[password] Cowboys99
[status]
:position 19 32.03s 169 15.67e

We survived!! ...covering the 480 miles from Fiji to Tanna in Vanuatu in 50 hours - that's a pretty impressive rate by anyone's standard! Tony describes it as one of the most 'vigorous' ocean passages he has ever made which made Harry and I feel slightly better for the fact that we v+++++ (to use veterinary notation) for the first 12 hours after leaving the security of Fiji's reefs and then felt pretty ropy for the next 24. Tony was amazing emptying buckets, supplying dry clothes (there was alot of spray about and we all slept in the cockpit for two nights; going below was ill advised - with immediate and spectacular effect) plus the small task of sailing and keeping us on course. That said it was a truly extraordinary experience to be alone on the ocean - time for example seemed to take on a different meaning. It was beautiful, particularly at night and events like the appearance of a bird took on such significance. Reflecting on it today, Harry was amazed we weren't bored and also pointed out that he lost his fears almost immediately (both of us were more than a little anxious starting out,if up for the challenge). My own feelings are much the same. Our little boat (and it did look very tiny - we didn't seen another sign of human life the entire passage) ploughed on through the waves regardless and we really felt very secure even as it tossed and turned. Perhaps we were too preoccupied with the mental task of how to stop our intestines inverting... Never downplay the role of a good displacement activity. But coming into a brightly moonlit, deserted anchorage loomed over by a smoking volcano, where all we could hear was the crashing of tube waves onto the beach alongside was magical and unforgettable and we wouldn't have missed it for the world.

So its just as well we are full of post passage bonhomie because this is proving to be the roughest anchorage ever! ...and since its Sunday we are restricted to the boat flying our yellow quarantine flag until we clear customs and immigration tomorrow. So meanwhile our thoughts have turned to what we are missing and as a result Tony is in the galley conducting the great crisp experiment (yep folks, boiling oil whilst both sides of the boat take turns dipping into the sea). The results however are awesome in the true sense of the word!! They are better than Walkers - hot and crunchy - photos will follow but not until we are back in the world of 3G. Until then we will to put on a film, then its off to find a volcano...
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