It was dark as we sailed into the ox bow lake at Tipas village, Namea LLG in West Sepik.
We had travelled in from Magleri down a tributary of the Sepik River called Wanipe.
It meanders and reaches the mighty Sepik River around the border of East Sepik and West Sepik at May River.
We then travelled westward to Tipas and the skipper realising bits of log floating down and the froth also on the water meant there was rain and thus a minimal flood.
Before we reached Ellimolie logpond it was pitch dark already but rowing on the Sepik powered by an outboard motor engine is safe and fun.
The skipper only had to watch for huge logs that may be floating down stream.
We didn't encounter any.
As we emerged into the lake at Tipas then approaching the village I could see the village so lit up along the banks that are about three metres high.
My first impression was they had a village electricity.
But as we anchored and settled into one of the homes, I learnt it was solar powered lights.
Depending on a villagers set up, it can be at the lounge room or the the front and back yards.
These very high post homes, sago thatched roofs and "pangal" wallings look just magnificent at night lit by the solar energy.
I felt embarrassed living in the city and knowing little about these lights.
They have different power ratings and connect straight to solar placed at the sago thatched roof top and with sufficient tropical sunshine all day the battery stored at the back of the light is charged adequately everyday.
And using a remote the owner sets the light to come on and light the place for three, five, eight or twelve hours of LED lighting.
It's just bright and beautiful and one can enjoying reading a book very clearly.
So after learning about that and with Port Moresby frequently encountering long black outs I have invested in that solar lighting.
The light now comes on automatically at 6.40pm and goes off at 6.08am.
If PNG Power goes off I still have light to dine or read in the evening.
It costs about K199 for the solar and the 40W light with inbuilt battery.
You can check the shops at Erimart in Port Moresby.
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