Gary, Marilyn and Anna Vos snuck into Noumea ahead of schedule so we missed them at the airport. The Hoiens arrived to native songs and our welcoming smiles. The following day both families enjoyed a tour of the back country, the history of the French penal colony, and a native village and introduction to its traditional customs and food.

Boarding Major Wager on Friday morning everyone settled in and quickly suited up for wakeboarding and water sports. The afternoon brought a visit to the yacht used to film Fools Gold – Molly delighted in laying on the bed Matthew McConaughey slept in during the movie.

We surprised the kids with a helicopter ride that took them to the reef and around the main island. Re-boarding Major Wager we began our night journey to the Isle of Pines.

Saturday and Sunday were filled with beach parties, wave runners, sailing, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. We witnessed a native dance performance Saturday evening. Much different than Polynesian dancing – it was war like and masculine. 

Due to strong winds and rain, Monday was declared gals spa day…facials, nail decorating and making Christmas decorations consumed the day while the guys went fishing early and then did two dives. Eric and Riley now have their official diving certificates.

It is grand to have the four kids aboard. Their energy and excitement liven up every moment punctuated with Gary’s and Eric’s incredible senses of humor.