Backgrounds – Solomon Islands & Vanuatu

Apologies for posting these slightly out of sequence – we got caught up in the excitement of Vanuatu (OK, and getting clean again after Vanuatu) and forgot to explain what all the pictures across the top of the blog were.

…as if our “caption competition” explanations ever clarify anything…!

Great ancient warriors, hanging out with their mates (no, really)

Great ancient warriors, hanging out with their mates (no, really)

One of the most extraordinary experiences so far (and the dog thought so too)

One of the most extraordinary experiences so far (and the dog thought so too)

Pilot Matt arrives to liberate us from Ambrym. We would have hugged him if we hadn't smelled so bad

Pilot Matt arrives to liberate us from Ambrym. We would have hugged him if we hadn’t smelled so bad

It may not look like it, but this volcano picture was taken from a VERY long way away

It may not look like it, but this volcano picture was taken from a VERY long way away

Short Runs in Strange Places – Port Vila Harbour

Ah, the Beach Boys

We have just arrived back in Port Vila. Among other excitements (which Lucy will be rhapsodizing over elsewhere) we have been reunited with our excess luggage and I have remembered that I made the somewhat foolhardy decision to bring my running shoes round the world with me. Yay!

What better way to celebrate than a run around town?

The particularly observant among you may notice a few things. This run is extremely short (blame the lack of sensible exercise over the last six weeks?). It was particularly slow (ditto). And … I seem to be walking on water.

Turns out that iPhone GPS receivers still work while encased in waterproof plastic bags, tupperware and duct tape and hung in a string bag around your neck. And that the resulting Heath-Robinsonian contraption floats rather well when you go swimming. Cue James feeling exceptionally smug for (a) thinking of such a stupid thing (b) making it all the way across the bay without drowning (c) not being hit by a speedboat or eaten by a shark (d) best of all, not frying my iPhone despite dunking it in salt water for the best part of an hour!

Swimming off into the horizon

Swimming off into the horizon

 

Look! I haven't fried my iPhone!

Look! I haven’t fried my iPhone!