We lost yet another fishing lure on our trip back into town, and now need to buy some more at great expense. It looked like a large wahoo this time. Basically we just ran out of line on the fishing reel. It wouldn't be so bad if we managed to get a fish now and then, but our luck seems to have run out at the moment.

We had an excellent meal aboard Harmonie on Sunday night, together with Storyteller. Storyteller had arranged to clear customs, pick up fuel and leave on Monday when light winds were forecast, (the new Storyteller is a motor cruiser) but Lady Kay and Harmonie decided to wait until the winds increased sufficiently to sail. Unfortunately conditions were not right to visit the Niuas as we had all planned - hopefully another time.

We went back to our wonderful anchorage on Kenutu island on Monday, but were rather sorry to find several other boats there as well. Harmonie joined us on Tuesday after seeing off Storyteller and we did further exploration of the islands. We actually found the big hole in the centre of one of the islands this time (we had no success the previous time). It is a large sink hole hidden in the jungle. It drops down very deep with water just visible in the bottom. Quite a sight. We had Don and Anne over for a barbeque that evening, which was very pleasant with the backdrop of the breakers on the reef, the lagoon and the green islands. Unfortunately, while watching the stars from the hammock later that night, Michael trod on Jackie's glasses and reduced them to misshapen, scarred mess! No repair possible. Luckily she has a spare pair, but not so comfortable to wear.

We returned with Harmonie back to town for a rally briefing on the Thursday afternoon. There is a tropical storm coming across this weekend and the rally are delaying the departure for a day or two. After contacting Bruce, our weather guru, we decided that despite forecast strong winds and 4 metre swells, we will go off with the rally on Sunday or Monday. Friday was therefore spent checking out (a whole morning needed for this!) and then filling up with duty-free fuel.

Since then we have been sitting waiting for the storm to pass. So far we have had quite a lot of rain but the strong winds have yet to arrive. Once they have passed we are heading for Savu Savu which is in the North of Fiji. Last year we only went to the Southern part Viti Levua and the islands to its South West so we are looking forward to doing some more detailed exploration of Fiji.