11/7/2013 we have now left fulaga and are now gradually, and i say gradually, making our way back to savu savu. our first big trip out of fulaga was 20 miles up to namuka-i-lau. trolled two lures all the way but no fish!! this is a very pretty anchorage with a nice sandy bay to anchor in. only enough room here for four boats, maybe five at the most. walked across to the village to do sevu sevu.
the walk was a good hour each way and the track quite overgrown.
good school which is australian aid funded.

22/6/2013 anchored in fulaga in the southern lau along with 22 other boats!!!! this is certainly a lovely and very safe anchorage. white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and clear blue water.
a well supplied boat is essential as there is no local store or market to visit. trading is certainly different here. we 'trade' 1,2,3 (or however many) cigarettes for crab, lobster, bananas etc. they also love magazines, playing cards, makeup, nail polish, scarves, medical supplies (band aids, etc) had a few good dives here with excellent clarity.
the trip to the dive sites, which are on the outside of the reef, have to be carefully planned and thought about. it is important to go out the pass on the incoming tide, dive and then head back inside the reef. it is vital not to get the tide too low as there is a lot of water rushing out a small pass and the pressure waves get rather big!! a rather scary looking entrance. water a bit cooler and this is the first time jock has had to wear a wet suit in fiji!!!!

22/7/2013 back in savu savu to restock with food, veges, beer, diesel and the most important of all, to repair our autopilot!!! this decided to pack up on our trip up from namuku-i-lau. at least the rough part of the trip was over and handsteering was done in the relatively calmer seas. a rather hair raising trip up with 40 knot winds, thunder and lightning and 3-4m swells.