Surprise
11/08/2008, Vuda Point Marina, Fiji

We're sad to see this season and adventure come to a close, but at the same time we are looking forward to being home. Our last few weeks have been wonderful; good weather, nice anchorages, beautiful snorkeling and diving. The Yasawa Group of islands is much like the Va'vau group in Tonga, lots of nice places to go hide.

We spent a few days at Musket Cove and watched the very exciting election returns on CNN along with a few other Americans and occasional visitors. Lots of explaining the concept of "key states," but the historic nature of the outcome needed no explanation.

We've been back in Vuda Point Marina for the last few days cleaning, repairing, packing and getting Surprise ready for the new crew who will sail her to New Zealand. James and Amber (photo)sailed down from Hawaii last year on their 26 (!!) foot Contessa; the boat is the same boat sailed by Brian Caldwell, age 18, around the world. Surprise will be a big upgrade for James and Amber, if for no other reason, standing headroom.

They will deliver Surprise to Davie Norris in Christchurch where she will get a complete cosmetic spa treatment; new paint and lots of TLC. We've not made plans beyond that yet. We're glad we were able to share our adventure with all of you. We've certainly had fun documenting it and have enjoyed your comments and e-mails. We'll keep you posted if a new adventure begins.

Comments [4]

Surprise
10/30/2008, Waya Island, Yasawa Group, Fiji

The Admiral makes bubbles A lovely dive off the island of Waya in the Yasawa group in Fiji; calm, clear water great coral, nice fish. We're still anchored off of Octopus Resort and went with their dive boat this afternoon. We'll likely head south tomorrow stopping for a day or two at Navadra and then on to Musket Cove.

We're working our way through the last of the provisions and counting the remaining bottles of wine and beer. It's hard to believe the season has gone so fast. Our current plan is to turn the boat over to the delivery crew next week and spend a few days getting them comfortable with the systems. They, James and Amber, will sail her to Christchurch, NZ and turn her over to Davie for some badly needed cosmetic work. We fly home Nov. 11th.

Comments [2]

Surprise
10/29/2008, Drawaqa Island, Yasawa Islands, Fiji

This lovely spot has some of the best fish snorkeling we've found. We're told that the giant Manta Rays come here during the summer on a regular basis; but they had gone for the season before we arrived. The snorkeling is between two islands in a narrow pass that has a strong tidal current; the entire area is a marine preserve and all forms of taking fish and anchoring are prohibited. The fish are amazing, completely unconcerned about people. The Admiral has been busy checking off 3-4 new fish in her book every time we went in the water.

The "resort" at Manta Ray Bay is just a step above the backpacker lodges; food is good but not fancy, and a young crowd, partying late.

We are now about 10 miles south on the west coast of Waya Island at Octopus Resort, a notch above Manta, and one below the Blue Lagoon. A beautiful anchorage with sand bottom and beaches and nice shore facilities. The contrast between the local villages and the "resorts" couldn't be more striking; the villages are all about gathering food, the resorts all about getting a tan. For the guided visits to the villages the tourists women are reminded to cover their shoulders and knees, men to remove their hats; at the resort it is all about how much skin you can expose.

Comments [2]