Even better

Diva and TSH sailed into Coron whilst having breakfast. TSH did make one or two trips outside to take photographs as the scenery is very beautiful, with the land being very close on both sides of the ship. The limestone hills which rise steeply out of the sea are clad with vegetation on one side whilst on the other they are more rolling hills with little vegetation on the tops due to lack of soil. These latter hills are the same as the ones referred to as chocolate hills at Bohol because of their brown colour. This was an even better sail-in than the previous day. The Philippine islands are very scenic indeed.

A short trip was taken by TSH in the morning to explore Coron by local outrigger boat which seated ten people. The outrigging was constructed from bamboo and was designed to make the boat, which was essentially a canoe, more stable. On boarding the boat, all of the group had to don lifejackets, which many people found too small but even after nearly five weeks on a cruise ship TSH managed to fit with ease. By the end of the trip TSH was the only person with the life jacket fastened but he wanted to be able to truthfully say to Diva on his return that he had taken no risks.

Whilst the boat had an engine, a crew member used a long bamboo pole to manoeuvre it. He later dived into the sea to tie the boat up at a couple of stops – whilst he was fully clothed - but was dry within a short time due to the heat. The swims also had no detrimental effect on his very stylishly groomed hair which contained colour highlights.

The exploration consisted of a trip along the shore of Coron Island which is on a different island from Coron Town where the Silver Shadow was berthed.  The clearness of the water allowed coral to be seen as well as a shipwreck (possibly not a good thing to see whilst on a cruise). Coron Island is inhabited by people who believe that the spirits of their ancestors return as birds and for this reason no outsiders are allowed on the island after 5pm. If you wish to stay on the island later than that, sacrifices of chicken are required.

TSH spotted a sea eagle and what the guide said was tuna fish.

After travelling along the coast of Coron Island, the boat headed out over the widest part of the open water to head back to the ship. Here the water was a bit choppy, and TSH was glad that he had kept a good hold on his camera and bag. One passenger was less organised and managed to allow his camera to drop into the sea where it obviously still remains.

TSH arrived back on the ship at about 11am to find that the Butler had organised a candle lit bubble bath for him which he felt he didn’t require.

Diva and TSH attempted a brief walk into town after lunch. This turned out to be even briefer than expected as the route into town was not suitable for walking unless one wished to be run down by motorbikes and other road vehicles – there was no pavement. Diva and TSH do not do trikshaws (motorbikes with sidecars) having experienced their “joys” previously and also seen how they are driven in the Philippines.