February 11, 2018 – Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Vanuatu is a nation made up of roughly 80 islands that stretch some 800 miles in the South Pacific Ocean, southwest of Fiji, about 1,000 miles east of northern Australia, and 300 miles northeast of New Caledonia, which is where we’re scheduled to be docked tomorrow. Since the 1880s, France and the United Kingdom claimed parts of this archipelago, and they eventually agreed to jointly manage the area, known then as “New Hebrides.” This arrangement lasted until independence was granted in 1980, and the independent Republic of Vanuatu was established.

Mystery Island must be one of the smallest of the Vanuatu islands. It is a tiny (0.6 square mile), flat, coral atoll. If you’re looking for Mystery Island on a map, you probably won’t find it, as no one lives here. In the local dialect, the island is known as Inyeug and is located just off the coast of the large volcanic island of Aneityum.

Here are photos of Mystery Island (Inyeug) and the adjacent Aneityum, taken from our ship:

Serenity anchored outside the coral reef surrounding the island early this morning. Ginny stayed on board ship today, as did many others, but Jim hopped on one of the first tender boats to the island at about 9:15. It was a 15-minute tender ride from ship to the small dock on the island. Water inside the reef was a beautiful shade of turquoise blue – calm and crystal clear. We were told by those who went swimming and snorkeling here that it was a great experience. A light, golden-colored sandy beach surrounds the island.

We had visited Mystery Island once before, and Jim knew exactly what he wanted to do. The island is small enough that he was able to easily walk around its perimeter in about 45 minutes on a sandy pathway trail (stopping a few times along the way). 

One highlight of his walk was a small airplane that landed on the grass runway that we understand was originally built during WWII by U.S. military forces. The runway is fairly short – about 2,000 feet Jim estimated – but it covers almost the entire interior of the island and close to 75% of its length. While walking past the end of the runway, adjacent to the water, the airplane swooped in and landed right in front of him.

That was interesting, as nobody lives on this island. Jim assumed that the plane must have been carrying supplies for the people from Aneityum to take back home with them, as their island has mountainous, rugged terrain which would probably not be suitable for a runway. Or maybe that’s the way the islanders travel to some of the other islands in Vanuatu.

Jim continued the walk and enjoyed snapping photos of the scenery, as views of the beach and surrounding waters were spectacular, and there were plenty of trees for shade.

There are very limited facilities on the island, although Jim observed quite a few “outhouse” types of toilets along his walk route. There are no resort hotels, no restaurants, no taverns or swim pools. Swimming or snorkeling inside the reef, and taking kayak tours from some of the local Vanuatu natives seem to be the extent of activities. There were huts set up for selling South Pacific souvenirs to the tourists. Jim bought Ginny a refrigerator magnet from Mystery Island, and a shell necklace.

There are no houses on Inyeug (Mystery Island). We understand that Vanuatu people (including those from Aneityum) don’t live on this island, because it’s considered to be inhabited after dark by ghosts. Thus, they don’t want to spend the night here.

After about two hours, Jim returned to the ship very happy that he was able to visit Mystery Island once again – it’s a perfect example of a tiny, deserted South Pacific atoll, with gorgeous beaches and amazing clear water. We suspect that other ships cruising out of Australia must stop here also, or the semi-permanent craft sales stalls, along with other hand-painted signs offering services, wouldn’t be on the island.

On Serenity, everyone was happy to see the sun and blue sky today. The Lido Deck pool was finally open again, as it has been closed. Rough seas cause giant waves in the pool, which splash up about 10 feet in the air and onto the deck. Jim’s also happy that the wind has died down, because his morning walks have been quite an adventure battling the blustery wind.

We attended the Grand Gala Buffet yesterday at noontime. It was gigantic, as always, and beautifully presented. We specialized in checking out the desert section, with every type of cake you can imagine. The tower of lobsters and “penguin eggs” are always a big favorite. 

The same night, we went to Silk Road (Japanese food) for dinner.

Nighttime entertainment continues at a high level. We enjoyed Ashley Carruthers, an Australian piano player and entertainer, who is most definitely high energy and loves playing fast music. His specialty seemed to be Jerry Lee Lewis (“Great Balls of Fire”). We skipped the 50’s/60’s Rock & Roll Dance Party. We just can’t do everything. Not only that, we think these parties are primarily set up for the single women who want to dance with the eight male Ambassador Dance Hosts. Tonight, there will be a big Mardi Gras party in the Crystal Plaza at 8:00 p.m. We’ll include a report on that event in the next posting.

Jim & Ginny