Overnight a storm passed through. Our boat safe, wrapped in the arms of Padar island.
Before dawn we set off north towards Labuan Bajo on the final leg of our journey. In to a stiff wind our boat periodically crashing into the swell and waves.
Nearing Flores we dropped anchor ready to go for our last outing of the trip. Beside us a capsized boat that had been swept overnight on to one of the nearby reefs.
Over breakfast we learnt that one of the active volcanos at the eastern end of Flores had erupted over night. We also learnt that a boat in Bali had capsized.
After breakfast the more adventurous and possibly foolhardy of us ventured out in one of the two small boats to go snorkelling on a reef a km or so away.
Just when we thought the adventure was over the engine decided it had had enough. We all jumped overboard and snorkelled in the rough seas while person steering the boat tried to restart the engine. Soon after the boat being pushed to shore and in to the breaking waves. Our guide beckoned us back into the boat. It feels touch and go as we try and stabilise the boat while at the same time we trying to summon help. However the engine finally restarted and we limped our way slowly back to the big boat. Clambering on to the steps of main boat challenging. The stiff wind whipping the swell. Out small boat pitching. Once off we were relieved that we’d made it back in one piece.
All that was left was a short sail into the port in Labuan Bajo.
For once we actually had something booked. Something that was back in budget. So all was well in the world as we re-acclimatised to being on land.
An amazing four days at sea as we continue our journey east.
