Well, we worried about what Fiji's biosecurity would take as we checked in and were happy it was scare only. Not so with New Caledonia's Biosecurity inspection: they took our plants, eggs, onions, potatoes, popcorn and garlic. Luckily that's all the fresh items we had left. We just got this as part of our pre-check in for Australia so I'm sure it will be strict!--
As part of the inspection we will remove any fresh fruit or vegetables or eggs. All un-canned chicken and pork meat will be seized for destruction. Un-canned red meat may be permitted if it meets labeling conditions that proves it is a product of New Zealand or Australia. Shelf stable/canned products are permitted, which includes canned meat. Most fish products are permitted. Cooking food does not change these import conditions. We will inspect your dry stores for insects. Infested product will be removed for destruction. We will also remove your garbage. Garbage should be bagged and below decks or in a locker pending our inspection.

The Department of Agriculture will also conduct a timber assessment of your vessel to determine the risk it poses for harbouring exotic termites, borers and other timber pests. This applies to all yachts including Australian owned/registered vessels returning to Australia. Please see the Department's website for further information -

Pretty intense, huh? Well, at least I can still have some tinned meat to use when we're there....

Had to tell about my pressure cooker saving our meal, once again. When we go offshore, I usually keep a batch of food in the pressure cooker. I used sea clamps to keep the pot on the back burner but it isn't as secure as keeping it in the front of the stove inside the sea clamps. Well, I was asleep, off watch, and heard a loud noise. I was sure something broke outside so I got up to help. It was the cooker on the floor! The waves had picked it up, all 6 lbs of it, lifted it over the 8 inches to the front of the stove and deposited it onto the floor. The seas were pretty bad, obviously. We use a padded floor mat in front of the stove for the poor galley wench-me, so the floor was fine and the top was completely secured so our dinner was intact, just 'well tossed'. I have a Presto 4 qt and a Mirro 6 qt and use them often. On facebook there are three sailing pages are related to cooking with pressure cookers and women who sail so I hope you'll check them out also.

My picture is of the Pines in New Caledonia - so different after all the palm trees of Tonga and Fiji. Loved visiting the aquarium and zoo so far. Went on a walking tour of the city on Sunday when NOTHING was open so it was a quiet time. Pictures to follow later.