Aboard Dignity (Lagoon 420) Blog

June 13th is our wedding anniversary and we’ve made it to 25. Big hugs to Helen for surviving me and putting up with me for all these years.

I had hoped the lobsters would have self-sacrificed en mass to give us a treat but it wasn’t to be. I decided to move the trap somewhere else by sticking it on the front of the dinghy. The fish frame was getting a bit manky and some of the flesh dropped into the dinghy creating a horrible stink which I had to wash off later.

We decided not to be too lazy and ended up going out for the day. We went ashore and caught a taxi to take us down the west coast of Taveuni to see all the attractions there. We first passed through the town of Somosomo where they have the chiefs meeting hall. Whenever there is a need to pull all the Fijian chiefs together, this is where they come. It stems from the fact that the first Fijian president hailed from here.

Next we were dropped off near the Waitavala Water Slide which is very popular among the local kids. There were a few there and they were very helpful showing us where to cross the slippery rive and where to get into the chute. We had two slides each videoing the second one. Helen unfortunately bruised her backside the second time resulting in a painful seat.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT2J-TlSrUs[/youtube]

We were then taken to see the large catholic church further south followed by the oh-so-exciting meridian. This was a split poster on the far side of a soccer/rugby pitch marking where the 180 meridian passes. I guess this is the only place in the world where you can kick a ball into tomorrow. There was also the 180 meridian church which was more of a tin hut.

We wanted to pick up rotis for lunch but we could find nowhere selling them as most places were closed for the Queen’s Birthday holiday. So we went back to the boat for a bite to eat and rest the afternoon.

During the afternoon another six friends arrived in the anchorage some wishing us well for the day which was nice. I understand a few more will arrive today in time for this evenings party.

In the evening we dinghied ashore for our anniversary meal down on the beach. The staff at Coconut Grove cooked us a wonderful curry which we ate under a thatched shelter. The only downside of the meal was a plastic table and chairs which I’m sure could easily be improved upon. All in all though it was a lovely night out.

Getting back to the boat it rained on us and we got a little wet but that did little to dampen our enjoyment of a great day.

Unfortunately we learned we can’t easily do the conversion work here in Fiji.  There is no guarantee on the dates nor that we’ll have the space to do the work needed for the time needed so it would be too much of a gamble.

Are we allowed two in a row? Of course we are. We’re cruising.

I did go out and check the lobster pot. For the second day in a row there were no lobsters in it although this time a reef fish was in there looking all lethargic, probably all full of rainbow runner carcass. I had to use my face mask and snorkel to untie the line to the marker buoy from the reef and once the lobster pot was freed I spent a little time on the reef exploring. I found a great new spot on the reef with a huge overhang. This could be a lobster apartment block so I plonked the pot there to see what happens.

The Jacksters left the anchorage (they’ll be back Tuesday) and the Callistos arrived. We went out to dinner with the Callistos and ended up back on their boat until pretty late.

Today is our 25th wedding anniversary. It’s also the Queen’s Birthday public holiday here in Fiji so there may not be much to do until our meal this evening. 3 in a row? I think we can do that if we have to.

Got a bit of news from the folks who do the catamaran haulouts here in Fiji. They are in fact the ferry company who are willing to use their equipment for hauling their own ferrys for short hauls for other boats. The length of time we need to be out of the water is an exception to their normal practice so this is beginning to look less likely. Plan B is to go back to NZ now needs a little more follow up.

With both of us suffering from a mild cold we really didn’t get up to much on Saturday. I did make some progress on researching our options but nothing is yet conclusive. Our insurance company has now verified that we’ll be covered if we leave the boat in the hole in Musket Cove, Fiji for the cyclone season which is good news.

We went ashore for lunch, the results of which left us feeling even more sleepy.

The rest of the day was spent reading, puzzle solving and watching a movie.

We had a surprisingly good day. The wind was up around 20 knots so we had good sailing making 8-9 knots at times. Within the confines of the reef we caught a 3ft rainbow runner (see pics below) which our fish guide says is a rare catch and make exceptional eating. Once clear of the reef I fileted the fish and kept the frame for our lobster pot.

On the way over I started researching haul out facilities here in Fiji. It is looking possible that we could do the major work here. Flight costs for the technicians are also similar to alternatives. I have put the case to Lagoon and hope for a positive response.

On the way into the anchorage we were surrounded by 10-12 dolphins who followed us in – they say dolphins bring good luck. Maybe for us too. I made a brief foray ashore to pick up some phone time and to book our anniversary dinner at Coconut Grove. They’re going to put curry on the menu for us that day and if none of their staying guests order it, we’ll have dinner on the beach. Before sundown I had the lobster pot with fish carcass strung up inside sunk near the fringing reef. Will this be our lucky day?

Jackster was here in the anchorage and when Dave and Jacquie returned from shore we invited them over for dinner. Fish of course. The fish turned out to be very good (we think it tasted better than mahi) and Helen’s cooking even better. Jacquie brought some great veg to go with the fish.

In the middle of the night I had my first call to the US to progress the near term fix for our charger and have another call to make soon. Things look promising on this front.

So we’ll be here for a few days working a few things out. In that time we’ll explore the island some more. We’ve also put an invite out to all our cruising friends who we know to be in the area for a get together on the 14th. Being east of the 180 line of longitude we’re sort of a day behind so the 14th is still the 13th (sort of) so we can have our public celebration with whatever friends that will be here.

I’ll leave you with the few pics of our hike up Cobia and of our delicious fish.