Hi all! Just a quick update - we are still in Fiji and are finding it hard to leave! It really is a great cruising ground and everything is very easy! We have made Musket Cove a bit of a base which has worked out well with family visitors on board. It is only a 2 hour sail back to the mainland and 15 mins by taxi to Nadi airport so a good spot for guests. The resort at Musket Cove has internet, a good shop, on-shore showers, a great yacht club for nightly "cook your own" bbqs and importantly a great pool for the kiddies and good margaritas for the grown ups! With snorkelling on numerous nearby reefs it really is a fabulous place to hang out! JD even hired a hobie cat the other day and blasted around the bay with a bunch of screaming kids on board. In 25 knot SE trade winds it was a little hair raising to watch them flying a hull and the resort owners looked on in horror at all these Aussie kids without life jackets but JD (nicknamed "Edge" by his Melbourne mates) was in his element and masterfully kept her "just on the edge".
Next up we are planning a little "nip and tuck" and have Nika booked in to have her bottom scubbed and new anti-fouling applied. This is partly to satisfy the Aussie customs officials who are very strict and also the reality is that after 15K odd miles, she needs a clean!
So we will remain here another week or so and then, with weather permitting, we will head to New Caledonia. Must fly - we are half way through Avatar, lent to us by some cruising friends. Not really my cup of tea but everyone else is hooked and I have to say the special effects are extraordinary!
Ciao for now!