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!

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!