Photo Gallery - May 2003 

Pictures can be clicked to see a large version of the image.

The S/V Noason with Gene, Robbie and little Allison spent several weeks on our dock at the Mooloolaba Yacht Club. Their daughter Allison is adorable and she and Jonah played very nicely together.

Robbie and Gene on "Noason". Although originally from California, Alaska was their last home in the USA. We originally met "Noason" in Vanuatu last year (see September, 2002).

Looking North from out slip is Brown's Slipway where fishing boats (and the occasional sailing yacht) haul out for repairs.

Moored to  our Starboard for the entire 5 months we spent in Mooloolaba was another American sailing vessel, "Danza" from Southport, Maine. In this photo you can see David Nutt the skipper. One of Jonah's bestest friends is Charlotte, David's daughter.

Jonah and his dad goofing for the camera in the cockpit during the long, slow motor-boat ride to New Caledonia. The calm, flat seas can easily be seen behind them.

A picture of Jonah and his mom in the cockpit on the day we arrived in New Caledonia. Notice the thick clouds. Fortunately it did not rain on us as we approached Noumea through the many reefs which dot the lagoon.

This photo shows the dramatic scenery of Grande Terre, New Caledonia's principal island.

Noumea's "Port Moselle" early in the morning on the day we arrived. This shot shows the charterboats moored to the sea wall in front of the town market.

Another sailboat recently arrived in Noumea. The Visitor's Dock is the place to meet all the newly arrived sailboats which all must dock there for at least one day (which is free) while clearing customs and immigration.

This beautiful (Dutch) Oyster 64 was docked right across from us. Two kids, ages 4 and 3, were playing in the kiddie pool on deck under the gaze of their live-aboard nanny (yes, a swank boat). Jonah invited himself aboard and quickly shed his clothes to join the two boys in the pool. "Dad, why don't we have a pool on our boat?" "Why don't we have a nanny" is all I could think of in reply.

First in a series of photos of Noumea's streets and scenes. Noumea was the site of the primary US military base for operations in the South Pacific during the Second World War. 

A good example of colonial architecture in New Caledonia.

Kate and Jonah pose in front of a red store.

A pearl shop in Noumea called "Le Maison de la Perla". AKA House of Pearls. Black Pearls from French Polynesia (Tuomotus and Society Islands) are featured in all the fancy jewlery stores of Noumea.

The visitor's dock at Port Moselle marina. The big catemeran at the end tie is "Rhapsodie" whom we met in Mooloolaba.

The Commander, deep in thought, as we motor into Baie du Prony about 20nm South of Noumea.

Our first stop in Baie du Prony, this lovely bay called "Bonne Anse" (Nice Cove) was calm and peaceful, though we had trouble setting the hook on the crusty bottom.

The view West from our anchorage at Bonne Anse.

The Queen Jane moored at Isle Casy (pronounced "Caazzy"). This small island in Baie du Prony is a nature preserve but also has a small hotel on it. Mooring balls are provided and maintained by the government and are free. The island also boasts several lovely little beaches and great hikes.

The anchorage at Isle Casy.

The anchorage as seen from the shore.

One of the adorable little beaches just opposite the anchorage as seen from the cockpit.

The windward side of Isle Casy as seen from the hiking trail which circles the island.

Jonah with his friends Martin and Basile from S/V Perlianne.

Another view of the rough and ready windward side of the island.

Kate coming down the trail looking very stylish.

The final shot of the windward side of Isle Casy. This beautiful beach had not a soul on it.

The center of the island is a big red sand pit with a landscape that looks more like planet Mars then earth.

The anchorage as seen from the middle of the island. The Queen Jane can be seen on the right. On the left are two boats that seem to want to be together even though they are tied to separate moorings.

The main building on Casy functions as a combination restaurant, bar, office and activity center.

The French sailboat "Perlianne", homebuilt by its owners Frank and Evelyn who live aboard with the two boys Martin and Basille. We first me Evelyn and Martin while hitchhiking on Wallis island in 2001 where they were living at the time.

A final shot of the anchorage at Isle Casy.