A cool surprise!

We continue to thank God for the breezes! One day this week we even had clouds with a few sprinkles. So uncommon for this time of year.

Sunset on the Banana Islands!

We hiked to the other side of the slender island!

Slave steps!

We docked in a beautiful cove on the south side of one of the islands, then began the walk up the slave steps.

"Once the domain for the powerful Caulker family - Thomas Corker arrived in Sierra Leone from England in 1684 - Banana Islands was a bastion for slave trading, and quickly became a well-to-do spot for colonials and Krio families alike." from...Bradt Travel Guide

Boat ride from the mainland to Banana Islands!

There was a crew of 3 men on the wooden boat with small motor. One was designated to bail water!

The Banana Islands

Late in January, we and several others on the Restore Hope Team began to realize that we were working virtually non-stop, including weekends. We deliberately set aside a Fri-Sat for a "get away." We determined there would be no computers and no cell phones. The Banana Islands were the perfect choice for peace and solitude. For a whopping $45 Tom and I were able to relax overnight in a setting that we believe to be near paradize! This included the boat ride over, the accommodations in a "hut," lunches for 2 days, dinner on Friday evening and breakfast Saturday morning.

Mohamed jumped right in!

Mohamed jumped right into the action at St George. Friday was a public holiday here, so the kids were out of school (they go to schools in the community). At the refuge they were spending the morning in an HIV awareness seminar.