Monoriki Island - set for the movie Castaway
Much has happened since last I posted. After almost two weeks in the marina at Point Vuda, we motor sailed over to Musket Cove where we enjoyed the Colonial style resort, with broad verandahs, a swimming pool and very few tourists. The food at the restaurant was ample and excellent. The majority of the clientele were local so we knew this was the place to be. A few weeks ago the government slashed the price of alcohol in an effort to equalize supply and demand and upscale hotels are offering accommodation at local prices. I'm sure we would not be offered the local prices if we booked into a hotel, but that's okay. We're happy to support the local economy and keep these places in business. The Musket Cove Regatta is in a few weeks and we'll be back for that.
Charismatic sunset in Musket Cove
Our next destination was Monoriki Island where the Tom Hanks movie, Castaway, was filmed. We had the island to ourselves which gave us a more authentic feeling than if there had been hoards of tourists. The anchorage is in a strait between two islands. It has poor holding 50 yards from the shore in 60 feet of water, not where we would want to spend the night. We swam over to that famous beach while keeping a sharp eye on Rapture in case she swung around in the tide. The tide line is covered with pumice pebbles probably washed here from the nearest active volcanoes in Tonga. Sadly, there was also lots of plastic on the shore that Chuck Noland could have used, also probably washed here.
View towards Monoriki Island and Rapture in the background
We moved on further North to Navadra in the Yasawa Islands group. Within five minutes of dropping hook in a lovely uninhabited cove, we were visited by a full size black-tip reef shark. First one, then three and eventually five sharks circled our boat for several hours. This is most unusual behavior for a reef shark. They were obviously looking for hand-outs. Perhaps the locals often come here to clean their catch or dive companies feed them to entertain their clients. Whatever, we were very reluctant to dive into the crystal clear waters. But it was hot and sticky and the sea looked delicious. They totally ignored us when we took a quick dip within reach of the swim ladder.
Navarda Island Beach
Navadra Island in the Yasawas
More wildlife revealed itself the next day. Late in the afternoon we went for a walk on the beach. In the coral of the tidal zone we found large purple seastars and baby moray eels.
Some of the marine life revealed at low tide - Navadra Island
Among the coco-palms at the top of the beach, I saw a weird shaped bird that I didn't recognize. I watched it until it perched and saw it flip upside-down. It was a fruit bat about a foot long with about an 18 inch wingspan. Greg approached to take a photo and suddenly the tree exploded in a flock of bats wheeling against the sinking sun.
Fruit Bats - Navadra Island
Our final stop before returning to the marina was Waya island in the Yasawas group. Again, we were the only boat and the Octopus resort where we anchored was closed. A pristine beach stretched around the bay. The few structures behind the trees seemed to be deserted so we dinghied over for a walk. As we heaved Velocirapture out of the water a man walked out of the bushes with two ripe papayas and helped us pull her up the beach. "Yes," he said handing over the papayas, "this was my land and my bay but you are welcome to anchor here and walk the beach." Such generosity is an inspiration especially now when the pandemic has made strangers suspect. We feel so fortunate to be here.