It seems everyone in Vanuatu calls themselves a Yacht Club. It’s their way of showing us that they are cruiser friendly and we should visit them. Today we were anchored in a small bay off the northwest corner of Ambrym Island. There is literally nothing in this entire area except this one property, with one occupant, calling the property The Lonwolwol Yacht Club.

Upon arrival Jimmy showed us pictures and told us the story behind this place. As he tells it, a hundred years ago there was a thriving community here of a few thousand people. At that time they practiced their own religion. But eventually the missionaries came and found their little corner of the world (let’s face it, missionaries don’t miss a corner). They built a big 100 bed hospital and began working hard to convert everyone. Tensions slowly simmered, and eventually blew up. Literally—according to legend.

There was a huge volcanic eruption. A manmade volcanic eruption, in fact. How did man do it? Apparently they did some digging by hand, and then used some black magic. The volcano blew up right under the hospital. Many died, and the entire settlement was wiped off the map. The survivors scattered to other areas of the island. The lake we were visiting today was actually a bay, open to the ocean, but at some later point a cyclone sealed it off. And somewhere amidst all of this Jimmy’s father had returned and settled the land again. Today, he owns all of this for many miles. The lake, the land, and the beach.

Whatever the full story is, this place was indeed magical. The black sand beach was pristine. A large area of land has been cleared underneath the trees to make an area for sailors to visit and hang out ashore. Elaborate gardens have been planted, of which we were given his first tomatoes, and the most delicious cucumber I’ve tasted. And he has this little property on the lake with the best rope swing ever. He charges a few bucks and everyone has a fantastic time.

My first backflip attempt came up just a wee bit short of completion. Thank you, Ali, for capturing this.

Kids ending a great day with tired bodies, wet heads, and video games. Can’t beat a day like that.