20 November 2020
Rovodrau Bay by Pacific Harbor
Mr Toads Wild Ride

Crazy run for the day into Pacific Harbor area. Winds were 15-25 knots up and down all day which made for multiple sail adjustments and reefed sails up and then back out. We only stayed one night but would like to return to try the reef shark dives in the area.


Cuvu Harbor,

Another blustery day but consistent winds. What was not consistent was our fishing. We hooked up over and over but lost four lures in one day - a new record.

25 Nov
Sharks everywhere!

We have been bouncing around in increments of five hour sails heading gradually back to the barn at Vuda Marina for the cyclone season. We ended up behind Musket Cove for a night.

Couldn't quite take civilization yet so headed north to the Yasawa's to hide behind Vanua Levu and Navandra Islands. They are almost connected two one another with a reef you can just walk between at low tide. It is exposed to the West but protected on all other sides and we had spent some lovely days lying in hammocks and reading here.
Entry always starts with a bit of chicane turn to enter past the outer reef then you are so deep impossible to anchor so you have to slowly drift in with someone at the helm and at the bow watching for shallow spots. There are only three spots shallow enough to anchor unless you are a catamaran or swing keel so when we came around the bend we were delighted to see the harbor empty and to have our choice of spots.

But this year it is quite windy and rolly so we put out the flopper stopper while watching a couple black tip sharks circle the boat curiously. When John launched the flashy flopper stopper they disappeared then came back with two or three friends. By the time we had lunch they were up to eight friends. They continued to cycle the boat aggressively while I made Thanksgiving dinner. We decided not to swim despite the gorgeous clear water after some local fisherman came and speared a shark and left for their village to celebrate.

https://youtu.be/VOZj0dGVofI

We have used up most of our fresh vegetables and fruit but have a whole chicken to brine and old bread to make stuffing with some canned mushrooms and squash. Not a traditional 
Southern menu but felt ok. Today I prepped the bread for stuffing and started to brine the chicken, made banana and sourdough bread plus today's menu of BBQ/pressure cooker ribs and 3 bean cucumber salad and felt like it was not good enough???? Whats up with that?? Yet, I am so thankful to be here.

A funny thing happens out here with holidays. I start out thinking no big deal as long as I can call family on the actual day they celebrate which means wifi or cellular access. John's Voda phone has coverage here in Vanua Levu so seems to qualify. Still as I fix our holiday dinner a day earlier, I think about the scones and traditional items that mean so much and miss the chaos and giggles.