Sailing north along the Patinti Strait between Halmahera and the offshore islands, we crossed the equator that night and ‘surprise, surprise’, King Neptune emerged from the depths of the Molucca Sea to anoint his subjects. Toni and Cathy even produced a bottle of champagne to celebrate!
The next morning many of our group were up before sunrise as we sailed past the string the string of volcanic islands, such as Machian and Motir, before we anchored between the clove islands of Tidore and Ternate.
In the first light of day and as the morning call to prayer sounded from the mosques on Ternate I captured this photo of the moon setting above the volcano on Ternate.
This was going to be the last few days of our 12 day voyage, the ships notice board shows the route of our journey through the Spice Islands, the program for the day, and gives a last call for laundry.
The highlight of our visit to the clove islands was our visit to the Sultan’s Palace on both Tidore and Ternate, and Herbie’s discovery of a mountain of cloves in a local traders warehouse.
It is time for our last round of ‘sunset drinks’ and then dinner on the Ombak Putih and we celebrate with a ceremonial rice cake and a gift to our marvellous guides Caroline and Jenny.
Then it is time to join enjoy the entertainment provided by the crew and dance the night away.
spiceislandsblog 