- and told us he was 20.

Leaving Medang on our way to Lombok we had large school of Dolphins out ready to play on their recess time. It got a little crowded on the bow.

Cruisers notes:
Not much to say about going over the top of Sumbawa. We left Gilli Banta in the Komodos and made Kilo in a long day. In Kilo you had search around a little to find a shallow enough spot to drop the anchor. The winds were on shore when we anchored and offshore over night. 08*19.667, 118*25.253 in 58ft.

Next was another long day to Moyo. It is very deep till you hit the reef edge by shore. It blew strong offshore overnight. Not conditions to leave the boat. 08*16.513, 117*30.374 dropping in 30ft on a steep slope and drifting back to 90ft.

Short hop to Medang. Good anchorage with lots of room. 08*08.550,117*22.427 in 28ft. Did a snorkel of the point. Not much there but the water was clear enough and warm.

Next was the east coast of Lombok. Gili Lawang inside the reef. You need some decent light to get in the clear pass in the reef. The bottom inside was a bit on the oozie mud side, so not that great holding. But we were well protected and had a smooth stay. 08*17.721,116*41.460  in 18ft.

Next day to Medana Marina on a mooring ball (get entry point coordinates off their website). It's an easy entry between reefs. Our first night was really rolly. Its been flat since then. Helpful staff and decent restaurant.

Paul