tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38698694679837935742024-03-14T02:36:44.807+11:00Freedom and AdventureThis is the blog page of Andrew and Clare Payne as they sail in their yacht Eye Candy in the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean and now the Pacific Ocean.Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-16053157308245417322022-10-30T15:49:00.001+11:002022-10-30T15:49:47.574+11:0010-2022 Arriving in Australia<div class="WordSection1"><div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Hi from Clare 10 -2022 Arriving in Australia 29<sup>th</sup> October 2022</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">HOME AT LAST</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Well dear friends, we arrived in Australia from New Caledonia a week ago. We had a very good six day trip mostly sailing on a broad reach in slight seas. We left Noumea on Saturday15th October knowing that we needed to arrive in Bundaberg by Friday night 21<sup>st </sup>before the forecast strong opposing winds and rain. As it turned out we arrived early Friday morning in plenty of time and with a nice yellow fin tuna caught on the last day. Our sailing friends Liam and Annie on Gone with the Wind arrived soon after. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">FREEDOM & ADVENTURE</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">So this completes sixteen years of cruising overseas. We have travelled 49 thousand sea miles and visited 51 countries. What a wonderful experience seeing both the lifestyles from the very rich to the very poor. We have learnt a lot about other people and probably even more more about ourselves. It has been both a privilege and a humbling experience. Fortunately we were lucky enough over the years, to share many of our adventures with family and friends visiting Eye Candy for holidays. Our thanks to you all. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe6rzw3rJcvWuvNXvXa7cufWO8T7RtQZ0OYx8G37Y6-gvGy0AwYqcsoI3lmi-0-K8Hh3_RzD_SRO01nR0SR058Skah9-j9uyfKYPbrjpvVFOU2r9HnXZTv6fqYXzXXZ53wTawL6AbZk_j6GldO47Gxn84DepD757HW8PNkttanJ292NALgtH0kbJ1/s4608/DSCN4272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEe6rzw3rJcvWuvNXvXa7cufWO8T7RtQZ0OYx8G37Y6-gvGy0AwYqcsoI3lmi-0-K8Hh3_RzD_SRO01nR0SR058Skah9-j9uyfKYPbrjpvVFOU2r9HnXZTv6fqYXzXXZ53wTawL6AbZk_j6GldO47Gxn84DepD757HW8PNkttanJ292NALgtH0kbJ1/s320/DSCN4272.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Andrew, Clare and Eye Candy</span></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">THE OFFICIALS</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">When first arriving we were directed to the quarantine dock. This is a locked area on the wharf where we stayed until Customs, Immigration and Bio Security Officials came to the boat. We were not allowed off the boat and no one was allowed onboard until we were finally cleared into Australia. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWi6z4ulTXUh5BJcaVy_ylNL6iFW7huPWWMdeqFNySCrrf96UoL0uK7Kh1gGsa9Yah211skG1ToN9OHqJg4-KMHCCrFGikO1QuIg9ezJpUPgO-JkH16wwHmFu0uOO66WX0qnlYKxCuv-ARvTdt7EWda2A2jT5vNFBB2BEP4ndfCovzVHTlR6WRWLM/s4608/DSCN4271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWi6z4ulTXUh5BJcaVy_ylNL6iFW7huPWWMdeqFNySCrrf96UoL0uK7Kh1gGsa9Yah211skG1ToN9OHqJg4-KMHCCrFGikO1QuIg9ezJpUPgO-JkH16wwHmFu0uOO66WX0qnlYKxCuv-ARvTdt7EWda2A2jT5vNFBB2BEP4ndfCovzVHTlR6WRWLM/s320/DSCN4271.JPG" width="320" /></a> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Liam, Annie and Andrew on the Quarantine Dock</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">All the Officials were very nice and very thorough. The Bio Security lady checked all food stuff being brought into the country and then she did an inspection of the boat for bugs. All wood on the boat was looked at carefully. She opened cupboards and lockers and even crawled around on the floor with a torch looking along the edges of the floorboards and in every nook and cranny. She found one little bug, sealed it in a plastic tube and took it away for analysis. She wasn't too concerned about it and described the bug as a hitch-hiker. Could have come on the boat yesterday, she said. We had cleaned and washed our vacuum cleaner, which she inspected. If there was dust in the vacuum cleaner she would have bagged it and taken it away. We were very impressed and glad to know that Bio Security is protecting our country against any unwanted bugs. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Since arriving we have had Eye Candy valued. Because Eye Candy has not been to Australia before we must import her and pay 10% GST and 5% Import Duty. </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This process takes about a week to 10 days to complete. Until then Eye Candy has to stay in the harbour of Bundaberg.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">G</span></o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">OOD FRIENDS</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Our arrival into Australia was enriched by our friends Colin and Denise flying up from Sydney to join in our celebration. Yes, it was patently clear by their smiling faces that we had arrived in Australia and not just another destination. We spent a few days together, popped a champagne cork and had a celebratory dinner. We even managed a trip to the Bundy Rum Distillery to stock up on their boutique liqueurs. We introduced Annie and Liam to Col and Denise and the six of us had a great night out to dinner exchanging sailing stories. We found we had a lot in common, not surprising. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh8Ze1hmmcYaB-O2C6_rpEK15si2wtpQoDh4up3HCCOed_kKVcwtIczyt1DdeLLImvcV3HF8G9NPf-AOw5U5Na661Bnlt_pMhgd9QSJBmJJR9m5OtR6ojsuV7f_3BAeTtj3EaYvurDc75x6iYWO10BBUDLYV8UwEitNGcOOo53efMciq_7Y6fzFzh/s4032/IMG_1189~photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh8Ze1hmmcYaB-O2C6_rpEK15si2wtpQoDh4up3HCCOed_kKVcwtIczyt1DdeLLImvcV3HF8G9NPf-AOw5U5Na661Bnlt_pMhgd9QSJBmJJR9m5OtR6ojsuV7f_3BAeTtj3EaYvurDc75x6iYWO10BBUDLYV8UwEitNGcOOo53efMciq_7Y6fzFzh/s320/IMG_1189~photo.jpg" width="240" /></a> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Andrew, Colin, Denise at the Bundy Distillery</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">SO WHAT NEXT</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We will slowly make our way south to Sydney. We hope to spend Christmas and New Year on Eye Candy on Sydney Harbour catching up with family and friends. As we have now completed our goal and arrived in Australia this is our last newsletter It is definitely time for me to Blog Off. We hope you have enjoyed sharing our travels and thank you for keeping us company along the way. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">So stay safe and our love to all.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Candy xx </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Sent from <a href="https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986">Mail</a> for Windows</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-27220733466819593582022-10-12T10:22:00.000+11:002022-10-12T10:22:01.340+11:009-2022 Sailing New Caledonia<p> </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi
from Clare, 9<sup>th</sup> October
2022</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
are thoroughly enjoying the sailing ground around Nouméa. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Generally
speaking the wind drops out at night and picks up again mid morning.
So we soon learnt how to use the weather pattern to get us to and
from the many Islots within the lagoon. Once behind the Islot we get
protection from the wind and the sea is flat because the lagoon is
surrounded by reef. It’s just an easy place to sail and we have
had some fabulous trips </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Because
of Andrew’s leg injury, we have needed to return to Nouméa twice a
week for Doctor’s visits. We have made the most of our limited
freedom by visiting nearly all the nearby Ilots. We have been in
company with Aussie mates Liam and Annie on ‘Gone with the Wind’.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">SOME
OF THE HIGHLIGHTS</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
spent a few days on Mbe Kowen Islot, what a beautiful quiet spot
anchored in about 10 meters of clear water. We swam in the shallows
and watched the kite surfers just out from the Islot. The daily
routine was a few chores on board, walks on the beach, relaxation and
drinks on shore at sunset. </span></span>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz671NVkL-GSCFq1WhzXMDBsr7SIW9u5YSgaT7SAbyMKM0vjykQUmJf__Y2tLr-UCIWHV7TOv2rLM-DkXZsBDsCqK9HF7xb0yCX7oOt1k8E6sgvzEE1akuF123vPkqIfrA23I9eMfXG92zuTq0VlJw7044oWrcp10MUndUXdmK49iDHm_mFQuUZ61/s4608/DSCN4053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglz671NVkL-GSCFq1WhzXMDBsr7SIW9u5YSgaT7SAbyMKM0vjykQUmJf__Y2tLr-UCIWHV7TOv2rLM-DkXZsBDsCqK9HF7xb0yCX7oOt1k8E6sgvzEE1akuF123vPkqIfrA23I9eMfXG92zuTq0VlJw7044oWrcp10MUndUXdmK49iDHm_mFQuUZ61/s320/DSCN4053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>MBE
Kowen – Eye Candy 3<sup>rd</sup> from the right</b></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
sailed out to Isl Laregnere to join NZ friends Ted and Adrian on
‘Otama’ who commenced their passage to Australia the following
morning. We had drinks on the beach and wished them fair winds.
After a seven day trip, they are now relaxing in Gladstone. </span></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AnJ8qBa2qo_uLjNofk-ACdktHYA_oAeLb5IsPbjP7oloTtJFn7rHlzuL7tH2XpCKK4eDaRZ6XloAM__ye_9ULAeFsCiLJK6LraF8w5TlNo-iILTYwabzRWPoFY6DhuF7ME3CcN5ILI9xZBXBO9ASrGwrLgC4ZVtPCofX7gdXIRBYxXTq43SII4ei/s4608/DSCN4071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AnJ8qBa2qo_uLjNofk-ACdktHYA_oAeLb5IsPbjP7oloTtJFn7rHlzuL7tH2XpCKK4eDaRZ6XloAM__ye_9ULAeFsCiLJK6LraF8w5TlNo-iILTYwabzRWPoFY6DhuF7ME3CcN5ILI9xZBXBO9ASrGwrLgC4ZVtPCofX7gdXIRBYxXTq43SII4ei/s320/DSCN4071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Our
Gathering – Andrew, Ted & Adrienne, Liam & Annie</b></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">BETTER
NEWS </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back
to the Doctor on 30<sup>th</sup> September. He is happy with
Andrew’s progress, although we would like it to be much faster. He
gave me new instructions for dressing the wound and set us free for
two weeks – thanks goodness.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">COMPLETELY
DIFFERENT SCENERY </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
‘Eye Candy’ and ‘Gone with the Wind’ sailed forty miles back
to Prony Bay at the south end of New Caledonia. There is lots to
explore here and some interesting characters to meet. We anchored in
Carenage Bay which is a hurricane hole as there are hills all around,
glassy water and gorgeous scenery.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPRQwRsl2UmdwxOw59dWhsstb4N55DhSANhDBtqpONcsbr5J0r_sr7xMLVsvsxVtXHWSGak9EE3GdI6fXmuF4skS6YrvHcDEzf55SgB3Q2yHP30bLdISWNRBLGG3kf5PTM-ECF1cjEP8h06QE8wsS0xWbNsCkNJ_-dlXe4XbvA7gEUbF6mGHkCLJJ/s4608/DSCN4113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPRQwRsl2UmdwxOw59dWhsstb4N55DhSANhDBtqpONcsbr5J0r_sr7xMLVsvsxVtXHWSGak9EE3GdI6fXmuF4skS6YrvHcDEzf55SgB3Q2yHP30bLdISWNRBLGG3kf5PTM-ECF1cjEP8h06QE8wsS0xWbNsCkNJ_-dlXe4XbvA7gEUbF6mGHkCLJJ/s320/DSCN4113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>View
of Prony Bay – Eye Candy anchored to the right of the Bay</b></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
are many bush walking tracks, fresh water rivers, cascades and a hot
springs plunge pool.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2xn2zGeofSIy1nDbvLJT4t8MMjLO4XmVT3hJCVQRZLeRkX-0HnxoYQtdgY8BcJRz3V_7owSSq6mv8wcrHLadQAkZevyTXZ6rh-anKFNg_gI5vDt5kUhdMatB-H7OUJpfeRCedTyHl3fbl-OT0EkDR_OWs-mCLo4SG7w54Q6seyAbEExsQe8W2QO_/s4608/DSCN4096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2xn2zGeofSIy1nDbvLJT4t8MMjLO4XmVT3hJCVQRZLeRkX-0HnxoYQtdgY8BcJRz3V_7owSSq6mv8wcrHLadQAkZevyTXZ6rh-anKFNg_gI5vDt5kUhdMatB-H7OUJpfeRCedTyHl3fbl-OT0EkDR_OWs-mCLo4SG7w54Q6seyAbEExsQe8W2QO_/s320/DSCN4096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Liam
and Clare enjoying the warm pool</b></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On
one of our walks we met Gil a Frenchman who has leased some land in a
remote area by the river for the last thirty years. He is a keen
gardener and over the years he has planted trees and shrubs around
his space. Nine years ago he moved in permanently. His lease is
reviewed annually and if not renewed, Gil has two weeks to vacate and
remove everything. </span></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfCFSdUqSv117eGor-3xxVjYbBCpQec1IaETSKH022Xv-5VR6IHyKPel87LWhorDPyZn9EzDiWAOik13-NA_NTcS3mA4NgnWS4khOwz0eElEejriGgQiChivfioCQPCUdPaRLfZ2D73qL4sOeZhJf1s1NLYNC7RZpWYDsCJ9okuDmEg6alEAaSt5X/s4608/DSCN4138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimfCFSdUqSv117eGor-3xxVjYbBCpQec1IaETSKH022Xv-5VR6IHyKPel87LWhorDPyZn9EzDiWAOik13-NA_NTcS3mA4NgnWS4khOwz0eElEejriGgQiChivfioCQPCUdPaRLfZ2D73qL4sOeZhJf1s1NLYNC7RZpWYDsCJ9okuDmEg6alEAaSt5X/s320/DSCN4138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Gil
and his Dog </b></span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
would be quite a feat as Gil has built a shack, a shed, a chicken
house and pen. He also has a water tank with fresh water coming from
the hill, a solar panel array, an outdoor area and Pizza oven, a car
and a small tractor. He met us dressed in a sarong only and was quite
a character. He is passionate about his country. When explaining the
<b>history</b> he said it had been raped three times for wood, chrome
and now nickel. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOwBiwsTIZWlZltLONrMfG3gstCsbU9Rqr-gLhDPELXZGgzmlscESfuG-hg-laMhHkM9aEC-fV32RbHhUHxhSPApCIAhJlezyJ1I9IEYbFemAiAXqP6tvcY9--EN5q-RJpORLY_8k5-MNXtyNzvHC7MdC3c_JniPs07phChZRvJkja5wcQHPlX_W8/s4608/DSCN4132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrOwBiwsTIZWlZltLONrMfG3gstCsbU9Rqr-gLhDPELXZGgzmlscESfuG-hg-laMhHkM9aEC-fV32RbHhUHxhSPApCIAhJlezyJ1I9IEYbFemAiAXqP6tvcY9--EN5q-RJpORLY_8k5-MNXtyNzvHC7MdC3c_JniPs07phChZRvJkja5wcQHPlX_W8/s320/DSCN4132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>G</b></span></span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16pt;">il’s
shack in the windeness</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">PRONY
TOWN</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Old
Prony town is quite interesting as in the last century it was a
convict settlement. There is an old goal and some pretty graphic
pictures and tales of punishment for misbehaving convicts. The
settlement was there to log the timber. Today this pretty town is a
base for a kayaking business and bush walking adventures.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTIP3fe6WVg6z0CzDSbWU1KIuNfhKcdwqPBIsniGxYytUEb6XMnJ1QWFbw5b2YgRFKh0avbYl1WN4x4UQxuVtg1_kO0MLs7W9wbDRFQatvgdKHgNYsnyt4857A0AAPGnw6guBHpDtpUYNlKYQ1mohdL2U--WXsrjNEzBLCZr0BMgaRn9M3z5rdCdJ/s4608/DSCN4191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgTIP3fe6WVg6z0CzDSbWU1KIuNfhKcdwqPBIsniGxYytUEb6XMnJ1QWFbw5b2YgRFKh0avbYl1WN4x4UQxuVtg1_kO0MLs7W9wbDRFQatvgdKHgNYsnyt4857A0AAPGnw6guBHpDtpUYNlKYQ1mohdL2U--WXsrjNEzBLCZr0BMgaRn9M3z5rdCdJ/s320/DSCN4191.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>One
of the punishments – looks awful </b></span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">OFF
TO ANOTHER ISLAND</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cSKvCTUDz1_EQcpdhmeLZiLX3S5CASjn9v_-4atewLFXQfqSEbCFfjqSJLVANeEdupBIhJ2gOVySmpSXPvHqtZM1sZIQiFCzC87VECtl5oN09Fbte-dz-ow5z-0wekkLg_SkdCzFPX4gqF1fvX5LeIMbPGGREcWs6p-SrRjhuBIcOPljH9s-8u0Y/s4608/DSCN4200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4cSKvCTUDz1_EQcpdhmeLZiLX3S5CASjn9v_-4atewLFXQfqSEbCFfjqSJLVANeEdupBIhJ2gOVySmpSXPvHqtZM1sZIQiFCzC87VECtl5oN09Fbte-dz-ow5z-0wekkLg_SkdCzFPX4gqF1fvX5LeIMbPGGREcWs6p-SrRjhuBIcOPljH9s-8u0Y/s320/DSCN4200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Our
boats on the moorings</b></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCIwOysa9GXHvCZzkWtns2oWXHcT-Z0IczbPE0jxlH_g9OL1-ivbVTv5LstSwBGW6lmSQMck9-LQm0TguAhCcoeE5TmwUcaRbP8zHZ7ilItbgIsFRxkMELkGqnOh4Fn9kH4lOCMPy_edVn30_wc-cZ29gLf1NQfTHZXXi47dia-Si3GXlyBfK-jGX/s4608/DSCN4214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikCIwOysa9GXHvCZzkWtns2oWXHcT-Z0IczbPE0jxlH_g9OL1-ivbVTv5LstSwBGW6lmSQMck9-LQm0TguAhCcoeE5TmwUcaRbP8zHZ7ilItbgIsFRxkMELkGqnOh4Fn9kH4lOCMPy_edVn30_wc-cZ29gLf1NQfTHZXXi47dia-Si3GXlyBfK-jGX/s320/DSCN4214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>The
gathering of Aussie’s and NZ’s cruisers</b></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ON
OUR WAY BACK TO NOUMÉA </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
left Prony Bay Saturday and sailed with ‘Gone with the Wind’ back
through the Woodin Passage towards Noumea. This is a narrow passage
with a current running in and out with the tides. It’s important to
get the timing right as wind against tide would not be pleasant. This
is the fifth time we have sailed through here. The passage is five
miles long in the narrow section. We whistled through there with a
part jib only and 3,8 knots of current with us. It was like a sleigh
ride, woo hoo!</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">HOW
GOOD IS THIS</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
met Christian yesterday, Andrew has been talking to him on a Radio
Net for a few months and previously in 2019. He has just arrived in
New Caledonia after sailing his yacht from New Zealand via Lord Howe
Is. Christian in ninety years old, a keen spear fisherman and he is
now our inspiration. He said “no use sitting at home on the couch
complaining about aches and pains’ Wow!</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">WE
ARE HERE NOW</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo1MU1qXx-dSeN7PqfT_SeDf5AaKZf8T04vVE8hz0LIUvyqV1zXe3iNB-DkIcSgyexvQiC6EqxodwTTcXGdCWFUHJJ95Y2RyLC1QjS-153-PZl5JZup4MfWQWsEApEkDoxW0N_KoOF1uzgNA8-VC_RzOYQmAo8SDYWTjPceILU27fw48dEcqTyOhy/s4608/DSCN4215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo1MU1qXx-dSeN7PqfT_SeDf5AaKZf8T04vVE8hz0LIUvyqV1zXe3iNB-DkIcSgyexvQiC6EqxodwTTcXGdCWFUHJJ95Y2RyLC1QjS-153-PZl5JZup4MfWQWsEApEkDoxW0N_KoOF1uzgNA8-VC_RzOYQmAo8SDYWTjPceILU27fw48dEcqTyOhy/s320/DSCN4215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>View
from Ouen Island – Eye Candy on the left</b></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
are now anchored at the Island of Ouen some twenty miles from Nouméa.
A lovely beach with an uninhabited resort, only a caretaker present.
The weather is windy but we are OK here. </span></span>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yw1W-zeltYBYnFqzDZaa0Fim8XzaLbschaaenbEJeZS62Cqrrn415V__OcBBW6OELv38wooskFswGlWD2q5Rl_zwSswMOeXNQhqvoCI9rtEJlT3_eauaDW1cGCVJj8CHs0RW_PQGxKO3ro9UwsWVh0dBfZ0yr8ROf-65qGuiV31CQfzgcNvHdmVo/s4608/DSCN4219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yw1W-zeltYBYnFqzDZaa0Fim8XzaLbschaaenbEJeZS62Cqrrn415V__OcBBW6OELv38wooskFswGlWD2q5Rl_zwSswMOeXNQhqvoCI9rtEJlT3_eauaDW1cGCVJj8CHs0RW_PQGxKO3ro9UwsWVh0dBfZ0yr8ROf-65qGuiV31CQfzgcNvHdmVo/s320/DSCN4219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This
place is so relaxing Andrew fell asleep on the beach. </b></span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
need to be back in Noumea on Wednesday for - you guessed it, another
Dr’s appointment. We are also attending an information session on
Thursday afternoon about checking in to Australia and importing the
boat. After that we will be seriously looking for a weather window
to cross to Australia. The trip should take us about six days, we
will keep you informed of our departure date. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
until then stay safe and our love to all.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Candy
xx</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-6403138324251054512022-09-18T14:30:00.000+10:002022-09-18T14:30:11.731+10:008-2022 Exploring New Caledonia<div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Hi from Clare, 8-2022 Exploring New Caledonia 16<sup>th</sup> Sept. 2022</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">WHAT HAVE WE BEEN DOING?</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">We spent two weeks in Port Moselle Marina in Noumea, New Caledonia. We did not anticipate the damage to Andrew's leg, after his fishing mishap, would take so long to mend. We thought when the final stitches came out on 2<sup>nd</sup> September we would be free to leave. But no, more trips to the Doctor until eventually I was taught how to treat and dress the wound and given enough dressings to last till next Monday 19<sup>th</sup> September. At this point we will return to the Doctor for appraisal. In the meantime Andrew has to stay out of the water, which he is finding rather frustrating. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6duzUhRCBnq9NP2gSkW71FwH6L7nDyd1qVed_7aXtt0qoZeOewa4thdgsgwRop1rhDXk79G34TWKPcSVHg3ilg_M1EBqOaRoQfRkPn4mrfpxEXBBKwol77rU7PdHlyhM3_wj2oRjSLbcVioWZzSs43ZwnsIxI1PixXYaWo1CjJHBYjIGAWZ-oFjn/s4608/DSCN4030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz6duzUhRCBnq9NP2gSkW71FwH6L7nDyd1qVed_7aXtt0qoZeOewa4thdgsgwRop1rhDXk79G34TWKPcSVHg3ilg_M1EBqOaRoQfRkPn4mrfpxEXBBKwol77rU7PdHlyhM3_wj2oRjSLbcVioWZzSs43ZwnsIxI1PixXYaWo1CjJHBYjIGAWZ-oFjn/s320/DSCN4030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 21.3333px; text-align: left;">Andrew's leg, today</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">OUT AND ABOUT IN NOUMÉA</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">We hired a car, along with our Aussie mates Liam and Annie, and drove around Noumea calling in, of course, to all the Ship Chandlers and the large Carefour Supermarket for supplies. The choice of things to buy is a massive step up from Vanuatu. Noumea is a modern French City with lovely beach front apartments, restaurants, shops and with manicured parks and walkways. We also noticed a vast difference between the Kanaks in Noumea and the N-Vans of Port Vila. The Kanaks in Noumea are less than half the population in a French protectorate where as the N-Vans in Vanuatu are the majority of the population in their own republic. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hckkU6tSc4ZPHE_1Mc2Jr7pmP4UXmM4nuNfVjDOfAK2EPS26n4LrXfv5CbhtIMBWHSq-M8jsqN1gO3nn1W8zBEJyA-NVDZglDcCk0ds85QUhM8yaT3sm_SirAUzVmknbVKO_hnOR3RIb6reiC_sWSueqLUkkZi6gQQxKxahHKFxZnXGoq8gDlyfx/s4608/DSCN3853.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hckkU6tSc4ZPHE_1Mc2Jr7pmP4UXmM4nuNfVjDOfAK2EPS26n4LrXfv5CbhtIMBWHSq-M8jsqN1gO3nn1W8zBEJyA-NVDZglDcCk0ds85QUhM8yaT3sm_SirAUzVmknbVKO_hnOR3RIb6reiC_sWSueqLUkkZi6gQQxKxahHKFxZnXGoq8gDlyfx/s320/DSCN3853.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: center;">Noumea's beach front</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">ESCAPE TO FREEDOM</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">We left the Marina on 9<sup>th</sup> September and made our way down to Prony Bay which is about forty miles away on the southern end of New Caledonia. It was absolutely wonderful to be out on the water again enjoying the sunshine, fresh air and the tranquillity. We were in company with Liam and Annie on Gone with the Wind. Our destination was L'ile Des Pins which is a further forty miles south of Prony Bay and generally a sail into the wind. We stayed one night in Prony Bay and took off early the following morning and motored in glass calm water to L'ile Des Pins. Motoring is not our preferred option but it is better than bashing into head winds. We were glad to take this opportunity for a quiet trip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ksHF9WvxkacqzU88-CoXCycxMLzMh6PakL4Zs5SCzAcFPAGuGPQCRSmC5Z7jk3c7Cy42aAJS6944AoLKjDJGgtItNZoqYqAdPz1zbdl_i1TErvjuN0vzIMTL0Nu5vURQmD2qi94Zo4h6s7Goof3T90w_J3wGa5uVEUhUEGZihkdFY9n0YeEI2etd/s4608/DSCN3902.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ksHF9WvxkacqzU88-CoXCycxMLzMh6PakL4Zs5SCzAcFPAGuGPQCRSmC5Z7jk3c7Cy42aAJS6944AoLKjDJGgtItNZoqYqAdPz1zbdl_i1TErvjuN0vzIMTL0Nu5vURQmD2qi94Zo4h6s7Goof3T90w_J3wGa5uVEUhUEGZihkdFY9n0YeEI2etd/s320/DSCN3902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Kuto Bay, L'ile Des Pins</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">BEAUTIFUL L'ILE DES PINS<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The L'ile Des Pins is a very pretty island with plenty of Pine trees, as you might guess by the name. We anchored in flat water in Kuto Bay and enjoyed four terrific days exploring the island. Once again we hired a car and circumnavigated the island taking in the fresh market, the church, the 19<sup>th</sup> century jail and convict cemetery, a wood carving shop and a very nice grotto.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh-OtFWWKbdKj5PGoTvCv7fYsPJjhHcO5IIioCiT7IQs_gwLHGEst27LQpXOaBA9U4sygY4AamH_kyexKinezjI-lmmjc1fc64_U0WUD0apATkbA-fdmUzJECBxLsJ80eMHDqpYZcEX1GXcgcXgE7plepfU73D9amWrwFSn6Bu9hv07_QNbpPDIwt/s4608/DSCN3949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBh-OtFWWKbdKj5PGoTvCv7fYsPJjhHcO5IIioCiT7IQs_gwLHGEst27LQpXOaBA9U4sygY4AamH_kyexKinezjI-lmmjc1fc64_U0WUD0apATkbA-fdmUzJECBxLsJ80eMHDqpYZcEX1GXcgcXgE7plepfU73D9amWrwFSn6Bu9hv07_QNbpPDIwt/s320/DSCN3949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Church</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The jail was fairly overgrown but it struck us that like Tasmania, this island would have been a perfect destination for a jail. Beautiful and all as it is, the island is a long way from anywhere and no chance of escape. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXhgylS_JhzEQuRcGkXW9SDTpjdeocG2lgRTW588zDO5xdj5f_s4o5TCWK8LlXxDbpd9pU1oW09mSFQ1LnoUB5vb2cuh4tHcpnjNU07OBpHJb205aSKsZDN2PaUN63V9Z_6bsM5_6Q7lBhRsu7kn_j2kZVLFkVHyUNQhRxtphTsdBSRIPaBN2yhfw/s4608/DSCN3986.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPXhgylS_JhzEQuRcGkXW9SDTpjdeocG2lgRTW588zDO5xdj5f_s4o5TCWK8LlXxDbpd9pU1oW09mSFQ1LnoUB5vb2cuh4tHcpnjNU07OBpHJb205aSKsZDN2PaUN63V9Z_6bsM5_6Q7lBhRsu7kn_j2kZVLFkVHyUNQhRxtphTsdBSRIPaBN2yhfw/s320/DSCN3986.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The 19</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> Century Jail</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">In the wood work shop the local men were busy carving totem poles with a hammer and chisel, These are proudly displayed at the resorts and businesses throughout the island.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcaTarAl5P3bFE5d65pMPPFsccduqLIouohwd1MhNLi6vTzHVfMpEDUlBNtPRj_RUfk__ma2gfVnhQKKSrPNbwDDkyDTNVygB3eV7XWSR0oR94nUluKYQ6JEpSW94f6nwRzQ-pRnPcgRP2nTExI3omK9vY3GwEl5UpcJ0tusKwB1E4-fMN8xHum16/s4608/DSCN4005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcaTarAl5P3bFE5d65pMPPFsccduqLIouohwd1MhNLi6vTzHVfMpEDUlBNtPRj_RUfk__ma2gfVnhQKKSrPNbwDDkyDTNVygB3eV7XWSR0oR94nUluKYQ6JEpSW94f6nwRzQ-pRnPcgRP2nTExI3omK9vY3GwEl5UpcJ0tusKwB1E4-fMN8xHum16/s320/DSCN4005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A local man at work</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Kanaks on L'ile Des Pins are more friendly and relaxed than their city counterparts. French is their second language so it is a little difficult for us to have a conversation. However it is interesting how much we seem to get across, then again we could be kidding ourselves :).</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXa1ITeHNQ6BoYOq3OOK95FO6IrPN-extdp2L30sO2AD9bCLrn2q_7kGcprvkGYI1CAasmOFOLuAe6UMma37isVEEnEWW_iO-j9TCy8mhF8_mrOCpIJPFf3sAJro_ztqHuOGg-M9NdogR_q8Oz4q2ADw6r5YpMaGNA8RVEybnHvlAhQQsiHnLGYK6/s4608/DSCN3907.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXa1ITeHNQ6BoYOq3OOK95FO6IrPN-extdp2L30sO2AD9bCLrn2q_7kGcprvkGYI1CAasmOFOLuAe6UMma37isVEEnEWW_iO-j9TCy8mhF8_mrOCpIJPFf3sAJro_ztqHuOGg-M9NdogR_q8Oz4q2ADw6r5YpMaGNA8RVEybnHvlAhQQsiHnLGYK6/s320/DSCN3907.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">One of many totem poles</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">We had lunch at one of the resorts and caught up with emails etc. We failed miserably trying to get across that we wanted a flat white coffee. We were served a short black, then a long black and then eventually a half warm flat white. Sugar would have been nice, but..</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-_GpGDdqItHEK5xIBVtaMcOGmxE3HX_wGmI2mfTVETLduxRpVAiIYSN9oh10oglGdzW_laq5j8HfSum5aigUOxqzDgYgWXElGuyB7aITAflYqrum7oIRru3JKvJkOAOGXIzCRxNhe5Lj9uzjW57SvgOUtwKa_PJcW1IuMXEx8iOXM4x2XdYVjtY6/s4608/DSCN3945.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-_GpGDdqItHEK5xIBVtaMcOGmxE3HX_wGmI2mfTVETLduxRpVAiIYSN9oh10oglGdzW_laq5j8HfSum5aigUOxqzDgYgWXElGuyB7aITAflYqrum7oIRru3JKvJkOAOGXIzCRxNhe5Lj9uzjW57SvgOUtwKa_PJcW1IuMXEx8iOXM4x2XdYVjtY6/s320/DSCN3945.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Lunch by the pool</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The small market was a hoot, the sellers were focused on chattering and having a social day out. Nobody was manning the store where we were trying to purchase some greens. A great delay occurred whilst some hailing and a search for the store keeper ensued. Eventually she came scurrying out from the toilet, problem solved.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The highlight of the trip was the grotto. Deep in the tropical forest amongst a profusion of lush plants. Many of these plants growing wild are only considered as indoor plants in Australia. The grotto itself is a large cave with a statue of Mary, The Mother of God set up high. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibmkeXHdqjMkoAywORc9Cszv19iqh77qznvR8wzOvl82CzIK5aZ_ZNf8vhVORdBovfKGpjS77GkdFg3Pr3XcwX7b9tpieuH88UJ3e1Rruz_NbHRdjsXQACvvTmaJ6Qgy0qDyDQDp7UGRw9S5C1S2c8puClcB4UaBmrTVJqwppDPXp0lZpbph0o_Zu/s4608/DSCN3980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgibmkeXHdqjMkoAywORc9Cszv19iqh77qznvR8wzOvl82CzIK5aZ_ZNf8vhVORdBovfKGpjS77GkdFg3Pr3XcwX7b9tpieuH88UJ3e1Rruz_NbHRdjsXQACvvTmaJ6Qgy0qDyDQDp7UGRw9S5C1S2c8puClcB4UaBmrTVJqwppDPXp0lZpbph0o_Zu/s320/DSCN3980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">The Grotto</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">A truly lovely setting with stalactites in abundance and crystal clear water bubbling over rocks and a pebbly river bed. Such a tranquil spot and it is always a treat to see lush greenery when sailing for months on blue oceans.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorqnk7SpH4Za1Ao099zRx_P_oK_NmNXuNlcdjZULiVZGKrQXPQFKkqBckcnGMf47N22BAlBcSXeNi-WliVNzpWE3Mvc9L1bW0l8GFG8gzvQcUGEh429eZJ_0TTfgMzwbqW-JabC56f2E7Ttv81k1WoejSmn9v6Dmz7uOGUnhn9EBrdF8a10RPVKCi/s4608/DSCN3973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiorqnk7SpH4Za1Ao099zRx_P_oK_NmNXuNlcdjZULiVZGKrQXPQFKkqBckcnGMf47N22BAlBcSXeNi-WliVNzpWE3Mvc9L1bW0l8GFG8gzvQcUGEh429eZJ_0TTfgMzwbqW-JabC56f2E7Ttv81k1WoejSmn9v6Dmz7uOGUnhn9EBrdF8a10RPVKCi/s320/DSCN3973.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 16pt;">A little river by the Grotto</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">CHAMPAGNE SAILING</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">We left L'ile Des Pins yesterday and had a great beam reach sail for 38 miles in 12 knots of breeze to Islet Ua. On the way we caught a large Mahi Mahi, this time without incident thank goodness. We have put away seven meals from this beauty. Good thing because our protein supply was down to 250 grams of mince beef. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCafdMc7e9ouZ5vPVskq-M9IFfF_iEiaavl89WQi5ilpWLVf6tRdJKEqUUMx6jOuYzegLr1LuIqptMEmKz27blK9ueF6ARd94D3ohTC1vTrqLSf4ep7CSPqtDxHFrDhJ7ZscKjsp9bOiuruQf85mQkMYJE6xJ0GfMVhIJJahrgjGSmvIjeUzOxsuw-/s4608/DSCN4006.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCafdMc7e9ouZ5vPVskq-M9IFfF_iEiaavl89WQi5ilpWLVf6tRdJKEqUUMx6jOuYzegLr1LuIqptMEmKz27blK9ueF6ARd94D3ohTC1vTrqLSf4ep7CSPqtDxHFrDhJ7ZscKjsp9bOiuruQf85mQkMYJE6xJ0GfMVhIJJahrgjGSmvIjeUzOxsuw-/s320/DSCN4006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Our Mahi Mahi</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Islet Ua is a very small island with stunning scenery. Lovely thick white sand and clear water. We enjoyed drinks on the beach last night with Liam and Annie and watched the sun set, totally at peace with the world. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdU-O_qNAAN-nYc0Ioz9n_g20naKnBZyNTxC1FeJG2ToN3r5KGEJj5HVvikaz31jZeJFmr0rsNp4btCObTJFDH2kv6AlakjIISAo7kBHssuqgMe2iZnwLuBN7nij6EPXheEdgz9TLNdEYcj0u9p_g9o_wPecPaBPTVQVn_v-wbaMLSKP8QTynFo13/s4608/DSCN4017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdU-O_qNAAN-nYc0Ioz9n_g20naKnBZyNTxC1FeJG2ToN3r5KGEJj5HVvikaz31jZeJFmr0rsNp4btCObTJFDH2kv6AlakjIISAo7kBHssuqgMe2iZnwLuBN7nij6EPXheEdgz9TLNdEYcj0u9p_g9o_wPecPaBPTVQVn_v-wbaMLSKP8QTynFo13/s320/DSCN4017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Islet Ua by day</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7cxO6vZEO0Q_tVKkVmLp5SvmcJMNMjS7XzcUhWb1SDMcOktye86yzjxgYcQswGYZpEaWZu6SqvullQ8qdDZndfhWZzRKUvzrTtAujFYCfpventdL0jAFVzD699NmsUFIxAHNCg2FnbgLm1v588MFPQ60a8ah45uj0KMfHw6MoiyigIDBO_2c08p9/s4608/DSCN4011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv7cxO6vZEO0Q_tVKkVmLp5SvmcJMNMjS7XzcUhWb1SDMcOktye86yzjxgYcQswGYZpEaWZu6SqvullQ8qdDZndfhWZzRKUvzrTtAujFYCfpventdL0jAFVzD699NmsUFIxAHNCg2FnbgLm1v588MFPQ60a8ah45uj0KMfHw6MoiyigIDBO_2c08p9/s320/DSCN4011.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Islet Ua at sunset</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">SO WHAT'S NEXT</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">We plan to have drinks on the beach again tonight, We will go in early enough to walk around the islet at low tide. We believe there is a big eagle's nest around the other side, so we will check that out. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Tomorrow we will continue on our journey back to Noumea for Andrew's next Doctor's appointment. We are having a wonderful time and Noumea is a beautiful island. So until next time, stay safe and our love to all.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Candy xx </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-64213787195786302572022-08-29T16:47:00.000+10:002022-08-29T16:47:41.651+10:007-2022 Hello New Caledonia<div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Hi from Clare, <span> </span>7-2022 Hello New Caledonia <span> </span>29</span><sup>th</sup><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> August 2022</span></span></p><div><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">CIVILIZATION </span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;">We are now located at Port Moselle marina in Noumea, New Caledonia and what a pleasure to be here. It is a glorious sunny day, the marina is very nice with good facilities and a popular restaurant. The staff are most helpful and we have some Aussie company, Liam and Annie on Gone with the Wind. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNLiKoSFphr6IDQ-aB0hXfJ8gkJtEvdQLpSkohdRB7Xi1x_Kn57JZ1fYtlwid_ypQ0ioUL32COrRh6viYNUwndcTfLAKu0uCvf3NmoxCpJn9NLMA-J--PvUNw3jTDiv1C4BP5eS_XIxGGSmXZK84cmx3OYuk4TsWzVb5ihTSGR4JCbiJ-iPM1jC0b/s4608/DSCN3824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNLiKoSFphr6IDQ-aB0hXfJ8gkJtEvdQLpSkohdRB7Xi1x_Kn57JZ1fYtlwid_ypQ0ioUL32COrRh6viYNUwndcTfLAKu0uCvf3NmoxCpJn9NLMA-J--PvUNw3jTDiv1C4BP5eS_XIxGGSmXZK84cmx3OYuk4TsWzVb5ihTSGR4JCbiJ-iPM1jC0b/s320/DSCN3824.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Eye Candy in Port Moselle Marina</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwGhsvgY0ojhjlOJIelGg-zvpYXmSBRg0nuGemdsHVwizVuBLfm2trj8K-AIZeia_Mys_MUA1oj150PR0tWNuM5MROpaRqQwAgv9NjqsLc_lr42jN2OTjCaKiCumowYiYUQmqksTF8lRuck4WAilX2dkfVRqmT8A_7c5Si9lPpH5wNevZvDui-3DM/s4608/DSCN3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHwGhsvgY0ojhjlOJIelGg-zvpYXmSBRg0nuGemdsHVwizVuBLfm2trj8K-AIZeia_Mys_MUA1oj150PR0tWNuM5MROpaRqQwAgv9NjqsLc_lr42jN2OTjCaKiCumowYiYUQmqksTF8lRuck4WAilX2dkfVRqmT8A_7c5Si9lPpH5wNevZvDui-3DM/s320/DSCN3826.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Marina Restaurant</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">A PEACEFUL STOP</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">But first, </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">some details on </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">our sail to New Caledonia from Port Vila Vanuatu </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">which </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">commenced Saturday 20<sup>st</sup> August. We planned to sail 180 miles south on an easterly wind to the southern most island Aneityum, in the Vanuatu chain. From here, we would wait for the right conditions to continue on for 200 miles to Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">Our plans changed when </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">the easterly wind, after eighty miles, swung around to a south east </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">head wind. We</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> dropped anchor around 12.30am Sunday 21st August at the island of Erromango which is 80 miles south of Port Vila. We spent a peaceful time here waiting. We did not go ashore as we had checked out of the country. Port Vila Customs gave us approval to stop </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">and wait for favourable weather </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">if necessary. </span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi8sgIYAIxHpLbayy20QoV_CxlRNBCV_bfck2Pfdzmbv4xFRKGS0Wgp7PAQXSpkPqkSGICPGvMxekTkSN7qB7PoexqwIpmDP5H7NJtwYnPFZUwfqpt71OMfWyPdQjf3S4DQVgluhlF48uo80XoCAsw64SpxFnsgduFGSp4JTeTErNAi7Zc_gegRt8/s4608/DSCN3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmi8sgIYAIxHpLbayy20QoV_CxlRNBCV_bfck2Pfdzmbv4xFRKGS0Wgp7PAQXSpkPqkSGICPGvMxekTkSN7qB7PoexqwIpmDP5H7NJtwYnPFZUwfqpt71OMfWyPdQjf3S4DQVgluhlF48uo80XoCAsw64SpxFnsgduFGSp4JTeTErNAi7Zc_gegRt8/s320/DSCN3810.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Peaceful Erromango anchorage</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">WHAT A BLESSING</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Our next 200 miles into Noumea started at 8pm Monday 22<sup>nd</sup> August. The first new hours was rough water but after the sea settled, we had champagne sailing all the way. We couldn't believe our luck as this leg has a bad reputation for headwinds and strong currents. Mother Nature gave us a break, we had gentle wind aft of </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">the</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> beam and mostly the current was with us – fantastic.</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">OUR LUCK RAN OUT</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;">The only mishap for the trip came when Andrew ripped his leg on a latch in the cockpit when pulling in a Mahi Mahi. He completely skun himself by pulling the flesh away from the muscle. He even had to poke a vein back under the flap. We cleaned the wound with antiseptic wash, applied antibiotic cream and bandaged the leg. We applied steri-strips but they did not hold the wound together. Fortunately, the wound did not bleed much and Andrew suffered no pain. We arrived into Noumea at 6pm Wednesday 24<sup>th</sup> August, Andrew attended the Doctor the next morning and received stitches. He had to stay off the leg, as much as possible, for two days at which time we took the bandage off to let the wound breathe. We are very happy with Andrew's progress. We walked into town yesterday and again this morning, no problems. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5F6chBIhIX0a9RBdDbfndfrNv2jiUgvFrGJ_gbJ9qtjUq0_m90RrfxtSIIK41AHG36qM-szOFwuH57lMsSCw4hRfc5sTq0cHL3UFBIhUcc9vdQo4E3s_p2ixqLbbfNKoEkCWXEEi65CNb3_YKjwS5YST1hG1zF4xOJ51-lJIss4xVQx1gxjaa3jj/s4608/DSCN3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5F6chBIhIX0a9RBdDbfndfrNv2jiUgvFrGJ_gbJ9qtjUq0_m90RrfxtSIIK41AHG36qM-szOFwuH57lMsSCw4hRfc5sTq0cHL3UFBIhUcc9vdQo4E3s_p2ixqLbbfNKoEkCWXEEi65CNb3_YKjwS5YST1hG1zF4xOJ51-lJIss4xVQx1gxjaa3jj/s320/DSCN3820.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Before stitching up</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;">He will have the stitches removed progressively on Wednesday and then again on Friday. The mishap was bad enough, but it could have been a lot worse, we were very lucky to be close to our destination. After paying the Doctor's bill of $170 we consider the Mahi Mahi to be a most expensive fish. I must add though, it was a very nice fish. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VRWkgjNxE85i_VXhh9gpzSpBlw4RDPEekRgtH9u9I5ZDoHNMkzEnzflPayegse4Jd9DTpqgdrUJiOf-N7X3YP6F7EG6YmSWCox1N5_DyhU_vXRHYAfZlJqehmQy-yRsilku8PiuPNUg53Tzh_X14GCa82pR_CNyDIUK0Fdzxrao92Ow4FgfgEhI0/s4608/DSCN3823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VRWkgjNxE85i_VXhh9gpzSpBlw4RDPEekRgtH9u9I5ZDoHNMkzEnzflPayegse4Jd9DTpqgdrUJiOf-N7X3YP6F7EG6YmSWCox1N5_DyhU_vXRHYAfZlJqehmQy-yRsilku8PiuPNUg53Tzh_X14GCa82pR_CNyDIUK0Fdzxrao92Ow4FgfgEhI0/s320/DSCN3823.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">After Stitching </span></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">GOOD FRIENDS - THE BEST TONIC</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;">We are very much enjoying the company of Liam and Annie sharing drinks and meals and catching up. We first met in Turkey in 2005 and have sailed on and off together over the past seventeen years. There is a very comprehensive fruit, vegie and fish market close by and so last night we shared a sushi, salmon and prawn dinner accompanied by a bottle of champagne. The nearby patisserie is also a plus with warm baguettes, croissants, pastries and good coffee. Things are looking up, we couldn't buy anything like this in Vanuatu. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGkiwJo4SqzToffBhl4tXsSNfGGrKtgbGQKcW0ujCu16ZVQfjG94hw-EpZEeBxtY4VnWHrcDU36Dv9SpvWWdUr02S7CPtahhfVILWINjDuI49g1f3dcPV0LKJsyeqg2cqDKClbO57K470mjO_L9DKbZDnzjs39I4a5dlgPWktmGiXcQ9WSuVYayEC/s4608/DSCN3838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGkiwJo4SqzToffBhl4tXsSNfGGrKtgbGQKcW0ujCu16ZVQfjG94hw-EpZEeBxtY4VnWHrcDU36Dv9SpvWWdUr02S7CPtahhfVILWINjDuI49g1f3dcPV0LKJsyeqg2cqDKClbO57K470mjO_L9DKbZDnzjs39I4a5dlgPWktmGiXcQ9WSuVYayEC/s320/DSCN3838.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Noumea Town Square with Annie </span></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">WE ARE OUT OF THE TROPICAL WEATHER</span><span lang="EN-GB"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The weather is cooler here than Vanuatu. We are experiencing around 21 degrees each day and we have had rain on and off most days. We have even resorted to a blanket at night. Yesterday we went for a walk around town. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">It</span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> was Sunday and all was quiet. </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 16pt;">On </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">weekdays it is very busy and with lots of traffic. This morning we went to Chinatown so I could buy a long sleeve mid weight top and some long pants. The sleeves on the top I purchased were a mile too long, Fortunately the girl running the shop has a sewing machine ready for alterations. Fifteen minutes later the sleeves on my top fit perfectly, no extra charge. How good is that?</span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBu2WDaA-xAeyKOWIScVaNk8AObyeR5sGrUG_m3Lgx181yFrXDNjbYrryeFVicZSf85uJgYJZoIqA5nnOYMxsAP-vWwB3oz4iExiPhLj2-erpvkgXAS7PqxshHeGFoTn-WVGfGwWtL827k59NGFzrvcZT9Yem_OZ6Lb9ZOCjjWX35BXRKChzXszkt/s4608/DSCN3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBu2WDaA-xAeyKOWIScVaNk8AObyeR5sGrUG_m3Lgx181yFrXDNjbYrryeFVicZSf85uJgYJZoIqA5nnOYMxsAP-vWwB3oz4iExiPhLj2-erpvkgXAS7PqxshHeGFoTn-WVGfGwWtL827k59NGFzrvcZT9Yem_OZ6Lb9ZOCjjWX35BXRKChzXszkt/s320/DSCN3840.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">China Town, Noumea</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;">SO WHAT'S NEXT</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;">We will stay in Port Moselle marina until at least Friday, so Andrew can get his stitches out. Then we will start exploring some of the beautiful bays and surrounding islands. I thinks Gone with the Wind will push on to Australia soon. So we will have to make the most of their company over the next few days. So until next time stay safe and our love to all. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16pt;">Candy xx</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sent from <a href="https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986">Mail</a> for Windows<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-32803141319717689942022-08-19T09:40:00.000+10:002022-08-19T09:40:25.880+10:006-2022 Goodbye to Port Vila Vanuatu <div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Hi from Clare, 6-2022 Goodbye to Port Vila Vanuatu 19<sup>th</sup> August 2022 </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Since our last newsletter, we have been in and around Port Vila Harbour waiting for the right wind direction to sail to New Caledonia. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We have been busy getting ready but we managed to spend three lovely quiet days nearby Mele Island which is three and a half miles from Port Vila. It has a private resort, plus a few very nice holiday apartments. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: arial;">We walked the beach each day and celebrated Andrew's birthday at the Beach Bar. It was very calm at Mele we enjoyed the break.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPA_0_kevIpjTP3ZSWechaEy-w6Tru8owk3tBbxwDiytVzDG2OptlNIftqbK-xu36qYC2SoQQU3fzSSG1eAGSFFLEEy6xiwsYMzdmEipQbd2KbZ4qLyXs_Zl2_mE7KbbPw6k75UJ0Pg83SZe4RCzuVvyCkE70CW8LsrPBCMFDp9474cUGOsB0eUn7s/s3104/DSCN3796%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2328" data-original-width="3104" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPA_0_kevIpjTP3ZSWechaEy-w6Tru8owk3tBbxwDiytVzDG2OptlNIftqbK-xu36qYC2SoQQU3fzSSG1eAGSFFLEEy6xiwsYMzdmEipQbd2KbZ4qLyXs_Zl2_mE7KbbPw6k75UJ0Pg83SZe4RCzuVvyCkE70CW8LsrPBCMFDp9474cUGOsB0eUn7s/s320/DSCN3796%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We shared the sweets</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">SO WHAT'S NEXT</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">We will leave Port Vila tomorrow on the expected easterly wind and travel 180 miles to Aneityum, the southern most island in the Vanauatu chain. We will spend a day or two there and then sail to Noumea on a south east wind. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">I will write again when in Noumea. Until then stay safe and our love to all. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Candy xx</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sent from <a href="https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986">Mail</a> for Windows</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-45405128387381828022022-08-07T16:19:00.000+10:002022-08-07T16:19:31.596+10:005-2022 Return Havana Bay, Vanuatu<div class="WordSection1"><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">Hi from Clare, 5-2022 Returning to Havana Bay Vanuatu 7th August 2022</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">A BIG SURPRISE<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">Before I talk about the trip, I want to tell you about the surprise we had when we went ashore for a walk. Just as I got out of the dinghy a sea snake came slithering out from under the fuel tank in the bottom of the dinghy. We have no idea how it managed to get into the dinghy and I'm only glad it didn't show itself during our trip to shore as this might have caused a bit of a panic on my part. Andrew hooked it out with a stick and threw it back in the ocean. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">SO NOW FOR THE TRIP</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">For our journey south to Havana Bay on the island of Efate, we did three day sails. First was forty miles to Port Stanley on Malakula Island, then 38 miles to Port Sandwich on the south end of Malakula then 80 miles to Havana Bay on the main island of Efate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">The sail to Port Stanley was so calm I did the washing (including sheets and towels) hang them on the rails and got them dry before night fall. The highlight of the trip the following day to Port Sandwich was catching a Mahi Mahi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pdupoo8ErNph82TGmKFZqBELygStZuiB5g_xlFI5JoJ4X2XQ6DurTaT7X18imJbuVvEQRdZImblU8CgpLGoEtU6vpBCqLtChxZZxeVQFIFaYfUjbpee7E2MkYv2CBcQlQkn83ciXrlHvmUOy1P1cI5rKyAa6wy1UruHP6GIMCBgi_VSYAt2s3_3P/s4608/DSCN3771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Pdupoo8ErNph82TGmKFZqBELygStZuiB5g_xlFI5JoJ4X2XQ6DurTaT7X18imJbuVvEQRdZImblU8CgpLGoEtU6vpBCqLtChxZZxeVQFIFaYfUjbpee7E2MkYv2CBcQlQkn83ciXrlHvmUOy1P1cI5rKyAa6wy1UruHP6GIMCBgi_VSYAt2s3_3P/s320/DSCN3771.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">Our Mahi Mahi</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The next morning we left from Port Sandwich at 6am to do the 80 mile trip to Havana Harbour. We had up to 22 knots true wind, sailed at 60 degrees apparent in somewhat confused seas, Late afternoon we had a decent squall with very heavy rain. We arrived around 7pm in pitch dark but fortunately we had our tracks to follow, from when we left the bay 2 weeks earlier. We </span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">were pretty well done in by the time we dropped anchor.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;">The only other boat in Port Havana is a sturdy 80 foot sailing ship built by the Polish owner who speaks limited English. He is sailing alone but has Polish friends arriving next Wednesday. We went over to say Hello or Dzien Dobry (good morning) which is the only Polish I know. He invited us onto the boat. He is very proud of his vessel, which is grand and very solid, Andrew said it would be worth millions. Our Polish friend's sailing experience would be totally different to ours, he can steer from inside in air conditioned comfort.</span></p></div><div class="WordSection1"><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkDIgyPa_m266HnTEiYndqBC-JlIyTibr2UrRJFPrS2qK5rzl_tLJ6gifMibktTg9mOmjwUCadY8qxkynxm-K-2EE5ksxv-kuiSzqlCPrBU9UOzVq7pv2jrR7wIy0Bc8CefRYLrtx3p81cFXoA3-oSBQjutaz7e6y052J2fslQoklRrDUzOtiOaXx/s4608/DSCN3784.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSkDIgyPa_m266HnTEiYndqBC-JlIyTibr2UrRJFPrS2qK5rzl_tLJ6gifMibktTg9mOmjwUCadY8qxkynxm-K-2EE5ksxv-kuiSzqlCPrBU9UOzVq7pv2jrR7wIy0Bc8CefRYLrtx3p81cFXoA3-oSBQjutaz7e6y052J2fslQoklRrDUzOtiOaXx/s320/DSCN3784.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sancta Anna -The Polish Boat</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our Polish friend was short of vegetables and so I gave him some bok choy, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, carrot, bananas and grapefruit. The next morning he came over to our boat with a freshly baked loaf of bread. Totally unexpected and thoroughly delicious.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP--sUUoEaxLGEVndoe7NAK0EP1LjDyGCSyvDApxEDljI8-XiODlHqnavh0GBzmIZsuKS6odJ4BYKkvuAgGZh0MfhFGOpez-B3rVPNHuQ3eCvq3uI3dKcaI7_NSbDampe7yurz55Nelp1WlDoDe3sXBPEY91Uap1cWBQdlFhMkBuJgmb4RS5U2Sq7Z/s4608/DSCN3779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP--sUUoEaxLGEVndoe7NAK0EP1LjDyGCSyvDApxEDljI8-XiODlHqnavh0GBzmIZsuKS6odJ4BYKkvuAgGZh0MfhFGOpez-B3rVPNHuQ3eCvq3uI3dKcaI7_NSbDampe7yurz55Nelp1WlDoDe3sXBPEY91Uap1cWBQdlFhMkBuJgmb4RS5U2Sq7Z/s320/DSCN3779.JPG" width="320" /></a> </o:p></span></p></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="WordSection1"><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Bread</span></span></p></div></blockquote><div class="WordSection1"><div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We have had a number of local boats come to Eye Candy for a chat or to deliver fruit and vegetables from their gardens. Others come wanting things, which we give them if we can. We had a family last night looking for bait to go fishing. We gave them our last piece of MahiMahi which was probably passed it's use by date for eating.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p>T</o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">he people below rowed out to the Polish boat to meet the owner. They said they couldn't understand him, but together they did a lot of laughing. They then rowed passed our boat and Andrew offered them a tow back to shore. They accepted readily and laughed all the way to shore.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim49E1Crlt5-xZeOUV3RqbokJd0BHMH_Nyf5KFxOqRSpJNkvPY4eeclav-uXbERBL1tyoDQ8dtHLnakiwIoyScApP4frpeBQMSk89ETStuA9nH9wVcvycUYme7mSEDQfzUrDsbIZT5rIDEf9yQ2rUyyMvVsorILCWkCR6NmH_Nwj8IaTSPCgx-VK3q/s4608/DSCN3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim49E1Crlt5-xZeOUV3RqbokJd0BHMH_Nyf5KFxOqRSpJNkvPY4eeclav-uXbERBL1tyoDQ8dtHLnakiwIoyScApP4frpeBQMSk89ETStuA9nH9wVcvycUYme7mSEDQfzUrDsbIZT5rIDEf9yQ2rUyyMvVsorILCWkCR6NmH_Nwj8IaTSPCgx-VK3q/s320/DSCN3778.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">A Tow Ashore<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We went across to Tasiriki Village on the far side of the bay. We were met on the beach by two villagers who gave us a tour of the village.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46oCHoc4Bg38UrkLwdxDt6SVCqnU_UNmEdnmt5Eao4veZ13n7Cxv_uXarDGiL3gNyDKOUuo74qc3Gg2VBakYEnqwKVX-m91Y6b1jaTATkPIfKPijeuSnHmyjRFnd14q1bHIX4FKpjQyco7FQqKikpAGTiVZH_e8JYXLMqZebehMsyIMbA6QeSHFRj/s4032/IMG_1609~photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46oCHoc4Bg38UrkLwdxDt6SVCqnU_UNmEdnmt5Eao4veZ13n7Cxv_uXarDGiL3gNyDKOUuo74qc3Gg2VBakYEnqwKVX-m91Y6b1jaTATkPIfKPijeuSnHmyjRFnd14q1bHIX4FKpjQyco7FQqKikpAGTiVZH_e8JYXLMqZebehMsyIMbA6QeSHFRj/s320/IMG_1609~photo.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The welcoming committee</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">We walked to the school and met two of the six teaches. Friday is a half day and so all the kids were on their way home.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1LqmcdxV4EG4p_kjQxVlJEMhJTlSSQh1uAb4uqhsL9z672oqML-yKnlmbP62YzTlZf6yD91D1R1AXPTRL4y4_l19lW5aMaQUQ3tBeQMnP2nNwaq-XAR49ddlf7QmCPl5xcRhOuFHBifL7IjFbViIlTIHqJVIyKt5FCPxcbWOMHyBjzb0wWFoL5uU/s4032/IMG_1606~photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1LqmcdxV4EG4p_kjQxVlJEMhJTlSSQh1uAb4uqhsL9z672oqML-yKnlmbP62YzTlZf6yD91D1R1AXPTRL4y4_l19lW5aMaQUQ3tBeQMnP2nNwaq-XAR49ddlf7QmCPl5xcRhOuFHBifL7IjFbViIlTIHqJVIyKt5FCPxcbWOMHyBjzb0wWFoL5uU/s320/IMG_1606~photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Pre School</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Many said hello, gave us high fives or shook our hands. Some of the little ones are very cute with big brown eyes, big smiles and fuzzy hair sticking out in all directions.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojhp4gGHSOydOXQFoctSPSGRr5hKlhAQujf_kQt0cN7Yz_l_oDQ2NG-zIvAGqfuSfJzCmeb99gwQqMVrs9E--VAX8FkCKYiaSXwokZpfn4JZc7kJ77O7fVRVXJJdHPPgIH-OeAAm7KYePDn5m5ansq5IZ_kaCGjliTz3FT_xXxYR1sVKY_PfdiCJX/s4032/IMG_1607~photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojhp4gGHSOydOXQFoctSPSGRr5hKlhAQujf_kQt0cN7Yz_l_oDQ2NG-zIvAGqfuSfJzCmeb99gwQqMVrs9E--VAX8FkCKYiaSXwokZpfn4JZc7kJ77O7fVRVXJJdHPPgIH-OeAAm7KYePDn5m5ansq5IZ_kaCGjliTz3FT_xXxYR1sVKY_PfdiCJX/s320/IMG_1607~photo.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Classrooms</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The village is very neat and tidy and the houses are good quality. Many of the men from this village have been fruit picking in New Zealand. Some we met have been to NZ for seven seasons. It's quite a sacrifice being away from home for a six to nine month for picking season. They spend the money on education for the children and a better lifestyle for the family with a nice house and a boat with a 40 horse outboard.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCzLEKtMAAqw7oMF2JN_kALDhIc9H_l-GiGfOsOFLwJL4rm8ZmbXr1M0UguSsrTMyACQKw_ZfQzp93hhuWdzwgE8e0hA9ML4DDRfuJZziLPj4SH47RT6vyfiio5wIxHOAy3eHeeXmt5lkz827ZLIR-nLaLVY1dzrRExIPUpbU9bfbgJ47Xr9g8IJX/s4032/IMG_1623~photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxCzLEKtMAAqw7oMF2JN_kALDhIc9H_l-GiGfOsOFLwJL4rm8ZmbXr1M0UguSsrTMyACQKw_ZfQzp93hhuWdzwgE8e0hA9ML4DDRfuJZziLPj4SH47RT6vyfiio5wIxHOAy3eHeeXmt5lkz827ZLIR-nLaLVY1dzrRExIPUpbU9bfbgJ47Xr9g8IJX/s320/IMG_1623~photo.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Church</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_9lsfIChdHhXAAuRa3ZC3REZGf6cK_r3q3V-ER6Rpe-JyQe3G7RvJTIcN3l_hhGNTpiXAr1ajlojWQ8VekyrOv2vxWOpfG7vb0oxHPe4lrN8ZerRAr7ct2J9pRUMQQakhUNcr7PY3MyZ-wBN5249TVgWxNIi1L52duCvMe7az1pKvR9aX2p27Hpq/s4032/IMG_1614~photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_9lsfIChdHhXAAuRa3ZC3REZGf6cK_r3q3V-ER6Rpe-JyQe3G7RvJTIcN3l_hhGNTpiXAr1ajlojWQ8VekyrOv2vxWOpfG7vb0oxHPe4lrN8ZerRAr7ct2J9pRUMQQakhUNcr7PY3MyZ-wBN5249TVgWxNIi1L52duCvMe7az1pKvR9aX2p27Hpq/s320/IMG_1614~photo.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">View of the Village</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Andrew has been busy today changing the bolts in the chain plates. This involves undoing all the rigging at the deck. He brought the new bolts back from Australia. The bolts he replaced weren't too bad but now we have brand new ones.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzniFJ-oSVlBqjvi7HDQXTpBzEW2Kk1RwMtAuir2bxSZi1QplmApfLGsRCsItRGktcBZUDBUrBNvseqrD0xx2TUrZYY-XGjiYBb0K5o1M0YuYO9XEguKT_AihUirvLl7_AEtyhxB9Jn4mhpASFAk1uIRmxkEBmBKR6EMFNfaARchlcnL_xH0mhDByC/s4608/DSCN3780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzniFJ-oSVlBqjvi7HDQXTpBzEW2Kk1RwMtAuir2bxSZi1QplmApfLGsRCsItRGktcBZUDBUrBNvseqrD0xx2TUrZYY-XGjiYBb0K5o1M0YuYO9XEguKT_AihUirvLl7_AEtyhxB9Jn4mhpASFAk1uIRmxkEBmBKR6EMFNfaARchlcnL_xH0mhDByC/s320/DSCN3780.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">Andrew at Work</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">SO WHAT'S NEXT<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow we will leave this peaceful bay and go around to the much busier Port Vila Harbour. From here we will start looking for a weather window to go to Noumea in New Caledonia. We have to leave Vanuatu by the end of August. We are hoping to find a light North East Wind to carry us down to New Cal. So until next time stay safe and our love to all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Candy xx</span></span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt;">Sent from <a href="https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986">Mail</a> for Windows<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-10114839848571848422022-07-29T16:02:00.000+10:002022-07-29T16:02:12.639+10:004-2022 Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu<div class="WordSection1"><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Hi from Clare, <span> </span>4-2022 Espiritu Santo Island Vanuatu <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>29<sup>th</sup> July 2022</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">So our next stop was the Blue Holes at Peterson Bay north of Santo's main town of Luganville. It certainly is a peaceful spot and it has two fresh water rivers to explore by way of dinghy, the Forest River and Nalaiafu River.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6ysRGGCk3Xshj_nBz3iBUStYFSPtpdr-kOH02pYaXaylPSDgYf_RyZjybduJ566V41cW-abaczzxmYbtEajiqODmnMd-IpzcVPW06C0So7pBNTAvXlSd2LpuLaK5aFP2kGIYwxIUD9h3NGhZTYEihnewivF4yFRevlcwhSfAeW0NBws1waNxYWj7/s4608/DSCN3664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6ysRGGCk3Xshj_nBz3iBUStYFSPtpdr-kOH02pYaXaylPSDgYf_RyZjybduJ566V41cW-abaczzxmYbtEajiqODmnMd-IpzcVPW06C0So7pBNTAvXlSd2LpuLaK5aFP2kGIYwxIUD9h3NGhZTYEihnewivF4yFRevlcwhSfAeW0NBws1waNxYWj7/s320/DSCN3664.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="text-align: left;">Entrance to Forest River</span></span></div><p></p><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">OUR RIVER RUN</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Last time we were here in 2019 the village community at the mouth of the river was charging $5 to travel up the river by dinghy. However the 2022 tourist season is having a slow start after Covid shut down and there was no mention of a charge. We travelled up both the Forest and Nalaiafu Rivers. The rivers are peaceful and the bird life plentiful. Any stress you might be carrying just dissolves as you travel up the river, one with nature. It really is a magical place.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">These blue holes are found in several places in Vanuatu. I think they are formed when a fresh water spring is filtered through limestone and the blue cast to it is from the dissolved calcium carbonate. It was a grey overcast day and so this time we did not go for a swim, however it was still nice just sitting in the river enjoying the quiet.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9mvp8e96waEhj4mI01Z67rQIP1Cv6M0P2cFkepPLRRhsr00bUL4V68UO2u6LQ4SM-T9pbigvQSKdEOLGkHDgCPmeNpCZmHAjDd0KEhHVs7VpCeoxvg7fguPSMcFhWCEiXWeVsdBXKtnXA1XQYJ1PkwDtV_YOSA_dnR2wzzogPSEYbBKHTVA6_Nee/s4608/DSCN3693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9mvp8e96waEhj4mI01Z67rQIP1Cv6M0P2cFkepPLRRhsr00bUL4V68UO2u6LQ4SM-T9pbigvQSKdEOLGkHDgCPmeNpCZmHAjDd0KEhHVs7VpCeoxvg7fguPSMcFhWCEiXWeVsdBXKtnXA1XQYJ1PkwDtV_YOSA_dnR2wzzogPSEYbBKHTVA6_Nee/s320/DSCN3693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">The Blue Hole on Nalaiafu River</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Unfortunately the forest is partly choked by a vine which was introduced during WW2 from south west of the United States. It was introduced to camouflage gun emplacements and war equipment should the Japanese every make it to Vanuatu. We think the vines would have been a very effective camouflage, but sadly, years later they are just choking the forest.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3-VZfmicA6TbWvRuPzcs-nWhFwNSOT7M8xFUDDUCoS4bBW00CoT66FAh6r2a5LtAXEf8ACGUJyiaKnb-d4Sh-lXO41nMv1y22g6sbg_11feO2O0OF5V9xCVY1kIgDVQqMrdActTdHaKyGIA3mJbsZeJUWxfBJqOs49RzW4DM81LuyfCv3eh3iKcP/s4608/DSCN3670%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE3-VZfmicA6TbWvRuPzcs-nWhFwNSOT7M8xFUDDUCoS4bBW00CoT66FAh6r2a5LtAXEf8ACGUJyiaKnb-d4Sh-lXO41nMv1y22g6sbg_11feO2O0OF5V9xCVY1kIgDVQqMrdActTdHaKyGIA3mJbsZeJUWxfBJqOs49RzW4DM81LuyfCv3eh3iKcP/s320/DSCN3670%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh the vines!</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">At times the weed was almost covering the entire river and we had to pick our way through and clear weed from the dinghy's propeller.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9Y7JgPJt4ROp5-SiiYthSwjWDg4ld9s5opWHNgW8r18qWtoYZRmNKWqoSqajdSpCdLw-XkasGN4DCtHl5q-wwt9__QrQzyyk3dGIB_JrcqqpLE-8ShKExtWwbGEvJQmIW4glLMuBpIAGEeentdjTrk8iNSZVnC6t843N7e3OwiUN55k7RbwCvu9E/s4608/DSCN3686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9Y7JgPJt4ROp5-SiiYthSwjWDg4ld9s5opWHNgW8r18qWtoYZRmNKWqoSqajdSpCdLw-XkasGN4DCtHl5q-wwt9__QrQzyyk3dGIB_JrcqqpLE-8ShKExtWwbGEvJQmIW4glLMuBpIAGEeentdjTrk8iNSZVnC6t843N7e3OwiUN55k7RbwCvu9E/s320/DSCN3686.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: arial;">Weed on River</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">PORT OLRY</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">We stopped at Port Olry which is at the northern end of Espiritu Santo. The weather was very calm and so we had to motor the 25 miles to this beautiful bay. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViaTkl5z-gx12GW-NbA__yh0yVZG5dBMSKnKmTOb-9d3T-8BJoayHxDZ4pD-ni5aMNWSOFTIaT4pW6uZGYaSyTXjJOA9NHuSeER6ALznVLNLlCayCZH-NzuH1IZpJC5HYmi4O6PI2JGadZ6QlrZOUglxDeWyFebrU35UxHl1RQ-LFrOPwrJ8XHkt8/s4608/DSCN3705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViaTkl5z-gx12GW-NbA__yh0yVZG5dBMSKnKmTOb-9d3T-8BJoayHxDZ4pD-ni5aMNWSOFTIaT4pW6uZGYaSyTXjJOA9NHuSeER6ALznVLNLlCayCZH-NzuH1IZpJC5HYmi4O6PI2JGadZ6QlrZOUglxDeWyFebrU35UxHl1RQ-LFrOPwrJ8XHkt8/s320/DSCN3705.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Anchored at Port Olry</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Warm, sunny and stunningly beautiful, we spent four days exploring this area and walking the beaches There is a small village close by with houses, a school and a few shops.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP3mKM0Iu8zBuf3CRIhdjXX3c_1FCBif0Z-dwk7aznY0gEQnPgS_26y8QwPJbq0nQeH7pEl8f7jvqe0gS8w2HBwIe8Z4O-CLyGR18ju6xvyp34J9r9cyg8lFR47K8Cf2T-CSqelAnkR9kpL56hBQPTtJVfB1nC012iBEHBf9Z09POF37bcgSQG9eR/s4608/DSCN3715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdP3mKM0Iu8zBuf3CRIhdjXX3c_1FCBif0Z-dwk7aznY0gEQnPgS_26y8QwPJbq0nQeH7pEl8f7jvqe0gS8w2HBwIe8Z4O-CLyGR18ju6xvyp34J9r9cyg8lFR47K8Cf2T-CSqelAnkR9kpL56hBQPTtJVfB1nC012iBEHBf9Z09POF37bcgSQG9eR/s320/DSCN3715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Typical Village House</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">The island we anchored off had a fresh water lake and so we had a swim in that too.</span></div></div><div class="WordSection1"><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: right;"><o:p><br /></o:p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlbC75FNNaDMpHcf7qymwCF7o5GSUWDbbNQuXeBRSmv3FAmNTAoswDOiJVYoBtaCllAeal8_ezsWzsY3M4SSe-mZO8vgDUpxQn63iDhEh_AiFng1kiOvEP5oxPT6iN_hisXG-59szwhUXLUj3CbCsM33zCSCIb4qNnjgMjz8NtbiG7htzS7XZYhrL/s4608/DSCN3746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlbC75FNNaDMpHcf7qymwCF7o5GSUWDbbNQuXeBRSmv3FAmNTAoswDOiJVYoBtaCllAeal8_ezsWzsY3M4SSe-mZO8vgDUpxQn63iDhEh_AiFng1kiOvEP5oxPT6iN_hisXG-59szwhUXLUj3CbCsM33zCSCIb4qNnjgMjz8NtbiG7htzS7XZYhrL/s320/DSCN3746.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Fresh Water Lake</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Our time in Port Olry was relaxing and very pleasant. For us, it is definitely one of the best spots in Espiritu Santo. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Yesterday we sailed back to Luganville in light wind. We re provisioned and stayed in the harbour off the township in preparation for leaving this morning. Last night, the wind dropped out and the current put us side on to the swell, so Eye Candy rolled all night, I didn't sleep well. This morning the weather was very unsettled and so we changed our plans and went back to our calm anchorage around the headland from Luganville. It is very still now and we have two Dugongs and a turtle swimming around the boat. So all is not lost</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXGwOPm1cmKdpFkb_hPtB8nFOx9sPMsJoY7BWYQemeHMYkeTNHIz5o9xkYoZg0V3oCw29yo0iTXJEsoqxJFBPP62l_Y5uUYLQu3h-cw6Ld6QRQRfnmQbye1cb-gyuGSl_B34QQX8Me4mRXaNB-RUoRprasVA5-l55BudwkJ5zsniwvLOcOcVdQrKh/s4608/DSCN3760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXGwOPm1cmKdpFkb_hPtB8nFOx9sPMsJoY7BWYQemeHMYkeTNHIz5o9xkYoZg0V3oCw29yo0iTXJEsoqxJFBPP62l_Y5uUYLQu3h-cw6Ld6QRQRfnmQbye1cb-gyuGSl_B34QQX8Me4mRXaNB-RUoRprasVA5-l55BudwkJ5zsniwvLOcOcVdQrKh/s320/DSCN3760.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="WordSection1"><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: center;">Not looking so good today</span></p></div><div class="WordSection1"><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial;">SO WHAT'S NEXT</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">As soon as the weather suits, we will continue south to Port Vila. But for now we will just chill. So until next time stay safe and our love to all.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial;">Candy xx </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sent from <a href="https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986">Mail</a> for Windows</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-2234112318389641392022-07-22T08:09:00.000+10:002022-07-22T08:09:30.105+10:003-2022 Port Stanley Vanuatu<div class="WordSection1"><div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Hi from Clare <span> <span> </span></span>3-2022 Port Stanley, <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Vanuatu 21<sup>st</sup> July 2022</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">True to forecast, it was a very windy weekend at Port Stanley on the island of Malakula in Vanuatu. We were tucked up behind the mangroves in calm water, contemplating a very wet trip in our rubber dinghy to visit our friends, Karl and family, in the nearby village. However, Karl came to Eye Candy with his wife Nora and three daughters in their fibreglass boat. They were on their way to the community garden and said they would pick us up in an hour and take us to their home. Nora had prepared a traditional Lap Lap meal and we were invited to dine with the family at 2pm. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHhH26-Y10AROCY_d3w2dGb6jotqIKbMD7xl9w0DNz_k4jYoImo1iyNK7pwXDI897OFkVx86t_WhwVha0SmAHzyCA7RMoJBtR1ouOzGHby7FTH6H4P9QYCm_A32yTYpnCxR3SBIIYNje8wnJC1YrC4dXjSx1p-EhHTsG-JuO4F1HbzBhqdofoRKhC/s4608/DSCN3627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHhH26-Y10AROCY_d3w2dGb6jotqIKbMD7xl9w0DNz_k4jYoImo1iyNK7pwXDI897OFkVx86t_WhwVha0SmAHzyCA7RMoJBtR1ouOzGHby7FTH6H4P9QYCm_A32yTYpnCxR3SBIIYNje8wnJC1YrC4dXjSx1p-EhHTsG-JuO4F1HbzBhqdofoRKhC/s320/DSCN3627.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Karl and Nora's Home</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">A VILLAGE EXPERIENCE</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Karl and Nora's house was just lovely and well established. They have done a lot of work since Andrew helped Karl install wires for 12volt electric light three years ago. The bottom part of the walls are made of concrete blocks. On top of that, the walls are made of woven bamboo and a roof made of second hand roofing iron. The floor is lino on concrete and the bamboo walls inside are covered with colourful material.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6ohhIxrFwHsYpXJQz78n6OtnDhM2tJtOfT6RvZ28CGhwiuLPO7rl2IjEdWyWt9UkOMXkw-KiK4e45fkQpPziPzxg7wDNV2cEe5PuE-sXo9IXN0sqnm0Vvo_KD0IQYC7fZQ40IhvQHyz3rbfWBFtyjFi_VvMX22g_FwQ-15iKUi795gVKFSWa4oJf/s4608/DSCN3630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6ohhIxrFwHsYpXJQz78n6OtnDhM2tJtOfT6RvZ28CGhwiuLPO7rl2IjEdWyWt9UkOMXkw-KiK4e45fkQpPziPzxg7wDNV2cEe5PuE-sXo9IXN0sqnm0Vvo_KD0IQYC7fZQ40IhvQHyz3rbfWBFtyjFi_VvMX22g_FwQ-15iKUi795gVKFSWa4oJf/s320/DSCN3630.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p> <span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></o:p><span style="text-align: center;">The Loungeroom</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">The house has two bedrooms and a lounge room and a family area on the porch. There is a separate kitchen off the porch and a toilet and bathroom currently under construction out the back. Nora has made a very nice garden with flowering plants and vegetables in abundance. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YW8TsC18RvaJhMeZIy5oRrTraW84vWKGa2y_6-QcTZhpGM7X_1qiHh2bVYZCD5Isba_eod-dCwZbDqHR7FuU43yeBHTVz-8uE8YNdzkeAI_7puaefIhoCg_0L6WElDo4DmK0alh8uPoU741K0z92viPOOQG9QVkgW1PL5sxGjyR4sSpCjPmz7Fe_/s4608/DSCN3629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YW8TsC18RvaJhMeZIy5oRrTraW84vWKGa2y_6-QcTZhpGM7X_1qiHh2bVYZCD5Isba_eod-dCwZbDqHR7FuU43yeBHTVz-8uE8YNdzkeAI_7puaefIhoCg_0L6WElDo4DmK0alh8uPoU741K0z92viPOOQG9QVkgW1PL5sxGjyR4sSpCjPmz7Fe_/s320/DSCN3629.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Main Bedroom (1 metre below ground level)</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">TRADITIONAL LAP LAP</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">We sat on the floor in the porch area for lunch. Firstly we washed our hands and were given a clean towel each. There were bowls of water laid out for washing whilst eating the traditionally way, with our fingers. Lap Lap is made from Taro (root vegetable) banana and fish. It is cooked in banana leaves on hot stones for 2 hours. When opened up, fresh coconut milk is liberally sprinkled over the food and small bowls of coconut milk available for dipping. Their eldest daughter said Grace before we ate. Lunch was delicious and we really enjoyed the village experience. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLIKNLTAHE6s1CDGLOo68FlbI8445bLiT4P2pi0IaO6GDckDbv9K4eaNORb1B5VlF2Pqj9twNQiRqRkLVyDzow19iDSCcZD-8iUeIkmhjYGr3gggv5SSKFXHOY7QqPoBJ7reojqzI0RlBDPFlDRycyvBpXXc3QQM4Aq2Ukk5HoNU99fAM8dhO3j4I/s4608/DSCN3638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLIKNLTAHE6s1CDGLOo68FlbI8445bLiT4P2pi0IaO6GDckDbv9K4eaNORb1B5VlF2Pqj9twNQiRqRkLVyDzow19iDSCcZD-8iUeIkmhjYGr3gggv5SSKFXHOY7QqPoBJ7reojqzI0RlBDPFlDRycyvBpXXc3QQM4Aq2Ukk5HoNU99fAM8dhO3j4I/s320/DSCN3638.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Lap Lap Lunch</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">WONDERFUL PEOPLE</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">The village people are just lovely, they are open, friendly, kind, generous uncomplicated people. They don't have much and they don't want much. Karl works five days a week in the Copra shed as a mechanic's assistant. He earns $20 a day which seems very little to us. Nora said they are mostly self sufficient and buy very little from the supermarket, usually just rice, sugar and washing powder. We guess Karl's biggest expense would be fuel for his boat. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lN-NarQ93IsJTRdZ2QY5cK0rQQNQ9EIccOccTpT2DyfNZxKKC1VZBL67q1-8jpPGKEnK9n91_5_rsNG4adon0KtlQRU1IEQhXCCsHBHUur25BY4_4gL07_1kYGJ03T0KQpFtN6LhUjfbfRk-_gfxPjVVJ_tqg7pPY4GKfxgoKnYKQ-fxEnLxUnsk/s4608/DSCN3642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lN-NarQ93IsJTRdZ2QY5cK0rQQNQ9EIccOccTpT2DyfNZxKKC1VZBL67q1-8jpPGKEnK9n91_5_rsNG4adon0KtlQRU1IEQhXCCsHBHUur25BY4_4gL07_1kYGJ03T0KQpFtN6LhUjfbfRk-_gfxPjVVJ_tqg7pPY4GKfxgoKnYKQ-fxEnLxUnsk/s320/DSCN3642.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bananas from Karl's Garden</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">HOW CAN WE HELP?</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">We donated three lengths of rope no longer needed on our boat. Last time we travelled up this island chain we were often asked for spare rope. Used often to tie a roof down in strong wind or secure some livestock. I gave Nora a pair of polarised sun glasses, and we bought a bottle of Kiwi and Banana Syrup to lunch as a special treat for the girls. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">On the way back to Eye Candy, Karl trawled a fishing line from his boat and caught a small Trevally fish. Never miss an opportunity and it paid off. We had a wonderful time and the memory of this experience will stay with us forever. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">ALWAYS A THRILL</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Tuesday we had a gentle sail, 40 miles on a beam reach in 15 knots of wind, to Luganville on the island of Espiritu Santo. This is the second biggest town in Vanauta after Port Vila. It is very busy and seems to have better hardware shops and you can buy most things here. We caught a Wahoo on passage which is one of our favourite fish. Three kilos of thick white succulent fillets, what more could we hope for, just wonderful. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE7f-gdOL4GunTJR6PFZsAFl-kW5ZJNVGn6bZzzjhax8QM-TjzmuzCmE8GlKGBEYXQhEQ99aJ6raArGPWhxkEmzSrLEJ-0G5tJlmMJPV51y9xvxwojJGpT8N1jYLkVlpkYeby-HZHbl7IZAnjstaL_JRnAEjRPTce5MWOJAcwPmDu5DJoKr9rKbuF/s4608/DSCN3643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJE7f-gdOL4GunTJR6PFZsAFl-kW5ZJNVGn6bZzzjhax8QM-TjzmuzCmE8GlKGBEYXQhEQ99aJ6raArGPWhxkEmzSrLEJ-0G5tJlmMJPV51y9xvxwojJGpT8N1jYLkVlpkYeby-HZHbl7IZAnjstaL_JRnAEjRPTce5MWOJAcwPmDu5DJoKr9rKbuF/s320/DSCN3643.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Our Wahoo</span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">SO WHAT'S NEXT</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Today we are anchored in calm water around the corner from Luganvile Harbour, which is a bit bouncy. It is a maintenance day and I have been busy washing sheets, towels and clothes, not that we wear much in 29 degrees temperature. Before leaving this area we will visit the Blue Holes, these are fresh water swimming holes, but more about that next time.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Until then stay safe and our love to all.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Candy xx . </span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sent from <a href="https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986">Mail</a> for Windows</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-47033831129713523262022-07-18T13:26:00.000+10:002022-07-18T13:26:22.108+10:002-2022 Havana Harbour Vanuatu<div class="WordSection1"><div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Hi from Clare, 2-2022 Havana Harbour Vanuatu 17<sup>th</sup>July 2022</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">So when we last wrote, we were waiting for a Marine Survey to be carried out on Eye Candy after launching. The Survey said Eye Candy was in excellent condition, with evidence of continual maintenance being carried out and the owners were well capable of fixing most things. So let's hope that will satisfy the Insurance Company. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">LIFE IN PORT VILA , EFATE ISLAND, VANUATU</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Before 1<sup>st</sup>July when the Vanuatu Borders opened for tourists, our white faces in Port Vila were quite conspicuous. We were often asked by the locals how was it that we were in Vanuatu?. However, once the borders opened we were amazed how quickly large numbers of white people appeared. We guess the lovely warm weather has a lot to do with it. Although the Vanuatu people survived quite well during the Covid 19 lock down, we feel that the people are happy to see the tourists back. I spotted a Mikasa Dinner Set in a shop window that was there three years ago, I guess not much business has been happening. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Whilst in Port Vila we had drinks with two other cruising boats and also lunch out with our Sydney based friend Michael who has dual citizenship in Vanuatu and returned once the border was open. It was really good to catch up.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">THE PEOPLE OF HAVANA HARBOUR</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">We sailed 25 miles around to the other side of Efate Island into Havana Harbour. This is a beautiful large harbour, well protected from most winds. American war ships assembled here in WW2 before the battle of the Coral Sea. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-bErjLA1ZvDV9LVNmszhEAjO-_XuKtuIabGoyQ6mraIg2m-pkUb_3vMIdE3R8L1BXSrI6NGva6ZQsI7yZBKYOChpQjbd_k1iwsUKe7Qh6hY8rufM7uDVhVkj8P8dWvVPPPUYUuA7R_nLl5tOg0Peb92sZfzHFfmM7QRK2ZokoEd8O21LxkfT7akT/s4608/DSCN3574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-bErjLA1ZvDV9LVNmszhEAjO-_XuKtuIabGoyQ6mraIg2m-pkUb_3vMIdE3R8L1BXSrI6NGva6ZQsI7yZBKYOChpQjbd_k1iwsUKe7Qh6hY8rufM7uDVhVkj8P8dWvVPPPUYUuA7R_nLl5tOg0Peb92sZfzHFfmM7QRK2ZokoEd8O21LxkfT7akT/s320/DSCN3574.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Havana Harbour</span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">There is a small museum here with artefacts, mostly coke bottles, which they left behind. We visited the nearby village, which is one of three in the Harbour.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2n8A2rDCQ3hwf2NXUnSbr1PAUKi4OSjFtz_ywfYOMGq63ZWocevnezcWzrwNIZVNc0NxF1nP5ARevvyYWMwJqyiNFeDdK34yC-KGKeT0mR11QlS2xcYNkBLTRjDHJzaTddsxdx9QWu0O_2dd0TCmHwgAWuC71PKEEowww9-X-5P0lmDoCaHL33oC/s4608/DSCN3585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2n8A2rDCQ3hwf2NXUnSbr1PAUKi4OSjFtz_ywfYOMGq63ZWocevnezcWzrwNIZVNc0NxF1nP5ARevvyYWMwJqyiNFeDdK34yC-KGKeT0mR11QlS2xcYNkBLTRjDHJzaTddsxdx9QWu0O_2dd0TCmHwgAWuC71PKEEowww9-X-5P0lmDoCaHL33oC/s320/DSCN3585.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: justify;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The women were gathered at 11am waiting for the fresh vegetable market to open at 5pm, but until then a chat fest was planned. We walked along the road stopping at the junior and senior schools and a small shop. The local people all called out to us eager for a chat. They are very welcoming, even the school kids gathered around us. The houses in this harbour are very basic but most have water tanks and a solar panel and battery for lighting at night. Some have lovely tropical gardens and wood piles stacked high for cooking.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQEGcOzfdMug7USSOrJRqkbYXAKOHhg6om3eeNEDFYSVg6DJt5G0iwYyXFfZzt2F0PO3nX032IZ9zWy1HHp2xMfIwykIoaVYamsU1tFacQvNGsO37MC8uOQH0Q67Z3N7yJNjTralAKnJxyMEBcJjkrxBIb65pFIdZBAGHqnfO1hP1x2XdTRmiIory/s4608/DSCN3577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQEGcOzfdMug7USSOrJRqkbYXAKOHhg6om3eeNEDFYSVg6DJt5G0iwYyXFfZzt2F0PO3nX032IZ9zWy1HHp2xMfIwykIoaVYamsU1tFacQvNGsO37MC8uOQH0Q67Z3N7yJNjTralAKnJxyMEBcJjkrxBIb65pFIdZBAGHqnfO1hP1x2XdTRmiIory/w320-h240/DSCN3577.JPG" title="Typical village houses" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Typical village houses</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">The three village communities in the harbour share a vegetable garden well sheltered by banana and coconut trees.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMihYgPBfyWojAfY3giPIvdKCLECdtJGVdcCHq1gRJxJxYstafNrPoHwanG9B2_DxNMK8MvQdae5EH7XCec9UMnezrck0IgE2pDQKIWGN9e4rjKDXIIpzpVGzEpOicd5fGS_0_7YyCGpIrgOUXJ-s1AgInwqa5Vdio982QiEYw-ebWjoTEoTCP6SVZ/s4608/DSCN3618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMihYgPBfyWojAfY3giPIvdKCLECdtJGVdcCHq1gRJxJxYstafNrPoHwanG9B2_DxNMK8MvQdae5EH7XCec9UMnezrck0IgE2pDQKIWGN9e4rjKDXIIpzpVGzEpOicd5fGS_0_7YyCGpIrgOUXJ-s1AgInwqa5Vdio982QiEYw-ebWjoTEoTCP6SVZ/s320/DSCN3618.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Healthy crop of cherry tomatoes</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Each family has their own vegetable plot. We met Ronald and his young daughter.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEa4vawfBKbsybCDSuTf10gKyUfo-ac5NHHSGnyK0sKfW_5AzRQxpeNjniV1QvV-8T8hpj3Iyi7WLpq_6fH_OSo5EiviXI-pwh0lBrOiDYUAKCaHwcbsbbzUGP16h9aBrk7jb6oOlKK-ofhHhmuzYhkQ8rM9BbQnBBOd1fGlAYUY2YvjSDsJ56La_Y/s4608/DSCN3616%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEa4vawfBKbsybCDSuTf10gKyUfo-ac5NHHSGnyK0sKfW_5AzRQxpeNjniV1QvV-8T8hpj3Iyi7WLpq_6fH_OSo5EiviXI-pwh0lBrOiDYUAKCaHwcbsbbzUGP16h9aBrk7jb6oOlKK-ofhHhmuzYhkQ8rM9BbQnBBOd1fGlAYUY2YvjSDsJ56La_Y/s320/DSCN3616%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Ronald and his daughter</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Ronald is one of the fruit pickers who come to Australia each year. He said he loves Australia and the fruit picking program has enabled him to buy a boat and outboard which he uses to get across the harbour to the garden. He offered us Bok Choy and bananas but I already had some, so we ended up with a large yam from his father, that he decided we needed..</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGp0hOre7mfkAMzcHf7eKVaZ8cJXEspjnUj14-Eaa7Q2nP2U1j5OlHqnC6AOBoU_e3GF8PgckoRaF23OtiTjbvXwFSzPPyLVpbi8OrAMQSaJU1ohjlzK5ggyw1-ObNWxWMxSH4QaIX5rc_VoIyTs5lsEUDj8DkYnS1eLDuIM1dTVuywUEF6pBSbZj/s4608/DSCN3623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHGp0hOre7mfkAMzcHf7eKVaZ8cJXEspjnUj14-Eaa7Q2nP2U1j5OlHqnC6AOBoU_e3GF8PgckoRaF23OtiTjbvXwFSzPPyLVpbi8OrAMQSaJU1ohjlzK5ggyw1-ObNWxWMxSH4QaIX5rc_VoIyTs5lsEUDj8DkYnS1eLDuIM1dTVuywUEF6pBSbZj/s320/DSCN3623.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Ronald's Boat</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Just check out the photo below, no plastic scissors for Ronald's young daughter. This little girls was using a sharp knife to cut the white meat from a coconut to eat, I could hardly watch for fear of seeing blood, lots of it..</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnhj7kD8_Tyw6MFI_GcTv5oknBbNrPo2Ar-oh7nkh-UmJIsGuR5yxVjgHjydv-vAOW-SLQEPrmfrK0NSFf9-CVc-zzmNVWhuvVaVauAAowRnHvGgyjFWX4lhYZ9Y_8HAXx-WXQ009ysx8-kZRRyWzHPAz8EHXSUDb2tICcAw-XCgV01uXAnYRb7w3/s4608/DSCN3617%20(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnhj7kD8_Tyw6MFI_GcTv5oknBbNrPo2Ar-oh7nkh-UmJIsGuR5yxVjgHjydv-vAOW-SLQEPrmfrK0NSFf9-CVc-zzmNVWhuvVaVauAAowRnHvGgyjFWX4lhYZ9Y_8HAXx-WXQ009ysx8-kZRRyWzHPAz8EHXSUDb2tICcAw-XCgV01uXAnYRb7w3/s320/DSCN3617%20(3).JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-align: center;">Ouch!</span></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">HOW BAD WOULD THIS BE?</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">In 2015 Cyclone Pam, a Catagory 5 Storm, hit Vanuatu with winds of 250km/h and gusts of 330km/h. 'Blue Gold' a 50 metre Benetti Super Yacht was anchored here in Havana Harbour. After being hit by another vessel which dislodged one of Blue Gold's anchors, the vessel ended up across the harbour crashing onto nearby Moso Island just at the village entrance. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">It is still there today as the responsibility for its removal is still in dispute. It is quite a surprising site, to say the least. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMlhArtSm2xXr5csBp4g1ylEdd0FbTKnt6-qDTi-bPlfOtg-ywWsRaG9ZwXMgaDT4fqeZFYPTAyPDzwPdpLEj2cf04gYBjfEMmvATQ5zLla8Hp-0VEpcuCKUjnvhaeRdAVMpE8_bQUktxkB94Pn4I8Rp3-ZytuQ_IcmqNcXExnCH_BjTF3puywm6F/s4608/DSCN3601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMlhArtSm2xXr5csBp4g1ylEdd0FbTKnt6-qDTi-bPlfOtg-ywWsRaG9ZwXMgaDT4fqeZFYPTAyPDzwPdpLEj2cf04gYBjfEMmvATQ5zLla8Hp-0VEpcuCKUjnvhaeRdAVMpE8_bQUktxkB94Pn4I8Rp3-ZytuQ_IcmqNcXExnCH_BjTF3puywm6F/s320/DSCN3601.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;">Blue Gold</span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">We took the dinghy over to Moso Island and met the local people. We left Eye Candy in beautiful sunny weather but spent most of our time on Moso Island sheltering from a tropical rain storm with three local teenage children. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">We were standing under the tin roof in an open area. One of the three, a young boy, ran and got two plastic chairs so we could sit. What a lovely thing to do, we really appreciated this boy's kind action. The rain bucketed down for about half and hour and then blue sunny skies again. The weather is very unsettled but the temperature is around 28 degrees in the day and 25 degrees at night. The water temperature is also around 28 degrees and very pleasant. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6veSjzdRSVn2re4Nif1fUv3rNBlO9uaNZAV0Ss4iGIxi59mepSw84EKpMUE8D91JJr7z3CpXKSFGf03lkFoBeSgwxRYUllrhs323G2iKzPFLv4fJsQJZP1i1QkJjezppngP-OshdMV8uF-VSIhMYfXeumiTlXXsv43p54Q44_mYmdjtK_H7uKcxsv/s4608/DSCN3610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6veSjzdRSVn2re4Nif1fUv3rNBlO9uaNZAV0Ss4iGIxi59mepSw84EKpMUE8D91JJr7z3CpXKSFGf03lkFoBeSgwxRYUllrhs323G2iKzPFLv4fJsQJZP1i1QkJjezppngP-OshdMV8uF-VSIhMYfXeumiTlXXsv43p54Q44_mYmdjtK_H7uKcxsv/s320/DSCN3610.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> Blue Gold from the village</span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">SAILING NORTH UP THE ISLAND CHAIN</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">So we left Havana Harbour on Friday and sailed overnight 127 miles north to Port Stanley on the island of Malakula. It was a good sail with up to 20 knots of wind behind us. The sea state was a bit confused and so it was a bit rough for a while. We just have to get our sea legs back after such a long break. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">We have come into Port Stanley to visit one of the local families. We met Karl and Nora and their three daughters in 2019 when Andrew helped Karl run electrical wires and install some power points for lighting in the house he was building. At the time Andrew was fascinated by the fact that Karl's bedroom was sunken by one metre below ground level. Karl said that if a cyclone came the family would hide here under the bed until it passed. While we have been at home in Australia a cyclone came through Vanuatu and we saw on the news a lot of damage to the township of Luganville just north of here. We are interested to find out how Karl and his family fared. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">THE NEWS IS OUT</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">We no sooner dropped our anchor and our first visitors came by the boat. Morris, Helen and family were on their way to the local community garden. Yes, Morris knows Karl and yes his house is still standing. Luckily the cyclone bypassed this island. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxlYp5XaXxjQDGiC5Z3lkpZEKruZJU9cFTw-GHyUyjmY8NSjjs6yYQQXWTi8HkN3SKeDk8wHL6CQthTAZE4jC3WXIgO-CeDxBghieUen8r0yNGCIO5hhR31JeBhDLQv7bwLVa2fpTSc_GQE6vmDwAgCQ1lMjvm8q3enQJxXlxw9fqZTI6WURVt8bV/s4608/DSCN3624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxlYp5XaXxjQDGiC5Z3lkpZEKruZJU9cFTw-GHyUyjmY8NSjjs6yYQQXWTi8HkN3SKeDk8wHL6CQthTAZE4jC3WXIgO-CeDxBghieUen8r0yNGCIO5hhR31JeBhDLQv7bwLVa2fpTSc_GQE6vmDwAgCQ1lMjvm8q3enQJxXlxw9fqZTI6WURVt8bV/s320/DSCN3624.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> Our first visitors, Morris and Helen</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Our next visiting boat was a mother and her adult son. They handed us some village cabbage. We asked if they knew Karl. Yes said the mother he is my son and this is his brother. We said we will come and visit the village soon. My guess is Karl will know by now that we intend visiting. There are 200 people living in the village and so news will travel fast</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">SO WHAT'S NEXT</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">A good night's sleep and then off to the village, an island experience we will enjoy. There are strong winds forecast for the next few days and so we are happy to stay here.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">So until next time, stay safe and our love to all.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14pt;">Candy xx</span></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sent from <a href="https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986">Mail</a> for Windows</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-15299020460802481662022-07-02T08:17:00.004+10:002022-07-02T08:17:55.020+10:001-2022 Return to Vanuatu<div class="WordSection1"><div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Greetings All, 1-2022 Return to Vanuatu 1<sup>st</sup> July 2022</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">At last, after two and a half years of Covid 19 restrictions, we returned to Vanuatu and our beloved Eye Candy on 30<sup>th</sup> May by way of a Business Visa. We had three days of quarantine which we did at Iririki Resort. It is on an island directly across from the township of Port Vila. We are currently anchored off the Resort in the same spot we anchored two and a half years ago. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI5RiI2DSTZet05wWEH6lH4xqJ502GdbOKHvkJA1rAvYa5VfPPSghU1O3FaE-6qKstcRXG3OldvZAIsS2KNpeObAfAhQw-0BAyFOUVL4w6qBlL_lh4kFuUhF2U52K1J9VkWR88SbrFsROnKm3LaaEtbw-zDfyb7WDR0NO-sK3d0LCVg_N6grfucDn/s4608/DSCN3557.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaI5RiI2DSTZet05wWEH6lH4xqJ502GdbOKHvkJA1rAvYa5VfPPSghU1O3FaE-6qKstcRXG3OldvZAIsS2KNpeObAfAhQw-0BAyFOUVL4w6qBlL_lh4kFuUhF2U52K1J9VkWR88SbrFsROnKm3LaaEtbw-zDfyb7WDR0NO-sK3d0LCVg_N6grfucDn/w372-h259/DSCN3557.JPG" width="372" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">A GRAND ARRIVAL</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Upon arriving we were transported to Iririki Resort by mini bus along with 5 other new arrivals. We had a police escort with lights flashing and siren blearing, locals scattering off the road and traffic pulling over to make way. We felt like we were being hauled off to jail. Thankfully at Iririki Resort we had a large air conditioned cabin with a balcony. Three days with internet access was quite doable even though the resort had been vacant for two years and is in need of urgent repairs, plus the food was pretty grim. I don't think their chef has started back yet.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">EYE CANDY'S RESTING PLACE</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Below is a photo of where the boatyard is located in Port Vila. As you can see, Eye Candy has been well protected from cyclones during our time away with a huge hill north east of her and thick trees south west. The yard is located at the end of the bay in shallow calm water. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaf0pYuxDQEAG5gOIpIkNHtR1vJeFMMgvh85BaZswmjAZFT5orvQsX-BRm9bv3kivCc8W1gSpa22GWd40wVeJ8EoRtzDkqRgO4r6i6K11fFYZ6D5RSbETOc22cjyaY_pB1G9CdyEseRqSpEFSRTUf9NztadJcHpQ9INgY_J1DNfLjfSBVe8rSO-Kn/s4608/DSCN3552.JPG" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaf0pYuxDQEAG5gOIpIkNHtR1vJeFMMgvh85BaZswmjAZFT5orvQsX-BRm9bv3kivCc8W1gSpa22GWd40wVeJ8EoRtzDkqRgO4r6i6K11fFYZ6D5RSbETOc22cjyaY_pB1G9CdyEseRqSpEFSRTUf9NztadJcHpQ9INgY_J1DNfLjfSBVe8rSO-Kn/s320/DSCN3552.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">Eye Candy was is very good condition. No mould or bad smells inside the boat which w</span><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">as a great relief. The photo below was our first sight of the boat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3hyaqjVrYH6jEMgmW1SDQ3U8kERNLf1janM_rdC858GBd-ngnt0q1KGJLO6YAIMTwS8pSlBde4cpj3L6AhjfEZPVJld6BxVBfM5TdTDrIn6N5FjCSJgcmlwYDBjv-0TEn5vbE9-aEDAydo8yQzE1C8CKF8EZceoKH44UA5TCJHYrhsDv9HEE_P6i/s4032/IMG_1137~photo.HEIC" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD3hyaqjVrYH6jEMgmW1SDQ3U8kERNLf1janM_rdC858GBd-ngnt0q1KGJLO6YAIMTwS8pSlBde4cpj3L6AhjfEZPVJld6BxVBfM5TdTDrIn6N5FjCSJgcmlwYDBjv-0TEn5vbE9-aEDAydo8yQzE1C8CKF8EZceoKH44UA5TCJHYrhsDv9HEE_P6i/w290-h364/IMG_1137~photo.HEIC" width="290" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">There was lots to do outside and it took twenty two days of hard work before we were ready to launch. As you can see below, she was looking pretty good when she launched.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdStWg3AkqrZDI8NRBJwlagnutSLGpOL0pSADxldKsbRc_DnAZ47T1AoR8hfj_m6Lw_Lsb-fyIW676fwskvZWw6kOEfUF6x_IfUZFOrue2nqR9qf1R4h-6V2nPMTPfXfRyhdKZoAycvk7WkGNCbWw_KQx-vLQCiEXRPlB-MiJkOdMiSOWw9drbW3D/s4608/DSCN3534.JPG" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFdStWg3AkqrZDI8NRBJwlagnutSLGpOL0pSADxldKsbRc_DnAZ47T1AoR8hfj_m6Lw_Lsb-fyIW676fwskvZWw6kOEfUF6x_IfUZFOrue2nqR9qf1R4h-6V2nPMTPfXfRyhdKZoAycvk7WkGNCbWw_KQx-vLQCiEXRPlB-MiJkOdMiSOWw9drbW3D/s320/DSCN3534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">We had the boatyard boys sand the bottom, paint it and polish the sides of the boat. The boatyard guys were very nice. Enok, pictured below with me was our favourite, hard working and very cheerful. He picks fruit in Australia each year and is due to return to Australia in October to pick cabbages. He likes Kununurra WA but thought the local Aborigines could have joined his crew picking fruit instead of hanging around the town. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RyBN3bd2j5tYI723-04ZcraztwGRbaA_-l6eYtrwgaPE897Yc8sYAW0njXjWUsDThaTuDKKOBQGWcoK9oTBLVlOM0r0PXHSZDQ9I_EzH2-5SSDVD89kKluCI0KWoFBrt5xPOK0R3HZo11YWGYY0ay0629xLLLNOljSUcyLCMy5kitaoAnX2mvsmb/s4608/DSCN3538.JPG" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RyBN3bd2j5tYI723-04ZcraztwGRbaA_-l6eYtrwgaPE897Yc8sYAW0njXjWUsDThaTuDKKOBQGWcoK9oTBLVlOM0r0PXHSZDQ9I_EzH2-5SSDVD89kKluCI0KWoFBrt5xPOK0R3HZo11YWGYY0ay0629xLLLNOljSUcyLCMy5kitaoAnX2mvsmb/s320/DSCN3538.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">THE GOOD NEWS</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Fortunately all the electronics started up without a hitch, much to our delight. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">We ended up having to buy new batteries. Two were OK but the other two were not. Enok gladly took the two good batteries home to connect to his sola panels. We took the opportunity to replace the lead acid batteries with AGMs. The Water Maker started up immediately but the output was about half. A number of O rings had disintegrated and Andrew pulled it apart four times before finding them all. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">UNWANTED GUEST</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Whilst on the hard we had a rat on board. It tried eating its way through the ply wood lining of the cupboard containing fresh bread. The following night we removed the ply wood panel, emptied the cupboard and laid a trap. . For $2.50 we purchased the said trap, an A4 size folder that opens out flat. The surface is coated with really sticky glue. There is a small bowl of food on the board to lure the rat. We caught the intruder who was thoroughly stuck on the board and squealing at us. Andrew took it outside and whacked it behind the ear with a steel bar to put it out of it's misery. The most effective rat trap we have ever seen</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeWp0GF3TMsKAJpaWYI-eGvdRy4NfrPnHV6FccSHBXrp9UbVgtjFbsE3TYRj2vjy9sMg6q0qaRadZ3ilizEbTooIRN201cZ8WxNERfrcyOIXDatFAjebwhU0SaKwlxPHoGOfBrpgFTcV6h82kq4BQ_siF-gqk6Gw3lpBY3GxZ4NWm2dk0oahO9WI_/s4608/DSCN3515.JPG" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeWp0GF3TMsKAJpaWYI-eGvdRy4NfrPnHV6FccSHBXrp9UbVgtjFbsE3TYRj2vjy9sMg6q0qaRadZ3ilizEbTooIRN201cZ8WxNERfrcyOIXDatFAjebwhU0SaKwlxPHoGOfBrpgFTcV6h82kq4BQ_siF-gqk6Gw3lpBY3GxZ4NWm2dk0oahO9WI_/w347-h260/DSCN3515.JPG" width="347" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">BACK TO NORMAL</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">Today 1<sup>st</sup> July, Vanuatu is open to tourists and already two yachts have arrived. One from New Zealand and the other from Fiji. There is no quarantine required now and yesterday we gained a Cruising Permit to tour the islands to the north for the next two months. </span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">On Monday we have a Marine Surveyor coming to do a Survey on the boat. A requirement needed to get insurance after the boat has been idle for so long. Up till now we have never had a Survey so it is a good thing. I'm sure we will need it for future insurance cover.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">One of today's new arrivals has come over and introduced themselves. We will have drinks together and a chat once they are settled. We miss Col and Denise and our 11am daily coffee and catch up. We sent them the photo below from Vanuatu saying "OK, it's 11am coffee time, where are you?,</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbV7juI_3Vexz8Htxh6zSoCiKsFQr9rKw89o-VYW1Q1P3p5tGo_Ox5fMpXBBFDzUo_AqPwL00h7Cx6DyC0z0SdttbH0sRRTQWfuXge1GDA-_ahDKcvgw1yMxlLH7qFwwlWTCWEnqK6XeUoSL0SPIU75fCf6fsR68oF5PrQLsIiVsdtVOaV14MOWHj/s3664/IMG_1563~photo.JPG" style="font-size: 18.6667px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2062" data-original-width="3664" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbV7juI_3Vexz8Htxh6zSoCiKsFQr9rKw89o-VYW1Q1P3p5tGo_Ox5fMpXBBFDzUo_AqPwL00h7Cx6DyC0z0SdttbH0sRRTQWfuXge1GDA-_ahDKcvgw1yMxlLH7qFwwlWTCWEnqK6XeUoSL0SPIU75fCf6fsR68oF5PrQLsIiVsdtVOaV14MOWHj/s320/IMG_1563~photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">SO WHAT'S NEXT</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">So next week we will take off for more Freedom and Adventure. We will revisit the islands. When last here Andrew installed electric lights in a guys hut. The main bedroom was a metre below ground level as a safe place if a cyclone came. Well they have had the cyclone and we are interested to see how this family fared.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We are looking forward to sailing and enjoying life. We will keep you posted, so until next time, take care and stay safe.</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Love Candy xx</span></p><p style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0cm;"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Sent from <a href="https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986">Mail</a> for Windows</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-56425553765849572782019-11-17T17:08:00.000+11:002019-11-17T17:10:22.105+11:0014-2019 Port Vila, Heading for Home<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 14- 2019 Port Vila, Heading for Home 16<sup>th</sup>
November 2019</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">When
we last wrote Eye Candy was at the island of Ambrym and we were
waiting for a favourable wind to sail 110 miles south to Port Vila. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A GREAT SAIL</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On
6<sup>th</sup> November we left Ambrym at 5am in a light easterly
breeze with the intention of sailing 70 miles south to the island of
Epi. Much to our delight the wind co operated and came around to the
north east and we sailed the 110 miles to Port Vila on a flat sea. It
was the perfect sail to end what has been a very enjoyable sailing
season in Vanuatu. We arrived in the well lit harbour of Port Vila
at 1am, what a ride.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Since
then we have been very busy getting the boat ready to store at the
Port Vila boat yard for the cyclone season. We have fare welled our
various cruising friends as they set off for either Australia or
New Zealand. We are one of the few boats left here, so I guess this
year, we turn the lights out. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">NOT ALL WORK</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Yesterday
we took the afternoon off and visited the Vanuatu National Museum. We are so glad we did this after visiting a number of the islands and
remote villages. Our appreciation for the Museum’s displays and
artefacts was greatly enhanced by our exposure to the Vanuatu culture
over the last few months. Our guide at the museum is a chief of one
of the villages on Pentecost Island and when not working at the
museum, goes home regularly.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qv7MdAW2B0/XdDacC5DbFI/AAAAAAAAFPI/GGDPG8hiKnI_uLU0Y0korkgTUHPAIBB9gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6Qv7MdAW2B0/XdDacC5DbFI/AAAAAAAAFPI/GGDPG8hiKnI_uLU0Y0korkgTUHPAIBB9gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9398.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Vanuatu National Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">He
did some Vanuatu sandroing (sand drawing) for us. These are
geometric figures drawn in a continuous line without lifting the
finger. The drawings date back to pre European education and are used
to leave messages, explain concepts and teach children. The drawings
are often accompanied by stories or song. In the photo below, our
guide drew and explained the tradition of land diving. This is done
by building a high bamboo tower, tying a vine to the ankles and then
diving off. We are looking forward to seeing this tradition in
June/July May next year when we return to Vanuatu. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq0KqLOWacE/XdDaaxAtdPI/AAAAAAAAFO8/mnv-s3QjuQQ7gs26IpxIJHAinjAGveHqACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mq0KqLOWacE/XdDaaxAtdPI/AAAAAAAAFO8/mnv-s3QjuQQ7gs26IpxIJHAinjAGveHqACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9388.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sandroing - Land Diving Tower</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
had a tour of the Museum and our guide explained the purpose of the
various face masks, head dresses, tam tam (drums) and other items we
have seen in our travels. The guide then played some traditional
music on a percussion instrument and ended with the Australian
National Anthem,; see photo below.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OwhldsVNAGk/XdDabYAX8EI/AAAAAAAAFPE/M0GA2SNpk3UoCAPnynuJjoahMGKL1rQewCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OwhldsVNAGk/XdDabYAX8EI/AAAAAAAAFPE/M0GA2SNpk3UoCAPnynuJjoahMGKL1rQewCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Tam Tam (Village drums)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwm1ITDTwe0/XdDabNgfbuI/AAAAAAAAFPA/C1J91zT7zdsyczixbhoo_xOrQXqdLr7sQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cwm1ITDTwe0/XdDabNgfbuI/AAAAAAAAFPA/C1J91zT7zdsyczixbhoo_xOrQXqdLr7sQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On
Tuesday we are storing the boat in a steel cradle in the Port Villa
boat yard. This cradle will be fastened down to steel rings in the
ground. We will have a few more days work before flying home on
Friday 22<sup>nd</sup> November for five months. We are looking
forward to catching up with family and friends and also to returning
to Vanuatu next year to continue our adventure. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-58054179600730244692019-11-08T15:27:00.001+11:002019-11-08T15:27:54.261+11:0013-2019 Blue Holes and Villages, Vanuatu<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 13-2019 Blue Holes and Villages, Vanuatu 6<sup>th</sup>
November 2019 </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">NO
FURTHER NORTH</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Over
the past few weeks we have been slowly sailing north from Port Vila
stopping off at many beautiful bays and visiting local villages. Some
one hundred and fifty miles later we ended up in </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Peterson
Bay on the east side of Malakula Island. This is a beautiful bay and
said to have the best all round protection in Vanutu. It certainly
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">is</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
a peaceful spot </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">a</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">nd
it has two fresh water rivers </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">to
explore with the dinghy</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">the
Forest River and Nalaiafu River.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Zovma8ZfM/XcTe5gmJb8I/AAAAAAAAFM4/axRYSFksjygLvbZdS8quAE_NgmkOUluawCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6Zovma8ZfM/XcTe5gmJb8I/AAAAAAAAFM4/axRYSFksjygLvbZdS8quAE_NgmkOUluawCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9071.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Andrew motoring up the river</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">HE
RIVER RUN</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">S</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">W</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">e,
along with our American friends Ian and Cindy on Oyster Reach
travelled up Forest River </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">on
day one, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">shortly after we had
dropped anchor in the bay. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
village people charge $5 per person to enter </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">each
of the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">river</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">s</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">.
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> Had we known </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">this,
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">we should have </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">gone
exploring </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">the following
morning, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">tak</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ing
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">a cut lunch and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">having
sufficient time for </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">leisurely
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">swim in the fresh water blue
hole. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">W</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">e
enjoyed the trip and decided to travel the Nalaiafu River the
following day. This time we </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">came</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
prepared with a cut lunch and our swimmers. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
motored up the river through</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">thick </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">jungle</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
whilst listening</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"> to Kingfishers
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and parrots. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">At
the end of the river we found the blue hole </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">surrounded
by a lovely picnic area</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgKWAe77Lw8/XcTe5jBSbxI/AAAAAAAAFM8/ifedIssh3l8Zck4ODYT9S1ZhUlQTqc8fQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgKWAe77Lw8/XcTe5jBSbxI/AAAAAAAAFM8/ifedIssh3l8Zck4ODYT9S1ZhUlQTqc8fQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9010.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Blue Hole Nalaiafu River</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Thes</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">e
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">blue </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">holes
are found in several places in Vanuatu I think </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">they
are </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">formed when a fresh water
spring is filtered through limestone </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and
the blue cast to it is from the dissolved calcium carbonate.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Our swim in </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">the
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">fresh water </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">blue
hole </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">was a pleasure and an
unexpected treat when sailing the ocean. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
enjoyed our lunch in the picnic area watching the kids having fun.
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The local people have tied
ropes to the trees and the kids </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">swing out over the river. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">They
also climb high into the tree tops and do</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
pin drops </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">into the river. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Both
rivers are beautiful but u</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">nfortunately
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">they a</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">re
being choked by a vine which was </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">i</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ntroduced
during WW2 from south west of the United States. It was suppose to
camouflage gun emplacements and war equipment should the Japanese
ever make it to Va</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">n</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">uatu.
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It is disappointing to see
that the vine which was once useful and beautiful, now </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">smothers
whole forests like a monstrous green wet blanket. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5hchLkOKC0/XcTe5QENyuI/AAAAAAAAFM0/k4k3QBCm4VgUe03t1fQaaJjh0g16tVNvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5hchLkOKC0/XcTe5QENyuI/AAAAAAAAFM0/k4k3QBCm4VgUe03t1fQaaJjh0g16tVNvgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Smothering Vines</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">THE
VOLCANO ISLAND - AMBAE </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
would have enjoyed sailing further north but time was running out and
both Eye Candy and Oyster Reach needed to be back in Port Vila early
November. We hope to see further north early next year before
heading to Australia. We sailed forty five miles east to Vanihe Bay
on the island of Ambae. Once again we have found a well protected
bay from the S/E winds and we have spent five lovely days here
enjoying the local people and village. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cyg6Mnd_34w/XcTe6k2ET8I/AAAAAAAAFNA/fSK8ygduqUcJyZVvsHFGzEWR0GJlx9MKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cyg6Mnd_34w/XcTe6k2ET8I/AAAAAAAAFNA/fSK8ygduqUcJyZVvsHFGzEWR0GJlx9MKwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9147.JPG" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Government Office</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On
day one we had an escorted tour of the town by John an elderly gent
who was born in the village and has lived there all his life. We are
on the N/E corner of the island and the village here has shops, a
police station, a bank, government offices, churches, a hospital and
a primary school and a technical college. This is the main village on
the island and used to be the regional centre for Ambae, Pentecost
and Maewo. In August last year the people were evacuated due to a
treat from a volcano on the island. At that time the administrative
centre was moved to Pentecost Island where it remains today.
The people were away from here for three months before anyone was
allowed to return. Many people have still not returned as they have
found work on other islands and settled there. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IZoguN9Jf8/XcTe7cuTLcI/AAAAAAAAFNE/If-Cas40yP8zdnnglJRZ5gz9Q_aR1LxNACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IZoguN9Jf8/XcTe7cuTLcI/AAAAAAAAFNE/If-Cas40yP8zdnnglJRZ5gz9Q_aR1LxNACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Woodwork Shop at Secondary School</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
have been into the village a number of times mainly for a walk and a
chat to the locals. We are learning a few names and recognising the
people. Today I wanted some eggs but the store was closed. The owner
had shut shop and was doing her washing in a fresh water hole on the
beach. We stopped to talk to some locals loading a truck with
building supplies delivered by barge yesterday. I mentioned I needed
eggs and Bertha volunteered to run home and get me a dozen; I was
very glad to receive them. The people are very friendly and seem
quite contented in this tropical paradise. I would like to come back
here next year if we have time. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SoLlM0Rdyo/XcTe7Q-mMnI/AAAAAAAAFNI/nwlSywKumZYCgV1uz4GW3kM7qk7JJmMCQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SoLlM0Rdyo/XcTe7Q-mMnI/AAAAAAAAFNI/nwlSywKumZYCgV1uz4GW3kM7qk7JJmMCQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9158.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Village Transport</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">MAEWO
ISLAND</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
anchored in Asanvani Bay to the sound of music, singing, dancing and
a guy on a loud speaker. The Women’s Union for the island was
having it’s annual swap meeting. Gifts were exchanged and a party
was in full swing with women from other villages staying overnight.
The following day after many canoes loaded with smiling woman had
departed we went into the village. We walked around the island
meeting the people and Chief Richard. We enjoy visiting the various
villages as the Vanuatu people are the most friendly we had found.
They are interested in our lifestyle and ask lots of questions, but
conclude that their simple lifestyle suits them. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZJQCqiSaEk/XcTfBGTVWeI/AAAAAAAAFOI/mwaZTPC7fbwdtEliElFUjIdWMaYvzEyIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5119%257Ephoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZJQCqiSaEk/XcTfBGTVWeI/AAAAAAAAFOI/mwaZTPC7fbwdtEliElFUjIdWMaYvzEyIQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5119%257Ephoto.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Waterfall on Maewo Island</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--b7q3dWZpAU/XcTe8K5yO3I/AAAAAAAAFNQ/2wM7dkyPyQQbxFHGnlFxQdLirznWFf-AACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--b7q3dWZpAU/XcTe8K5yO3I/AAAAAAAAFNQ/2wM7dkyPyQQbxFHGnlFxQdLirznWFf-AACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9233.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chief Richard, Ian "Oyster Reach" Andrew "Eye Candy"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">PENTECOST
ISLAND</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
sailed ten miles south to Loltong Bay on Pentecost Island. To avoid
coral reefs, we followed the lead markers into the bay. The front
marker we could see with the binoculars but the back marker was
almost covered by bushes. Once on land we were quite amused to
discover that the front marker was embedded in a chunk of concrete
which could be moved anywhere. Andrew thinks it is for quick
relocation when unwanted tribes arrive:) </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
had drinks on Eye Candy that night with Ian and Cindy “Oyster
Reach” and caught up with Mark and crew Bianca on “Macushla” </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmYf6jW88TM/XcTe9IEyHjI/AAAAAAAAFNc/KcfQIZvb58sW9xPYXZabf6pESJhybWEPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fmYf6jW88TM/XcTe9IEyHjI/AAAAAAAAFNc/KcfQIZvb58sW9xPYXZabf6pESJhybWEPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9242.JPG" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Removal Front Lead Marker, Back Marker just visible under trees</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
following morning we said good bye to Mark as he was sailing north
and we were sailing south to Port Vila. We, along with Ian and Cindy
went ashore. Once again the community at Loltong Bay was extremely
welcoming. Matthew who manages the local yacht club is very
entrepreneurial and trades local fruit and vegetables for clothes,
ropes or anything else that is excess on visiting boats. The pace is
slow and we asked one guy “What do you do here” his answer was
“nothing” so we said “Is that good” and he answered “Yes”.
</span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjlq7QdkmMw/XcTe8vVyumI/AAAAAAAAFNY/Ly98NimkMWU0S---VPJo08O97zKO9f-swCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kjlq7QdkmMw/XcTe8vVyumI/AAAAAAAAFNY/Ly98NimkMWU0S---VPJo08O97zKO9f-swCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9240.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Yacht Club, Loltong Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_L-cNDObTM/XcTe8A3fCDI/AAAAAAAAFNU/IaED5JqL2OMj2eHDPpf8wyHQifpzoSX8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A_L-cNDObTM/XcTe8A3fCDI/AAAAAAAAFNU/IaED5JqL2OMj2eHDPpf8wyHQifpzoSX8wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9234.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Village Loltong Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">This
island, like others we have observed have some advanced facilities
which are now lying in disrepair. Pentcost for example had a hydro
power station which no longer works. This seems to be a common theme
throughout the islands and disappointing to see. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU_MJEDh1sw/XcTe9QJkH3I/AAAAAAAAFNg/4ftXG6YFh8sszqKXzOrE0b6wIo2OSDgrgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BU_MJEDh1sw/XcTe9QJkH3I/AAAAAAAAFNg/4ftXG6YFh8sszqKXzOrE0b6wIo2OSDgrgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Anchorage Loltong Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Our
next little village was seven miles south in Bratnapne Bay. We
stopped here mainly because the snorkelling was said to be good. We
went ashore and introduced ourselves and got permission to snorkel the
bay. We had a tour of the town with one of the school teachers and
some of the children. We stopped at the shop and bought the kids an
ice cream – they were all smiles. I didn’t take the camera so
unfortunately no photos of this village. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W55JNYc-4EU/XcTe-HXKUNI/AAAAAAAAFNo/83M0UqB-AiUcPeRIrfF3Zwuer2pTCmlZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W55JNYc-4EU/XcTe-HXKUNI/AAAAAAAAFNo/83M0UqB-AiUcPeRIrfF3Zwuer2pTCmlZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9293.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Some of the pretty coral</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">AMBRYM
ISLAND</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Last
Friday we sailed 26.5 miles to Nopul on the N/E corner of Ambrym. It
was a sporty sail in 25 knots forward of the beam and lumpy two metre
waves. We were glad to drop the anchor and go ashore. We were hoping
that market day would be Saturday as we were running out of fresh
produce. We were out of luck as Friday is their market day and by
the time we got ashore the small market was sold out. The main town
of Olal is about an hours walk and so we set out the following
morning. Cindy was hoping that in Olal we might be able to find out
what date the ‘Back to My Roots’ festival would be held next
year on Ambrym. We walked to the next village and found Chief Sekor,
the chief for the area. He was happy to give us a guided tour to the
Festival Site deep in the forest where it is tabu to enter his hut.
This is where the chief performs ceremonial duties and also houses
some of the ceremonial masks. So here we were on this remote island,
in this sacred place, deep in the forest with the village chief and
Cindy asks “When is the Festival next year” the chief’s answer
was “You can look it up on our website”</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZN71ODtBPA/XcTe-Rpyt-I/AAAAAAAAFNw/2UCMsGUQLSEtDVVlLIG6--9eIjGCEjTeQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZN71ODtBPA/XcTe-Rpyt-I/AAAAAAAAFNw/2UCMsGUQLSEtDVVlLIG6--9eIjGCEjTeQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9332.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Cindy "Oyster Reach" Chief Sekor, Clare "Eye Candy" outside Ceremonial Hut</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCv1qewqiRI/XcTfAW0YGoI/AAAAAAAAFOA/IEiumNL9YHQ3Y9Krx3l1Fc7Y-iwt6uwPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UCv1qewqiRI/XcTfAW0YGoI/AAAAAAAAFOA/IEiumNL9YHQ3Y9Krx3l1Fc7Y-iwt6uwPgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9357.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Photo taken at last year's Back to My Roots Festival</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
continued walking through the forest, we would have been totally lost
without a guide. We saw Chief Sekor’s garden and visited his
sister’s house. Here a huge pig was caged waiting to be
transferred to another village for an upcoming ceremony. The poor
old pig would be killed and eaten and it’s tusk (it only had one,
the other had been broken off) would be worn as decoration by that
chief. We met our chief’s nephew who explained some of the culture
to us, including how many pigs were necessary to buy a bride from her
father. It appeared that brides from some islands are more expensive
than other islands.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Apparently
the Chief Sekor paid fifteen pigs plus fruit and vegetables for his
wife. The chief’s nephew spoke very good English as he lived
permanently on the Sunshine Coat in Queensland with his wife and
daughter and was back in his village on a holiday. It appears that
they live and move between two cultures and mange it very well.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eowMFRQ3O9M/XcTe_kRbJWI/AAAAAAAAFN4/wMRqU7140pYYIfPCdqbpVDDQxZbulaG1gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eowMFRQ3O9M/XcTe_kRbJWI/AAAAAAAAFN4/wMRqU7140pYYIfPCdqbpVDDQxZbulaG1gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9339.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Chief's nephew and niece</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After
leaving the chief, we continued on to the village of Olal. We didn’t
stay long as we had been walking for three and a half hours and still
had an hour’s walk back to the boat. We had a quiet afternoon
recovering and then enjoyed a lovely dinner on ‘Oyster Reach’. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1inPccWzls/XcTe_6p9MJI/AAAAAAAAFN8/DEv36gIQuK83uZQY0LErecnc0OANlgzEwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN9345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P1inPccWzls/XcTe_6p9MJI/AAAAAAAAFN8/DEv36gIQuK83uZQY0LErecnc0OANlgzEwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN9345.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Chief Sekor's House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
are pinned in here waiting for a trough to pass. It is raining and a
swell is coming around the corner causing quite a jiggle. We are
using the time to clean out cupboards and lockers in preparation for
going home later this month. Hopefully we will continue our journey
south to Port Villa in a couple of days. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-89163031700393939102019-10-18T15:29:00.000+11:002019-10-18T15:36:00.950+11:0012-2019 Diving and Trekking in Espritu Santo <br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi
from Clare, 12-2019 Diving and Trekking in Espritu Santo 18<sup>th</sup> October 2019</span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">THE
ATTRACTION OF LUGANVILLE</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Espritu
Santo is the biggest island and its capital, Luganville, is the
second largest town in Vanuatu. It is less developed than Port Vila
but it has some much sort after tourist attractions. There is diving
both Million Dollar Point and the wreck of the SS President Coolidge
and also trekking to The Millennium Cave. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiFYG_YizGg/Xak6MN5s85I/AAAAAAAAFLg/hWkASFOujc4fIIv3oX8j0mKNU81Fr6MRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiFYG_YizGg/Xak6MN5s85I/AAAAAAAAFLg/hWkASFOujc4fIIv3oX8j0mKNU81Fr6MRgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8968.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Sunset in Luganv</span></span></span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">ille</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">MILLION
DOLLAR POINT</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Andrew
and I, along with Ian and Cindy on ‘Oyster Reach’, dived Million
Dollar Point named so because of the amount of equipment dumped there
by the Americans at the end of WW2. The American Military offered to
sell their surplus equipment to the British and French ruling
countries. Thinking that the Americans would be forced to abandon the
equipment and they would get it for free, they said “no deal”.
Much to their surprise the Americans proceeded to build a long pier
out into the channel east of Luganville and dump millions of dollars
worth of equipment into the sea. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oim3Ufs3XCc/Xak6KAk8fII/AAAAAAAAFLU/ORQxe_iWQSAHCZ0cOgNs2NDZSYyQa14OgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oim3Ufs3XCc/Xak6KAk8fII/AAAAAAAAFLU/ORQxe_iWQSAHCZ0cOgNs2NDZSYyQa14OgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Million Dollar Point</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eoamd6JVABA/Xak6LWLxNzI/AAAAAAAAFLc/Ne2d9ZDzu-Ewndf9xEYTTNpv_JG0Nxz5ACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8960%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eoamd6JVABA/Xak6LWLxNzI/AAAAAAAAFLc/Ne2d9ZDzu-Ewndf9xEYTTNpv_JG0Nxz5ACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8960%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Some of the equipment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
dive site is up to 50 metres deep and we swam down 20 metres to see
the huge pile of gear. There is said to be </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">large
</span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">jeeps</span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">,
six-wheeler trucks, gigantic bulldozers, forklifts, semi-trailers,
tractors, </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ambulances,</span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
large bound sheets of corrugated iron, sealed boxes of clothing and
of course the crates of Coca-Cola. </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">It
was fascinating but quite distressing to see the waste and I couldn’t
help but wonder how the military men felt dumping all this valuable
equipment. It is said that the locals witnessing the bizarre act by
the US military considered it to be an act of madness.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04nEc060xbI/Xak6LMcXAcI/AAAAAAAAFLY/EOtVw0JPBjsZslRRIFC5XNekqxzWYSk9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-04nEc060xbI/Xak6LMcXAcI/AAAAAAAAFLY/EOtVw0JPBjsZslRRIFC5XNekqxzWYSk9wCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8954.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">More Equipment</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKyLhR1vZjU/Xak6KKevXRI/AAAAAAAAFLw/iDrqgeHYdAU1vj-LjCM16K97HVY0QF8yQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uKyLhR1vZjU/Xak6KKevXRI/AAAAAAAAFLw/iDrqgeHYdAU1vj-LjCM16K97HVY0QF8yQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8939.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Clare</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">SS
PRESIDENT COOLIDGE</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
next day we dived on the SS President Coolidge. This ship was built
as a luxury liner and when WW2 broke out it was pressed into service
as a troop carrier. When arriving into Luganville she hit two
‘friendly’ mines and subsequently sank. It took several hours
for the vessel to sink and of the 5000 personnel on board only two
lives were lost. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">To
get to the dive site we walked in off the beach. Getting in and out
of the water was the hardest part of the dive. The water was very
choppy with a large surge which knocked us off balance. It was
necessary to wear our sandals walking on the dead coral and then
change into our dive fins once in chest deep water. This was
difficult with the additional weight of air tank and weight belt.
Poor Andrew got the job of putting my fins on for me as I held onto
the dive master. Once settled, the dive was easy but the visibility
was poor. I’m not keen on wreck dives, I find them boring, I much
prefer seeing tropical fish and coral. So although the Coolidge is
recognised as one of the premier wreck dives and some enthusiasts do
multiple dives on it, I haven’t changed my opinion of wreck dives.
While Ian, Cindy and I went shopping, Andrew went for a second dive
on the Coolidge with the dive master. They entered the wreck and saw
tanks, trucks, aircraft fuel tanks, ammunition and a medical kit.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEotiCmosdY/Xak6KJQ5kzI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/LAFXfuHQyAIL2Ime5DVeHoVT406FvPGQQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Coolidge-interior-with-diver-credit-Heather-Sutton_B222234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1043" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cEotiCmosdY/Xak6KJQ5kzI/AAAAAAAAFLQ/LAFXfuHQyAIL2Ime5DVeHoVT406FvPGQQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Coolidge-interior-with-diver-credit-Heather-Sutton_B222234.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Coolidge Interior</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0psUH4Olc4/Xak6N6sxEsI/AAAAAAAAFLs/y8lLqCQQ2pcV9Yjdgz7mtO3TdcoX4yutQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g0psUH4Olc4/Xak6N6sxEsI/AAAAAAAAFLs/y8lLqCQQ2pcV9Yjdgz7mtO3TdcoX4yutQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5388.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Some Medicine</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">MILLENNIUM
CAVES OR NOT</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
following day we all considered doing a trek to the Millennium Caves.
In the end only Andrew and Cindy went as Ian had a tropical
infection to his leg and I decided the all day trek was too strenuous
for me. The trip is divided into four parts – trekking, caving,
canyoning and swimming. Along with one other tourist and three
guides they walked <span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">into the bush along
narrow tracks, bamboo bridges and ladders before descend</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ing</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
to the river </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">down
into the cave. The cave has a high ceiling and is home to many
nesting swallows and some bats, which </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">they
could </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">see by torchlight. The</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">y
waded through t</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">he </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">river
climbing over rocks </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">and once
out of the cave they stopped for lunch and a swim in a small water
hole near a waterfall at the entrance. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Khlwuto7jzk/Xak6PAl3XUI/AAAAAAAAFL8/oFmVeWSP60EzRe6l-_o1VoKVX92URVMTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Millennium-Cave-Vanuatu-Ladder-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Khlwuto7jzk/Xak6PAl3XUI/AAAAAAAAFL8/oFmVeWSP60EzRe6l-_o1VoKVX92URVMTQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Millennium-Cave-Vanuatu-Ladder-03.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> Ladders going up</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PWwX2_duEw/Xak6MeiMSOI/AAAAAAAAFLk/JRpSwhEg4L88QVksQMYksM553n5GJspAQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PWwX2_duEw/Xak6MeiMSOI/AAAAAAAAFLk/JRpSwhEg4L88QVksQMYksM553n5GJspAQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4971.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Ladders going down</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgd4o52liu8/Xak6OfkQumI/AAAAAAAAFL0/MRK2sW1OLXYPITHUCvsRaALbTAeUfAHSACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Inside-Millenium-Cave-Vanuatu-hiking-trek-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jgd4o52liu8/Xak6OfkQumI/AAAAAAAAFL0/MRK2sW1OLXYPITHUCvsRaALbTAeUfAHSACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Inside-Millenium-Cave-Vanuatu-hiking-trek-01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">The Millennium Cave</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">So they then entered the canyoning portion of the trip. They climbed
over and under boulders with the help of strategic hand and foot
holds and then floated down the Sarakata river taking in the
breath-taking scenery with jungle overhanging shear rock faces.</span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0PR4fOhlDs/Xak6OzuKLmI/AAAAAAAAFL4/-pUIWpmo128bDjNEfkBvxAE0_PWZsZxoACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Millenium-Cave-Espiritu-Santo-Canyoning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0PR4fOhlDs/Xak6OzuKLmI/AAAAAAAAFL4/-pUIWpmo128bDjNEfkBvxAE0_PWZsZxoACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Millenium-Cave-Espiritu-Santo-Canyoning.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Canyoning</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--79C_E2miKE/Xak6NSZs5fI/AAAAAAAAFLo/pJSDwDXCzD8BsrWrYQ74YvAP6BVD7f4dACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--79C_E2miKE/Xak6NSZs5fI/AAAAAAAAFLo/pJSDwDXCzD8BsrWrYQ74YvAP6BVD7f4dACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5036.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Floating down the river</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: center; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Once
out of the river there is a steep climb up to the ridge and the
pathway </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">back
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">to
the village. From here they walked another twenty minutes to the
village where the car was and a forty five minute drive back to the
boat. Andrew arrived home ar</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">o</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">und
6pm after a very long a strenuous day. At times he said his leg
muscles where shaking from the exertion and he said I wouldn’t have
enjoyed the day – I’m sure he is right:)</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">SO WHAT'S NEXT</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">S</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">o
we </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">all</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
ha</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ving</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
a quiet day today just relaxing on </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">our
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">boat</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">s</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We are in a very pretty bay which is very calm. </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Tonight
we are having a sun downer with Ian and Cindy on ‘Oyster Reach’.
Ian’s leg wound has improved and so tomorrow we will move a little
further north and explore some new territory. We plan to be back in
Port Vila around the end of the month. We will t</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">hen
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">start
thinking about packing the boat up and </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">flying</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
home </span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">in
</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">mid
November. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-variant: normal;"><span style="color: #1f1f1f;"><span style="letter-spacing: normal;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Love
Candy xx </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-72112257455726830212019-10-12T15:35:00.001+11:002019-10-12T15:35:56.346+11:0011-2019 Heading north to Luganville<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 11-2019 Heading north to Luganville 12<sup>th</sup>
October 2019</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Today
is the thirteenth day of our trip from Port Vila, the capital of
Vanuatu, to Luganville which is the second largest town in Vanuatu.
The distance is only 150 miles but we have stopped at many places
along the way to enjoy the village hospitality and learn more about
the Vanuatu culture. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
arrived at the island of Epi on 29<sup>th</sup> September in company
with three other yachts. We have known Mark on ‘Macushla’ for a
number of years having sailed with him across two oceans and through
the Caribbean. We made new American friends, Ian and Cindy on ‘Oyster
Reach’ and together we are travelling up to Luganville. British
couple, Steve and Jody on Ena Vigo are also new to us although known
through our radio net. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znGA2XZwPjI/XaFSD6lo2pI/AAAAAAAAFJs/ZK3-j0MYv2YJokYsWt8Pe4YbHId26KWDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znGA2XZwPjI/XaFSD6lo2pI/AAAAAAAAFJs/ZK3-j0MYv2YJokYsWt8Pe4YbHId26KWDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Our anchorage at Epi Island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lamen
Bay, Epi, is a small but industrious community. The village houses
and gardens are well maintained. We found the ladies making baskets
from palm reeds and we had breakfast at a most attractive hut
decorated with shells. The breakfast of eggs, toast, local fruit,
pancakes with local jam, tea or coffee was delicious and cost $5.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAdwZhbtfZc/XaFSD4nkO2I/AAAAAAAAFJw/dIrg1bOz1pYOEfvCXqr-6f3abuKoMFBdwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAdwZhbtfZc/XaFSD4nkO2I/AAAAAAAAFJw/dIrg1bOz1pYOEfvCXqr-6f3abuKoMFBdwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8636.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Village ladies making multi purpose baskets</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZ5Nn9jnTtQ/XaFSFaywRPI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/knABDAZ9WtIYdY7lgpboYdyOQNJq64bZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZ5Nn9jnTtQ/XaFSFaywRPI/AAAAAAAAFJ0/knABDAZ9WtIYdY7lgpboYdyOQNJq64bZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8694.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">At Breakfast Left Cindy, Andrew, Clare, Right Steve, Ian, Jodi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
snorkelling was good, we found large turtles, but no dugong. It
always amazes us that when snorkelling we always find something we
haven’t seen before. The photo below shows a living creature that
looks like a piece of wool spread over the coral, but when disturbed
the tentacles retract back to one central point; quite fascinating to
watch.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rThtFiTIlM/XaFSD1hJz2I/AAAAAAAAFJo/5LewjEboK5EL3ugv6AtUAr4Y3lB8uAtvwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rThtFiTIlM/XaFSD1hJz2I/AAAAAAAAFJo/5LewjEboK5EL3ugv6AtUAr4Y3lB8uAtvwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8659.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Ocean creature</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our
next stop was Port Sandwich. No sooner had we dropped the anchor that
a canoe came alongside welcoming us with gifts of papaya, and
grapefruit. When walking ashore that afternoon, small children gave
us lemons and bananas. The next morning was market day so we set out
at 6.30am with Ian and Cindy of ‘Oyster Reach’ and Steve and Jodi
of ‘Ena Vigo’ to arrive in time for the early morning 7am market.
I think someone forgot to tell the locals the start time as no seller
arrived until 9am. We stocked up on fresh vegetables and I bought a
dozen eggs. You can imagine how surprised I was that night to
discovered that the eggs were hard boiled.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KKRWZC3hMo/XaFSFSi29bI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/mwsZLRY9oSEKR8YbXqTA2pv0eB6LPpBWwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6KKRWZC3hMo/XaFSFSi29bI/AAAAAAAAFJ4/mwsZLRY9oSEKR8YbXqTA2pv0eB6LPpBWwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8696.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Receiving local fruit upon arrival</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amuG8LtJMBI/XaFSHM1CEsI/AAAAAAAAFKE/tU61ESotwN08qsmdGuk2h18EZ-y1VzEIACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amuG8LtJMBI/XaFSHM1CEsI/AAAAAAAAFKE/tU61ESotwN08qsmdGuk2h18EZ-y1VzEIACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8737.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The local market at Port Sandwich</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
three kilometre walk to market gave us an opportunity to see the
small villages along the way. The people came out to talk to us and
seemed genuinely interested in where we came from and how long we had
been cruising. Even the children would step forward without
hesitation to shake hands, it is very cute.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAuIly6ilCs/XaFSHZLgevI/AAAAAAAAFKI/-lFGhEpTqPQj6rCZuFkVnJKc_GgIfEwZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAuIly6ilCs/XaFSHZLgevI/AAAAAAAAFKI/-lFGhEpTqPQj6rCZuFkVnJKc_GgIfEwZwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8754.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Village houses</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZpV6zesc14/XaFSGw7Yi6I/AAAAAAAAFKA/lHtUgTq5hYkJCp0eMVjNKT4AqNQDxwtZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZpV6zesc14/XaFSGw7Yi6I/AAAAAAAAFKA/lHtUgTq5hYkJCp0eMVjNKT4AqNQDxwtZQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8740.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Village children on the way to the market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Port
Sandwich is a very deep bay and has a number of rivers to explore by
dinghy. We packed a picnic lunch and along with Ian and Cindy from
‘Oyster Reach’ we motored our dinghies up the rivers enjoying the
explosion of tropical foliage teaming with bird life.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P4eF0XaRpY/XaFSGKxMKBI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/Z7Jk_NhCvqAzmoN0AGsgP0KFhGMv0ZgogCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3P4eF0XaRpY/XaFSGKxMKBI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/Z7Jk_NhCvqAzmoN0AGsgP0KFhGMv0ZgogCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Our trip up the river</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our
next stop was at Banam Bay where we organised a walk to a waterfall
and some traditional dancing. The people here live in small
communities of extended families. All the huts are in close
proximity. The people seemed very happy and contented, they smile a
lot. We met a mother carrying a one year old child who shook our
hands unprompted, it was very endearing. We couldn’t help but
notice that we haven’t heard any small children crying in the
village communities. There seems to be endless child minders
carrying little ones around.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nf6GMljl6E/XaFSIm5iEqI/AAAAAAAAFKU/udTzx5HjZt8dyIR4COiDfKuhYGYjblHpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: start;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Nf6GMljl6E/XaFSIm5iEqI/AAAAAAAAFKU/udTzx5HjZt8dyIR4COiDfKuhYGYjblHpQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Gorgeous Children from Banam Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
walk to the waterfall was easy on flat ground and mostly in the shade
of fruit trees. The chief from the first village was our guide. The
waterfall was owned by the next village so we had to ask permission
from that chief to see his waterfall. So the chief from the second
village came along with us and showed us the various edible plants
along the way. We were given a cacao fruit to suck on. The outside
of the bean is white, soft and sweet and only bitter if you bite into
the brown bean. It was a good experience as the people are very
welcoming. Andrew and Ian from ‘Oyster Reach’ enjoyed a dip in
the pool at the base of the waterfall. The girls were content to just
wade in up to our knees. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pC_4Nfzp4Zg/XaFSIbDgBzI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/HXrf5bG2RzQ8n65MLL9lRcTI9DSfu-RYQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pC_4Nfzp4Zg/XaFSIbDgBzI/AAAAAAAAFKQ/HXrf5bG2RzQ8n65MLL9lRcTI9DSfu-RYQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Andrew having a dip in the waterfall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0B2tE4_HKc/XaFSISOmBCI/AAAAAAAAFKM/7E9HmFx8phM2anNPtcRsMgaOKgG6XVBowCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M0B2tE4_HKc/XaFSISOmBCI/AAAAAAAAFKM/7E9HmFx8phM2anNPtcRsMgaOKgG6XVBowCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8825.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The two chiefs with Andrew, Ian with the local lads</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
the afternoon we returned to the first village to see the dance show,
Unlike other communities we have experienced, the men danced in one
area and the woman in another. Their tradition in this village is
that the village women are not allowed to watch the men dancing. We
think the men we saw dancing really enjoyed themselves. We then went
to another location and watched the woman dance. Their dancing was
similar to what we have seen before but there was more participation
by small girls who joined in enthusiastically.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEPyw4Ve0vc/XaFSJn_PjVI/AAAAAAAAFKY/E-DyHV05FRcRuaQ8RfEQ7RGTTKrFP6gDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEPyw4Ve0vc/XaFSJn_PjVI/AAAAAAAAFKY/E-DyHV05FRcRuaQ8RfEQ7RGTTKrFP6gDwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The village men dancing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HH68YuZ59iI/XaFSJ3CtSsI/AAAAAAAAFKc/iXpSRGFM_xsYQzrMdMRUXXNFahz3plzXwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HH68YuZ59iI/XaFSJ3CtSsI/AAAAAAAAFKc/iXpSRGFM_xsYQzrMdMRUXXNFahz3plzXwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8860.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The village women dancing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was with some regret we left this community and sailed the following
morning to Port Stanley. This is a busy location with a wharf, lots
of cars, and townships that have been established long ago by the
French and English. We hitched a ride in the back of a four wheel
drive for $1 to the township of Lakatoro. We were hoping to visit a
local handy craft shop which has a good reputation. However it was
shut and none of the local people could tell us when it might be
opened again. Not to worry, we consoled ourselves with a visit to a
chocolate factory instead and bought some rather tasty dark
chocolate.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Earlier
that morning a local family from Selenamboro village on Uri Island
came out to our boat for a chat. The guy, David, asked Andrew if he
would help him wire his new house for electric light. So Andrew
spent a few hours that afternoon cobbling it together and as he said,
probably breaking all the wiring rules. However by the end of the
day the job was complete and the local guy was a happy man. Now he
needs lights to use with his solar powered battery.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwZ7QxG7u1k/XaFSKIl-k9I/AAAAAAAAFKg/vX-f3c5ddBQH7kimdblrh3uAbmFNiYhLwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwZ7QxG7u1k/XaFSKIl-k9I/AAAAAAAAFKg/vX-f3c5ddBQH7kimdblrh3uAbmFNiYhLwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8889.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Andrew at work</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwnAUW-voe4/XaFSLIcluFI/AAAAAAAAFKk/O_t4GCtlLtYSg6jZXitqFZ_yE_0onmkTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DwnAUW-voe4/XaFSLIcluFI/AAAAAAAAFKk/O_t4GCtlLtYSg6jZXitqFZ_yE_0onmkTwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8892.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">David with his first light switch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
following morning we sailed to Wala Island. We were instantly met by
a local offering a tour of the island for $5 with a basket of local
fruit at the end. So we went for a walk around the island but we have
to say the guide was very hard to understand. When talking about
local customs, it was difficult to determine whether he was talking
about now or a custom from the past, so we didn’t learn a lot. The
fruit at the end was most generous. We ended up with mangoes,
papaya, bananas, grapefruit, ginger and cucumber. The guide asked
Andrew to check his house batteries and wanted any spare rope we
might have to tie his house roof down in preparation for the next
cyclone. He also asked if I could put some movies on his USB stick.
I agreed thinking I could just give him what we had, but no, he only
wanted action movies and musicals. So I spent quite a few hours
during the night sorting through our movies to give him what he
wanted. He was pretty happy this morning when he came by at 6.30am
to collect the two sticks he gave us yesterday. We have concluded
after the last few days that the requests are always larger and more
complicated than first anticipated.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yesterday
morning we sailed to Vao Island and had a good walk with a chief who
couldn’t speak English. French is the second language for these
islanders. However the chief managed quite well explaining that
where we were walking was tabu unless we were with the chief. It was
an area of traditional ceremonies usually including the killing of a
pig. There are six tam tam drums (hollow logs), one for each village
on the island. Each tam tam has its own sound and that is how the
chief calls the people of that village to assembly. The tam tam can
be heard from a great distance. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A09oWnL6F4E/XaFSL2Dc0wI/AAAAAAAAFKo/8fY4iVVuqkE94kIb647_RtlEN_iYQr5lgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A09oWnL6F4E/XaFSL2Dc0wI/AAAAAAAAFKo/8fY4iVVuqkE94kIb647_RtlEN_iYQr5lgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8931.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Ian, Andrew and the chief in front of the tam tam</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">This
morning we sailed to Espirito-Santo. We caught a very nice tuna on
the way so we are sharing dinner with Oyster Reach tonight. We don’t
know how long we will stay here but we want to dive on the wreck of
the President Coolidge which is a World War 2 troop ship that sank
after running into a friendly mine. Also Million Dollar Point where
the American government dumped all their equipment at the end of the
war. We also want to see Luganville township before sailing back to
Port villa.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
have very much enjoyed our trip north and we think Vanuatu is a
lovely country. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-59809183875709617922019-09-27T10:10:00.003+10:002019-09-27T10:10:55.841+10:0010-2019 Tanna Volcano & Cultural Village<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 10-2019 Tanna Volcano & Cultural Village Friday 26<sup>th </sup>September 2019</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
are having a very happy and interesting time in Vanuatu. Before we
arrived in Port Villa we were relying on out of date Cruising Guides
for information which didn’t paint a very rosy picture. Upon
arrival, what a pleasant surprise to find a developing and bustling
city. We also have many cruising friends here. Some, like us are
staying for a few months to explore the surrounding islands. Others
are passing through on their way to New Zealand or Australia. The
group below is typical of the nightly round up for happy hour at the
Waterfront Restaurant. A good time to catch up with friends and meet
new arrivals. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tq85fuMjbE/XY1Kemd2ttI/AAAAAAAAFHw/zZAvW_f--lUxbMiw5PCErKT3YHEc5baLQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tq85fuMjbE/XY1Kemd2ttI/AAAAAAAAFHw/zZAvW_f--lUxbMiw5PCErKT3YHEc5baLQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8492.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Good friends at happy hour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
TERRIFIC MINI HOLIDAY</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On
Friday we flew 120 miles south to the island of Tanna and stayed at
the Evergreen Resort for three nights. It was a wonderful break from
routine in a beautiful location. We enjoyed being waited on with
serviced rooms and lovely meals in the restaurant. We slept
peacefully each night, had breakfast overlooking the ocean then
soaked up the morning sun and swam in the pool before venturing out
on our excursions; a great way to start the day.</span></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5llbJHQx1E/XY1KeY9s9_I/AAAAAAAAFHs/iCtZdS_uJA0hASoWZDP7fB_ErRei50oHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W5llbJHQx1E/XY1KeY9s9_I/AAAAAAAAFHs/iCtZdS_uJA0hASoWZDP7fB_ErRei50oHQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8517.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Evergreen Resort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPBuqqTEtrg/XY1Kee43zfI/AAAAAAAAFHo/vwiFHRMI2oMSD6F65wKDrKRLxE01EkzIgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPBuqqTEtrg/XY1Kee43zfI/AAAAAAAAFHo/vwiFHRMI2oMSD6F65wKDrKRLxE01EkzIgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8526.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Clare enjoying the pool</div>
</span>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">YASUR
VOLCANO</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
decided to do two half day excursions, one to Mount Yasur which is
said to be the Worlds Most Accessible Active Volcano Tour and the
following day we did the Louinio Primitive Cultural Village Tour.
The volcano trip departed the resort at 2pm and we returned at 9pm.
It was a ninety minute road trip across the island to get to the
volcano. This gave us a good look at the lush countryside, small
settlements, the main town of Lenakel, spectacular ocean views and
Yasur volcano from a distance. Towards the end of the trip the road
was very bumpy, good thing we were in a 4WD. Some of the tourists
had to sit on seats in the back of the Isuzu D-Max which would have
been cold and uncomfortable. However both Andrew and I got a seat in
the cabin as we were probably the oldest people on the trip.
Occasionally, our senior years has an advantage:) </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzIQy1CPlsg/XY1Kf_TaFSI/AAAAAAAAFH4/7Flg0yJqj7E1cGZ4yR7bpN-xjKTesBIswCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzIQy1CPlsg/XY1Kf_TaFSI/AAAAAAAAFH4/7Flg0yJqj7E1cGZ4yR7bpN-xjKTesBIswCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Ocean View on the way</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrwG6umXMto/XY1Kf95U07I/AAAAAAAAFH0/oL2Tll0eRPQrEwqT5urtklpF8ktIW0eAgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrwG6umXMto/XY1Kf95U07I/AAAAAAAAFH0/oL2Tll0eRPQrEwqT5urtklpF8ktIW0eAgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8534.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Our first sight of Yasur Volcano</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOo1yzvqTQ0/XY1KgCneKUI/AAAAAAAAFH8/p6sOb92TiVw5c9mlcIb2D_mv2NwFUwokwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOo1yzvqTQ0/XY1KgCneKUI/AAAAAAAAFH8/p6sOb92TiVw5c9mlcIb2D_mv2NwFUwokwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8536.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Close up of Yasur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
they weren’t kidding when they said Yasur was the worlds most
accessible volcano. We took the 4WD most of the way up and then
walked to the top of the mountain and around the edge of the volcano.
A lot of smoke, ash, gas and a lot of rumbling with the occasional
burp of fire and lava. When the first burp of fire and lava erupted
the girl next to me screamed and ran and hid behind her boyfriend.
He was no where big enough to protect her from anything:)
Predictably it was very windy on the mountain and so we got covered
with grit and ash. It was in our hair, our eyes and the gas was
choking. We could smell the gas on us the next day even after a
shower and change of clothes. I think the most amazing thing was
that there were no security rails. At one viewing area there was a
flimsy rail which we were told not to lean on. To get to the best
viewing place it was necessary to walk uphill along the edge of the
volcano on a path just wide enough for two people to pass. There was
a steep drop on each side of the path, one side went down into the
volcano and the side went down the outside of the volcano. So I
decided the last elevation wasn’t for me, the path was too narrow
and it was very windy. So I gave the camera to Andrew and asked him
to get some good photos for the blog. We came off the mountain after
dark and made our way back down by torch light. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtdRcpDE4r4/XY1KhNut3eI/AAAAAAAAFIE/3C_lC0wQKEowt_PJcKC8oecpaG1gMRR8gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LtdRcpDE4r4/XY1KhNut3eI/AAAAAAAAFIE/3C_lC0wQKEowt_PJcKC8oecpaG1gMRR8gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8568.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Best viewing spot for Yasur</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqzPQwUFZXI/XY1Kg0BhGwI/AAAAAAAAFIA/t6XwTlzRr6knNsS7Mww-vYn83p7sRYxMQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YqzPQwUFZXI/XY1Kg0BhGwI/AAAAAAAAFIA/t6XwTlzRr6knNsS7Mww-vYn83p7sRYxMQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8566.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">One of the burps</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyX5mbEQ6unF0QRzMs4E1u4S8nU-MX8xZjTkcUGtnYvE1bIx4C2zr0hDI_NoiMX5MkMPJ5TSW2qfwNjCPUd9Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">LUINIO
PRIMITIVE VILLAGE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
next day’s excursion to the Louinio Primitive Cultural Village
(Yakel tribe) was like stepping back in time and a very pleasant
experience. These friendly village people are intent on preserving
their culture and live as much as possible untouched by western
influence. We were met by the female guide, the daughter of the
chief, who was one of few villagers who spoke English. She showed us
their vegetable gardens, fruit and nut trees. We were invited into a
hut to eat a traditional dish of cassava (like potato) and spinach,
cooked in a banana leaf. Below is a photo of two huts, our guide
explained that the hut where the roof goes to the ground is
considered cyclone proof. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HXcdxvnilus/XY1KnUz0A7I/AAAAAAAAFIM/IYSrO9p2nA8H1EJsS4hPN3nMEFbDfhxOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HXcdxvnilus/XY1KnUz0A7I/AAAAAAAAFIM/IYSrO9p2nA8H1EJsS4hPN3nMEFbDfhxOgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8575.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Andrew and our Guide</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5Ysio_43Fo/XY1Knt2LYeI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/LvRziKrk9G0tO8UPvFKUOyklEYuz5FiXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H5Ysio_43Fo/XY1Knt2LYeI/AAAAAAAAFIQ/LvRziKrk9G0tO8UPvFKUOyklEYuz5FiXgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8577.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Preparing cassava and spinach dish</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyx5vjhuonU/XY1KmySLf4I/AAAAAAAAFII/YmsRZH7WdnYiEbAo9lZGSFijg_fgh_zMACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fyx5vjhuonU/XY1KmySLf4I/AAAAAAAAFII/YmsRZH7WdnYiEbAo9lZGSFijg_fgh_zMACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8573.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Traditional Huts<br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">However
when cyclone Pam swept through the village in 2015 nothing was saved.
Our guide said everything went including all vegetation. The
village people had a clear view to the ocean some miles away. Relief
came very quickly from Australia with volunteers building temporary
accommodation and providing food. We saw how the men start a fire by
rubbing two stick together and the village people sang and danced for
us. The people dress in traditional grass skirts and nambas (penis
cover). The only time they wear western clothes is when they leave
the village and go to town. The children walk an hour to school and
home again. When they arrive home, off come the school uniforms and
primitive life continues. All the kids we saw were having great fun
playing together.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvipzsn7UXw/XY1KoKsRf7I/AAAAAAAAFIU/Kpr7sjOVWGcVJfC9Z-QmBkP0PCbncZ7cwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uvipzsn7UXw/XY1KoKsRf7I/AAAAAAAAFIU/Kpr7sjOVWGcVJfC9Z-QmBkP0PCbncZ7cwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8580.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Starting the fire</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JW8Tduim6o/XY1KonLQZrI/AAAAAAAAFIY/WkvMiIV05jAV9LfqSp4Wsurli9MoxrGCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3JW8Tduim6o/XY1KonLQZrI/AAAAAAAAFIY/WkvMiIV05jAV9LfqSp4Wsurli9MoxrGCwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8584.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Success</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgVAx3jBUgc/XY1Ko1K0nXI/AAAAAAAAFIc/SQeUvlJEPdMaXx8-IoSKWkJwUb7RUk2sgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YgVAx3jBUgc/XY1Ko1K0nXI/AAAAAAAAFIc/SQeUvlJEPdMaXx8-IoSKWkJwUb7RUk2sgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Village dancers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Andrew’s
great, great uncle John G Paton lived and worked in Vanuatu as a
missionary around 1860. We went in search for the Paton Memorial
Church (PMC for short) which is named after his wife Margaret
Whitecross Paton. The A frame construction is nestled on the
hillside and we can see it from our boat in the harbour. There was a
hospital here also named after John Paton, however that is no longer
standing. The church is still an integral part of the community.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qjmScw5ozQ/XY1KpfwdcqI/AAAAAAAAFIg/rglwfwhGcY0AMmxYgTnd2JjBK0NfYyqdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9qjmScw5ozQ/XY1KpfwdcqI/AAAAAAAAFIg/rglwfwhGcY0AMmxYgTnd2JjBK0NfYyqdgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8594.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Paton Memorial Church</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRf6Tfrt81o/XY1Kpu-VSgI/AAAAAAAAFIk/gZ1SynDTDdsfZl5abUCr6HgGX6Wbsl19gCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hRf6Tfrt81o/XY1Kpu-VSgI/AAAAAAAAFIk/gZ1SynDTDdsfZl5abUCr6HgGX6Wbsl19gCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8596.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Inside the PMC</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FROM OZ</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Yesterday
we had lunch at the home of a new friend, Michael, an Australian who
has his home is Sydney but also a house here in Vanuatu. Andrew met
Michael via the radio when talking to one of our cruising friends
Larry on ‘Serengetti’ who arrived in Australia last year. We
mentioned to Larry that we were heading for Vanuatu and Michael
popped up from Sydney and introduced himself. He said he was flying
into Vanuatu on Wednesday 25</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> September and would love to
meet us. So we had a very enjoyable afternoon with Michael and Nan
yesterday and they are coming for a visit on Eye Candy this
afternoon.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tonight
we will sail seventy miles north to the next island of Epi. This is
a remote island with a small village. Other cruisers have reported
many huge turtles and dugongs in the bay. We are looking forward to
crystal clear water again. At 25 degrees, the water is a little
cooler than we are used to but I’m sure we will cope:) </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Over
the next few weeks we will continue north to Luganville which is the
next biggest town in Vanuatu. We probably won’t have much phone or
internet coverage between Port Vila and Luganville and so any contact
will be made via Sailmail. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-17288175042167414122019-09-18T13:08:00.001+10:002019-09-18T13:08:40.603+10:009-2019 Settling into Port Vila Vanuatu <br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 9-2019 Se</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">ttling into Port Vila Vanuatu 18</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">
September 2019</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
extended our Visa in Fiji and waited an extra three weeks to get a
good weather window to sail the four day trip to Port Vila Vanuatu.
It was well worth the wait as you can see from the short video below.
</span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxG690P7JoM20CdmJ9FpwxRcfqaRNI9_k7D4hqCkGblPq3p1oibSvfCZn2CrxmB09guqzzoFbUEcNBrUeWzKg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our Perfect Sail</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">RAIN
RAIN GO AWAY</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Upon
arrival we moored to the wharf at Yachting World Marina and spent the
next two days getting phone and Internet access after numerous trips
to both Digicell and TVL.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It
rained solidly for the next three days, not a good start for a new
location. It didn’t stop us from venturing out with umbrellas and
wet weather gear. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHj_d2phoiw/XYGSZIyZWqI/AAAAAAAAFGc/bkLwiUStKOkKUFjtrvtQpT9XuAnTSv-ggCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHj_d2phoiw/XYGSZIyZWqI/AAAAAAAAFGc/bkLwiUStKOkKUFjtrvtQpT9XuAnTSv-ggCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8406.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">First few days in Port Villa</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
went exploring once the sun came out and saw Parliament House, The
Convention Centre, a low security goal and we watched girls teams
playing a Rugby League match. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4RfCKNj8Dg/XYGSYybKBLI/AAAAAAAAFGY/_yqx3_hF_J8mZH-G2UH2FQX08dY-NbiFACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x4RfCKNj8Dg/XYGSYybKBLI/AAAAAAAAFGY/_yqx3_hF_J8mZH-G2UH2FQX08dY-NbiFACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8408.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Parliament House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZOUwtsopXE/XYGSZOYMpQI/AAAAAAAAFGg/aEuvAU0Y0cgKN7F2X43X4a68Yu4uei-UACNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZOUwtsopXE/XYGSZOYMpQI/AAAAAAAAFGg/aEuvAU0Y0cgKN7F2X43X4a68Yu4uei-UACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8412.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Convention Centre</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XUR_LxL2Ds/XYGSaKnJriI/AAAAAAAAFGk/Gb27AILDjm0vFhtzSlAcjh4URh85EwSdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--XUR_LxL2Ds/XYGSaKnJriI/AAAAAAAAFGk/Gb27AILDjm0vFhtzSlAcjh4URh85EwSdQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8417.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> The Convention Centre Entrance</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOVVfq6ECwU/XYGSaj0etcI/AAAAAAAAFGo/po88EmMaSSAJ69NCtnMK6mVyHcPEmjbVwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KOVVfq6ECwU/XYGSaj0etcI/AAAAAAAAFGo/po88EmMaSSAJ69NCtnMK6mVyHcPEmjbVwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8422.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Low Security Goal</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">GETTING
TO KNOW YOU</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
didn’t know what to expect in Vanuatu and to all reports it sounded
less developed than Fiji. However we have found Port Vila to be very
progressive with good shopping.. Both the supermarkets and the local
fresh food market are excellent. We can get everything we want
easily. A nice change from having to fossick around and buy things
when you see them in case we don’t get another opportunity. In
particular, the good quality beef, French cheese and baguettes are a
welcomed change. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMqaOXVq7hc/XYGScEHFiBI/AAAAAAAAFG4/Pr6Ooyp3VcYedBczQW7TYMrz3gwy3fAgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMqaOXVq7hc/XYGScEHFiBI/AAAAAAAAFG4/Pr6Ooyp3VcYedBczQW7TYMrz3gwy3fAgQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8460.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">Local Fresh Market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
GOOD FEELING</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Went
went over to the Boat Yard in Port Vila where we will leave Eye Candy
in November for the cyclone season before flying home. It was very
pleasing to see the yard nestled at the foot of a mountain with
substantial trees on all sides. The yard itself is fairly basic but
it has good steel cradles and heavy tie down chains fixed to the
ground. During the last cyclone there was no damage to boats on
cradles in this yard. After our visit we are happy and reassured
that Eye Candy will be safe. We realise of course that there are no
guarantees, but it is a risk we are prepared to take. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PAQAfHGKaM/XYGSajKD4BI/AAAAAAAAFGs/P3yFKBCj6qkNOx_0MV0t1-skxJeLxZIuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3PAQAfHGKaM/XYGSajKD4BI/AAAAAAAAFGs/P3yFKBCj6qkNOx_0MV0t1-skxJeLxZIuwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8438.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The steel cradles in the boatyard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">WHAT
A SURPRISE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
yard doesn’t supply dehumidifies so upon advice we set off to find
Wilco Hardware. We flagged down a mini bus and after paying the $1.50
fee the driver took us out of town to the industrial area and dropped
us at Wilco Hardware which was every bit as good if not better than
our Bunnings. The industrial area was quite a shock, many of the big
name stores and car yards were represented. Unfortunately we did not
get a dehumidifier but Martie at the boat yard who recommended Wilco
said she will continue the hunt for us. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-herDh9J-FEM/XYGSbr9Y7RI/AAAAAAAAFGw/Kv7mo6dPhvMoYNp-rjRFUymsPTgYzvjsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8442%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="625" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-herDh9J-FEM/XYGSbr9Y7RI/AAAAAAAAFGw/Kv7mo6dPhvMoYNp-rjRFUymsPTgYzvjsQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8442%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Wilco Hardware</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHJ0K30llPU/XYGScAM5EyI/AAAAAAAAFG0/rO5s1vM7WDYaqXQlzHL6CUZCoCom9AeKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LHJ0K30llPU/XYGScAM5EyI/AAAAAAAAFG0/rO5s1vM7WDYaqXQlzHL6CUZCoCom9AeKgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8443.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Industrial Area</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">TAKE
A LOOK</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Andrew
has been helping a fellow yachtie with his radio which has not been
performing for quite some time. He has been over on his boat a few
times and so yesterday I went for a walk with the camera along the
waterfront and around town. The water front is lovely with a good
walkway, gardens, playgrounds for children, coffee shops, bars and al
fresco dining. There is a traditional building with a comprehensive
display our local arts and crafts and I came upon the tail end of
what looked like a Master Chef competition. There was a large crowd
dispersing and they were packing up the cameras etc; pity I missed
it. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gas8OEtTaQo/XYGSc3mIdhI/AAAAAAAAFG8/O9ABjmnlXjss0ySLCPpjyO6nHxla_nfkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gas8OEtTaQo/XYGSc3mIdhI/AAAAAAAAFG8/O9ABjmnlXjss0ySLCPpjyO6nHxla_nfkwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8473.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The walkway along the waterfront</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxsS9xpwLbo/XYGSdZnP3iI/AAAAAAAAFHA/wYPVWSc1Gl4X_D28R6YlDIaLqsT6ZM3mwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DSCN8480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxsS9xpwLbo/XYGSdZnP3iI/AAAAAAAAFHA/wYPVWSc1Gl4X_D28R6YlDIaLqsT6ZM3mwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/DSCN8480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">A view of the bay at Port Vila</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;" /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFjx9uQ_yNo/XYGSdXJhHwI/AAAAAAAAFHY/x-uUnlOCr9cdBDWWxdUk3oNsZYjgjfgbACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCN8475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFjx9uQ_yNo/XYGSdXJhHwI/AAAAAAAAFHY/x-uUnlOCr9cdBDWWxdUk3oNsZYjgjfgbACEwYBhgL/s320/DSCN8475.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Art and Craft Centre</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
far Port Vila has been a wonderful surprise. Good medical and
dental, duty free shopping, many good restaurants and boutique shops,
The local people are very friendly and we feel welcome here.
Tonight we are meeting up with friends at the Yacht Club Bar for
drinks, </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">On
Friday we are flying south to the Island of Tanna and spending three
days at the Evergreen Resort. We want to do the Tanna Volcano Tour
and also the Eco Cultural Tour.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">But
more about this next time.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-26142851618158505212019-08-28T14:45:00.000+10:002019-08-28T14:45:18.740+10:00 8-2019 The Waiting Game in Fiji <br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 8-2019 The Waiting Game in Fiji 28th August 2019</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">WAITING</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
we last wrote we were restocking the boat to sail to Vanuatu, but at
the same time considering staying in Fiji and applying for an extension on our Visa. The
weather has been windy and at times the waves between Fiji and
Vanuatu have been as high as five metres. Not exactly fun, but we
now have a two month extension, we will wait
for the right weather window. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">HOW
FORTUNATE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
is very good to be in Musket Cove with access to the Yacht Club
facilities, the resorts, restaurants, swimming pools and long shady
walks. We are also enjoying the company of many cruising friends from the
30-50 boats anchored here.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEXsYAbWUgw/XWX5AdzpaXI/AAAAAAAAFFY/7bHuGm2yI4E1KpnV6d8iXMs3jIX6M28FACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KEXsYAbWUgw/XWX5AdzpaXI/AAAAAAAAFFY/7bHuGm2yI4E1KpnV6d8iXMs3jIX6M28FACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8330.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Walks around the resort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWLwfEQrpFQ/XWX5A3iuOEI/AAAAAAAAFFc/RNAZhoaLyXIAbxRnqq_wcUkC5eRXLPNhgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aWLwfEQrpFQ/XWX5A3iuOEI/AAAAAAAAFFc/RNAZhoaLyXIAbxRnqq_wcUkC5eRXLPNhgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8334.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Our anchorage in Muske</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">t Cove</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
WONDERFUL GIFT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Jennifer
on the power yacht ‘Starlet” was celebrating her sixtieth
birthday. Her husband Mark organised a wonderful party for her by
inviting about thirty cruisers to their unit for cocktails and then
on to the Sailors Bar for a fully catered BBQ. They didn’t know
thirty cruisers so they invited the ones they did know and said bring
some friends. We got an invite as a friend of a friend. Everyone
mixed well, Mark and Jennifer making us very welcome. Some of the
cruisers brought along their musical instruments and supplied the
dance music and a sing along including Happy Birthday. A great night
was had by all. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ua15Axk8Wc/XWX4_8XJ2RI/AAAAAAAAFFU/ArjPwlfUDgUFtJNiVJEiluXUWLZ75mRCACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ua15Axk8Wc/XWX4_8XJ2RI/AAAAAAAAFFU/ArjPwlfUDgUFtJNiVJEiluXUWLZ75mRCACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8324.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Birthday girls Jennifer and Mark</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRj3S3k-BHM/XWX4-kIhCPI/AAAAAAAAFFI/mYZ1Dyxm7nYEU7uJPNIWOuL0oFRQUTIWQCLcBGAs/s1600/06-P8161951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GRj3S3k-BHM/XWX4-kIhCPI/AAAAAAAAFFI/mYZ1Dyxm7nYEU7uJPNIWOuL0oFRQUTIWQCLcBGAs/s320/06-P8161951.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The gang at Jennifer's Party</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlzv1Hwffs8/XWX5AX3k6MI/AAAAAAAAFFg/kyWjda7mxl08AIWU3p0Hy4QGNJFf1HcfgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jlzv1Hwffs8/XWX5AX3k6MI/AAAAAAAAFFg/kyWjda7mxl08AIWU3p0Hy4QGNJFf1HcfgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8326.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Cruising Musicians </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">AN
UNEXPECTED GIFT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
following evening a few of the cruisers had another BBQ at the
Sailors Bar and Pele on ‘Loupan’ won a meat raffle. This
necessitated a further BBQ the next night, Pele supplied the meat
and we supplied the rest. The outdoor Sailors Bar is a terrific
facility with wind protection, tables and chairs, relaxing lounges,
electric BBQ and a sink with hot water for washing up. The bar is there
if needed, the BBQ is clean and well maintained and cost
$2 per use. It is certainly a firm favourite of the cruising
community, offering a very pleasant setting for an inexpensive get
together on land. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">THE
BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sometimes
we took Eye Candy out to nearby snorkelling spots and enjoyed
exploring the coral reefs. It is great to see such healthy coral and
many varieties of tropical fish. The fish are not at all timid which
I think shows that they haven’t been harassed by too many
snorkelers. We stay in the water enjoying the show for as long as
we can before turning wrinkly. Then we lie on the deck to warm up
under a brilliant blue sky listening to the waves softly lapping
against the boat. It is a very peaceful way to spend the day and it
is always a little sad when the time comes to lift the anchor and
return to civilisation. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JG9vhmcT6lY/XWX5Bij3lMI/AAAAAAAAFFk/HAaBdh_cu_IIMTuG7l0ardZt2LS64T9fQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JG9vhmcT6lY/XWX5Bij3lMI/AAAAAAAAFFk/HAaBdh_cu_IIMTuG7l0ardZt2LS64T9fQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8348.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edD6w7x0SwM/XWX4-wZv3oI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/IkXKTr_h04QH-QrdFSDWQ0Td7p_SSJPlACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edD6w7x0SwM/XWX4-wZv3oI/AAAAAAAAFFQ/IkXKTr_h04QH-QrdFSDWQ0Td7p_SSJPlACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8296.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Beautiful Healthy Coral</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">AS
TIME GOES BY</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was Andrew’s birthday and so we celebrated with lunch at Dick’s
Bistro and Bar at the Musket Cove Resort. We then spent a very
pleasant afternoon at the pool swimming and relaxing on the lounges in the sun. Maybe we are showing our age going out for lunch
instead of dinner. Yes perhaps we are, but by evening I am a bit
weary and Andrew likes to be on the boat to participate in the Radio
Nets. Musket Cove is a very popular spot and throughout our cruising
years we haven’t found any place more welcoming. Lifetime
membership to the Musket Cove Yacht Club costs $10 which gives access
to the island, the facilities and the resorts. Why wouldn’t you
join? </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwsImqSS3VY/XWX4--XZLdI/AAAAAAAAFFM/MJL1wukhCdcVT7YYkAPRUaiTVdTDZlP3ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gwsImqSS3VY/XWX4--XZLdI/AAAAAAAAFFM/MJL1wukhCdcVT7YYkAPRUaiTVdTDZlP3ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8311.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Happy Birthday Andrew</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">CARD
SHARKS</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
spent a very enjoyable afternoon on Acapella learning a new card game
called “Oh Shit” It is a good social game to play as you can
talk and laugh and have a bit of fun. The winner is the person with
the lowest value of cards at the end of the game. Of course you can
be doing quite well with mostly low numbers and then you pick up a
high number that you may or may not get a chance to throw out.
That’s where the “Oh Shit” comes in. We had a fun time and I
was lucky enough to win the day, so no “Oh Shit” for me. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-031Cs2kLvR4/XWX5BzqcQ6I/AAAAAAAAFFo/Umzm-rJM8ZoOYdG56bjPN4dqeHnoSeQMwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-031Cs2kLvR4/XWX5BzqcQ6I/AAAAAAAAFFo/Umzm-rJM8ZoOYdG56bjPN4dqeHnoSeQMwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8362.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jacob, Ellen, Martin, Andrew, Hanny "Oh Shit"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
we left Musket Cove and sailed the thirteen miles back to the main island of Fiji and settled into Saweni Bay just north of Vuda Point Marina
where we left the boat last summer. The protection is good from
all winds except northerlies. However there is a bay about a mile
way that is perfect protection from a northerly wind, so we have it
covered. The bus to Lautoka comes passed the bay each morning so we
have good access to the town for provisioning. I have spent a few
days in town buying some cotton dresses which are very comfortable in
the hot weather. I have bought a few other things but like all
shopping it takes time to find what you want. So I think I have had
enough retail therapy for the moment. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On
Sunday we walked the six kilometres into Vuda Marina. It had rained
the day before and so the dust on the dirt road was settled. A lot of
the distance is along the rail line that takes the sugar cane to the
factory for processing. The trains don’t run on Sundays so we
were quite safe. It was a pleasant walk on flat ground and we
rewarded ourselves with lunch at the marina restaurant. It was a
beautiful day and good to get some exercise. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">AND
MORE FUN</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
are about a dozen boats here in Saweni Bay and late yesterday
afternoon we gathered for a pot luck dinner on the beach. We met a
lot of new people and quite a few who come up on our Radio Net. It is
always interesting meeting people we have been speaking to for some
time on the radio. Sometimes they look exactly as we imagine and other times absolutely nothing like we imagined. It’s just
another colourful thread in the rich tapestry of life!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8SdlYLxYP3g/XWX5CahkXsI/AAAAAAAAFFs/MlAvvVh-_kUabGdD-34umf_RxbWjwJEsACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8SdlYLxYP3g/XWX5CahkXsI/AAAAAAAAFFs/MlAvvVh-_kUabGdD-34umf_RxbWjwJEsACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Peaceful Saweni Bay Fiji</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Waiting,
waiting for the right weather, but this is a pretty good place to be
in the meantime. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx </span>
</div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-33044584096628492622019-08-11T17:54:00.001+10:002019-08-11T17:55:10.587+10:007-2019 Heading South to Musket Cove <br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 7-2019 Heading South to Musket Cove 11<sup>th</sup> August 2019</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">BEAUTIFUL
BLUE LAGOON</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
came back into the Blue Lagoon on 24<sup>th</sup> July to catch up
with some friends. There is always a good number of cruising boats
in Blue Lagoon because it has good protection from the wind and the
flat sea guarantees a good night’s sleep. Many of the other
anchorages along the Yasawa chain are open to swell and we get a bit
sick of rolling. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
knew the cruising folk on about five other boats and so we had a very
social time. We all attended a traditional Lovo dinner cooked by a
local Fijian family. We had fish, chicken and vegetables cooked in a
pit for several hours, very tasty and tender. The only problem was
there were about a dozen kids at the dinner and only two chickens
served. By the time the adults got to the table there was only a
plate of chicken bones left. Thankfully the kids weren’t fussed
about the fish otherwise the adults would have starved :) A good
night was had by all. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrGeFz6xBio/XU_GsI4G2JI/AAAAAAAAFD0/-qGSWBpP_jU52m7oypjecCijmmHfJtruwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrGeFz6xBio/XU_GsI4G2JI/AAAAAAAAFD0/-qGSWBpP_jU52m7oypjecCijmmHfJtruwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Digging for dinner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIBHQ2Gy_LQ/XU_GsR4H-bI/AAAAAAAAFD8/wkjnxhLquS0hTwtbLF_PJxzUolfSNjxqQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NIBHQ2Gy_LQ/XU_GsR4H-bI/AAAAAAAAFD8/wkjnxhLquS0hTwtbLF_PJxzUolfSNjxqQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Lets eat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
did a bit more snorkelling here and found some giant clams which have
been relocated to live on the reef. After learning all about the
development of the giant clam, when visiting the island of Makogai,
it was good to see some giant clams settled in their natural
environment.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsIkzK-VY9o/XU_GsCIgQUI/AAAAAAAAFD4/ZeemKBUY9LsFM7dvvpABv4Ub5kp21IwHwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QsIkzK-VY9o/XU_GsCIgQUI/AAAAAAAAFD4/ZeemKBUY9LsFM7dvvpABv4Ub5kp21IwHwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8232.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Giant Clam</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12BS4qOFy0s/XU_GtMnqRTI/AAAAAAAAFEA/8-Wmq45s7GMJN8Z_y-yOXqI-xv3wCW4gACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-12BS4qOFy0s/XU_GtMnqRTI/AAAAAAAAFEA/8-Wmq45s7GMJN8Z_y-yOXqI-xv3wCW4gACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8238.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">A smaller Giant Clam</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">GO
GIRL</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">After
leaving Blue Lagoon we visited the village of Somo Somo. We wanted
to met the ninety seven year old female chief. A female chief is
pretty unusual as the position is handed down through the male side
of the family. However this chief’s father only had one daughter
and so she got the job. This 97 year old female chief only produced
one daughter as well. Unfortunately the daughter is deceased and so
when the 97 year old female chief dies the position will be handed
over to the male cousin (her father’s brother’s son). The chief
speaks very little English but she performed the Sevusevu ceremony,
with her grandson translating for us. I asked permission to have my
photo taken with the chief and as soon as I sat next to her, I felt
her arm come around me. She had a very caring manner and was most
approachable. Her eyes were clear and engaging, we think she will be
around for a while yet. The grandson likened her to Queen Elizabeth.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkrArGoHLHI/XU_Gtfo88-I/AAAAAAAAFEE/RcB4yikTQWcJtoWZoBPQEqoSrNgEJPQogCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="605" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wkrArGoHLHI/XU_Gtfo88-I/AAAAAAAAFEE/RcB4yikTQWcJtoWZoBPQEqoSrNgEJPQogCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8254.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">A grand old lady</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">HAPPY
FACES</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
went to the village kindergarten and the kids took our hands and led
us into their classroom. They sang us the ABC song and seemed
surprised that we could sing it too. They individually introduced
themselves in English saying their name, sex, their village, mother
and father’s name. All important safety information when visiting
the city. Their last song, also in English, was naming parts of the
body. Pretty good considering English is their second language which
they learn at school level. Some of them were touching their ears
instead of their nose, and then touching their knees instead of their
toes, but it was all very endearing and sung with great gusto. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDjuaffo-NE/XU_GtnxHR_I/AAAAAAAAFEI/9pnTFL0H8Fsrn2kxfDFwVwyNfQfsRVlDQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BDjuaffo-NE/XU_GtnxHR_I/AAAAAAAAFEI/9pnTFL0H8Fsrn2kxfDFwVwyNfQfsRVlDQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8257.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Andrew being led away</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfPMAT0MXig/XU_GuFbcMhI/AAAAAAAAFEM/u5nvrNABDNwie1XAkQoZSqzPegQA0wEgwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PfPMAT0MXig/XU_GuFbcMhI/AAAAAAAAFEM/u5nvrNABDNwie1XAkQoZSqzPegQA0wEgwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">A performance just for us</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
the village of Somo Somo was the sixth and last Fijian village we
will visit. It has been quite an experience. Compared to our world,
their living conditions are very basic. But they seem happy and
their sense of community is strong. A totally different life, but
who is to say whether it is better or worse than ours? It certainly
is food for thought.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
CHANGE OF PLANS</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
were heading back to Musket Cove as it is the only other anchorage in
the Yasawa chain where we can expect calm conditions and peaceful
nights. On the way, we anchored at the island Navadra with four
other boats and rolled all night due to the swell. The following
morning we intended going south to Musket Cove but we had 20 knots on
the noise. This would make for a very uncomfortable trip bashing
into it for 4-5 hours. So as there was no rush, we sailed north for
fifteen miles to Waya Island and waited for the wind to drop. The
good news is that we caught two good fish. A wahoo and a small tuna,
so we were set for any delay.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otko96VuamQ/XU_GuvBABHI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/hNZRViZAAjUcnUNpd4SZnS6qNAa35tlUQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-otko96VuamQ/XU_GuvBABHI/AAAAAAAAFEQ/hNZRViZAAjUcnUNpd4SZnS6qNAa35tlUQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8269.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Our Wahoo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBWsE9jm_Q4/XU_GupfJRCI/AAAAAAAAFEU/6s-l2EJevY0r8lUgwHSGTkEVUV7Hx39_wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RBWsE9jm_Q4/XU_GupfJRCI/AAAAAAAAFEU/6s-l2EJevY0r8lUgwHSGTkEVUV7Hx39_wCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8275.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Andrew filleting the Tuna</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Here
we anchored with the motor vessel “Senses” which is some 250 ft
and owned by one of the partners of Google. If you want to hire it
for your friends, it will cost you 350,000 USD a week. Wow! They had
an array of toys out the back, but the one we loved to watch was the
foiling self propelled surf board – what fun.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2XQeCcbPOE/XU_GuwoHANI/AAAAAAAAFEY/GHAJzXdHaosVgZF0Drw5kVejJrzxx4i1ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H2XQeCcbPOE/XU_GuwoHANI/AAAAAAAAFEY/GHAJzXdHaosVgZF0Drw5kVejJrzxx4i1ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8289.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Senses</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">GOOD
FRIENDS</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
eventually made it back to Musket cove and caught up with our good
friends Ellen and Martin on Acapella. We were invited aboard to have
one of their newly created cocktails called “Acapella on the
Rocks”. This cocktail came into being after Martin and Ellen hit a
reef earlier this year in the Lau goup of islands on the east side of
Fiji. They were stuck on the reef on a fifty degree angle for 12
hours until high tide lifted them off. Fortunately there was no
water ingress, but their rudder was badly damaged. The cocktail
“Acapella on the Rocks” is to celebrate, that although scary, it
could have been a lot worse. We spent a few days together sharing
morning coffee and a BBQ at the sailors bar. Good fun people, we
always enjoy their company. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6TQ_uChV2p0/XU_GvnjuFJI/AAAAAAAAFEc/xPqPT5ct-CA66NPicmlR7ihO5ua6JQ5QACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6TQ_uChV2p0/XU_GvnjuFJI/AAAAAAAAFEc/xPqPT5ct-CA66NPicmlR7ihO5ua6JQ5QACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8292.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Martin, Clare and Ellen with our “ Acapella on the Rocks”</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
sailed across to the main island of Vita Levu, Fiji to provision for
our trip to Vanuatu later this month. We have taken on fuel, propane
gas and a new starter battery for the engine. We have made two trips
to the supermarket and restocked the boat. To all reports Vanuatu is
a lot more remote than Fiji and it is best to bring everything you
need.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
are considering getting an extension on our Visa to stay in Fiji and
wait for a good weather window to sail to Vanuatu. This won’t
delay our plans by much, but it will take the pressure away from
working to a set date. So we will keep you posted.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-29355286127753833392019-07-23T11:25:00.000+10:002019-07-23T11:32:41.269+10:006-2019 Fun in the Yasawa Islands Fiji<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare 6-2019 Fun in the Yasawa Islands Fiji Monday 22<sup>nd</sup> July 2019</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">WE
FOUND THEM</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
we spent a few days in Manta-ray Bay in the Yasawa Islands Fiji
enjoying the calm anchorage with good snorkelling and yes we got to
see the elusive Mantas. It took three morning trips in the dinghy
before we found two manta-rays cruising back and forth feeding on
plankton. Some cruisers jump in the water and swim with them, but we
are content to just see these graceful creatures from afar, leaving
them in peace to feed. </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dziqrxy_olt4i15LzwPAbc9lrVN9Fgdfq59tsZye2lO3Yfz-pWm2k_MaB_SC03VL512S3HTttsFPfdi4HxXPw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The Manta Rays</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">TWO
WORLDS COLLIDE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Our
next stop was Octopus Bay as we wanted to have a look at the Octopus
Resort. However, being exposed to the southerly swell, we rolled
badly all night. The next morning we found a protected bay around the
headland and discovered that we could get to the resort via a walking
track over the saddle of the island. We anchored outside the small
village and went ashore to meet the people. There are four hundred
people living in the village and more than one hundred of them work
in the Octopus resort which is a twenty five minute walk over the
hill. Not the easiest walk to work, but you would definitely be fit
doing this twice a day on a regular basis. There is no lighting on
the walk and at 10 pm when the afternoon shift finishes, we could see
from the yacht the village people coming home making their way
through the bush using the light on their iphone to see the way. The
employment at the resort has a tremendous impact on traditional
village life. The people seem to hover between two worlds. Basic
village existence with few amenities or comforts with pig pens nearby
and chickens running everywhere, to working in an upmarket holiday
resort in a well laid out tropical paradise. We asked the village
people if life is better now, or before the Octopus Resort was
established, they all agreed it is better now. So after our walk
over the hill and the sixty nine steps down to the resort, we spent
some time at the bar. We caught up with the other cruisers from our
bay who were also enjoying the bar and the pool. Typical of
cruisers, we all found the most comfortable place to be:)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kVUg1yZQbw/XTZbRapjkTI/AAAAAAAAFBc/gESfR7PA3-cgM92gQdVtVJkoocxg_e8yQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kVUg1yZQbw/XTZbRapjkTI/AAAAAAAAFBc/gESfR7PA3-cgM92gQdVtVJkoocxg_e8yQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8123.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Andrew on the track to Octopus Resort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDkVnzGwVzg/XTZbMIG1WjI/AAAAAAAAFBY/GccXCC9-1kAqvFND6iZFNK_uE2OlAlqtACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDkVnzGwVzg/XTZbMIG1WjI/AAAAAAAAFBY/GccXCC9-1kAqvFND6iZFNK_uE2OlAlqtACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8126.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">View on the track from the top of the hill with Eye Candy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1RjZ78y2Lw/XTZbLvD5nEI/AAAAAAAAFBU/HX_HdUgTxiIstS9q2entSUjjum7l4Fu7wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1RjZ78y2Lw/XTZbLvD5nEI/AAAAAAAAFBU/HX_HdUgTxiIstS9q2entSUjjum7l4Fu7wCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8128.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The beach at Octopus Resort.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
then sailed for three hours into the wind to get to the Blue Lagoon.
We met up with our British friends John and Stella on Exocet Strike
and joined them with four of their friends for dinner in the Blue
Lagoon Resort Restaurant. It was a beautiful warm night and so we
dined outside enjoying good food, stimulating company whilst
listening to a very talented Fijian trio playing western music. It
was a treat to be waited on and lovely to have a break from meal
preparation. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPBaa_Wv7BI/XTZbae-vaMI/AAAAAAAAFBg/UMejf6gQMSYLtnUNe7g04jiysus7NwS_ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sPBaa_Wv7BI/XTZbae-vaMI/AAAAAAAAFBg/UMejf6gQMSYLtnUNe7g04jiysus7NwS_ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8141.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Out to dinner, Blue Lagoon Resort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCwkhQ1i_7U/XTZbojS8nqI/AAAAAAAAFBs/LfG_zgzfQhkNVMgiNbtvygCaQzXOHmygACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCwkhQ1i_7U/XTZbojS8nqI/AAAAAAAAFBs/LfG_zgzfQhkNVMgiNbtvygCaQzXOHmygACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8142.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">They can smile and sing at the same time</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Last
time we were in Blue Lagoon it was very windy, but this time it was
flat calm, sunny blue sky and a light breeze. By this time we were
running out of fresh produce and there was absolutely nothing
available at the shop in the resort. I was very disappointed and
even a little distressed until one of the other cruisers said there
is plenty of fruit and vege. Just talk to the guy in the shop and he
will have it brought down from their organic farm. Well for goodness
sake, how about a sign in the shop saying fruit and vege available.
Anyhow I restocked with lettuce, tomatoes, celery, carrots, buck
choy, red capsicum, pineapple, papaya, bananas and limes - quite
pricey but perfect organic quality and we were glad to have it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
spent our days walking the beach and snorkelling the various spots.
One area is known as cabbage patch. It has a huge piece or coral
about 10 metres in diameter which looks just like a giant cabbage.
Unfortunately I didn’t get a photo as by this time I had given up
underwater photography due to bad visibility, maybe next time. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ew_l-MFLdU/XTZangHaoVI/AAAAAAAAFBI/D65AcAYUoxswTltfNEAfbFtI2O0PrpVMQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8Ew_l-MFLdU/XTZangHaoVI/AAAAAAAAFBI/D65AcAYUoxswTltfNEAfbFtI2O0PrpVMQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7857.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Clare enjoying the beach</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">So
we are now about five miles north of Blue Lagoon anchored off the
village of Malataki.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
are in company with Canadian friends Brett and Teresa on Seismic Wave
so we have someone to share our experience with. We went into the
village, met the chief, presented him with some Kava and did the
official Sevusevu welcome. Milly who is the grand daughter of the
chief was given the job of showing us around the village and looking
after us. The village of Malataki is very tidy with mowed lawns and
flowering shrubs, the houses are well maintained and nicely painted.
The chief, who has been chief for twenty four years, has a new house
replacing the last bure blown away in a cyclone. It is a traditional
Fijian design with a large airy room and hand woven mats on the
floor. A curtain at one end closes off the sleeping area. The
kitchen, as in all the other homes, is a separate building. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9puY4q54jo/XTZcBP1oslI/AAAAAAAAFCI/DlrF8ltstD0hNH-Ae7f3EwNf4jjXSuBiQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9puY4q54jo/XTZcBP1oslI/AAAAAAAAFCI/DlrF8ltstD0hNH-Ae7f3EwNf4jjXSuBiQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8173.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Chief’s new house</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoiThMiVLBs/XTZby-i08CI/AAAAAAAAFB8/zd73GSgPdlkO-ol9FFT4wwt3WWAtAQtwwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UoiThMiVLBs/XTZby-i08CI/AAAAAAAAFB8/zd73GSgPdlkO-ol9FFT4wwt3WWAtAQtwwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8169.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Inside the Chief’s house</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
photo below is taken inside Milly’s mother house. As you can see
they have proper beds and the curtains are quite decorative. Milly’s
mum also has a twin tub washing machine powered by one of two
generators in the village and some drawers and cupboards for clothes
etc. They have pigs and chickens in the village, but they are well
out of sight. The only pig we saw was on a roasting pole.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pvO6UjJAII/XTZcfNDiuBI/AAAAAAAAFCs/JRLRjSzXhAo4HD-SPpQr6t2fstsdgzgxwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pvO6UjJAII/XTZcfNDiuBI/AAAAAAAAFCs/JRLRjSzXhAo4HD-SPpQr6t2fstsdgzgxwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Inside Milly’s mum’s house</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
Methodist church is the most prominent building in the village and
religion is central to village life. We were invited to Sunday
church with lunch after. The service was in Fijian so we didn’t
understand much. Except we did understand that they read out
parishioner’s name and how much money they had donated to the
church – not pressure here. During the service the choir sang,
then all the men came forward and sang, followed by the women and
then the children sang. The children do not sit with their families
they all sit together up the front of the church. There is a man
with a long stick who keeps the kids in line. Any fidgeting child
gets a tap on the head, any slouching on the seat in front gets a
prod in the back. The man with the stick is very vigilant. However
he missed the kid in the photo below who was busy with the nail
clippers given the girl in the seat behind him a very thorough
pedicure.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TydEUnzt6vs/XTZcka5vChI/AAAAAAAAFC0/p3zzZG2DsSgkXvLHejp7aR9Sa8mYsAAUwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8208%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TydEUnzt6vs/XTZcka5vChI/AAAAAAAAFC0/p3zzZG2DsSgkXvLHejp7aR9Sa8mYsAAUwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8208%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Holy pedicure</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3CYBd1uExA/XTZcYEwpxpI/AAAAAAAAFCk/LzexnDBCWFYe1OH8IpAyO-CY942NVXVNACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p3CYBd1uExA/XTZcYEwpxpI/AAAAAAAAFCk/LzexnDBCWFYe1OH8IpAyO-CY942NVXVNACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8180.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Church bell, Fijian style</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Church
is a big deal and all the villagers including the children were
dressed in their best. The men wore the tradition sulu (skirt) with
a shirt and tie and some with a suit jacket. The women mostly in
long dresses and the kids well groomed with boys as young as one year
old wearing the sulu and girls in pretty dresses. There are several
services throughout the day and on Monday the minister goes from
houses to house for prayer meetings.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrDrB_GbFPk/XTZcHW98vYI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/_7qyiLsVirUUhsRHsEsEsHCs0wNqSu6sQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrDrB_GbFPk/XTZcHW98vYI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/_7qyiLsVirUUhsRHsEsEsHCs0wNqSu6sQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8174.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Methodist Church</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PIBrn7aWRs/XTZcldN05fI/AAAAAAAAFC4/PrVFCY5O0Rgo-Xf7LQQubDUzBWs2F5ztwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PIBrn7aWRs/XTZcldN05fI/AAAAAAAAFC4/PrVFCY5O0Rgo-Xf7LQQubDUzBWs2F5ztwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8200.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The kids assembling for the service</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
went to Milly’s house for a lunch of fish soup, followed by fish
and crayfish. As quests we were given a knife, fork and serviette,
but the villagers eat with their hands and have a bowl to wash in
after the meal.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Milly
has three children under five years and her husband at present is
living-in at a resort working twenty one days straight and then has
eight days off back in the village. Every time we see Milly she is
busy breast feeding a rather chubby one year old. I asked her how
long in village life do you breast feed the children and she said for
one, two or three years. Now I’m doubly glad not to live in a
Fijian village:) </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTqR2rIgBes/XTZcfGFakbI/AAAAAAAAFCw/Qvgr4M0IRFoj4RYGwttTjhMvnJMroCxjQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JTqR2rIgBes/XTZcfGFakbI/AAAAAAAAFCw/Qvgr4M0IRFoj4RYGwttTjhMvnJMroCxjQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8187.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Village kids helping Andrew</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed5_Sh-_0YI/XTZcIdOZLHI/AAAAAAAAFCU/BNeJGLN7jtUgnH2atHE00QsNVOBYJCyTgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ed5_Sh-_0YI/XTZcIdOZLHI/AAAAAAAAFCU/BNeJGLN7jtUgnH2atHE00QsNVOBYJCyTgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8178.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The youngest child has a very large knife</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
will stay here for a few more days as this is a great bay with thick
sand all the way to the beach. The beach is great to walk on as the
sand is quite firm underfoot. The water is warm and there is some snorkelling to do. We will then make our way slowly down the island
chain back to Musket Cove.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-20041517814987801572019-07-09T10:17:00.001+10:002019-07-09T10:17:13.874+10:005-2019 Blue Lagoon to Muscot Cove Fiji<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">5-2019 Blue Lagoon to Muscot Cove Fiji </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> 8</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
July 2019</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBfqIEotd_M/XSPYr0RL3yI/AAAAAAAAE_0/J0L_W-YbmdEXyTi67iDchzx06y-WlSinQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBfqIEotd_M/XSPYr0RL3yI/AAAAAAAAE_0/J0L_W-YbmdEXyTi67iDchzx06y-WlSinQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7879.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The Track across island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzXYsILFjIQ/XSPYwCl1dII/AAAAAAAAFAI/Q6OM5LQYRuwaSiodKQMBc8_iTKkgzSxjACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LzXYsILFjIQ/XSPYwCl1dII/AAAAAAAAFAI/Q6OM5LQYRuwaSiodKQMBc8_iTKkgzSxjACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7900.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Back packer huts</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">NOT
QUITE WHAT I IMAGINED</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
were looking forward to spending a week of relaxation and fun in The
Blue Lagoon, Yasawa Islands in western Fiji. The Blue Lagoon is a
lovely calm anchorage with sandy beaches, snorkelling, a small resort
and good walking tracks. When we arrived a visiting small cruise
ship was busy ferrying their guests ashore to The Blue Lagoon Resort
for meals, drinks and a walk on the beach. They also took their
gusts by dinghies to the other side of the island to the well
published attraction, Lo’s Tea House. It was a lovely sunny day
and so we walked the three kilometres across the island on a well
used track taking in the views and enjoying the exercise. Lo’s Tea
House (Fijian Style), despite its rather grand name, is just a shed
but it has a reputation for great doughnuts. I was quite looking
forward to a juicy hot doughnut, but not to be, the day we went, the
menu was lemon sponge or lemon sponge. The cruise ship people
arrived and we chatted to two ladies over (you guessed it) ‘lemon
sponge’ only to discover that one came from Shellharbour, which is
about a fifteen minute drive from Kiama, NSW where we live. So any
romantic notions I had about dining in a quaint ‘Tea House on a
Tropical Island with a magnificent vista’ were shattered when we
found ourselves sitting in a shed, having lemonade and lemon sponge
whilst chatting to a local lady from home.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntoSqFlpNL4/XSPYsVBRw1I/AAAAAAAAE_8/nSn-yRULKNMaRXxYAdP6iz4BMSew0TUnACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntoSqFlpNL4/XSPYsVBRw1I/AAAAAAAAE_8/nSn-yRULKNMaRXxYAdP6iz4BMSew0TUnACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7893.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Lo’s Tea House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMehmdz3TBc/XSPYsPuSImI/AAAAAAAAE_4/IOUVm8Yh0ZMJEaqKx1M-JQLPlsxhNN3ZwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sMehmdz3TBc/XSPYsPuSImI/AAAAAAAAE_4/IOUVm8Yh0ZMJEaqKx1M-JQLPlsxhNN3ZwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7894.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Inside Lo’s Tea House</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">THE
BEST MADE PLANS</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
had been watching the weather for a few days as a trough was forming
which would bring thunder storms, torrential rain and cyclonic winds.
By the following morning it was apparent that the worst of the
weather would pass over The Blue Lagoon in two days time. We decided
to sail fifty miles south to Musket Cove to get away from the thunder
storm. So, our planned one week in The Blue Lagoon became one day.
As we travelled south the weather became very calm and we had to
motor most of the way. We caught a nice Mahi Mahi which is always a
welcomed treat. We had one fine day in Musket Cove before the rain
started. We used the time to shop, do laundry and have a few drinks
at the Sailors Bar with Aussie friends Annie, Liam and family on
‘Gone with the Wind’. The trough came through the following day
bringing torrential rain and 50 knots of wind through the anchorage
but fortunately no lightning, so the plan worked. A few boats
dragged their anchor but no damage was done. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzmPOA84W3A/XSPYv1GevnI/AAAAAAAAFAE/n1aLeDtn5bkM2AHwVseAubQGUiQC7UeJwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bzmPOA84W3A/XSPYv1GevnI/AAAAAAAAFAE/n1aLeDtn5bkM2AHwVseAubQGUiQC7UeJwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7906.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Andrew with his Mahi Mahi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07X2xTc9-i8/XSPYxbfZJDI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/461FlOQ-3EEaluPyjWNE17pfwWx1kGGYQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-07X2xTc9-i8/XSPYxbfZJDI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/461FlOQ-3EEaluPyjWNE17pfwWx1kGGYQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7978.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Liam and Annie from Gone With the wind</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />FIND
OF THE DAY</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
had a very social week in Musket Cove having dinners out, fish on the
BBQ at the sailors bar, morning coffees at the resort restaurant,
catching up with friends and celebrating Canada Day with the Canadian
cruisers.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNZl1l-4x84/XSPYvPyUr3I/AAAAAAAAFAA/-nYgcZJND60dzFsTsVkVJO_Ip8KPghRRwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7913.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SNZl1l-4x84/XSPYvPyUr3I/AAAAAAAAFAA/-nYgcZJND60dzFsTsVkVJO_Ip8KPghRRwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7913.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Fish BBQ with Andrew, David ‘Anahata’ Scott ‘Muskoka’</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7id8zi8c_w/XSPYw8bt4GI/AAAAAAAAFAM/k3JHOHcOCCgPWiJAfxcMrTUSanwIuN-JACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7id8zi8c_w/XSPYw8bt4GI/AAAAAAAAFAM/k3JHOHcOCCgPWiJAfxcMrTUSanwIuN-JACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7917.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Celebrating Canada Day with cake and sparklers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
weather was very changeable, overcast with heavy rain to brilliant
sunshine. So we just seized every opportunity and did day trips to
small sand islands or to the nearby floating pontoon for snorkelling.
It was very pleasing to see lots of very healthy coral and many
tropical fish. But one day, that’s not all we saw. We anchored
the dinghy and snorkelled over to the floating pontoon. Andrew found
a brand new pair of swimming goggles on the sea floor. They still
had the protective plastic on the lenses. Then when we pulled the
dinghy anchor up, attached to the anchor was a new pair of Tusa
diving goggles - quite a haul, a profitable day!</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxVz82cLX8Q/XSPY0ru_GZI/AAAAAAAAFAc/YLFcfHYOHkYKQYNkF59sM_XmI315sk21ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RxVz82cLX8Q/XSPY0ru_GZI/AAAAAAAAFAc/YLFcfHYOHkYKQYNkF59sM_XmI315sk21ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;"> Beautiful unspoilt coral</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzH-X25H-WLlpihlgulatPGbTBgrMzrrF_5Vlg3gINrY0nN9y4RhoRG3vrfvJNKoDsL3Wa71B69Y1vkguwq6g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lots of tropical fish (we hope this works)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jztgkBYbY_k/XSPYyREHLdI/AAAAAAAAFAY/Xu71OTL0HOoRzQwG1doHss9LK--6xRvBQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jztgkBYbY_k/XSPYyREHLdI/AAAAAAAAFAY/Xu71OTL0HOoRzQwG1doHss9LK--6xRvBQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8014.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Andrew with his Go Pro</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">PLAIN
SAILING NOW</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
now all the nasty weather has passed, we are heading back north up
the Yasawa chain. We want to visit all the spots we sailed passed on
our dash down to the safety of Musket Cove. We spent the last two
nights with a New Zealand couple Ailsa and Hamish on ‘Halo’ who
are here for a month as they time share their catamaran with another
couple from NZ. They had too much NZ meat in the freezer after the
last change over so they gave us lamb chops and some beef steak. This
is the first red meat we have had since we left Oz. We are looking
forward to lamb chops tonight. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
are currently twenty five miles north of Musket Cove and we have been
in some rolling anchorages recently but today we have relocated to a
lovely calm bay. The sun is shinning, the washing is out and the
breeze is gentle. The weather is perfect with temperatures in the
high twenties, a warm breeze day and night. We sleep with the hatch
open above us and only a sheet over us. In the daytime it is all
sunshine and blue skies. It doesn’t get any better than this. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cETgwuPeTh8/XSPYxvL1H_I/AAAAAAAAFAU/dviuLAuqQtA79HS7JgW384fYE535eqebACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN8004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cETgwuPeTh8/XSPYxvL1H_I/AAAAAAAAFAU/dviuLAuqQtA79HS7JgW384fYE535eqebACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN8004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">A beautiful sunset</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
are planning to spend a bit of time here catching up with boat
chores. Andrew wants to work on the water maker and the engine. I
have some cooking to do. These are the jobs that get pushed aside
for more enjoyable pastimes like snorkelling, walks on the beach and
fun in general.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hopefully
we will slowly head back to The Blue Lagoon, stopping off at Mantaray
Bay on the way. The Mantas feed here on the plankton, but they have
been very scarce lately. So, until next time, all is well on Eye
Candy and we are having a lovely time. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-34381839964150111012019-06-23T19:20:00.000+10:002019-06-23T19:20:33.558+10:004-2019 Savu Savu to Yasawa Island Group<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 4-2019 Savu Savu to Yasawa Island Group Sunday
23<sup>rd</sup> June 2019</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
left Savu Savu to sail west between the two main islands of Fiji,
that is Vanua Levu to the north and Viti Levu to the south. This is
a well known wind funnel and so best to transit in calm weather. We
went through a very narrow pass at the bottom of the north island and
anchored in Bua Bay. We caught up with English couple John and
Stella on Exocet Strike for morning tea. We spent about three hours
chatting non stop…. who said sailing was a solitary life? </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJIHq7mOv18/XQ9APMuTb6I/AAAAAAAAE-o/AVIZRah5RPUhVEHVgLJScZKO9RO3l67fACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tJIHq7mOv18/XQ9APMuTb6I/AAAAAAAAE-o/AVIZRah5RPUhVEHVgLJScZKO9RO3l67fACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7678.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Coral at Yadua Island</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
GOOD EXPERIENCE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our
next stop was Yadua Island which is one of two small island in the
middle of the pass. By this time the wind was building and so we
stayed there four days enjoying some good snorkelling and walks on
the beach. Because of the strong wind two small fishing boats came
in with six fishermen from the mainland. They waved madly and called
greetings of “Bula Bula”. After they anchored we dingied over to
meet them. They were very glad of some company as they had been out
fishing for two weeks and were running out of conversation. They gave
us some lovely Wahoo and said they had been eating fish every day and
were sick of it. So I cooked them pasta for dinner, two loaves of
bread and gave them 500g of Flora. We all had dinner together on one
of the fishing boats. They were nice guys and this was a good
experience that we will remember fondly. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0lGeOV6HYY/XQ9AOnAhlAI/AAAAAAAAE-g/i1TalAjp_7g2zyktDOyJI34xucc8Jb9lgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7773%2B%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0lGeOV6HYY/XQ9AOnAhlAI/AAAAAAAAE-g/i1TalAjp_7g2zyktDOyJI34xucc8Jb9lgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7773%2B%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Clare with two of the fishermen</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoUu2GovJ-k/XQ9AR6xaLnI/AAAAAAAAE-s/NnfBjJnXv_8YsrH-eppLQltI-Bq7rSdKgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OoUu2GovJ-k/XQ9AR6xaLnI/AAAAAAAAE-s/NnfBjJnXv_8YsrH-eppLQltI-Bq7rSdKgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7779.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Our delicious Wahoo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
NOT SO GOOD EXPERIENCE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
next morning we left and had a very sporty sail to Yasawa Island with
a 20-25knot wind behind us and up to a two metre swell. We made good
time averaging 7 knots for the 55 mile trip. We anchored mid
afternoon at Yasawa Island in the very clear sparkling blue and aqua
water, alongside a beautiful sandy beach. We planned to go into the
village the following day to meet the Chief and do the Sevusevu
ceremony. However before we got there a motor boat came out from the
village and did Sevusevu behind our boat and after receiving our Kava
told us we could now walk on their beach and go snorkelling. I was
a bit upset by their attitude because it felt like a commercial
transaction and Kava was the payment. Our previous experiences have
been that we offer Kava to the Chief as a goodwill gesture and then
the Chief welcomes us as temporary members of the village community.
In doing so we are then welcome and free to enjoy the village and
surrounding waters. However for us, doing Sevusevu in a dinghy
behind our boat took away from the tradition and it was
disappointing. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IY4m65O07Pk/XQ9AO7xA__I/AAAAAAAAE-k/10XaCLvYPBsVZekEuSYy-fG8TDPNAprQQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IY4m65O07Pk/XQ9AO7xA__I/AAAAAAAAE-k/10XaCLvYPBsVZekEuSYy-fG8TDPNAprQQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7715.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Sevusevu at the back of our boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">VILLAGE
LIFE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
went into the village the following day and were welcomed by the
people. We firstly met Sarah who is the Kindergarten teacher for the
village. She offered to show us the school but she needed to drop
something off at her mother’s house first. We met Sarah’s mother
who is the sister of the Chief. She was skinning bananas in
preparation for the evening meal. The village was hosting a
teacher’s cluster meeting that night and the teachers from the
other five villages on the island would be attending. Sarah offered
us a bowl of sweet bananas boiled in coconut milk, a local dish which
was very delicious. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i-tVTfuvQ4/XQ9AV_D33pI/AAAAAAAAE-w/0AzN4X-mHs0paXdQo4DNNiIrWTt_UnRTACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6i-tVTfuvQ4/XQ9AV_D33pI/AAAAAAAAE-w/0AzN4X-mHs0paXdQo4DNNiIrWTt_UnRTACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7800.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The village church, roof missing since Winston</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
then went to the school which has two classrooms. There are ten
children in the Kindergarten classroom and ten students in the other
classroom which is a composite class for grade one and grade two.
The school is very nicely done with brightly coloured teaching aids
and the children’s work proudly displayed. Classrooms for the
higher primary grades are located in the other villages.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItN4LiwJpy8/XQ9DngxH6uI/AAAAAAAAE_g/lSHUELzcCtcnq4xgyAEiizpvmfgZjz6sgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItN4LiwJpy8/XQ9DngxH6uI/AAAAAAAAE_g/lSHUELzcCtcnq4xgyAEiizpvmfgZjz6sgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7804.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The school</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ddJaKnB0X4/XQ9AYD2CUhI/AAAAAAAAE-4/DTgYVu4mqBA2JZGjixqQ9_YsffIJ4m9LgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ddJaKnB0X4/XQ9AYD2CUhI/AAAAAAAAE-4/DTgYVu4mqBA2JZGjixqQ9_YsffIJ4m9LgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7813.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Grade 1&2 classroom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
ventured on, meeting as many village people as we could. Without
exception they were welcoming and called us into their homes and the
community hall. We were given papaya and bananas to take back to the
boat and invited to come back for lunch on Sunday.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGwkuC9p3rI/XQ9AX4cSigI/AAAAAAAAE-0/wdGjoSUy7kcj7QVsPdw7RlYD0sF7rSp8ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7802.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGwkuC9p3rI/XQ9AX4cSigI/AAAAAAAAE-0/wdGjoSUy7kcj7QVsPdw7RlYD0sF7rSp8ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7802.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Clare with the Chief’s sister</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wbUnyerecI/XQ9AatskERI/AAAAAAAAE_E/UTV0fqUMpdgGqXyT3HZZ0IodZ94POjt3ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0wbUnyerecI/XQ9AatskERI/AAAAAAAAE_E/UTV0fqUMpdgGqXyT3HZZ0IodZ94POjt3ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7816.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">The community hall</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">AN
INTERESTING CHARACTER</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
met Nelson an elder of the village who used to be the captain on the
ferry going between the islands and the mainland. He told us of his
experience during Cyclone Winston. There was no suitable protection
from the strong winds, so after speaking with his employer who said
“it’s up to you”, he decided to beach the ship at full speed.
He stayed on the vessel and then re-floated the ferry after the storm
passed over. We have heard some amazing stories around Winston, but
we thought this one was way up there. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qswE7suv-QY/XQ9AY8xWJyI/AAAAAAAAE-8/NE9kgNSy35cqIynSXlcyGM78pzW5el9KwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qswE7suv-QY/XQ9AY8xWJyI/AAAAAAAAE-8/NE9kgNSy35cqIynSXlcyGM78pzW5el9KwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7814.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Andrew meeting the locals</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />CRUISING
FRIENDS</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
were with two other boats here, ‘Muskoka’ from Canada and ‘Tres
Bien’ from New Zealand. We all had a very enjoyable evening on
‘Muskoka’ a few nights ago and we also did some snorkelling
together. Yesterday we all left the anchorage and went in separate
directions. We are only a few miles further south, but we couldn’t
sail pass this beautiful beach. We are anchored in sand with no
outcrops of coral to worry about. The beach has thick soft sand with
a backdrop of tropical growth and coconut palms. The water is warm
and clear with gentle waves lapping the shore. We have seen many
beaches in our travels and this beach is one of the best. We enjoy
late afternoon walks along the beach, a swim in warm water and then a
little relaxation in setting sun, in total peace and isolation. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc8kcYAM0P8/XQ9AagMushI/AAAAAAAAE_A/QLhhs6G62akBEkrYgv1yJTy399OrxY6AQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yc8kcYAM0P8/XQ9AagMushI/AAAAAAAAE_A/QLhhs6G62akBEkrYgv1yJTy399OrxY6AQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7837.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">Our footprints on the beach, Eye Candy far in the background</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">SO
WHAT NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
will continue down the chain of islands which make up the Yasawa
Group. We have some water caves to stop at and then the Blue Lagoon
which is a very popular stop for Cruisers with shops and restaurants.
But, that’s for next time.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-83417589467111796112019-06-13T14:31:00.000+10:002019-06-13T14:31:12.761+10:003-2019 Plenty of Company in Savu Savu<br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 3-2019 Plenty of Company in Savu Savu 12<sup>th</sup>
June 2019</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
mooring field alongside the Copra Shed Marina in Savu Savu Fiji, is
flat calm. When arriving in this peaceful and picturesque bay after
being at sea, you can now relax. Just pick up a mooring ball, get a
good night’s sleep and enjoy all the facilities Savu Savu has to
offer. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRDCmKwgMNg/XQHLeat7MNI/AAAAAAAAE9E/tryn-MCL7vs7VYB43YaIZ6PXG9GQebsFwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRDCmKwgMNg/XQHLeat7MNI/AAAAAAAAE9E/tryn-MCL7vs7VYB43YaIZ6PXG9GQebsFwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7654.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Copra Shed Marina Mooring field</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wffxFjeyFI/XQHLgADYeBI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/17J6rb_tRzoozycRvC3bbaYLciRUyFbuQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_wffxFjeyFI/XQHLgADYeBI/AAAAAAAAE9Q/17J6rb_tRzoozycRvC3bbaYLciRUyFbuQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7674.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Night view from the Marina jetty</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
spent many nights catching up with friends and meeting new friends
who, up until now, we had only spoken to on our daily radio net (The
South Pacific Cruisers Net).</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-639S2edlWUg/XQHLewTil4I/AAAAAAAAE9I/6h8Wk2Ug-k4PsvefVlEO3qwijRohnrk-wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-639S2edlWUg/XQHLewTil4I/AAAAAAAAE9I/6h8Wk2Ug-k4PsvefVlEO3qwijRohnrk-wCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7669.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Andrew (Eye Candy) Peter (Atla) and Pele (Loupan)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5fvH8Sp2QU/XQHLqS7_e0I/AAAAAAAAE9U/mJn3i-0n30oLVhGq1O-q1EUv-47BV1rSwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S5fvH8Sp2QU/XQHLqS7_e0I/AAAAAAAAE9U/mJn3i-0n30oLVhGq1O-q1EUv-47BV1rSwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7675.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Happy Hour with our Cruising Friends</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
musicians in our group were keen to entertain us and have a jam
session. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYlHIH2ya3c/XQHLfSAGu8I/AAAAAAAAE9M/95efh8-292o6omaXLFyCCM6fMiJguxpMACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYlHIH2ya3c/XQHLfSAGu8I/AAAAAAAAE9M/95efh8-292o6omaXLFyCCM6fMiJguxpMACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7666.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eva (Atla) </span>Geoff (Mezzaluna),Jacob (Jonas) and Martin (Acapella)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">NOT
ALL PLAY</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
were still having trouble with our outboard running roughly at mid
throttle. We discussed buying a new motor but the one Andrew wanted,
a 9.9hp 2 stroke Mercury is no longer available in Australia or Fiji.
This engine weighs 26 kilos and has been replaced with one that
weighs over 40 kilos. We were very disappointed as 40 kilos is
heavier than we want to handle. So we resigned ourselves to putting
up with the old one. Imagine how delighted we were to find a new
9.9hp 2 stroke 26 kilo model in the Mercury shop at the Copra Shed
Marina. So we bought the new motor and then advertised the old one
for sale. It was sold the following day to a very excited teenager
who had been nagging his parents to upgrade their 2.5hp outboard.
The kid couldn’t stop smiling and we were happy to have the
additional motor off the boat - so everyone was happy. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wMYG4L7LnI/XQHLsZCzOBI/AAAAAAAAE9c/YQFSzfpM7W0tPO6fMRNB3lGpiIlMYOn2ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9wMYG4L7LnI/XQHLsZCzOBI/AAAAAAAAE9c/YQFSzfpM7W0tPO6fMRNB3lGpiIlMYOn2ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Andrew with the new outboard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0RpOTSb2x4/XQHLrlONjFI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/5ajWg9a7BXw7ycD0LPsZOgK0yF86m3XDQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J0RpOTSb2x4/XQHLrlONjFI/AAAAAAAAE9Y/5ajWg9a7BXw7ycD0LPsZOgK0yF86m3XDQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7678.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The new owner of the old outboard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">GETTING
RESTLESS</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By
last Friday after many dinners out, happy hour every night at The
Copra Shed and copious amounts of washing and shopping, everyone was
getting restless to move on. A lot of our friends went out east to
the Lau Group of islands. We did not go as we spent two months there
last year and we intend going to the Yasawa Group on the western side
of Fiji this year. Amongst the four boats going to the Lau Group are
our good friends Ellen and Martin on ‘Acapella’. Unfortunately
they hit a reef and were stuck there for twelve hours until they
could float off on the next high tide 11.30pm that night. They have
significantly damaged their rudder but the good news is, no water has
entered the boat. They are now busy repairing the rudder to make the
overnight trip back. Fortunately between the four boats it seems they
have the knowledge and equipment to make a good repair. Martin on
‘Acapella’ is staggered at what people have on their boats, fortunately for him – they had it. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">WE
SHOULD HAVE STAYED PUT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our
next adventure took us to the island of Koro some 25 miles south of
Savu Savu. There was some inclement weather coming but we thought we
would be well protected in this bay, but that wasn’t the case.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Koro
is an interesting island as a portion of the land has been sold to
foreigners who have built holiday homes. There are also a number of
resorts and eight local villages. Koro, like its neighbouring
islands, was badly damaged by cyclone Winston in 2016 so there is a
lot of rebuilding occurring. We took the dinghy ashore and went into
one of the resorts, it was deserted. Fresh flowers on the tables but
not a soul to be seen. In fact whilst on the island the five people
we saw, were workmen. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Anyhow
we headed south in search of the Chief to present him with some Kava,
(grog) and partake in the traditional greeting of Sevusevu. The
Chief would then grant us permission to visit the island and its
surrounding waters. The photo below shows a bunch of Kava root
bought in Savu Savu and parcelled up by the shop for presentation to
the chief. Each parcel costs $20 AUD.and is presented to the Chief
on arrival at every island visited. The Kava is pounded to pulp,
wrapped in a cloth, soaked in water and squeezed out to produce the
juice which is mixed with water to achieve the desired potency.
Apparently years ago the newspaper wrapping was also treasured by the
villagers as news from the outside world was scarce. But today the
villagers have cell phones, internet connection and the kids are busy
playing computer games just like the rest of us.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-es1o-Vj8Ma0/XQHLwHEpo_I/AAAAAAAAE9w/vGkH8OH0k-AH5PeRq2wA34swxSvFxuoXgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-es1o-Vj8Ma0/XQHLwHEpo_I/AAAAAAAAE9w/vGkH8OH0k-AH5PeRq2wA34swxSvFxuoXgCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7708.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bunch of Kava</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCJgcxTYvAA/XQHLxZwhg6I/AAAAAAAAE94/bWRKlOeRwUQu9Y3NapHMJ6VvEFCklu-rQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCJgcxTYvAA/XQHLxZwhg6I/AAAAAAAAE94/bWRKlOeRwUQu9Y3NapHMJ6VvEFCklu-rQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4824.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Kava after pounding to a pulp</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">In
Koro, we didn’t make it to the village to do Sevusevu with the
Chief. The road was extremely steep and by the time we got to the
top of the mountain we could see on our phone we were about a third
of the way to the village. I wasn’t feeling well and so we
decided to return to the boat and see if we could go to the village
by dinghy. However upon our return to the boat we found Eye Candy
bouncing around in the anchorage due to the swell coming over the
reef. After a cuppa we decided to up anchor and return to the quiet
waters of Savu Savu until the weather cleared.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">PEACE
AGAIN</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
anchored off Jean Michel Cousteau Resort some three miles from the
town of Savu Savu and enjoyed some snorkelling. The Cousteau Resort
looks very nice and the surrounding waterfront houses are also very
pleasant. I guess this is one of the better areas.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwgykCIJIm8/XQHLs8GtlZI/AAAAAAAAE9g/aa4mImend-Uz2woIXPWh9T4PlJQYn2jkACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pwgykCIJIm8/XQHLs8GtlZI/AAAAAAAAE9g/aa4mImend-Uz2woIXPWh9T4PlJQYn2jkACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7687.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jean Michel Cousteau Resort</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20R_J925XRA/XQHLuLvhhVI/AAAAAAAAE9k/FBzKUWwJZDMplEzUFH5nQLiVpCFuOB2RQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-20R_J925XRA/XQHLuLvhhVI/AAAAAAAAE9k/FBzKUWwJZDMplEzUFH5nQLiVpCFuOB2RQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7696.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Waterfront Houses</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">When
snorkelling we found a Crown of Thorn Starfish. An adult Crown of
Thorns can consume 6 sq metres of living coral reef a year. As
mentioned in our last newsletter The Giant Clams at Makogai are being
cultivated to help prevent an outbreak of the Crown of thorns
Starfish.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCEAhJwCtW8/XQHLwCATMYI/AAAAAAAAE90/GexmQyAj-mssg0ozO27--3G9YgdKIdRLQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCEAhJwCtW8/XQHLwCATMYI/AAAAAAAAE90/GexmQyAj-mssg0ozO27--3G9YgdKIdRLQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7702.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Crown of Thorns</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
escaped Savu Savu this morning and motor-sailed twenty two miles to
Savuna Point on the S/W side of Vanua Levu. We are on our way to the
Yasawa Group of Islands but we are in no hurry. It is very pleasant
here and totally quiet. We are looking forward to a sundowner in the
cockpit tonight to celebrate our next adventure.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-45208808971721817452019-06-02T15:06:00.001+10:002019-06-02T15:06:29.563+10:002-2019 Vuda Point to Savu Savu <br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare 2-2019 Vuda Point to Savu Savu 2<sup>nd</sup>
June 2019</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">LET
THE GOOD TIMES ROLL</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
sailed in a gentle breeze along the north coast of Viti Levu
anchoring in two very beautiful and peaceful bays. We lay on the deck
late afternoon soaking up the warmth of the fading sun and listening
to the birds singing and flitting about in the impenetrable tropical
forest along the shoreline. For us, this was a perfect start to a
new season, calm, relaxing, sunny, quiet and totally at peace with
the world. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLaEtPdKAyA/XPNUTXlCpfI/AAAAAAAAE78/0ALSi4-oFRwvxHR4bGOSr8S-_3k5H0F8QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NLaEtPdKAyA/XPNUTXlCpfI/AAAAAAAAE78/0ALSi4-oFRwvxHR4bGOSr8S-_3k5H0F8QCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7593.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Anchorage at Makogai</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RrQoRmL5w4/XPNUQs6GlmI/AAAAAAAAE7w/wcvrYbF6B1w6GApVZ2dn27ZA1390MpLiwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--RrQoRmL5w4/XPNUQs6GlmI/AAAAAAAAE7w/wcvrYbF6B1w6GApVZ2dn27ZA1390MpLiwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7573.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Village attached to the Research Centre</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
TIME FOR LEARNING</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Our
first step back into civilisation was on the island of Makogai some
forty five miles south of Savu Savu. Makogai in the early to mid
1900’s was home to a Leprosy Hospital that housed 4000 patients
from islands throughout the Pacific. There are still some old
buildings and a cemetery from this time.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCEO3buM_lc/XPNUQVaHKjI/AAAAAAAAE7s/AS9e3vaoRDEFZ3rN1rag48tOana8hqhvwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCEO3buM_lc/XPNUQVaHKjI/AAAAAAAAE7s/AS9e3vaoRDEFZ3rN1rag48tOana8hqhvwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7557.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Leprosy Hospital Steps</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">However,
today with a population of fifty, Makogai operates a fisheries
hatchery for turtles and giant clams. The giant clam grows to over a
metre and a single clam can filter hundreds of litres of water a day
offering a good line of defence against an outbreak of pesky crown of
thorns starfish by filtering out thousands of their microscopic
spawn. The fishery people have some giant clams they leave in the
ocean and at spawning time transfer them into salt water tanks
ashore. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq3gvefV4BM/XPNUVlnwS_I/AAAAAAAAE8E/mvCu_2XK37s6K3kvbowKE-GBw9SaBW5_wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qq3gvefV4BM/XPNUVlnwS_I/AAAAAAAAE8E/mvCu_2XK37s6K3kvbowKE-GBw9SaBW5_wCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7611.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A giant clam</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
baby clams are cultivated there and we witnesses some eight month old
clams being individually scrubbed with a toothbrush to remove any
parasites before being relocated to tanks at a local resort. They
stay there for a year as a tourist attraction but at the same time,
growing in a safe environment. By this time they are big enough to
be relocated into the ocean. Even then they are released in cages
for further hardening of their shells before they have sufficient
protection from ocean predators and can be transported to one of the
many coral reefs throughout the Pacific.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTcIY1SiUrc/XPNUWGJ9uMI/AAAAAAAAE8M/6tffoWlwmaAnLDoTvPa7yMNvBkSAnjDRACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cTcIY1SiUrc/XPNUWGJ9uMI/AAAAAAAAE8M/6tffoWlwmaAnLDoTvPa7yMNvBkSAnjDRACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Eight month old clams ready for relocation</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />We
were pleased to learn that it was an Australian funded project that
began culturing the giant clams at Makogai – and thousands have
since been transplanted to various parts of Fiji. Whilst we were at
Makogai a delegation from the Ministry for Fisheries and the owner of
the receiving resort came by light plane to transfer 500 baby clams
to the resort tanks. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lg32k_ikMQ/XPNUXfZsgvI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/ddQrNlLZ3ho-zX8_qorzJCNroxECAqqYACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7lg32k_ikMQ/XPNUXfZsgvI/AAAAAAAAE8Q/ddQrNlLZ3ho-zX8_qorzJCNroxECAqqYACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7644.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lunch with the delegation</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32outENf3aA/XPNUYQKl9qI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/MNbv11MxOS8vR0Zfm1akkXJU6FJ1PnV2ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-32outENf3aA/XPNUYQKl9qI/AAAAAAAAE8Y/MNbv11MxOS8vR0Zfm1akkXJU6FJ1PnV2ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7650.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Loading the baby clams onto the light plane</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">CAN
WE HELP</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
felt we did our bit towards this wonderful project when Andrew <span style="font-size: small;">was
approached </span><span style="font-size: small;">(a day
before the delegation arrived) </span><span style="font-size: small;">by
</span><span style="font-size: small;">a</span><span style="font-size: small;">
local boat asking if </span><span style="font-size: small;">he</span><span style="font-size: small;">
had a multimeter. </span><span style="font-size: small;">So
he went with them armed with his multimeter</span><span style="font-size: small;">
to find they had run the water pump dry and it was all melted inside.
</span><span style="font-size: small;">T</span><span style="font-size: small;">his
pump supplies seawater to the giant clams and turtles being grown
here in the seawater tanks. </span><span style="font-size: small;">The
fishery guys </span><span style="font-size: small;">were
trying to get the 240v generator to make 72v to run a spare pump that
</span><span style="font-size: small;">only ever r</span><span style="font-size: small;">u</span><span style="font-size: small;">n
</span><span style="font-size: small;">on solar panels </span><span style="font-size: small;">(</span><span style="font-size: small;">which
were </span><span style="font-size: small;">blown away by
</span><span style="font-size: small;">cyclone W</span><span style="font-size: small;">inston
</span><span style="font-size: small;">in 2016</span><span style="font-size: small;">)</span><span style="font-size: small;">.
</span><span style="font-size: small;">When that idea failed
t</span><span style="font-size: small;">hey wanted Andrew to
</span><span style="font-size: small;">connect the spare
submersible pump to the 3 phase outlet. </span><span style="font-size: small;">L</span><span style="font-size: small;">uckily
they had a new plug </span><span style="font-size: small;">for
Andrew </span><span style="font-size: small;">to </span><span style="font-size: small;">wi</span><span style="font-size: small;">re
up. </span><span style="font-size: small;">Andrew, although
he understood what he was doing, had never </span><span style="font-size: small;">actually
</span><span style="font-size: small;">wired a 3 phase outlet
before </span><span style="font-size: small;">so he warned
them that he wasn’t </span><span style="font-size: small;">an
electrician. </span><span style="font-size: small;">T</span><span style="font-size: small;">heir
reply was “Neither are we” </span><span style="font-size: small;">so
everybody stood well back</span><span style="font-size: small;">.
All went well and the </span><span style="font-size: small;">fishery</span><span style="font-size: small;">
guys said they </span><span style="font-size: small;">would be
ok with finding the bits they needed to get the seawater to the tanks
–</span><span style="font-size: small;"> the clams were
waiting. </span><span style="font-size: small;">We received
four papayas for Andrew’s efforts. </span></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phL5DbaPAPw/XPNUUIO-ISI/AAAAAAAAE8A/4uBGh7D7Jbk2qzpa8fACqN6okIldVXeEACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phL5DbaPAPw/XPNUUIO-ISI/AAAAAAAAE8A/4uBGh7D7Jbk2qzpa8fACqN6okIldVXeEACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7604.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The 3 phase outlet</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQKAvTtWTTs/XPNUV7eyd2I/AAAAAAAAE8I/ZqM9Z3TpFL8S6WqI3IZ-t92k9M8s9NCVQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQKAvTtWTTs/XPNUV7eyd2I/AAAAAAAAE8I/ZqM9Z3TpFL8S6WqI3IZ-t92k9M8s9NCVQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7619.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The submersible pump running underwater</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">CRUISERS
TO THE RESCUE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
also travelled by the 60 hp outboard school boat with nine school
children around to a small village where the school for 26 children
is located. A large part of this small village was blown away by
cyclone Winston along with the class rooms. We spoke to one mother
of five who’s house survived the cyclone. She said they were all
very scared huddled inside watching other houses being blown down the
street. The only one not afraid was their two year old who played
happily oblivious of the danger – that sounds right:) After
cyclone Winston, members of the cruising community built two new
class rooms. It took them a year or more to complete, a job well
done, the class rooms have been fully operational since. </span></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXaQf32ffV8/XPNUQEEbNVI/AAAAAAAAE7o/xhVSVLcY7WYppEqBURls_yen4ieyMOxzwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXaQf32ffV8/XPNUQEEbNVI/AAAAAAAAE7o/xhVSVLcY7WYppEqBURls_yen4ieyMOxzwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7578.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Our trip on the school boat</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8hP_IRR3Ss/XPNUSLsP2GI/AAAAAAAAE70/vGCmfp68dYUH6s1mPkskCrwcwutTSZ1XwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W8hP_IRR3Ss/XPNUSLsP2GI/AAAAAAAAE70/vGCmfp68dYUH6s1mPkskCrwcwutTSZ1XwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7587.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One of the classrooms the cruisers built</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Today
the school has expanded with a new cyclone proof steel framed
classroom and accommodation for the teachers. There is still a lot
of work to be done but they are well on the road to recovery. We
walked back across the island to our boat which took about an hour, a
good bit of exercise up and down hills and great views of the
shoreline.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsWrxj2ef5k/XPNUS05N3VI/AAAAAAAAE74/zmfXrRPIdqsFgmGadbtumFJnSDPdFn9lACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsWrxj2ef5k/XPNUS05N3VI/AAAAAAAAE74/zmfXrRPIdqsFgmGadbtumFJnSDPdFn9lACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7590.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The new cyclone proof steel framed classrooms and accommodation</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">CATCH
OF THE DAY</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">After
three days at Makogai we sailed 50 miles in sporty conditions across
the channel to the larger island of Venua Levu and into Savu Savu in
Fiji. We had the fishing line out the back and averaging 7 knots of
boat speed, in some ways I was hoping we didn’t get a strike.
Fortunately whilst slowing down to make landfall we caught a
magnificent Wahoo about a metre long – a truly delicious fish and
greatly appreciated. </span></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyyEdqgLhP0/XPNUYAnkxXI/AAAAAAAAE8U/MBYnXeU8lCgLR8KW8wr_dtEvkqkh1wmBQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xyyEdqgLhP0/XPNUYAnkxXI/AAAAAAAAE8U/MBYnXeU8lCgLR8KW8wr_dtEvkqkh1wmBQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7653.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> Our Wahoo</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">By
this time quite a few of our cruising friends are returning to Fiji
after spending cyclone season in New Zealand. So it is party time
and we are enjoying renewing old friendships and developing new ones.
So more of Savu Savu in our next newsletter. </span></span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW6p_jlgkOE/XPNUZOege2I/AAAAAAAAE8c/-ILkjQjlW442AlbpkbH7t-1Aw5j4eTbDwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HW6p_jlgkOE/XPNUZOege2I/AAAAAAAAE8c/-ILkjQjlW442AlbpkbH7t-1Aw5j4eTbDwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7664.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ellen (Acapella), Clare(Eye Candy) and Hanny (Jonas) in Savu Savu</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love
Candy xx</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-335827201375195512019-05-23T19:04:00.000+10:002019-05-23T19:04:57.126+10:001-2019 Returning to Fiji<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, 1-2019 Returning to Fiji 23<sup>rd</sup>
May 2019</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
are very glad to be back in beautiful Fiji enjoying wonderful sunny
skies, sparkling seas, a warm breeze and the friendly Fijian people.
We are now at anchor in Saweni Bay three miles north of Vuda Marina
where we left Eye Candy in a pit for the cyclone season. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">It
took three weeks of hard work to get Eye Candy back in the water. But
rather than bore you with all the details, I hope the following
photos will tell the story.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7C6SWjGwqzw/XOZZUm0ztOI/AAAAAAAAE7E/T0rVxc2wZwQxsjjj5bf-bOhTDpZYgkSIwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0626%257Ephoto.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7C6SWjGwqzw/XOZZUm0ztOI/AAAAAAAAE7E/T0rVxc2wZwQxsjjj5bf-bOhTDpZYgkSIwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0626%257Ephoto.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The deck then</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmsP4jk9q8U/XOZZTPckl8I/AAAAAAAAE68/UcnLswe0e-4-AzAeLpJfl9C9PuA-yYAYQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmsP4jk9q8U/XOZZTPckl8I/AAAAAAAAE68/UcnLswe0e-4-AzAeLpJfl9C9PuA-yYAYQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7545.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The deck today</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQLPDL4CBhs/XOZZJc85dOI/AAAAAAAAE6E/dOXgoy97Z1A6qL8pGbNcKk1Q3VAAtdDewCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQLPDL4CBhs/XOZZJc85dOI/AAAAAAAAE6E/dOXgoy97Z1A6qL8pGbNcKk1Q3VAAtdDewCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ia-PQioH9JE/XOZZJfBgusI/AAAAAAAAE6A/qiqMUoPTRoYvU5H1BDg076aF6JAGUxN8QCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ia-PQioH9JE/XOZZJfBgusI/AAAAAAAAE6A/qiqMUoPTRoYvU5H1BDg076aF6JAGUxN8QCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7463.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Saloon then</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1pAdI542v0/XOZZS13oW2I/AAAAAAAAE64/PiznIzjcKgky85shx4Whhavt5fVI-5jDwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O1pAdI542v0/XOZZS13oW2I/AAAAAAAAE64/PiznIzjcKgky85shx4Whhavt5fVI-5jDwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7540.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Saloon today</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIuqNV4g_ag/XOZZN_sTwvI/AAAAAAAAE6c/HxIgI--nZtgYbqPYgle4310dQ_mGvbvYACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IIuqNV4g_ag/XOZZN_sTwvI/AAAAAAAAE6c/HxIgI--nZtgYbqPYgle4310dQ_mGvbvYACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojw8Qe0-0HI/XOZZNwu42nI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/DXtCu8z4EHw53vq7T1LJBorPEs6DA2fUQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ojw8Qe0-0HI/XOZZNwu42nI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/DXtCu8z4EHw53vq7T1LJBorPEs6DA2fUQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7499.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Bird nest in the cockpit then</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyIkMZYn2YU/XOZZSgBgolI/AAAAAAAAE60/vJsQQaWNhOAXllUxEAyNk8BiVOqsUapswCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zyIkMZYn2YU/XOZZSgBgolI/AAAAAAAAE60/vJsQQaWNhOAXllUxEAyNk8BiVOqsUapswCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7533.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The cockpit today with new cushions</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXSMChYYSd4/XOZZMPnhO6I/AAAAAAAAE6U/izsaANW9upgjhqHjHXGiOpkBysvA_IKGACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dXSMChYYSd4/XOZZMPnhO6I/AAAAAAAAE6U/izsaANW9upgjhqHjHXGiOpkBysvA_IKGACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Polishing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwropmLrD7w/XOZZOcIEZHI/AAAAAAAAE6g/e6QB_W_FDPUl88NVCkdd6ML4wsIBZkNoACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IwropmLrD7w/XOZZOcIEZHI/AAAAAAAAE6g/e6QB_W_FDPUl88NVCkdd6ML4wsIBZkNoACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7506.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Changing the sail-drive seals</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NSXRMK9EVk/XOZZQrD4QEI/AAAAAAAAE6s/MtVHBIOt8FQR0lqKs6cyLaMxAlGXSuPCwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4NSXRMK9EVk/XOZZQrD4QEI/AAAAAAAAE6s/MtVHBIOt8FQR0lqKs6cyLaMxAlGXSuPCwCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7522.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Removing the masking tape - very satisfying</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--J3uOJ4vaSE/XOZZRjUC0fI/AAAAAAAAE6w/zVS1ND-AjYYedhIjT8L0w-Pjg1819IKWACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--J3uOJ4vaSE/XOZZRjUC0fI/AAAAAAAAE6w/zVS1ND-AjYYedhIjT8L0w-Pjg1819IKWACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7527.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ready to launch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">WHAT
WENT WRONG</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
had some ups and downs along the way but everything worked out OK.
It started the first day we arrived, the heat and humidity hit us as
soon as we disembarked from the plane. I commented to Andrew how
glad I was that we had paid for five nights accommodation in a room
at the marina. At least we would have that time to get the boat in
order, acclimatise to the heat and humidity and retire at night in
air conditioned comfort. Great plan but wrong. Somehow the Marina
Office had double booked the room and it was not available and all
other marina accommodation was fully booked. I was very down and just
getting used to the idea that we were stuck with the upheaval on the
boat when the Manager discovered a three day cancellation for one of
the marina cottages. He was most apologetic for the mix up, he
refunded our money and let us have the cottage free of charge. It
was an absolute blessing. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLlq-_6xTWg/XOZZL_Vg-cI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/G5wkmf9D2BkMcKOLw_7n70fS7DJ-BBKlACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VLlq-_6xTWg/XOZZL_Vg-cI/AAAAAAAAE6Q/G5wkmf9D2BkMcKOLw_7n70fS7DJ-BBKlACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The cottages</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">HARD
YAKKA</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Work
on the boat was hard as we are not getting any younger. We found the
tropical climate exhausting but fortunately Eye Candy was one of the
few boats in the work yard that was shaded by a large tree. We think
the shade of the tree during the hot summer helped considerably.
When we returned the condition inside the boat was perfect with no
mould, mildew, bugs or unpleasant odours. The shade also meant we
could work on the boat all day where as many others had to quit
during the heat of the day and return again later in the afternoon.
Labour here is very cheap and so we employed some help to sand off
the old anti fouling before we painted the bottom of the boat with
one coat of primer and two coats of new anti foul. The local guy who
sanded Eye Candy used to play Rugby and has a reputation for being a
very good player. He had huge shoulders arms and legs and worked non
stop. Andrew said he could just imagine him on the Rugby field, he
would go all day and never give an inch. One of the other workers
told us he e was a very dangerous man on the field. He was a new
worker in the yard and a thoroughly likeable guy. Eye Candy was the
first boat he had sanded, he took photos of the three of us in front
of his sanding job, but I think he was a bit miffed when after all
his hard work we spent the next two days repainting his sanding job
with anti foul again. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQRVxdIwN8k/XOZZKHbDOkI/AAAAAAAAE6I/QPbIvj0TO_wbhIt2uRr7R_GRV4VYaJRlQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UQRVxdIwN8k/XOZZKHbDOkI/AAAAAAAAE6I/QPbIvj0TO_wbhIt2uRr7R_GRV4VYaJRlQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7464.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The road behind our boat after a tropical downpour</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">HOW
TO SURVIVE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
tropical downpour brought more humidity and mosquitoes. My memory is
being bitten every day but Andrew commented that the mosquitoes
weren’t too bad. Thanks to screens on all openings, a large can in
of Mortein and fans on the boat we managed to sleep peacefully each
night. We also used three cans of Aero guard in three weeks, that’s
a record for me:) I didn’t cook on the boat for the three weeks as
this would have heated the boat up too much. Fortunately the marina
restaurant sold wonderful meals at reasonable prices and there was a
special every day at lunchtime. The marina cafe also sold three
different types of delicious salad each day which we often purchased
for dinner. We enjoyed the company of Dutch friends Hanny and
Jacob who were also busy working on their boat, Jonas. We sometimes
met for a meal at the restaurant and often for a cold beer in the
late afternoon on the verandah outside the cafe. They left the marina
about a week before we did but I am sure we will meet again before
long. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On-Gooy85rM/XOZZLqkwDqI/AAAAAAAAE6M/Qg9TM92GKVQeDbKfjLTXQO_0Ckvgl95IACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-On-Gooy85rM/XOZZLqkwDqI/AAAAAAAAE6M/Qg9TM92GKVQeDbKfjLTXQO_0Ckvgl95IACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7473.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Andrew with Jacob and Hanny waiting for lunch</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">A
FEW PROBLEMS</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Andrew
has been working on a leak in the water maker which he has fixed for
now. It may require a new part from the US but we have had good
service for thirteen years so we can’t complain.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
Mercury outboard is lacking in power and although Andrew and a well
regarded local mechanic have exhausted every possibility including
replacing parts, the problem still remains a mystery. The local
mechanic said it is the only outboard he has not been able to fix.
As a result, he didn’t want to be paid for his labour.
Refreshingly he took responsibility for solving the problem. Andrew
insisted on payment and eventually they came to an agreement. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">DAILY
LIFE IN FIJI</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">I
have been busy shopping and re provisioning the boat. The bus trip
into town is quite something. The Fijian roads are muddy when wet and
dusty when dry. Some buses have no windows and so on dusty days
white slacks are a disaster. The bus stop in Lautoka is chaos.
Around thirty buses angle park and then have to reverse out and drive
along behind the parked buses to leave the area. When angle parked
they don’t turn the engines off, I think for fear they may not
start again, instead they sit idling and revving the engine. The
diesel fumes are overpowering. It is quite confusing as some of the
newer buses have electronic signs displaying their destination,
others have nothing. However we have received lots of help from the
Fijian people to ensure we catch our correct bus. I suppose we stick
out a bit being white, but the Fijian people are very helpful and
cheerful. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccTrhPRgnpU/XOZZPyQcpZI/AAAAAAAAE6k/2Y2sRZtSRJUdfiKrzPWpeJcaad_DoHd_wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccTrhPRgnpU/XOZZPyQcpZI/AAAAAAAAE6k/2Y2sRZtSRJUdfiKrzPWpeJcaad_DoHd_wCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7511.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Lautoka fish market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfBzf_T7VpQ/XOZZQbmkbZI/AAAAAAAAE6o/jdcjM06pNpIR_qEyXi7GZJAkZ6TR2MyNQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7512.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfBzf_T7VpQ/XOZZQbmkbZI/AAAAAAAAE6o/jdcjM06pNpIR_qEyXi7GZJAkZ6TR2MyNQCLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7512.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fruit and vegetable market</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The
daily market is packed with local fruit and vegetables. Some vendors
have a counter, other just spread out a cloth, arrange their produce
and then sit on the ground. The prices are very cheap eg 4 pineapples
$3.50 AUD, 5 papaya $2 AUD, passionfruit 10 cents, apples 30 cents,
bananas $1 for a bunch of 10, most root vegetables $1 a kilo.
However imported goods in the supermarket are sometimes two or three
times more expensive than at home. The local products are much
cheaper but not always to our palate. I haven’t found any pork or
beef, no packaged bacon or tinned shoulder ham. We have been living
on frozen chickens and fish from the fish market. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S72LC2RDLvw/XOZZUQHXmpI/AAAAAAAAE7A/9HuhCYL0QHU6PQ_61Tv1I9xNUS4dFfKDACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCN7547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S72LC2RDLvw/XOZZUQHXmpI/AAAAAAAAE7A/9HuhCYL0QHU6PQ_61Tv1I9xNUS4dFfKDACLcBGAs/s320/DSCN7547.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Peaceful Saweni Bay</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">We
are currently anchored in Saweni Bay on the north east corner of Fiji
in flat calm conditions. There is a tropical low causing rough seas
and high winds on the south east side of the island. However we think
we will head out tomorrow and find another quiet bay and a change of
scenery. Once the weather clears we will make a plan for the season.
Until then we will just relax and enjoy.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx </span>
</div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869869467983793574.post-81744963965747027882018-10-31T20:03:00.003+11:002018-10-31T20:03:58.287+11:009-2018 Fulaga, Southern Lau Group, Fiji<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hi
from Clare, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">9-2018 Fu</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">l</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">aga,
Southern Lau Group, Fiji Wednesday 31/10/2018</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGf6JvfMGew/W9lfAgiKuVI/AAAAAAAAE1E/Sho3SKkK5ckBfCLWNUjyOhFkj9oM1UhIgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cGf6JvfMGew/W9lfAgiKuVI/AAAAAAAAE1E/Sho3SKkK5ckBfCLWNUjyOhFkj9oM1UhIgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4768.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tonight's dinner</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On
7</span><sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
October w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">e sailed </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">120
miles </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">overnight from Vanua
Balavu Northern Lau Group, to Fulaga in the Southern Lau Group of
Islands on the east side of Fiji. It was a dream trip with a warm
gentle wind on our aft quarter in flat water. To top it off we
caught a Mahi Mahi leaving Vanua Balavu and another one on arrival at
Fulaga. We had enough to share with our friends on ‘Mazu’
‘Meccatroy’ and ‘White Hawk’ </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and
three large pieces went in Mazu’s freezer for us to eat in the
coming weeks.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTBadGlOXdo/W9lfCL4h6iI/AAAAAAAAE1I/8Rtv1w8mBdg2dstPfiGNh7PUdQKMKZQYgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yTBadGlOXdo/W9lfCL4h6iI/AAAAAAAAE1I/8Rtv1w8mBdg2dstPfiGNh7PUdQKMKZQYgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4786.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Offering Sevusevu to the Chief with Lynette and John from White Hawk</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">A
TRADITIONAL VILLAGE</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
following morning we walked into the Village </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">of
Fulaga </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">to perform the Sevusevu
(welcome) ceremony with the village Chief. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
were the ninetieth visiting cruising yacht to arrive this season. The
Chief charges each visiting yacht $50 to have access to their village
and waters. Each cruising yacht also presents the Chief with a gift
of Kava (grog) for the community. We were allocated a Host family
who look</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ed</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
after us during our stay. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Fulaga
is a traditional village </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and
the seventy five families living there are divided into Clans who
work together and help each other. There is a strict dress code
once entering the village. Knees and shoulders must be covered and
no hats or sunglasses to be worn. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Previously
o</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ur host family lived and
worked in Suva for thirty </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">four</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
years. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Joe was born in Fulaga
and whilst living in Suva always dreamed of returning to the village.
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Tara’s first experience of
village life was when they </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">retired
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and moved to Fulaga ten years
ago. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Although very happy now
Tara said her first impression was that the place looked like a
prison. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We can’t imagine
what the village was like ten years ago because today it is still
very basic. The houses mostly consist of one room with a curtain
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">separating the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">sleeping
area. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The floor of the hut is
earth covered by woven mat made from dried reeds. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
is very little furniture, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">no
chairs and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">they sleep on a
mattress on the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ground, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">the
women cook on an open fire in a detached kitchen. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">There
are a few toilets scattered around but with no fencing it is hard to
work out how many families share the same facility</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">O</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">n
a brighter note the sch</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">o</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ol
does have a generator and a fridge/freezer. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">They
also have Internet and telephone connection. The Headmaster’s
house has a satellite dish and the community gathers there on
Saturday afternoon’s to watch the rugby. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00qiZXd7N7I/W9lfiY_jAZI/AAAAAAAAE1g/vr7uluYvBS4xRR_cKfEoL51uQBPf7a_AgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00qiZXd7N7I/W9lfiY_jAZI/AAAAAAAAE1g/vr7uluYvBS4xRR_cKfEoL51uQBPf7a_AgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4809.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tara with morning tea for us</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cguRP1J0yrk/W9lfWs6q37I/AAAAAAAAE1Y/EAau6aXTnFw-SMMJaM_Wp-t0vgoXXapOwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cguRP1J0yrk/W9lfWs6q37I/AAAAAAAAE1Y/EAau6aXTnFw-SMMJaM_Wp-t0vgoXXapOwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4795.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Making mats</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57OBX-E0SUQ/W9lfCAfo9WI/AAAAAAAAE1M/DzPP-gJhGjwjDobK2jyYkK8MOQoQpxSGQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-57OBX-E0SUQ/W9lfCAfo9WI/AAAAAAAAE1M/DzPP-gJhGjwjDobK2jyYkK8MOQoQpxSGQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4782.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Washing Day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">B</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">IG
CELEBRATIONS </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
arrived in Fulaga in time to celebrate Fiji Day with the local
community. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By then there were
eight cruising boats at Fulaga. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The cruisers </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">sat
with our </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">respective </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Clan</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">s</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(on the ground </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">from
9am to 4pm) my back was killing me. We wat</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ched
the school sports </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and enjoyed
t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">he kids enthusias</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">m
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and competitive </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">spirit;
they had a ball. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
then had lunch and enjoyed some singing from each of the clans. The
villagers drank Kava all day and well into the early hours of the
morning. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">By 4pm w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">e
were happy to leave </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">them to it.
</span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBDB1BIFpNw/W9lfpVcPk3I/AAAAAAAAE1k/APulGhmYtCoQSCIxOvG9SNHTrG0KuLR3gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBDB1BIFpNw/W9lfpVcPk3I/AAAAAAAAE1k/APulGhmYtCoQSCIxOvG9SNHTrG0KuLR3gCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4834.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sack race</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CXpiQ7neZk/W9lf9eAZlRI/AAAAAAAAE14/1ynpMR6y5_0jUYsdBsrhHNgGCUs1hmL3wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CXpiQ7neZk/W9lf9eAZlRI/AAAAAAAAE14/1ynpMR6y5_0jUYsdBsrhHNgGCUs1hmL3wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4835.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tug of War</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZZbH4GpFgE/W9lf9WDygAI/AAAAAAAAE10/yUo31D0QCnsXM485HIclVONE3mFJzQ9pgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xZZbH4GpFgE/W9lf9WDygAI/AAAAAAAAE10/yUo31D0QCnsXM485HIclVONE3mFJzQ9pgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4865.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Clan singing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">HE
MAIN ATTRACTION</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Away
from the village, the lagoon where the Cruisers anchor is simply
gorgeous with sparkling aqua water and white sandy beaches. The main
attraction is </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">to snorkel </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">the
pass </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">which is a narrow gap in
the reef about 50 metres wide and a quarter of a mile long.
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Unfortunately my underwater
camera died so I c</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ouldn’t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
take photos. W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">e h</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">u</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ng
on to the dingy and float</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ed</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
with the incoming ti</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">de</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">.
Both </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">hard
and soft coral and the variety of colourful tropical fish are just
beautiful. So we </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">were</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
out there </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">at every opportunity
along with all the other cruisers here, it is quite a social
gathering. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">One of the
cruisers, Umberto, on </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">his</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
Dutch catamaran ‘El Holandes Errante’ (The W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ndering Dutchman)
lives permanently on board with his 92 year old mother Tilly. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Umberto has installed a crane
to lift Tilly from the dinghy to the catamaran. He takes her ashore
with her walker for exercise. The walker has spikes on the wheels so
she can use it on the beach. Tilly says she doesn’t want to live on
land again. Unfortunately </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">she</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
doesn’t speak English, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">but
she has a lovely face, bright and mischievous eyes, I think if we
communicate she would prove to be quite a character. She certainly
is an inspiration to all. </span>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAfpwUqvjtE/W9lfyfdljSI/AAAAAAAAE1o/NTe4ARv253EYn5X-sS2a0mp_j616hgoXgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4879%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAfpwUqvjtE/W9lfyfdljSI/AAAAAAAAE1o/NTe4ARv253EYn5X-sS2a0mp_j616hgoXgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4879%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The supply ship</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zhFIjK9ppI/W9lfiSNGFKI/AAAAAAAAE1c/Ls40vyuBxJInSlJ39Gpq_S1PH9-BpuBCQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zhFIjK9ppI/W9lfiSNGFKI/AAAAAAAAE1c/Ls40vyuBxJInSlJ39Gpq_S1PH9-BpuBCQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4804.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wood carvers</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHAclvIRcCQ/W9lgFrrpC0I/AAAAAAAAE2A/KgLTIEEH2nEED7UH08QxmkHKQpJoXQXXQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dHAclvIRcCQ/W9lgFrrpC0I/AAAAAAAAE2A/KgLTIEEH2nEED7UH08QxmkHKQpJoXQXXQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4883.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kava bowl gift from Joe and Tara</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">B</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">IG
DAY OUT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">W</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">e
were waiting for the supply ship to visit the island as we were
running out of fresh produce having not seen a shop since 2</span><sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">nd</span></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
September. The supply ship was due to arrive </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">on
17</span><sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
October but by then we were experiencing strong S/E winds. I had
ordered some fruits and vege which w</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ere</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
packed on the ship </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">but</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
delayed in Suva harbour. To come to Fulaga the supply ship would be
experiencing 25-35knots head winds and 3 metre seas. I must admit I
thought a ship should handle this. However when </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">the
supply ship </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">did arrive a week
later on 24</span><sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
it was such an old tub and listing badly to one side we marvelled at
how it ever arrived at all. Needless to say some of the produce </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">was
rotten</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> but we did manage to get
some much needed fruit and some root vegetables. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">biggest causality </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">was</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
my beans which arrived as has beans. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
arrival of the supply ship was quite an event. All the village
people came down to the waterfront. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">T</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">h</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">e</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
women sat on the beach </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">for
hours </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">shelling clams </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">for
transport while the men loaded the ship with other goods for sale in
Suva. Then the delivered supplies had to be carried up over the hill
and down into the village. The supplies were much needed as the
village was out of flour, sugar, rice but more alarmingly they were
out of Kava. The Kava party started that afternoon and probably
continued until they all dropped off to sleep. Before</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
leaving, our host family Jo and Tara presented us with a lovely Kava
bowl that Joe made. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It
was a most unexpected gift and will make a lovely fruit bowl. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAHMl9N2goE/W9lg2GNVAzI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/gM_raSOrfFIN_BI9fnbKgfNoFPR-kNRkQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cAHMl9N2goE/W9lg2GNVAzI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/gM_raSOrfFIN_BI9fnbKgfNoFPR-kNRkQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4912.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View from Dick's Place, Musket Cove</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
we left on 25</span><sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">th</span></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
October and headed for Viti Levu, the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">largest
and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">south </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">western
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">island of Fiji. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
sail was pretty good although we had rain and very t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">h</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">reat</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">en</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">ing
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">black clouds all around for
part of the two day trip. I think we were pretty lucky </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">as
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">it could have been a lot worse.
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Andrew contributed to the
larder by catching another very large and delicious Mahi Mahi. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">My
contribution was putting the fishing line out and of course cooking
the fish:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
are now on the west </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and more
touristy side of Fiji. We are anchored in Musket Cove and enjoying
the hospitality of the Musket Cove Yacht Club. For a small fee we
are now life members of the Club which gives us access to all the
facilities. There is a terrific beach bar where we cook a BBQ for
dinner each night. The Club </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">supplies
the BBQs, plates, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">cutlery</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
and serviettes. The facility is by the beach with plenty of tables
and chairs and sliding shade/wind screens. The bar has reasonable
prices and the staff and very welcoming. The Yacht club also has </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">hot
showers, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">a pool, restaurants,
gift sho</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">p</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">s,
a supermarket, laundry and many lovely walks. We are very much
enjoying civilisation and a Cappuccino in the morning on the
restaurant verandah overlooking the very pretty bay. There is also
good </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">snorkelling</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">
here but as yet we haven’t ventured out. We are here with ‘Mazu’
‘Four Seasons’ and ‘Mezza Luna’ while they are waiting for a
weather window to sail to NZ. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBjE83PKpuM/W9lg15qUg5I/AAAAAAAAE2U/Iuhm1_5vACcRrgHM34qfmGdZsj1ZQ6c8gCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CBjE83PKpuM/W9lg15qUg5I/AAAAAAAAE2U/Iuhm1_5vACcRrgHM34qfmGdZsj1ZQ6c8gCLcBGAs/s320/DSC_4904.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peter and Sandra from Mazu II with Andrew</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">SO
WHAT’S NEXT</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">We
think we will enjoy this area for a few more days before </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">heading
over to Vuda Marina where we will leave Eye Candy in a cyclone pit
for the summer. We haven’t booked a flight home yet but we will
let you all know the details as soon as we do. </span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Love
Candy xx </span>
</div>
<br />Andrew and Clarehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17569031439216963369noreply@blogger.com