Firstly, a quick look at the market stalls in the open area located where everyone has to either walk around or through to collect their tourist bus or walk to beach or other pathways. There wasn't much to attract a sale from me. I headed up the road to Our Lady of Loardes C1898. A beautiful little church situated not far away from were the tender boats arrive. I spotted it from the balcony on board the ship. It is perched on a cliff overlooking the Coral Sea and is the most visible of land marks on the island.
It was an easy walk and climb to the church on a pleasant mid 20C temperature with a pleasant breeze which made my walk enjoyable. Had it been hotter, I think my walk would have shortened and been uncomfortable. Once at the top of the stairs, I was rewarded with wonderful views of the country-side, some beaches, Pacific Island and even the Sun Princess! The church was open to show a clean and sparsely furnished interior. A couple of trestle tables and a statue of St Mary and one long seat.
As I walked along the path to the little church on the hill there was a turnoff to Bay of Jinek. The bay is know to be great for snorkelling. Locals charge AUD15 to access. This goes towards protecting the enviroment and helping the local people. There are now stairs to access the almos no beach.
Plenty of tropical flowers and fruit lining the pathway. Every now and again I would walk past a traditional thatched hut, one particular was left open for viewing. Of course I couldn't resist a look in!
I had seen another church from the balcony of the ship, this one was more inland, white and looked more important. So I continued my walk. Marist Brothers had built this church sometime in the 1800's. Sadly some of the south facing stained glass windows were broken and the interior once impressive and well provided for, now looked it was struggling to be maintained.
On arrival back to the jetty area I wandered down to the beach at Easo. A beautiful and natural beach of soft white sands and warm clear water fringed by tropical trees and vegetation. I was tempted to return with my bathers.
church Our Lady of Lourdes C1898
Outside church, yep, I made it!
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