Bula vinaka from special Budd Reef. So special we have been here for over a week now - although we are chomping at
the bit to get away now. We've actually been delayed here by strongwinds caused by a "squash zone" north of the
High that has been resident over NZ for the past week. We have been hearing of the stunning (although cold) weather
in NZ over the SSB radio; it just means that we have enhanced trades up here due to the isobars being squashed between
the High and the nearest low(s). But we can't complain as we are in a gorgeous spot, and you certainly deserved better
weather in NZ!

Budd Reef is a "submerged reef" with one inhabited island and we have been the only boat here all
week. As we can't post photos at the moment (via our sat phone), What our blog can't relay to you is the beautiful
(although windswept) little bay where we have been holed up since our last post five days ago and its incredibly clear water.
We have enjoyed "Bombay Sapphire gin-like" visibility (50m) on our daily snorkels. Today Dave and I snorkelled for almost
two hours to the far end of the island and Dave speared our dinner. We then had a little adventure. I offered to carry the
fish back in case Dave saw a second fish; Dave said "that would be great hon, just be careful, if a shark wants it be sure
to give it to him - although you should be OK now its dead and stopped moving". Well, no sooner had I finned a distance
away when a shark swam towards me and the fish came alive again! I dropped the fish in a flash and the shark slowly,
gracefully ambled by below me, leaving the fish untouched! Needless to say we retrieved the fish and then, although the
shark was always nearby, between Dave's shots at other fish we carried it back to the boat. Exciting!

The only downside of being out here is the lack of Internet reception (its been three weeks now since we last had it) and so
we have only been able to use our onsatmail address for e-mails.

And we are going to have to rely on our onsatmail a little longer as tomorrow we plan to head further north and east
to even more remote Qelelevu Lagoon for a day or two, then to Duff Reef (where we saw the turtle tracks last year) and then
to the top of the Lau Group - all beyond a strong enough Vodafone signal.

OK, to prepare our fresh (spear) fish dinner.

Until the next update keep well, happy and warm!
Moce,
Carolyn and Dave
(photo is of Dave - the sharp end of the Dave and Carolyn spearfishing team)