From Lae to Salamaua

We travelled on a 40 horsepower dinghy from Lae to home at Laukanu village in Salamaua last Saturday for the opening of our new Lutheran Church building.
We crossed the waters of the Huon Gulf to world-famous Salamaua Point, had a breather, took a look at Salamaua Peninsula, and then dared south to Laukanu.
It was the first trip to Laukanu for my daughter, who has grown up in Port Moresby, and she was mesmerised by the stunning and spectacular beauty of the place.

My daughter on our dinghy Ranu Mero at Voco Point

With Uncle Lot Gedisa, owner of Ranu Mero. He is employed by Eda Ranu, hence the name, which means Water Boy in Motu.

After about 30 minutes across the Huon Gulf, the world-famous Salamaua Point appears

This is the busy  seafarers' market at Salamaua Point where mariners -  both ancient and young - stop to refuel, buy food, buai or a cold beer. Given the lucrative multi-million kina buai trade between Popondetta and Lae, this place is a thriving melting pot and crossroads, a far cry from the uninhabited coastline it once was. Given easy communication, you can swipe your bank card, as the entrepreneurs carry portable EFTPOS machines. The amazing thing is that this place has been developed by the local people without any Government intervention.

From the market, we headed around the point and south to Salamaua, the famous Town of Gold and site of some of the heaviest fighting of WWII. Picture is my cousin Yawi and my daughter on the narrow isthmus.

My daughter and I at Salamaua with Salamaua Point in the background.

Another postcard from Salamaua.

Past Salamaua we crossed the mouth of the Francisco River, which was made famous during the gold rush days.