The next day was waterfall number two, a shorter hike this time, we got a late start and headed out at around 11 Am. On our way we passed the circumcision grounds and were impressed to find that the Neevans had danced through the night and were still going strong! The way to the waterfall was a bit mossy and slick, but the path opened into a beautiful waterfall and hidden valley. We found a truck and arrived back at Jake’s late that night and Ryan started to feel a little nauseous. (We all knew this part was coming- we are surprised it took so long) Several hours and many trips to the bathroom (that the spiders had very clearly claimed) he was finally able to get some shut eye.
An hour later he was awoken by a unhappy Sasha. Seeing the look in her eye, Ryan promptly wished her good luck turned over and went back to bed. We bonded by looking up at the starry night and trying to not throw up on the cat. The worst of it was over by morning, but the next week consisted of a lot of unhappy tummies and just-in-time bathroom runs.
Despite this we managed to get into town on Friday for the Weekly Peace Corps lunch where we also got a chance to meet the lovely Australian volunteers. After a quick trip to the beach we found ourselves in need of a truck home. Unfortunately for us that was not in the cards. Lindsey (another Peace Corps volunteer) was gracious enough to let us stay at her place for the night in the far closer Middle Bush.
It was a great night of stories and laughter, we learned a lot more about the life of a Volunteer and Sasha got to draw a beautiful green lady bug on her door next to sketches of all previous visitors. As an added bonus, we had a largely spider (but not cockroach) free toilet! The next morning, we set out back to Jacobs and made it one trudging and wet hour before we caught a truck heading to Green Hill.
Once we got settled in we decided that we stank and today was the day for a swim (Swim means bathe, and swim swim means swim for fun) and laundry. After a short walk to the river, we cannonballed into the somewhat muddy water. We emerged if not totally clean, at least not caked with dirt. Next Jake taught us several ways to wash our clothes and we made it through a whole load in under min. Take that hour long spin cycle!
With one day to go on Tanna we headed back into town for a beach and hammock day. We explored, read a few pages, listened to a podcast and generally passed the day. Stocking up at the store for our trip back to Lindsey’s we spotted Lance buying a few beers. I guess that’s what happens when you are on an island with only a few stores. He asked what we were up to and he offered to take us up to Middle Bush in his uncles car. We warned Lindsey of a surprise and softened the blow of yet another guest (we now hold the record for most guests at a time) with a big tub of icecream. We talked for awhile and finished the night off with a showing of Hook with Robin Williams.
The next morning we got up bright and early to head to the Airport. Next stop Sydney!
Ticket to Anywhere 