Fun, Fun, and More Fun!

I apologize in advance for the long post, but we did so much during the 18 day visit and didn't want you to miss any of it!

Kathy and Debbie enjoying the view at Cloud 9

We were so happy that Kathy and Debbie (Besties from New Mexico) were able to join us for their summer vacation.

We had so much fun and crammed so much into every day.

It went so fast, but it was wonderful!

Nadi Fruit & Veggie Market

We gave them a brief tour of the Port Denarau Marina and the Fiji Rum company, plus a quick trip into Nadi town to do some shopping.

Moondance Crew

They were a little jet lagged from the long flight, but were troopers and just kept going.

Next day, we headed out to one of our favorite places - Musket Cove on the island of Malolo LaiLai.

Poisonous sea snake - yikes

We spent several days playing tourist and checking out the resorts and bars.

Plus snorkeling, golfing, tennis, volleyball, beach combing, hiking, bocci ball, and hanging out with the Yachties.

Fine Golfers

Then, we headed north to the uninhabited islands (except for the goats and fruit bats) of Navadra and Vanua Levu.

Jump Doug Jump!

It is about a 5-hour trip and to get there we had to weave thru the reefs and cross some rolly seas.

Admiral Carla

Our crew did just fine, but we were all very happy when we dropped our anchor.

Hanging on the beautiful beach of Vanua Levu

Blue Starfish

The weather turned a bit and the winds kicked up, plus our anchorage turned rolly.

But we continued to enjoy ourselves and spend lots of time on the beach - even without getting a lot of rest!

Sundowners on Tiger Lilly III

We were happy to see Robin and Pete on Tiger Lilly III arrive at the anchorage, plus they invited us over for Sundowners on their beautiful catamaran - how nice is that!

Bocci on the Beach

We spent a whole day together on the beach exploring and playing bocci ball.

Doug bugging the Hermit Crab

But, we needed to get moving north again and find a smoother anchorage, plus find the elusive Manta Rays.

So, we did an overnighter at the sand spit between Waya and Wayasewa - it was so peaceful.  We all slept well that night!

Spinner Dolphins - yeah!

Plus, we saw the beautiful Spinner Dolphins along the way - always exciting.

Next stop, the island of Naviti where we anchored off the Manta Ray Island Resort - a new favorite!

Hanging at the Manta Ray Island Resort

Our big goal - swim with the big Manta Rays - which we did.

We signed up with the resort to take us to the pass where we drifted (quickly) along with the tide as the Ray passed underneath us.

We only saw one Ray, but it was amazing gliding along the bottom.  Plus, the pass had so many fish and wonderful coral.  What a find.

Big Manta Ray right below me

The resort was a great place to hang out, play volleyball, kayak, snorkel, and they make a pretty good pizza.

War Dance at the Meke

Plus, we got to see the Fijian dance and celebration - The Meke.  Lots of fun.

We will go back again for sure and get better pictures!

Time to start heading back all ready.  We chose to visit the village of Yalobi on the island of Waya.  Caught a big Walu along the way - it was yummy.

Debbie and Kathy sporting sulu's

We wanted to see some of the village life, plus deliver our bundle of Kava to the Chief and ask permission to wander the village.

Interesting thing - Yalobi hasn't had a village chief since the late 80's.  Tom just steps in if needed.  How funny.

Meeting the locals

But, we did enjoy seeing the village and meeting some of the locals.

Very friendly people and yummy bananas and papaya, plus a young man gave me a beautiful scorpion shell - how precious.

Mocia Island - beautiful spot

We spent our last night on the hook anchored off of the little island of Mocia (Honeymoon). 

We watched a beautiful sunset (with the goats), plus enjoyed snorkeling and a walk on the beach the next day.

Sunset Selfies

The weather was kicking up again, so we headed back to Musket Cove for protection from the winds and some more fun.

Doug and Deb paddle boarding

So, we had some more island resort time, plus Doug and Deb decided to try the paddle board experience - they liked it.

Of course, they would have preferred a calmer day!

Dressed up for Bocci

Then back to Port Denarau. We rented a car for a couple of days and did some mainland trips.

First - the Valley of the Sleeping Giant to see all the beautiful orchids and palms, plus a good view from the top!

Not sure what, but loved it

Zip Liners

Then to the Zip Line, which was quite the adventure - just getting there.  Debbie and Doug had a great time zipping along and would do it again.

Wonderful memories, laughter, sunsets, games, and so much more - we will never forget.  Just sorry to see it end...

Miss you all ready!

Thanks so much for coming to see us Kathy and Debbie - We Love You!

Watch out - Lionfish

PS:  Thanks to Tiger Lilly III and Kathy and Debbie for sharing their pictures!