[p]beale12.4
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pos: 17 10.85s 179 01.39w
Date: 25/06/2017 19:00 gmt+12:00
We are anchored in the Bay of Islands - Fiji style, not like the NZ BOI. Surrounded by weirdly shaped pillars and mushrooms of limestone rock and coral heads in every direction. It is scary enough in the dinghy, which draws 8 inches, let alone our trusty Manutaki, with her 2.1m keel.
Last night - Saturday - was feast night at Daliconi village. The whole village welcomed us, entertained us and fed us. The kids from the school did several items. While they were very Fijian, strangely I felt like we were in the universal world of the kids' end of term concerts, which is fantastic and warm and joyous in every geography and every language.
The boys were especially vibrant in their warrior poses and gesturing. After the show, one of the cruisers adopted about 6 local kids - 6 to 9 - and taught them the All Black Haka. As you might expect, they loved it!!!
Then, of course, the Kava ceremony. We joined the circle with the chief and the head man - distinguished as the only one in the village wearing a tie - and drank the drink, clapped the hands, nodded, showed respect, and really felt part of the village, if but for a short time. It was great. And, proudly, many of the women participated. In particular, Joanne and Anna - team Marshall Day - led the way representing the women. And, delightfully, that engendered real respect from m the Fijian men. Awesome. Go Jo and team Marshall-Day.
Today, we ventured through the coral bommies in a follow-the-leader line, negotiating some very narrow passes between limestone pillars, to discover another world. Not a coconut palm or sandy beach in sight. Fiji is varied , challenging and very rewarding.
We are trying to figure out our plan for where to next. So many choices...
By the way - we have no internet here, so couldn't follow it live, but thanks to Rick for the news update by text - GO TEAM NZ. Don't worry about silly old Jammy Splithull.
And the sun sets, the gentle breeze cools us slightly - 26 degrees - and we settle into another tropic evening.
More news as it comes to hand...

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