Little Lolly's Small Adventures: Anchored at Tabuaeran/Fanning Atoll, Kiribati.

Fanning Island - map view of where we are.

Over the last 3 days the Maasdam has been sailing in a south westerly direction to Tabuaeran/Fanning Atoll, Kiribati. Sad to say I slept the first sea day away. We were supposed to have got some exercise but I slept until just about dinner time so that went out the window.

Yesterday I ended up playing catch-up with writing my blog and uploading/sorting photographs. Before dinner time Paul and I finally managed to do some serious walking on the promenade deck for an hour or so. We walked counter-clockwise, against the small flow of guests who were also getting some exercise. By the look on their faces you could tell that they were not happy. So what?! The one side of the ship was in the sun and very warm but as soon as we rounded the aft end of the ship we got hit by a nice cool sea breeze and of course some shade. In the evening we went to a show - a group of lads were playing some of Buddy Holly’s music and some by the Crickets. I was not impressed in the beginning – one lad was jumping around like a total monkey and had a very fake southern accent. The music improved as evening went on.

Fanning/Tabuaeran Atoll - picture from the internet

Paul was up early this morning with the Maasdam’s arrival and entering the atoll. She finally anchored in a suitable place and tenders were set down in the water. The weather so far has been overcast and at one point, whilst I had breakfast, I could see a white sheet of rain engulfing part of the atoll. The sheet of rain eventually reached the ship and gave her a good drenching. It brought a bit of cool relief to the warm muggy air.

The day remained overcast with rain-squalls now and then. I had intended to go ashore but with the longish tender ride (about 15 minutes), strong current near the pier making the ride a bit more tricky, and the queuing guests waiting – I ended up giving it a miss. Paul, as part of his duties with the tenders, went ashore for a bit. Apparently I hadn’t missed much. The tenders were greeted by locals playing music and dancing, there were a few stalls selling trinkets made of shells, coral and coconut shells. The water in the lagoon was quite murky due to winds whipping up waves and sand. I think that on a nice day the atoll would have been a lovely place to explore or to just relax.

The ship’s horn has blown and we are off. Having a look at the ship's forward camera - there is a curtain of rain between the atoll and the ship now. Perhaps it is time to leave. .

As soon as Paul gets back from the bridge we can get some dinner.