Day 4 Sunday
And it seems nothing like a Sunday but another Sun day. The sun was bursting through early this morning and what a surprise when I opened the door... It had rained in the night although everything was now drying but where had the sea gone? Either we were building for a tsunami or the tide was well and truly out. No signs of the see being dragged out and nothing
Nothing on the horizon and so it was safe to assume it was just the lowest tide we have seen. Between us and the next island was now a a series of atolls and reefs that are normally submerged, it really did seem possible to be able to walk to the next island. And so after breakfast, which was great again, an hour or so of swimming and snorkelling I set off at a brisk pace, as brisk as you can be through knee deep water to the outer reef. At time the water came up to my waist and it was one of those points when a small shark decided to come and introduce himself to me. Did I stop to get a photo or walk discreetly on in the other direction? Well there are no photo's of said shark so you can guess. I finally got to the outer reef and was amazed that there really wasn't a lot to see other than waves crashing down on the reef itself. It did become apparent that if you did managed to walk to the island you couldn't get back before the tide changed.
After lunch we again plotted the path of the sun across the sky with an accuracy that Newton would be proud of. A few swim in which Kathie managed to attract both rays and some very strange looking big fish that seemed to want to follow her, although the beach provided a refuge to the amusement of the local gardner.
And we even found time for the air conditioned gym. We both managed a few miles on the treadmill although neither of us would be able to manage a few hundred yards outside in the heat of the day.
Hudhuran Fushi is apparently a well known surfing resort and packed with Aussies. The sea travels across the Indian Ocean unbroken until it meets our North shore where there are consistent and great surfing waves. The island is a real cosmopolitan mix with local workers, surfer dudes from all over although mainly Australia, loads of Chinese and Russians and the occasional couple from Bolton!
Being so close to the equator, about 200 miles there is very little wind, the sun rises around 7:00 and starts to disappear about 17:30. Twilight is quick and it is dark before you realise it. I keep planning to get photo's of sunrise and sunset but keep missing both.
Snorkelling, goggles and flippers were well worth the investment although the underwater case for the camera is not working as well as I had hoped. Going to try with a flash setting tomorrow.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Day 3 saturday
Day 3 Saturday
Had to think about that it's so easy to lose tracks of the days. After dinner last night we wandered around the island and had a drink at the Sunset Bar but the sun had already gone down. Watched the giant fruit bats flying between trees and sipped a few cocktails. By chance we wandered down to the pier to see "feeding time". You name it, rays, fish and sharks having a bit of a frenzy as food was thrown into the sea - not a good time to start snorkelling.
Breakfasts are quite good and fresh omelettes are the topic of the day followed by fresh fruit. The option for curry at breakfast is always available along with chicken sausage and beef bacon!
This morning was spent between sunbathing and snorkelling in our own private lagoon. The biggest danger on e island is being hit by a coconut falling out of a tree and so your quickly ensure you don't put your sunbed underneath a tree and when walking you find yourself glancing upwards. This side of the island has a series of reefs with the sea breaking over the furthest one and then a row of deeper water pools sit between each reef. These pools are great for swimming and teem with a variety of fish. By lunch it was time to get out of the heat and we welcomed a break with some great apple crumble and ice cream. After lunch we wandered over the far side of the island to watch the surfer dudes riding the waves. Back to our beach for another chilled afternoon and a bit more snorkelling. Trying to muster the energy to go for a run in the air conditioned gym before tea - watch this space!
Had to think about that it's so easy to lose tracks of the days. After dinner last night we wandered around the island and had a drink at the Sunset Bar but the sun had already gone down. Watched the giant fruit bats flying between trees and sipped a few cocktails. By chance we wandered down to the pier to see "feeding time". You name it, rays, fish and sharks having a bit of a frenzy as food was thrown into the sea - not a good time to start snorkelling.
Breakfasts are quite good and fresh omelettes are the topic of the day followed by fresh fruit. The option for curry at breakfast is always available along with chicken sausage and beef bacon!
This morning was spent between sunbathing and snorkelling in our own private lagoon. The biggest danger on e island is being hit by a coconut falling out of a tree and so your quickly ensure you don't put your sunbed underneath a tree and when walking you find yourself glancing upwards. This side of the island has a series of reefs with the sea breaking over the furthest one and then a row of deeper water pools sit between each reef. These pools are great for swimming and teem with a variety of fish. By lunch it was time to get out of the heat and we welcomed a break with some great apple crumble and ice cream. After lunch we wandered over the far side of the island to watch the surfer dudes riding the waves. Back to our beach for another chilled afternoon and a bit more snorkelling. Trying to muster the energy to go for a run in the air conditioned gym before tea - watch this space!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Day 2
Day 2
Sleep was broken numerous times with a text from Spook (remember we are 5 hours ahead) and bird screeching. Last night we managed to a spot a number of fruit bats, well you can hardly miss them with about a 2 foot wingspan! From breakfast we hit the beach and had really chilled day. A spot of snorkelling, two sharks a ray and several cuttlefish. Failed to mention the sharks to Kathie not the huge ray that swam passed her while having a dip. A great lunch and then back to lazing around in our private lagoon. Later in the afternoon I caught a few Aussies surfing and then a game of football between two of the island hotels. Can't believe how quiet this island is. The pool is nearly always empty, hardly any kids and the beaches are almost deserted. People appear at meal times and then dissolve into the island. Already we can both see why once you've been to the Maldives most people return.
Sleep was broken numerous times with a text from Spook (remember we are 5 hours ahead) and bird screeching. Last night we managed to a spot a number of fruit bats, well you can hardly miss them with about a 2 foot wingspan! From breakfast we hit the beach and had really chilled day. A spot of snorkelling, two sharks a ray and several cuttlefish. Failed to mention the sharks to Kathie not the huge ray that swam passed her while having a dip. A great lunch and then back to lazing around in our private lagoon. Later in the afternoon I caught a few Aussies surfing and then a game of football between two of the island hotels. Can't believe how quiet this island is. The pool is nearly always empty, hardly any kids and the beaches are almost deserted. People appear at meal times and then dissolve into the island. Already we can both see why once you've been to the Maldives most people return.
Landing at the airport is even more spectacular than Hong Kong. The effect is the same, water on both sides of the plane although here you can see no runway! The journey from the airport was great fun. The speedboat transfer took about 30 minutes. Once out of the harbour then it became quite choppy. On the way out we passed numerous little islands each with different types of water bungalow and beach house. The finally our island Hudhuran Fushi... We left our bags on the key and were taken to reception and told our bags would be taken to the room. A quick freshen up and then a tour of the island. We have come to a surfers paradise. The place is full of Aussies as this is the perfect time of year for surfing. Our bungalow is on the other side of the island and sits on a quiet lagoon with the waves breaking on a reef someway out to sea. The surfing is at least 3 minutes away. The food has been great and we are just now looking for an early night to catch up on half a days sleep.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Day 1
Well we got to the airport with no problems. The pre booked parking was full and so we have been moved to the short stay right outside arrivals for no extra cost. The airport is a little empty and so just wandering around killing time.
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