Getting ready for our vacation!

I know, you all think our life is a vacation.  Okay, well maybe it is!  But, we still get excited about going on a real vacation - taxis, motels, airlines, restaurants, rental cars - wahoo!

 Floating on a Bilibili - traditional Fijian bamboo raft

This time, we are traveling to the USA for a family get together in Pasco, Washington.

Guardrails - not required

It has been a long time since the whole family has been together, so we are going to have a great time and make some wonderful memories.

Including celebrating Mom and Dad's 60th Wedding Anniversary and lots of birthdays!

Kava drying on the roof

Plus, checking out my brother and sister in-law's new winery - Tucannon Cellars.

We have missed those great wines!

Nice looking goat

We will be leaving Moondance in Savusavu on a hurricane mooring ball where she will be well taken care of.

He was a beauty

So, we have been busy getting her ship-shape. Which means lots of cleaning, organizing, and fixing (of course).

Plus, getting rid of lots of stuff/junk we just don't need (or want).

Having too much fun!

In our spare time (hah!), we enjoyed spending time with our friends on s/v Blinder and s/v Obsession. They are so much fun!

Making Carla Lasagna

We have got them hooked on playing Mexican Train.

It took us 3 nights to finish one game, but we weren't in a hurry - we were having such a great time.

Dinner with friends

And dining out of course. Savusavu has such great cheap eats, you just have to try them all.

Our favorite is still the curry at the Taste of Hidden Paradise.  Just bring your own drinks.

Listening to Elena - what a voice

Plus, the Copra Shed Marina had a guest performer - Elena Baravilala.

A local, award winning, singer/songwriter with a beautiful voice.

We enjoyed the show even with the technical difficulties!

Big papayas

We will miss Savusavu and our friends, but will enjoy every minute of our vacation.

Sunrise at Savusavu

Our itinerary so far: 

•  9/5 - long taxi ride over to Labasa where we overnight at the Grand Eastern Hotel
• 9/6 - hop a small plane over to Nadi with an overnighter at the Jetset Accommodations
• 9/7 - late night flight to Los Angeles where we are renting a car for 5 hours so that we can find a great burger joint - and beer of course
• 9/8 - Midnight arrival in Pasco.  Hope someone picks us up!

We have been making a list of all of the yummy places we will visit and food that we are going to chow down on.

Doug is going for chicken gizzards at Sam's.  Oh my.

So looking forward to seeing our USA Family and Friends again - we have missed you!