So we decide it’s a good night to take ourselves out to dinner – relieving Rod of cooking duty and Carol of the dish washing regime.
Step One – AM: Move yacht some 10-20 miles to anchor in vicinity of resort.
Step Two – Early PM: Dinghy into shore early to make reservations for dinner at targeted resort. Return to yacht and entertain ourselves for the rest of the afternoon. Starving by 5 PM.
Step Three – 6:45 PM: No one in New Caledonia eats before 7 PM. About 15 minutes before scheduled reservations at 7 PM (we will turn out to be the first arrivals) we shower and dress aboard yacht in preparation for dinner. In my case simple knit pullover dress, carved native necklace, waterproof plastic sandals (Crocs) and a foul weather jacket. Pouring down rain 10 minutes before scheduled departure.
Rain stops. Makes no difference. Either way pile into wet dinghy and race across bay from AVATAR to resort on far shore. Land dinghy on sandy beach, leap from dinghy into shallow surf and all three of us barely manage to wrestle heavy dinghy to high ground and tie off to a fallen tree log. This is the reason for wearing plastic (waterproof) Croc sandals! Knit dress hiked up to above knees.
Trudge across resort grounds to restaurant, pausing to slosh feet and Croc sandals in freshwater stream to eliminate sand between toes.
Enjoy a lovely gourmet meal, menu in French so guessing somewhat as to our choices. Two bottles of French wine, stimulating conversation, elegant environment, slapping at mosquitoes that hopefully are not carrying malaria.
Pay the bill and hike in the dark back to beach where dinghy is tethered. Wrestle dinghy back into water, again sloshing around in shallow surf wearing waterproof Crocs, knit dress hiked up above knees.
Fire up outboard motor and aim military grade spotlight into water off bow, watching out for shallow water and coral reef hazards because low tide. Frighten fish with powerful spotlight – they leap out of the water criss-crossing in front of us.
Race across bay clutching painter and handgrips on dinghy pontoons to avoid sudden ejection into water while continuously scanning water just ahead with said military grade spotlight. Arrive at AVATAR where we clamber onto swim step and rinse legs, feet and shoes with hand held freshwater shower.
Crash into our welcoming beds – this is a typical scenario for dining out while cruising. Written while still under the influence!
Cheers!