El Nino was set to blight the latter third of 2015 with a severe drought setting in by September, predictions of a delayed or even restrained wet season with consequent economic damage expected to exceed that from Cyclone Pam. A VARTC management meeting on 25 September focussed on the lack of pasture growth and potential damage to the beef cattle operation – a major source of revenue to this unique farm. There’s no irrigation system here yet artesian water is pumped up the hill into storage tanks. I left the meeting keen to source a K-Line irrigation system in New Zealand, find funding for it, air freight and present it as “Aid From NZ”. 50+ e-mails, countless requests circling like buzzards but never landing, then bingo, got hold of the right chap, Tony Atwool, at RX Plastics, Ashburton, who confirmed that RX Plastics would donate agreed to donate a scheme. SB Logistics provided a very competitive quote for the air freight, for which a funding request e-mail went out to great friends who each coughed up $100. There was still a shortfall, plus the cost of a customs agency in Luganville – this lot was funded by VSA.

Finally, after countless delays, on 11 March, I was able to present the scheme to VARTC’s Alistair, Acting CEO (right), Frank, Head of Maintenance and Jules, Chief Mechanic (next to me) as shown in the photo to the right. Alistair gave a speech of thanks from VARTC to me and all those that contributed. I note here my huge appreciation to RX Plastics, to Andy Templeton’s early efforts, to the friends that chipped in and to NZ’s fantastic Volunteer Service Abroad for its practical and financial support. It was great to have David Nalo and Clemmie Newton from VSA in attendance at the presentation.

On 29 January, two weeks after arriving back to our island world we were on our way back from the ritual Friday night Volunteer drinkies at Deco Stop Lodge’s Happy hour when Louise fell off her bike at low speed. She broke her wrist badly (see photo left) and after inspection at the Medical Centre and X-rays the following day, we were flown home, courtesy of the VSA Travel/Medical Insurer. The first week back in Christchurch was dominated by time spent in Christchurch Hospital, the second by us keeping a low profile while she with the wounded wing rested.

We saw our kids but the need for rest meant we did not announce our stay to friends so it was a strange stay, being there but in some ways, being anonymous visitors.

We finally arrived back here to our Santo home of 16 February. Louise is physically restricted in her range of activities but is diligently, if not enthusiastically, working on the Poultry Unit business plan.

For me, there was a sense of unsettlement which took a week to shake off and get nuts back on the brain.

 

We were greatly looking forward to getting back to New Zealand in December for Sophie’s graduation and having a lot of family and friends time. This said, even before we left Santo, we were conscious that when our NZ trip was nearing its end, we would be viewing our return to Santo with enthusiasm. After Sophie’s graduation in Dunedin, it was up to Christchurch for two weeks. There was marketing work for me, a packed time with family, friends, beautiful beer, old haunts and a special wedding, We had 3 days of pure relaxation up in Nelson with Sam, house and dog sitting for friends Ruurd and Truus – it was heavenly. Back to Christchurch with a day here, another there as social nomads. In January we caught up with friends in Manganui before joining other good friends for a 5 day saling jaunt in the Bay of Islands and Whangaroa Harbour. Then back here via 3 days in Sydney staying with Holly and Hamish.

Arriving back to Vanuatu was a warming experience in both senses. The mercury level and the contagious smiles of the ni-Vans. Finally, friends brought us home and home is how it felt. We’re fortunate indeed to be having this richly rewarding experience on Santo.