Surprise
09/11/2008, Vuda Point, Fiji

It was a strange feeling watching our boat and home for the last 5 months motor out of the marina with others aboard.

Davie Norris and family have taken her to Musket Cove for a week. After 20+ years of boat building, this is Davie's first cruise. We think they will enjoy the experience and the boat.

We rejoin Surprise October 9th for more of the adventure in Fiji.

Comments [2] | | More

Surprise
09/03/2008, Musket Cove, Fiji

Musket Cove is a small bay on the lee side of an island about 12 miles from the main island in Fiji. There are several resorts along the sand beaches, a very small marina, and some moorings. You can get almost anything here, well stocked store, cafe, several restaurants, wind surfers, water skiing, diving, snorkeling, fuel; almost perfect. As you can see from the photo of the sunrise, the only thing that keeps it from being perfect is its popularity.

We're out here doing research for Davie Norris and family who will fly up from NZ on Saturday and sail Surprise while we are vacationing in the US. Davie built Surprise 11 years ago. We'll be gone until early October, so don't count on your weekly fix of adventure until then.

Comments [1] | | More

08/29/2008, Suva

We're in the midst of a road trip to Suva, a chance to see the inland part of Fiji and the shock of a few days off the boat. Long hot showers and not having to think about refrigeration and electrical voltage makes it a real treat; a king sized bed is just icing on the cake.

We would have to conclude Fiji is a disappointment ashore. There doesn't seem to be any interest in maintaining or cleaning anything from roads to buildings. The drivers are the worst we've experienced, and here in downtown Suva we are continually reminded about security. There are strong recommendations about not walking downtown after dark, and there are elaborate security systems at the hotel. The luxury resorts and nicer homes all have fences and gates.

Our photo is a flashback to the beginning of our adventure; when we were at Isla Isabella an un-named member of the crew decided it would be fun to pick up an Iguana. As the photo shows, you have to choose your Iguana carefully; these were quite docile.

Back to Surprise on Sunday...we miss her.

Comments [1] | | More