We are endeavouring to resurrect SeaBride from her cyclone grave here at Vuda Marina and after 10 days of hard yakka we think we'll 'splash' and go on Friday. First stop Musket for a shakedown systems test and then we'll be Savusavu bound. I hope this first blog attempt works!
We made it!!! So wonderful to be back here again. It feels like 'home' for us. We were welcomed by all our friends here. Just a great feeling. Lovely and warm.
On Monday we went for a pretty snorkel across the coral reef entrance to Kelefesia and down below us saw a sunken yacht. A reminder to be vigilant around the reefs! Tuesday we had grey skies for the first time in our trip, with a little rain. Motored to Nomuka Ika Island and on the way caught 2 tuna. The first one was a little small so we released it, the second one made a nice meal. A starter of raw tuna with soy sauce and wasabi, and for the main, lightly seared tuna steaks in olive oil with sauteed capers and finished with a drizzle of lemon juice. Not bad! Walked through the tropical jungle on the uninhabited island, with papaya, mango and coconuts growing wild. Wednesday was sunny again, had a gentle sail north to Ha'afeva Island. Caught up with friends from yachts -"Fusio" and "Vegas". Today we visited the local village, giving away some reading glasses to people who needed them. It is amazing to see the looks on their faces as they try on different strength glasses. Wh en they get the right one for their eyes, we can tell by their reaction - suddenly they smile and point at the words in front of them - they can see clearly! We also visited the primary school where the kids all ran to meet us and shake our hands. They loved having their photos taken and seeing themselves on the screen. Pigs and piglets run through the streets and gardens and even through the kitchens of the local houses. Very friendly locals insisted on giving us yams and limes, we insisted on giving them some money for them of course! We have been invited back tomorrow to the health centre, where the health officer will help us give more reading glasses to people in the village. A local explained to us that the older people need glasses to read their bibles and this is very important to them, so they are very grateful. In the afternoon we went for a dive along the northern reef, more fish and starfish to look up in our fish ID book now, but have not seen any crayfish so fa r. Tonight we have been joined in the bay by "J Marie", another yacht we met in Opua.
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Anchored just off Voli Voli Resort tonight. Left Vuda marina this morning after spending a night on a berth there. Quite a different way of berthing than we are used to. Caught up with Paul and Jo (Yinka), Ian and Doreen (Seabride) and Bill & Hazel (Liberation). Our plan is to head north to Savu Savu and then work our way South gradually with lots of diving along the way. Hoping to be in Savu Savu when Distracted arrive!!!
