Leaving Kayangel

Sunday morning we awoke to a rain shower. We're on the cusp of the rainy season and it has been raining more now, especially more than a few months ago when we were experiencing La Nina drought. To stay out of the rain, I took my book over to the outdoor common area and sat and read. At a brief break in the rain, the Kregenows joined us from their tent. LB began cooking fried rice for breakfast. With only a small kerosene hot plate to cook on, it took some time. But we sat around underneath the covered area chatting. The rain persisted and we were content to stay put and have a lazy morning. Sitting around under a shelter during rain is a very common Palauan activity. Once breakfast we ready we ate and then began cleaning up.

We began packing and once again we had brought enough stuff to stay a week instead of a weekend, although most of it did have some use during the weekend. Once packed, a small truck came and picked up our bags to transport them to the dock. It had begun raining again, but it was time to leave so we set off into the rain. The walk to the dock was very wet, but it did not bother me too much because I was in my bathing suit and had my hat and rain jacket. The others didn't put on their rain gear, so Lori cut a few big leaves off a nearby banana tree to serve as makeshift umbrellas. By the time we reached the dock, they were all soaked. At the dock we took shelter until the rain stopped and then loaded the boat. On the trip home we had a few Kayangel residents join us plus about ten large bunches of bananas that filled the front of the boat.

Despite ominous clouds, leaving the lagoon was smooth and dry. We passed Ngeriungs Islet and the small outer islands before exiting the lagoon into the open ocean. Once again we were fortunate to have calm seas and could go fast. We had a little rain on our way to Babeldaob, but nothing too serious. Within sight of Ngarchelong we stopped to fish. We had five bottom fishing lines out and I was in the front casting. We tried a few different spots but did not even get a nibble. The fish were elusive this weekend. Eventually we gave up and resumed the trip home. As we reached the coast of Babeldaob we could see stormy weather ahead. When we hit Ngardmau, the heavy rain began to fall. The rain was like many I have seen here, but going fast on a boat with no protection the rain really stings. At first it really wasn't too bad and was fun. But after a while it became annoying and despite its valiant efforts my jacket eventually became saturated and I was soaked. As we sped down Airai and Koror came into sight the rain dissipated and we had a smooth ride back to T-dock. After unloading the boat, we said our goodbyes and I headed home after a great trip to Kayangel.