Sports Day!

We had heard from friends on s/v Tanga about the horse races happening in the Sabeto Valley.  Sounded like fun, so we decided to check it out - along with several other cruisers.

Stacey and Brett on Bus #1

Stacey and Brett on s/v Bella Vita decided to join us for the adventure, which took 2 bus rides, a hike, and some hitchhiking - just to get there.

But we made it - just in time for the welcoming ceremony for the Attorney General and Minister for Tourism.

Welcoming Ceremony

We lingered after the dancing and chanting and were rewarded with tea sandwiches, cakes, and juice.  A very proper tea.  What a treat!

Goofiness in the beer tent

So, the pack of cruisers (Bella Vita, Tiger Lilly, Tanga, and Turn the Page) settled underneath the beer tent and proceeded to have a great time - as you can see. 

Fast races around the papaya field

There were several races on the program, but you never knew how many horses were going to show up.

Enjoying the entertainment

One race only had one horse running - he won of course!

But, the races were always fast - no saddles required - and the riders intense. 

Dancing in the field

We also had music and dancing between races to entertain the crowds.

Lovely ladies

So, a very good day at the races.

The Haka - time to rumble

We didn't stay for all the races.

The crew of Tiger Lilly invited us to join them to attend the Challenger Rugby round between Fiji and the Cook Islands at the sports field in Lautoka - glad we did!

Half time entertainment - a hoot

We all had a great time and we are learning so much about the sport.  Good thing, cause it is always on TV around here.

Big jump

Plus, great half-time entertainment by the Police band and a few "characters".

The Fijians know how to have a good time for sure.

The match was a blow-out.  Fiji won 108 - 6.  Now, they are qualified to play in the World Cup 2015.  Pretty exciting.

Pool at the Farmers Bar

American beer - yikes!

The finale - drinks and rounds of pool at the Farmers Bar in Nadi.




It was a helluva day and we enjoyed every minute of it.  Wish you could have joined us!

Checking out Navadra and Vanua Levu Islands

We finally got out of Musket Cove (having too much fun) and headed to the Yasawa Islands for a vacation - hah. 

Sand spit disappearing...

Life is a beach!

Fellow cruisers had told us about the uninhibited islands of Navadra and Vanua Levu.  

Uninhabited except for the goats and the big fruit bats!

The islands are connected by a sand spit at low tide - pretty cool with waves crashing on both sides.


It was all beautiful and we had it to ourselves – most of the time.

We anchored in a great sandy spot and there was beautiful snorkeling right off the boat – we could see our anchor at 45 feet!   

Touring the bay

Plus, the sand on the beach was so soft.  You just have to find the pass thru the reef and watch the waves.  Piece of cake – once you figure it all out!

Squid checking out our Flopper Stopper

So far, it seems that the Yasawa islands are subject to rolly anchorages.

That was true of this bay also, so Doug deployed our Flopper Stopper for the 1st time.  As much as I complained about it – it works!

Fish delivery

We had a very special experience.  Local fisherman stopping by to ask for matches – of course we do.

They stopped by later delivering fish – for the matches – Vinaka!  Totally unexpected and so very nice.  We hope to meet them again.

Sunset on the Tiki

We only spent 3 nights, but it was wonderfully relaxing and we look forward to coming back soon.

Beautiful day at sea

Plus, we scored our first Walu on the way back to Musket Cove – big enough to share with our neighbors.

Doug was so excited and the Walu was very tasty.

Hope to catch more.

Yahoo - Walu!

Now, we are back at Port Denarau Marina working on boat projects - vacation is over.

We have company coming next week . Yeah!

Working on projects in exotic places!

Even if the beautiful clear water and the breezes are calling you, cruisers still have projects to work on.  Of course, we can't complain too much....

Wayasewa - beautiful

But, we have been busy.  We spent a few days in Port Denarau working on projects and provisioning and checking out the place.

Even though it is touristy, we do like this place - very social.

Bombey Lodge - great curry!

New favorites:  Bombey Lodge for excellent curry and the Farmers Club for a cold beer. 

Musket Cove Island Bar - a favorite

Then they kicked us out - hah!

We stayed longer than expected and someone wanted our mooring ball.

Lots of bougainvillaea

Oh well - back to Musket Cove. Good thing we like this place and it is close by.

But, it is busy too.  Lots of cruisers and racers coming up from New Zealand.

We counted 31 boats in the anchorage - that is a lot!

Time to chill

We are having a little fun too - playing bocci ball and Farkle with cruising buddies.

Can't work all the time!

We hope to wrap up our projects in the next couple of days and then get back to exploring the islands.

There is a big list of wonderful places to check out.

We have been quizzing everyone and getting so much information on wonderful spots.

Can't wait!

Meke Mondays at Nalauwaki Village - Waya

We were so excited to find out that a Meke was going to be held at the Village while we were on the island of Waya.  We had to check it out! 

Fijian Death Dance

Meke is a dance performance that enacts ancient lore.

Most of the dancing is done by the men of the village and it was fun to watch – even the Cibi (death dance). 

Entertaining us!

 I am sure it was scarier back in the old days!

The females sing, chant, and play some of the instruments.

Getting the Kava party started!

The ceremony started with Sevesevu – our acceptance into the Village.

Doug looking sharp in his Sulu!

Then the Kava (made from an intoxicating pepper root) is mixed and everyone takes turns drinking a bilo (bowl).

One clap, Bula!, drink the whole bowl, three claps and we start over.

Then we all introduced ourselves.  A very interesting ceremony and I am sure the Kava party continued long after we left!

We were led thru the village so that we could see how the locals live.

Then we visited the Kindergarten where we learned about their school programs, plus the kids entertained us with lively songs.

Kids - very entertaining

And, to wrap up the festivities, the ladies of the village brought out all of their crafts to sell.

Craft Market - lots of pretties

Lots of pretty things, so be sure to bring your money.

It was a fun day and a wonderful opportunity to meet the villagers and learn some of their customs.

We will definitely go back.

PS: Our Fijian Caretaker explained the difference between drinking Kava and drinking alcohol. Alcohol makes you wound up and louder; Kava makes you very mellow.  Maybe I need to drink more Kava!

Beautiful Waya Island

We didn’t go very far – only 6 miles from Naviti to Waya.  Waya is the tallest island of the Yasawa chain at 1850 feet .  It is very spectacular and can be seen for a long way!

Beautiful Waya

We anchored in the north bay – just off the village of Nalauwaki.  It is a big bay and we had it all to ourselves.  It was a bit rolly – maybe that’s why. 

Our Tour Guide

We went to shore and met the village chief (we think) and delivered our gift of kava (yaqona) and received permission to stay. It was kind of a strange experience…

Doug happy at the Coconut Bar

We were given a tour guide to show us the way to the Octopus Resort – it was a good hike and a little tricky the first time!

We stayed one night and moved over to Likuliku Bay – right in front of the Octopus Resort.

We like that place even thought the bay is exposed to a southern swell and turns rolly quick.  The staff are very nice and the beers cold – perfect.

Big Coral Head

The snorkeling right off the boat was great – check out that big coral head.  Lots of fish and very clear water.  We had squid fluttering around us!

School Bus

We spent a couple of days exploring and visiting with the staff and tourists and promised to return.

Sunset at Octopus Resort

But, it is time to start heading back to Port Denarau.

We have some chores to wrap up and then we will be back at the islands again.

To break up the trip, we decided to check out the anchorage between Waya and Wayasewa - attached by a sand spit at low tide.

Waya and Wayasewa Islands - attached at low tide

It is wonderfully peaceful and calm - our favorite anchorage so far.

So much to see at the islands - can't wait to come back in a few days!

Looking for the Manta Rays–Naviti Island

We finally got out of Port Denarau and headed to the Yasawa Islands.  First stop – Naviti to see the Manta Rays.

Dinner is served!

Cuvu Bay

It is only 40 miles, but so different. 

Lots of reefs, crystal clear waters, and anchorages with just our friends – Interlude IX and Enchantment.

We motored with 3 navigation systems running and a track to follow, but still had to keep a sharp eye.  There are reefs everywhere!

Doug was happy – caught 3 fish along the way.  2 Skipjacks (returned to the sea), plus a really tasty mackerel (cooked and shared with friends).

Interlude IX leading the way

We anchored in Cuvu Bay, which is right next to the pass where the Manta Rays feed every morning.  A quest!

Manta Hunter

We hopped in the dinghy’s the next morning and went searching for these amazing creatures – us and several small tour boats from the nearby resorts – of course.

Big Manta Ray

But, it was great.  Everyone so excited to see the Manta’s sail up and down the pass – feeding on the plankton.  They are definitely not afraid of us – just hungry.  Swam right underneath our dinghy!

Doug wasn’t 100% yet and I was chicken, so we haven’t actually swam with them yet, but promise to next time. 

Interlude IX sailing away

We had two nights in Cuvu Bay with our friends.  Enchantment hosted us all on their boat for pizza night and then headed north. 

Interlude IX invited us over the next night for games and all kinds of wonderful food and then left for Savusavu.  Going to miss them, but know we will meet up soon.

So, a wonderful time was had by all, but then it was just Moondance and we decided to hoist anchor.  Cuvu Bay is unprotected from the tradewinds and it was pretty windy, so time to move to Waya – just a short hop south.

Lots of pictures of Waya to follow!

Quick Trip Back to Denarau

Welllll, we had to make a trip back to Port Denarau Marina - good thing we like it here.

Daily Boat Parade at Denarau

I (Doug) haven't been feeling well since we left. Fever, sore throat, and can't talk (Carla likes that part).

I found a clinic in Nadi above the MH that diagnosed a upper respiratory infection ($20 USD).

Good stuff!

Drugs prescribed and feeling better (of course).

More boats are now moving around. Four of us came in from Musket cove, and there was only one mooring left at the end of the day. Lucky we got here early.  The docks are also fuller than they have been.

Another beauty!

While we are here, we are taking care of the usual things, laundry and provisioning (mostly beer and Coke Zero).

Plus, eating breakfast at Cardo's - bacon egg cheese roll. It costs $2.40 USD, yummy and a great deal.

We hope to leave on Friday and plan to head straight to Naviti to swim with the Manta Rays while they feed and to meet up with our friends on Interlude.  Wish us luck!

We just got word that our great friends, Kathy and Deb, will be joining us in July. We are sooo excited!