There's a Reason
Like most, I've always had a sense that things happen for a reason. Today, I am more convinced than ever of that. Our plans were to be in the village of Savusavu on the island of Vanua Levu, just north of our present location by February 15th, for the remainder of the cyclone season. A minor auxiliary motor issue kept us here in Port Denarau. Savusavu is recognized as the best cyclone refuge in Fiji. We made reservations at the Copra Shed Marina for a special cyclone mooring ball. The mooring is helix bolted to the bedrock bottom of the bay with all chain rode leading to the ball. Tropical Cyclone Winston had already passed us approx. 250nm on the west side of the main island as a Category 1 cyclone. Therefore, we were anxious to get to Savusavu. Over the next 10 days, Winston ended up going east then north up to Tonga and then decided to head back towards Fiji. At that time, it looked like it was going to be a direct hit and we were the target. As Winston was heading back, it became a Category 5 cyclone. On February 19th at high tide, 34 boats made their way up the channel into the mangroves. All dropped their bow and stern anchors and then tied all four corners of their respective boats to the mangrove trees. The air was very still, hot, moist and sticky, but we were all safely tucked in for the night. Saturday morning we stripped Long Windid of all canvas, solar panels, headsail, etc. to reduce windage. More adjustment were then made to the mooring lines before the storm, which was to hit later that evening. At high tide the boats would move freely within the confines of the lines holding them in place. However, when the tide would move out, the mono hull boats with their deep keels were left high and dry in the soft mud leaning on their sides. Tension on the lines needed constant adjusting. Six o'clock Saturday evening, the winds began to build quickly along with heavy rain. As the evening turned into night, the winds grew even stronger and Long Windid began to vibrate and shake violently during the high tide cycle. The howling of the wind thru the mangrove trees and thru the rigging of the boats was deafening. As Long Windid started to resettle back into the mud, Dan would have to leave the cabin to make his way outside in the wind and rain to adjust the mooring lines. The adjusting of the lines was an hourly routine. With Long Windid planted on the mud bottom she was firmly in place and nothing was going to move her. Inside the boat, rest was almost impossible because we were literally sleeping on the walls of the boat. Winds in the protection of the mangroves reportedly hit 92mph and were clocked at 119mph at the top of the masts. We all expected the event to last anywhere from 12-18 hours. Fortunately, it lasted only seven hours. Winston raced through the Bligh Waters at twice the speed most cyclones travel. Sunday morning the winds were back to normal, but the group had to stay in the mangroves another day due to the damage and unrest at the marina. It took the marina staff a full day to get things back in order to allow us back in. Once we got word to head back we were out at the next high tide. During all this, there was not a single scratch on any of the 34 boats. A few of us had incidents with our dinghies turning over. No doubt through all the destruction, internet service was down. Finally, when it did come back, we learned that Savusavu was hit directly and half of the 56 boats were either sunk or destroyed. Winston is now considered the strongest cyclone in recorded history to make landfall in the South Pacific. If it wasn't for the motor issue we had, Dan and I would have been right in the heart of all this devastation. Thus, the reason I believe more than ever, things happen for a reason. We were all so fortunate to get through this event unharmed. Unfortunately, there are so many people that weren't as lucky. Many Fijians right here in Denarau have lost their homes and all their valuables. Dan and I have joined "Sea Mercy" which is an organization that helps with disaster relief. We will be taking Long Windid to Makogai Island, population of about 130 people and 120 miles from here to bring food, clothing, and medical supplies.Video of Makogai devastation Because we have the capability to make large amounts of water for a boat our size, we will be making water at anchor to supply the village. This is such a disaster, but more than that, it's very personal to both of us. The people of Fiji have been so wonderful to us that we are hopeful we can help them in some small way. Planning on leaving here Wednesday with other boats and probably going to make three or four trips before we are relieved by other vessels. This is not going to be an easy task for the Fijians to recover from. They have months and months of re-building to do to get themselves somewhat back to normal.
For those of you still following us, "thank you" all for your concern and prayers. We know it worked for us.
For those of you still following us, "thank you" all for your concern and prayers. We know it worked for us.
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