Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/84021
Destination exclusive hello? While no-one lives here, locals from Aneityum island visit by day. quality over soon! coming quantity It only takes about 40 minutes to walk around Mystery Island. games that children play," says Tony Keith,a local employed as a ranger and marine conservationist. He keeps an eye on the exquisite reefs and marine life, including green sea turtles, whose population is recovering after decades of over-harvesting. "Cruising has really improved our lifestyle, most houses now have generators, some have now got boats, the school is available to all children and our shops are supplied a lot better than they ever have been. New shops are developing so it is most welcome," says Silas, chief of Angelhuat. "Cruise ships give opportunity to all islanders who want to work, including planting taro to sell to the passengers, as well as tours and souvenir shops." Maintaining the island in its pristine condition is also part of the job. "Traditional life fascinates people, particularly the custom dancing and the traditional food preparation as well as the Is there more to the mystery? OK, don't tell anyone, but hidden away on the other side of the island is a secret runway, built for the US Air Force during World War II. It's still used occasionally to drop off guests and supplies but you won't see it until you stumble upon it in the grass. The nearby marine reserve has much better (and easier) snorkelling than the main beaches. If you're lucky, you might swim with Tony's green turtles and see the tags he puts on them for his monitoring project. Of course there's even more to tell but we're not going to solve it all for you— you'll have to try that yourself! Mystery Island may be small but we are planning plenty of Shore Tours^, which will be available soon! One of the most thrilling will be a Helmet Dive to the seabed. Fitted with a dive helmet, you'll be able to see bright corals, fish, shells and if you're lucky, sea turtles. The Shore Tour will be open to people of all swimming capabilities. If you prefer to stay on land, there will also be a Shore Tour to Aneityum. This will be your chance to experience traditional village life, cultural performances and maybe even a fire-walking demonstration. ˆCharges apply. Sail Away. Spring 2012 13