[password] NZL9424A27
[position] 17.11S 178.59W
[status] Well since our last blog we have not left the beautiful island of Vanua Balavu. We had the opportunity to follow the rest of the rally when they left here early on Tuesday morning. The weather was turning and the wind strength increasing markedly over the next few days. We decided that there was still a lot of exploring to do, so along with a few others we stayed put. Gosh the scenery is stunning and by dingying around and being noisy we have found lots of little nooks with just stunning pools of the clearest cleanest water. So inviting to just flop over the side and have a swim! Which we did on occasion. We have spent some time with different people from the rally which has been fun. Lots of socialising as well as sight seeing. We have seen a few brown turtles, but they soon dive away when they hear us approaching. Monday last week we went in our dingy with some long boats to find some caves for snorkelling in. These were good and we probably wouldn't have found them by ourselves. The Bay of Islands has been good for kayaking and paddle boarding, with nice calmish water. We spent Monday to Saturday in the Bay of Islands then motored around to the beautiful harbour of Nabavatu where we had originally been. It was different this time with only 4 boats instead of the 37 previously. This afternoon we went with another couple for a walk up up a look out where you can see the whole of the Bay of Islands. It was a beautiful day for lots of photo opportunities. What an incredible world we live in!!! We have just got back to the boat after a few games of pétanque. Unfortunately MALAKite crew did not do so well. Oh well a rematch is in order somewhere down the track. Tomorrow we head out of the Vanua Balavu group and start making our way to Savusavu. Our first stop is the small island of Naitauba. We aren't too sure what's there but it's on the way so are going to check it out. Looks lovely but just not too sure about its exposure to the weather. If not good we will keep going closer to Tavanui Island. Them just a hop and a jump to Savusavu. We are planning on being there by Thursday at the latest.
All good on board and only 5 sleeps until Kristy and Stefan arrive to see this special place called Fiji. Where we have been on Vanua Balavu is so different to the Fiji that is on posters and travel brochures. There is hardly a beach to be found. We didn't touch land until today from last Monday. Just boat to boat travel only. Looking forward to some nice beaches to walk on.
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