E14 - We saved a live Nautilus!

We sail from the Lifou town of Chepenehe to Joking, stopping at a secluded beach along the way where we have a snorkel on a beautiful coral reef in the clearest of waters. At Joking we meet the chiefs wife Clarice to pay our respects and are invited to have a traditionally cooked dinner. Clarice's wonderful daughters act as waitresses and delightfully serve us. We then sail to the most northern island of the Loyalty group of Ouvea. Ouvea has a 25 km beach of sand fine like talcum powder and as white as snow. Even with cloudy skies the water is a beautiful turquoise blue. We check out Lekiny lagoon, and the towns of Mouli, Fayaoue and St Joseph But the biggest highlight was when walking back along the beach, we find a Nautilus washed up onto the shore. After saving it from a certain death on the beach, it slowly recovers. After spitting out a great deal of sand, it appears quite well again and we return it to face another day.