Peaceful boat ride to Neduntheevu Island, also known as Delft Island
Awoke early on the 25th and walked with pack to bus stand on Hospital Rd. in Jaffna. All I heard about Delft was that it was a “desolate” place. Peaceful boat ride. Two Sri Lankans taught me much needed Tamil for Delft. Bonocum – Hello Nandreep – Thank you. Nala Saparoo – Good Food.
Stayed at the Aquatic Tourist Guesthouse
Arrived on Delft and quickly found accommodations just to the left of the pier at the Aquatic Tourist Guesthouse. Tasty fish lunch. Started walking around Delft Island late in the afternoon – no idea the total distance. Interesting trees here. Incredible local community economy with zero tourist influence.
Lost in the pitch dark
Everyone greets me kindly with a surprised look. Many want to chat. Past a few mini-fishing villages with thatched houses- life is simple. As darkness loomed, I began to worry. I’d underestimated the size of the island. I started to run. As the sunset, I began to slightly panic. A guy in a fishing village said it was just 2 km to port. Not true.
I reached the main road and some Tamil kids picked me up on a motorbike. I lost my sandal as we took off. Time for a new pair anyhow so I didn’t say anything. Walked a day’s total of 24 miles (roughly 45,000 steps). Got dropped off at the Justice of Peace’s house – he called my hotel owner who came and picked me up. I was just a few kilometers short of completing the loop.
Try, Try again to walk the circumference of Neduntheevu Island
Despite fatigue and soreness, I set out the next morning to do a complete loop. Very hot day and just two bananas to keep me alive. Last several kilometers were quite difficult but completed the 36 km loop around Delft on foot. Saw big Baobab tree and swam on empty beach today.
