Quezon

Arrived off Quezon this morning just before 10:00, 09 deg 15.496N, 117deg 59.757E. We have a brisk 18-20 knots from the ESE and as we have had to anchor about a mile out from the shore are wondering if it is worth it to bash ashore in the dinghy!! The wind is off the land so quite comfortable but we are only in about 3.5 metres of water.

After another lay day in Tagbita Bay we set off yesterday for Malapackun Island where we had a comfortable night behind the island, 09 deg 14.387N, 117 51.176E.

Fair Trading

Our foray back out into the South China Sea turned out to be a good day. Although unable to sail without the engine (we could have, but very slowly), we had current with us, blue sky, a light breeze and low swell. We trolled a lure but again no luck there. We arrived at Tagbita Bay about 1.30 p.m. and dropped anchor in behind the point and out of the worst of the swell - 08 deg 41.488N, 117 deg 19.688 E. Before the anchor had hit the bottom a small dugout with outriggers set out from the beach with 4 kids aboard, 1 teenage boy, a younger boy and girl and a smaller boy. Another young boy headed out from the other side. Within minutes they were asking for hats! We talked to them while getting sorted out and eventually gave them some bits and pieces but no hats. Then Mario, who we had already heard about, came around the headland from fishing and came across with his son to offer us some of his fresh fish. We bought what he seriously estimated by weighing his hand up and down to be two kilos of garfish for 60 pesos.

Fishing bangkas in Tagbita Bay

Still not sure of the value but a bunch of bananas with 7 hands cost us 20 pesos and a cabbage in Balabac cost 48 pesos so it didn't sound too outrageous and will be more than enough for two meals. Fish at last!! Once the goodies had been distributed and the fish paid for they all quickly disappeared back to their tiny village. It was not long though before the young boy and girl returned - they had a white-flowering orchid for us. We thought it was thanks for the other goodies but then they asked for biros! OK, one each. Not long after and they were back again this time with four coconuts. Unfortunately, we have no parang for cutting them open so we declined the offer this time. In the meantime Ambrosia had entered the anchorage and not long after Tony and Lyn dropped over for a cuppa. The kids returned, this time with a large parang and, first the girl, then the young boy and then the young boy opened the coconuts and handed them to us. Tony and Lyn told us that the locals are much more friendly down in this area but once we move further north they will almost totally ignore us. Time will tell.

And the bunch of bananas cost us about A$0.50! Here they are just starting to ripen.