15 October 2019

Going Backwards - Longitude wise

First time ever my log has recorded an East longitude location. Fiji is right at the 180 degree mark which not only put us a day forward but also moved us from a West longitude to an
Eastern longitude. So from now on we will be going lower numbers but in an East direction. It is quite difficult to write the E after our position report. 17.47.750 S ; 177.28.200 E

It also feels tho we are going backward a bit just sitting in a marina and working on projects. The only up side is that we have wifi and can load pictures and do research on repair issues. I was even planning to start some varnish work until the thunder storm and rain began last night. Quite spectacular as the front went over us and the boat vibrated with the sound impacts.

We shared a taxi with Jane and Jasper, of Macumba, into Lautoka for some shopping and a hair cut and to maybe find some kava bundles for village chief protection. The city is spread out and downtown very large but the fresh market was major and food extremely fresh and cheap. I was on overwhelm and John said the one in Suva is even more impressive. I can see we have a lot to learn about Indian spices and legumes.

I have my requested birthday present a bit early as our neighbor boat “Burmese Breeze” decided to sell his spare standing rig rather than haul it to New Zealand. So now we have a nice short carbon pole and Penn Senator Special 6/0 drag reel tied to the holder. Can’t wait to get out trolling. We will have to buy a bunch of gear when we get home as have lost several in this crossing alone.

Fiji has 12 island groups with dozens of islands per group so hope we can move forward soon and get out to explore. We need to stay fairly close in order to run back to this cyclone hole if needed so probably the Mamanuca and Yasawa Island groups or just around this Viti Levu island.