Backpackers Resort

23 October 2011

A fence divides long narrow Mana Island between upscale resort and local village hosting backpackers. Perhaps latter don't want infelicitous influence on what one cruising guide described as rather squalid.

Dissipated a lovely afternoon snorkeling along shallow reef that dropped straight off to sloping sandy bottom and then returning to boat for cleaning prop and algae along waterline. Re-working bonding apparently alleviated problem with copper anti-fouling blowing off through-hulls as, after 7 months since treatment, hull remains pristine. Pleased to know one thing hasn't gone pear-shaped.

After lukewarm welcome from spendy folk, and given woefully low personal standards, Jan & I had dinner with friendly rabble and watched The All Blacks crush (at 8 to 7 one might possibly also use phrase 'squeak by') their opponents. As Kiwi fans we wore black, ate lamb and encouraged Japanese and German cruiser buds to 'dis' French team.

24 October 2011

After low rent, but nonetheless tasty brekky with the proletariat, we now bid a fond farewell to our current escapade to venture toward the next which may or may not occur near Wayasewa Island (TBD shortly).

Jack