Our fresh water was running out so we moved from paradise Island to the village 2km away on the mainland. Before we could leave a man appeared paddling a wooden canoe. Come to my house in the village for a shower he said. We paddled back in convoy, our host impressed with the speed of our longer sleeker craft with twice the paddle blade. We were impressed with his skill in the cross wind and how he stopped every so often to bail out with his water jug. Kids ran around on the beach flying kites made of plastic bags strapped onto a bamboo frame, controlled by fishing line wrapped around a discarded water bottle. They all circled in on us as we landed through small surf. Strong hands grabbed my kayak and easily carried it to the top of the beach. Sandy's was next. Fifty people watched intently as we unpacked our valuables from the kayak and took off our spraydecks. Mostly children from age 2 to 15. Sandy gave a speech in basic Indonesian explaining her trip. They all followed us as we headed to our host's house and they snuck into the room after us. The rest of the day as we waked around the village, fetched something from the kayak, ate a coconut or drank tea, we had an entourage, a band of followers who watched our every move. I felt like the pied piper with a raggle taggle procession behind me. Sandy says this is a small crowd. She's had up to 200 people surrounding her, blocking the air flow, no escape from stares, questions, hands. I am enjoying it today and hope I'll continue to appreciate the curiosity.

I wonder how many people will watch us sleep for a few hours before we get up early to cross to mainland Papua tomorrow.

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