Volcano

So across the cape here, there is a volcano active, which has closed the airport.

People are wondering how I'm going to get home from this village recording.
The recording is done, so now I sit and wait to see if I can get a flight out.
If I can not, I will drive an hour to a ferry, ride the ferry for hours to a different island
take a PMV to the airport and wait there.

I'm not worried, because it's several days away yet, but if you have time to think on it, pray that the volcano allows our flight in.

from the local Chamber of Commerce:

With the resumption of low level volcanic activity from Mt Tavurvur last Sunday and recent changes in wind direction, all three airlines serving Rabaul (Tokua) Airport have now cancelled services in and out of Tokua, leaving ENB cut off from scheduled air services.

 

The resulting travel disruption is proving costly and inconvenient for business houses and other travelers alike.

 

As well as no passenger traffic, there is also no air cargo service, no mail and no newspapers. There can be no medical evacuations, no urgent spare parts can be procured and the tourist trade has been halted.

 

Little can be done until the winds move again or the volcano shuts down. Air safety rules and plain common sense prevent any turbine or jet aircraft flying near or in volcanic dust.