We are getting close to out last days in Fiji. In fact, we wanted to be in Vanuatu by now but the winds have not been cooperative. Our next passage is about 450 miles long which should take 3 days. But, without wind, it would be an awfully long motor boat trip! So, we wait.

The forecasters say that by the weekend the trades should be filling in again. There probably won't be much wind, but there should be enough to get us to Vanuatu. If all goes according to plan, we will be on passage by the weekend with arrival in Vanuatu on Monday.

We've loved Fiji, but like any country, not everything is awesome. Here, the people and their friendly open attitude is really what makes Fiji great. Everyone has a big smile and calls out "Bula" as we walk by, which means welcome as much as it means hello. The vegetable shopping is great, and there are so many islands to visit that we have hardly scratched the surface of this immense cruising ground. We could spend several seasons in Fiji and still not visit all the places that we would like to explore.

If there is one thing that we don't like about Fiji, it is the constant burning of the land. Sugar cane is big business here and once the harvest is complete, they burn the debris on the fields. This means that at any one time we see several large fields on fire on shore. These are very smoky fires that sometimes irritate the throat. But, worst of all is all the ash that lands on the boat if the wind is just right. Unfortunately, it has been "just right" quite a bit lately. This morning we awake to gray dusty soot all over the deck, on our pillows, and in the cockpit. Add a bit of moisture and you have a real mess.

But, considering all the great things about Fiji, this is a small price to pay. We'll miss Fiji and at the same time look forward to the adventures awaiting us in Vanuatu.

Picture: The fire dance show at Robinson Crusoe Island