Flooding!
30 March 2012 | Vuda Point Marina, Fiji
still raining
It's still raining and towns are getting flooded all over the island. Many of the roads are either closed or the waters have washed them out. After the last floods(back in late January and early February) many of the roads were repaired. When they started repairing the roads, they would shovel in more dirt and stones and then spray on some tar on top and tap it down. Once the crews ran out of the tar, they just shoveled in dirt and stones and moved on to the next hole. You can guess what has happened to all those holes that got "fixed". Even before these rains, most of the holes were back. Other than a trip or two to the local john, we haven't left Zephyr all day. Rain have been just about constant with winds blowing into the high teens and low 20's. We're protected here in the marina so we don't get any where near the winds that are hitting the islands. I'd not want to be out there during this blow.
We've let our DuoGen(wind generator) run during this storm to allow the new carbon fiber shaft(as well as the generator) to get a workout. I've found that when it is allowed to sit for a while, it takes quite a bit of wind to get it started again. While it is a bit noisy in the stern berth, I'd rather it get a good workout. Can't hurt.
The "kids" are thrilled that we are back. Both have been keeping a close vigil on the two of us ever since we got back. While we were gone, Christine and Terry off Teka Nova were baby sitters for them stopping in sometimes three times a day to check on them and wake sure all was well. Before we left, we'd have the power shut off from time to time and we didn't want the kids to have to sit here with no air conditioning. Cruisers stick together. While they were in vanuatu earlier in March, we check on their boat.
Our new water heater and bottom paint is on it's way to the shipper. We should hear in a few days when we should expect it.
In early February, I mailed back a set of diving boots to the manufacturer for repair. The seam on the heal had split the first time I put my foot in them. Being under warranty, I returned them. We've gotten notice that they have been shipped back. The way the postal system works out here is when ever a package comes in, the Fiji Postal Service sends you letter telling you that the package is in. You then take that letter in with all your documentation and then you can pick up your package. It just doesn't get delivered with the rest of the mail. Go figure.
I'll let you know when the rain finally stops.