Finally

To All

Well it seems as though it has been quite a while since my last writing and it has. I had actually begun this two weeks ago but then due to a computer crash I am just getting back to it. You know while I was working nothing I ever wrote on my note pad ever erased itself, I can't say the same for computers.

I believe we last left off with cyclone "Tomas". We were quite fortunate to have moved from our previous location back to the marina at Vuda Pt. where we had no affect from "Tomas", many areas of Fiji were severely damaged. We spent from mid March till mid May in the marina, doing more of the necessary boat projects.

Mid March brought our friend Connie from Annapolis,Md to visit us in Fiji. Connie planned to stay with in Fiji until our departure to Vanuatu, make the passage with us then spend another few weeks with us in Vanuatu. Connie became what we "yachties" refer to as our "pack mule". Her luggage consisted of 3 large bags. One for her and two for us. It is amazing what can not be bought in many of the countries that we seem to be in, hence visitors are always welcome.

After 6 weeks in the marina on Connie's arrival we were immediately under way out to Musket Cove, one of the favorite yachtie spots in Fiji. After a few days decompressing in Musket. I also had to spend 3 days cleaning the boat bottom, just as you must mow your lawns, we headed off to another island, Navadra, which we had not visited before. Navadra is inhabited by goats only but has nice beachcombing and snorkeling. After a couple of days we had a weather change and move off to Waya Is. in the Yawsawa island group of Fiji. Here we visited Yalobi village. On arrival, anchoring off a village it is customary to visit the "Ratu" or chief and present him with "sevusevu" or a gift of Kava. Kava is the local "grog" a drink made from the yaqona plant. We visited Tom the chief, were accepted into the village and presented with shell necklaces. We only spent a short time in Waya , then a nice sail back to the tourist area of Denarau. Here we took a slip in the marina for a couple of days to let Connie take in some land sight seeing before we took off for Vanuatu.

After spending the last year enjoying the friendly "Bula Bula" atmosphere of Fiji it was time to take our leave and continue on with our westward travel. Before leaving on what would be a 4 day passage we first had to stock provisions, fuel, food and beverages, next it was a visit to the officials, finally ready to go.

We departed Lautoka intending to stop at a bay just prior to the exit pass to hoist the dinghy on deck and make final checks to see that the boat was ready for sea. Well we only managed about 5 miles before our recurring engine overheating problem reared it's head. OK, plan B. We stopped at another anchorage where I could check on what might be the problem with the faithful Miss Perky, our Perkins diesel engine. After making the normal checks and finding no obvious problems we have decided Miss Perky is just experiencing hot flashes and we just need to treat her gently. This means when running the engine we take it slow, but as we have nothing but time no problem.

The next morning Thursday 29 April we're up early, 0500, making final preparation. Anchor up at 0700 and we're off. The end of chapter 1 for reasons of email length.