We visited Canton May/June ’09. Very interesting place, feels a bit post-apocalyptic, due to the huge amount of buildings and infrastructure which has broken down or collapsed. Thirty five people live there full time, approximately 7 families, one member of each family works for the government.

The police rep will provide clearance in and out. There is a SSB operator who is on 8 meg, but unfortunately we did not record the freq or sched.

Climate change is killing the island’s plant life, never abundant, and water is a very real problem. The wells are brackish and the cisterns poorly maintained, water needs to be boiled. There were only 2 remaining breadfruit trees and coconut palms, nothing else was being grown. There is nothing for sale and no stores. The people depend on the supply boats from Tarawa for staples. The people are about as friendly as they can be, we were able to fix a few things for them, generators, motorcycles, outboards, etc and their enthusiasm and gratitude knew no bounds.

The lagoon has a mooring, not far from the wharf, attached to a huge ships anchor that we sat on. Spearfishing in the lagoon is absolutely unbelievable, lots of lobster, snapper and grouper. Unfortunately our visit was abruptly terminated when the watermaker membrane failed and we were unable to fix it.

Well worth a visit.

George and Debrae
SV Thalia