Today I awoke early and reluctantly departed Tokoriki Island and departed for the safety of Vuda Point Marina.
After wrestling with my anchor chain in a merry little dance, I left Tokoriki and had a pleasant little cruise back to the relative safety of Vuda Point Marina.
Tomorrow, New Year's Eve, I will venture into Lautoka to reprovision. I'm thinking of revisiting Robinson Crusoe Resort. It would be a very simple 2 day trip there and it really is a wonderful spot. My only concern is the distance involved in case another cyclone brews up.
This most recent cruise has been fun and refreshing. The Mamanuca Islands are truly stunning in their beauty.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
TOKORIIKI ISLAND RESORT
Tokoriki Island Resort is now amongst my "Top Ten" places to be in the World.
The setting is beautiful. The grounds are pleasant. The snorkeling is great----once you get out into deeper water.
I spent a very relaxing day ashore and shared dinned with the resident manager and his wife.
I met a charming couple fron San Clemente. Jim is a retired United States Marine and was stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii while I was preparing Torrid for this trip. His girlfriend "Johanna" is stunningly beautiful. Semper Fi!
The setting is beautiful. The grounds are pleasant. The snorkeling is great----once you get out into deeper water.
I spent a very relaxing day ashore and shared dinned with the resident manager and his wife.
I met a charming couple fron San Clemente. Jim is a retired United States Marine and was stationed at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii while I was preparing Torrid for this trip. His girlfriend "Johanna" is stunningly beautiful. Semper Fi!
Monday, December 28, 2009
CHILLIN' AT TOKORIKI RESORT
Here is another boring old self-portrait.
It was taken at the Tokoriki Resort Hotel with Torrid in the background as well as Mamanuca-i-thake Island way in the background.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
TOKORIKI ISLAND
This morning I moved over to nearby Tokoriki Island.
The water is just beautiful. I swear I can see bottom at 70' from my deck.
The island has two resorts. One VERRRRRRRRRRY nice, the other just OK.
Fortunately, I was welcome at both.
I waded into the "infinity" pool at the Tokoriki Island Resort to take an interesting photo of Torrid off in the distance.
You will need to click on the photo to enlarge the picture. Torrid looks like a toy boat floating in the infinity pool.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
SUNSET WITH CASTAWAY ISLANDS
Today was rather uneventful. Same old thing, snorkeling for an hour, discovering a seashell (dead) which I didn't have in my collection, etc. etc.
I fixed up my fishing lures. I'd kind of like some fresh fish.
I'll attach a sunset photo of the Castaway Islands Monuriki, on the left, and Monu on the right.
Both islands are uninhabited. In my chat with Zo yesterday, he confirmed the reason so many of these beautiful islands are uninhabited----no water.
Tomorrow I have to think about making my way back to mainland Fiji as my provisions are running low----or out!
I really hate to leave, but I'm very thankful for the opportunity to visit this part of Fiji.
I fixed up my fishing lures. I'd kind of like some fresh fish.
I'll attach a sunset photo of the Castaway Islands Monuriki, on the left, and Monu on the right.
Both islands are uninhabited. In my chat with Zo yesterday, he confirmed the reason so many of these beautiful islands are uninhabited----no water.
Tomorrow I have to think about making my way back to mainland Fiji as my provisions are running low----or out!
I really hate to leave, but I'm very thankful for the opportunity to visit this part of Fiji.
Friday, December 25, 2009
MONU ISLAND
In the movie "Castaway" Tom Hanks climbs to the top of his island and looks out upon an empty sea.
In reality, he was actually atop another island, Monu Island, which is adjacent to Monuiriki Island.
Also, in reality, you can see at least a dozen other islands as well as mainland Fiji from the SHORELINE of Monu Island.
The photo is of the top of Monu Island where Tom Hanks contemplated suicide.
Oh yes, the wind came down and the evening became quite pleasant.
In reality, he was actually atop another island, Monu Island, which is adjacent to Monuiriki Island.
Also, in reality, you can see at least a dozen other islands as well as mainland Fiji from the SHORELINE of Monu Island.
The photo is of the top of Monu Island where Tom Hanks contemplated suicide.
Oh yes, the wind came down and the evening became quite pleasant.
MAMANUTHA-I-THAKE
This morning I sailed from "Castaway" Island, aka Monuiriki Island, over to the nearby island named Mamanutha-i-thake. I wanted to get over here early because I knew that once the tour boat collected the mobs from Monu Island they come over here to take the tourists ashore and buy local handicrafts.
The chief was away on another island so I had a meeting with their second in command. Traditionally, one gives Kava as a present to the chief. I don't drink, so I don't promote Kava. Instead, I gave the assistant chief several fish hooks, 6 cans of tomato sauce and on of the most important "tools" an American always has in his toolbox: a brand new roll of duct tape. They all seemed to enjoy the gifts and invited me ashore this evening for music and dancing. They ALL wanted to make sure that I did not have a wife or a girlfriend. Then they ALL started giggling and talking in very rapid Fijian. As if I would understand Fijian if they spoke slowly!
I had a long chat with a lad named "Zo". He seemed extremely intelligent and wanted my views on American politics, our involvement in Iran and Afghanistan, and what I thought about President Obama.
Later, I went past the shop displays, wanting to get there before the tourists swarmed ashore. I found two nice seashell specimens which I had found alive but replaced while snorkeling. I did not feel bad purchasing these shells. Besides, it helps the Fijian community.
A high wind warning had been posted on the Fiji weather outlook station. It is NOT being caused by a Cyclone; rather, it is being caused by a very strong High Pressure system south of Fiji and North of New Zealand.
While ashore I noticed that the wind had indeed picked up a great deal. Torrid was sitting at anchor in 35' of water with an onshore wind. Why is it ALWAYS on onshore wind? I rushed back out to Torrid to anchor sit.
The tour boat left, the wind came down and I moved Torrid over to the safety of the mooring ball.
I feel much more comfortable.
The chief was away on another island so I had a meeting with their second in command. Traditionally, one gives Kava as a present to the chief. I don't drink, so I don't promote Kava. Instead, I gave the assistant chief several fish hooks, 6 cans of tomato sauce and on of the most important "tools" an American always has in his toolbox: a brand new roll of duct tape. They all seemed to enjoy the gifts and invited me ashore this evening for music and dancing. They ALL wanted to make sure that I did not have a wife or a girlfriend. Then they ALL started giggling and talking in very rapid Fijian. As if I would understand Fijian if they spoke slowly!
I had a long chat with a lad named "Zo". He seemed extremely intelligent and wanted my views on American politics, our involvement in Iran and Afghanistan, and what I thought about President Obama.
Later, I went past the shop displays, wanting to get there before the tourists swarmed ashore. I found two nice seashell specimens which I had found alive but replaced while snorkeling. I did not feel bad purchasing these shells. Besides, it helps the Fijian community.
A high wind warning had been posted on the Fiji weather outlook station. It is NOT being caused by a Cyclone; rather, it is being caused by a very strong High Pressure system south of Fiji and North of New Zealand.
While ashore I noticed that the wind had indeed picked up a great deal. Torrid was sitting at anchor in 35' of water with an onshore wind. Why is it ALWAYS on onshore wind? I rushed back out to Torrid to anchor sit.
The tour boat left, the wind came down and I moved Torrid over to the safety of the mooring ball.
I feel much more comfortable.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
CHRISTMAS ON "CASTAWAY" ISLAND, 2009
This morning I sailed from Castaway Island Resort to Monuiriki Island. This is the island made famous in Tom Hanks "Castaway" movie. When I arrived a tour boat was in and the island was teeming with tourists. I motored over to some Fijian lads who were waiting off shore in a smaller boat. They explained that the large tour boat would soon leave and there was a mooring I could use.
I next hailed the "Seaspray II" and confirmed this info and also found out what time they will return tomorrow so I can be out of their way.
After everybody left the island I went ashore and did a little snorkeling. The coral was quite nice. I found two HUGE spider conchs side by side. As I expected, they were alive, so I wished them a "Merry Christmas" and let them continue doing whatever spider conchs do.
When I looked in the mirror this morning I was startled to think that instead of looking like Ernest Hemingway, which is the look I'm going for, that I had a strange resemblance to Santa Claus. Give me a red suit, and enough Valium, and I could've been a department store Santa this year.
Instead, I spent the better part of the day, alone, like a castaway, on tiny Monuiriki Island, Fiji.
Merry Christmas to all.
WAITING FOR SANTA CLAUS-2009
On Christmas Eve when I was about 7 or 8, my mother and I were on a US Navy transport ship returning from Guam to San Francisco. I let my mother know that I was very worried that Santa Claus would be unable to bring me my presents because we were on a ship, in the middle of the Ocean, and I could not see how it would be possible for Santa to fit thru the porthole---especially with all my hoped for presents.
Somehow, someway, when I awoke the following morning Santa had indeed worked his magic!
Now, at the ripe old age of 63, I again find myself on a ship (actually a small yacht) in the middle of the same Ocean (actually moored near a small, beautiful island) I found myself wondering how Santa will ever be able to bring me any of my presents.
It then dawned on me that I had not wished for any presents!
When I awake tomorrow I will receive about the best present I could have ever imagined-----another day of fulfilling my lifelong dream of sailing around the World.
The only thing I do wish for is the restoration to perfect health to my best friend in Hawaii. Together, we shared almost a quarter century of happy, meaningful Christmases.
The picture is of the Spider Conch I collected today.
May all your (reasonable and unselfish) Christmas wishes come true.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
CHRISTMAS EVE 2009
In Fiji it is Christmas Eve.
To celebrate, a little, I went snorkeling. I found a nice Spider Conch which was dead and in pretty good shape.
To celebrate, a little, I went snorkeling. I found a nice Spider Conch which was dead and in pretty good shape.
I also noticed literally billions of tiny pieces of calcium which looked a lot like the old "puka shells" people used to make into necklaces in Hawaii. These items were much smaller and far more delicate than the Hawaiian "puka shells." It would be an extremely easy thing to string these calcium items together and make a fine, if delicate, necklace. The shoreline was covered with these items. Whilst snorkeling I noticed " Billions and billions" ( Credit given to the late Carl Sagan) of these little critters lining the shallow, sandy bottom.
Since I do not wear ANY kind of necklace, thank you very much, nor would I have the patience to gather, sort, string and finish any kind of necklace I only picked up 6 for my photos.
The attached photo is of yours truly, Christmas Eve, 2009, Castaway Island, Fiji.
Since I do not wear ANY kind of necklace, thank you very much, nor would I have the patience to gather, sort, string and finish any kind of necklace I only picked up 6 for my photos.
The attached photo is of yours truly, Christmas Eve, 2009, Castaway Island, Fiji.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
CASTAWAY ISLAND
Today, 12/23/09 I moved over to Castaway Island.
The resort is "Yachtie" friendly and even offers a couple of free mooring balls.
They have THE BEST pizza in Fiji. I'm thinking of staying for another day just to justify having another pizza! Merry Christmas to me!
The wind has kicked up a wee bit and frankly, I don't trust this mooring, so I'll be content to boat sit this evening.
The picture is taken from Castaway Island with Mana Island in the distance.
I REALLY doubt that we will have a white Christmas.
I saw part of an American football game the other day. Of course there were the usual crowd photos of the shirtless, probably drunk, fans making a spectacle of themselves in the hopes of a momentary spot on national TV. It occured to me that it might be fun to have half a dozen Fijians dress up in parkas, snow pants, boots and ski caps and stand on the sidelines during a Rugby game, called a "test", shivering like mad in hundred degree temperatures here in Fiji to spoof the clowns in the US.
MALOLO ISLAND RESORT VISIT
Yesterday, 12/22/09, I visited Malolo Island Resort. I found it to be very friendly, to me, this means "Yachtie" friendly.
The internet connection was impossibly slow to update my blog. However, this morning I moved over to the nearby Castaway Island. I'll go ashore soon.
In the meantime, here is a nice picture I took of Malolo Isaland Resort yesterday. Of course, my dinghy always seems to get in the picture.
More pictures coming from Castaway Island..........I hope.
In the meantime, I'm keeping a VERRRRRRRRRRRY close eye on the weather forecasts.
It beats sitting at Vuda Marina.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
MALOLAILAI SEASHELLS
Today I walked a long ways around Malololailai Island in search of seashells washed up as a result of Cyclone Mick. I found a few nice specimens.
The photo shows the best of the pickings. The best find was a partridge tun shell. It is in the upperright of the photo.
Last night I slept up on deck as the evening was beautiful.
The photo shows the best of the pickings. The best find was a partridge tun shell. It is in the upperright of the photo.
Last night I slept up on deck as the evening was beautiful.
COULDA', WOULDA', SHOULDA'
Yesterday I left Vuda Marina and had a pleasant, solo, sail out to Musket Cove. The entire trip was routine until I tried to hook up to a mooring ball. After 4 tries I simply set my anchor then tied a safety line to a nearby mooring ball. The rest of the day was quiet.
Today I expect to walk around and look for seashells which washed up during Cyclone Mick.
The true theme of this message is that there are countless things in our past which we look back upon and think: If only.............I could'a, would'a, should'a done things differently.
Obviously we cannot change our past. However, as Winston Churchill so precisely said: "He who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it."
We should not beat ourselves up about those could'a, would'a, shoulda's from our past. Rather, we MUST remember them and we MUST learn from them.
Today I expect to walk around and look for seashells which washed up during Cyclone Mick.
The true theme of this message is that there are countless things in our past which we look back upon and think: If only.............I could'a, would'a, should'a done things differently.
Obviously we cannot change our past. However, as Winston Churchill so precisely said: "He who does not learn from history is doomed to repeat it."
We should not beat ourselves up about those could'a, would'a, shoulda's from our past. Rather, we MUST remember them and we MUST learn from them.
Friday, December 18, 2009
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2009
Christmas 2009 is now one week away (6 days away here in Fiji).
The people I care for most on this planet are literally thousands of miles away. The one person who loved me the most and longest is seriously ill.
My plan was always to take 5 years to circumnavigate the globe, visiting new lands, learning new cultures, improving my foreign language skills and most important, making new friends. All of these plans are coming to fruition and I fully intend to stay the course so long as I am physically capable.
What I did not take into consideration whilst making these plans was how much I would miss my family and friends left behind in my wake.
What I NEVER contemplated was the fact that once I cast off my lines, set my sails and pointed TORRID south towards Fiji, that I was leaving behind friends and family that I might possibly NEVER see again.
My Christmas message is this: Talk to or visit with those in your life who mean to most to you. I failed in this respect many, many times. You just never know when that opportunity will be forever closed to you! TEMPIS FUGIT!
I suppose I can take some solace in the old adage: "If all else fails, you can always serve as a bad example!"
Merry Christmas 2009.
Cap'n Mal
The people I care for most on this planet are literally thousands of miles away. The one person who loved me the most and longest is seriously ill.
My plan was always to take 5 years to circumnavigate the globe, visiting new lands, learning new cultures, improving my foreign language skills and most important, making new friends. All of these plans are coming to fruition and I fully intend to stay the course so long as I am physically capable.
What I did not take into consideration whilst making these plans was how much I would miss my family and friends left behind in my wake.
What I NEVER contemplated was the fact that once I cast off my lines, set my sails and pointed TORRID south towards Fiji, that I was leaving behind friends and family that I might possibly NEVER see again.
My Christmas message is this: Talk to or visit with those in your life who mean to most to you. I failed in this respect many, many times. You just never know when that opportunity will be forever closed to you! TEMPIS FUGIT!
I suppose I can take some solace in the old adage: "If all else fails, you can always serve as a bad example!"
Merry Christmas 2009.
Cap'n Mal
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
THE ELUSIVE MOLE COWRIE
After I walked out to the far edge of the reef to take some pictures of the ship wreck off Vuda Point I came across a sea shell that I had been looking for in Hawaii for well over 30 years. It is called a Mole Cowrie. Although it is not classified as "rare", it is certainly uncommon. I finally found one on Kauai around 2001.
Fortunately for me, but not for the sea shell, it was dead when I found it. It could not have been dead for more than 36 hours. The animal literally poured out of the shell as I picked it up. YUCK!!! But since it was dead, I had no reservations about keeping this beauty!
It is a fine specimen with a very small amount of damage incurred while being battered about on the reef during Cyclone Mick.
VUDA POINT WRECK CLOSEUP
Today, at low tide, I walked out to the wreck of the boat off Vuda Point. I took a picture to share.
I talked with some of the crewmen who were in the process of preparing to have the boat towed off the reef. It seems that they had moored onto an anchor buoy which it used to secure much larger oil and gas vessels. Due to the force of the winds of Cyclone Mick, the anchor buoys dragged until the ship ran aground.
Fortunately, no lives were lost nor major injuries incurred.
Nearby First Landing Resort has been kind enough to put the crew in comfortable, land-based, rooms. We call them "bures" in Fiji.
FIJI FLAG AFTER CYCLONE MICK
Fortunately, the only damage to Torrid during Cyclone Mick was the shredding of my Fijian courtesy flag as the picture shows.
Monday, December 14, 2009
MORE MICK PHOTOS
A large tree was blown down and into the swimming pool of the First Landing Resort.
AFTER CYCLONE MICK
Cyclone "Mick" struck Fiji yesterday. It had just been upgraded to a Category 2 before it made landfall. The "Eye" of Mick passed between the towns of Lautoka, which I visit at least twice a week, and Ba (yes, the name of the town is spelled BA). The eye was within 25 miles of my location. Although I did not experience the "dead calm" effect of being right in the eye of a cyclone, I did notice a steep drop in the wind for a while. Silly me, I thought the worst was over. WRONG!
The nearby resort hotel had several trees get blown down. Bless their hearts, they re-opened for dinner and I dined with fellow survivors by candlelight. It gave us a chance to start working on our survival "lies".
A large (80' approx) steel hulled survey vessel was washed up on the reef. A picture is attached. Had it been built of fiberglass or wood it surely would've been broken to pieces. The flat-bottomed barge it was towing wound up well inland.
At the height of the storm I walked out to look at the shipwreck. It was impossible to look for more than an instant as the driving rain stung my eyes. It was like driving a motorcycle at 100 mph in a rainstorm, without a face shield. I felt like one of those nutty TV people we see standing in the middle of a storm, getting blown to bits, all for the sake of appearing on the late news!
It was interesting, very interesting.
Oh, well, another "survival" story for my memoirs.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
AFTERMATH
Well, it was a dark and stormy day.... The time is 1730 hours and the worst of the storm is over. The barometer is rapidly rising and I actually caught a glimpse of the sun about 30 minutes ago.
There has been substantial damage done by falling trees, branches, coconuts and palm fronds at the nearby First Landing Resort. I "rescued" 6 nice papayas from certain devouring by mynah birds. I doubt First Landing will have pizza night tonight, the power has been off since 1000 hrs and the way things get done in Fiji, it is any one's guess when power will be restored.
A steel fishing boat, approximately 75-80' apparently lost power and washed up on the reef just adjacent to the Vuda channel.
The only apparent damage to Torrid was the shredding of the small Fijian courtesy flag we yachties are expected to fly. I'll buy a new one ASAP as I do not wish to show any indication of disrespect by flying a tattered flag.
I'll take photos tomorrow as well as give an update on how high the winds were. My best guess is maximum winds of 100-125 mph. As I said, it was a dark and stormy day. Oh yes, TONS of rain.
Wolfgang, your timing was perfect.
t
There has been substantial damage done by falling trees, branches, coconuts and palm fronds at the nearby First Landing Resort. I "rescued" 6 nice papayas from certain devouring by mynah birds. I doubt First Landing will have pizza night tonight, the power has been off since 1000 hrs and the way things get done in Fiji, it is any one's guess when power will be restored.
A steel fishing boat, approximately 75-80' apparently lost power and washed up on the reef just adjacent to the Vuda channel.
The only apparent damage to Torrid was the shredding of the small Fijian courtesy flag we yachties are expected to fly. I'll buy a new one ASAP as I do not wish to show any indication of disrespect by flying a tattered flag.
I'll take photos tomorrow as well as give an update on how high the winds were. My best guess is maximum winds of 100-125 mph. As I said, it was a dark and stormy day. Oh yes, TONS of rain.
Wolfgang, your timing was perfect.
t
HOLDING ON TO MY BUTT!!!
Monday 12/14/09 1430 hrs.
I have NEVER seen my barometer so low!!!!!
The wind is screeching. The boats are bouncing about.
Thankfully, I doubled up my bow lines this morning before the REAL stuff blew in.
The storm has been named MICK and is the first cyclone of the season.
This is the ONLY time I've felt it important to turn on my Anchor Drag Alarm while tied up at a pier.
So far, so good. No damage----yet. I expect to get struck by flying palm fronds.
MICK is a category 1----so far. It it passing right over the island I'm on and I can tell you this: I'm SURE happy to be at the marina versus out at sea!!!
Transmitting this message now as I'm sure the net will go down soon. Lost power hours ago.
Livin' the dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bula,
Cap'n Mal
I have NEVER seen my barometer so low!!!!!
The wind is screeching. The boats are bouncing about.
Thankfully, I doubled up my bow lines this morning before the REAL stuff blew in.
The storm has been named MICK and is the first cyclone of the season.
This is the ONLY time I've felt it important to turn on my Anchor Drag Alarm while tied up at a pier.
So far, so good. No damage----yet. I expect to get struck by flying palm fronds.
MICK is a category 1----so far. It it passing right over the island I'm on and I can tell you this: I'm SURE happy to be at the marina versus out at sea!!!
Transmitting this message now as I'm sure the net will go down soon. Lost power hours ago.
Livin' the dream!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bula,
Cap'n Mal
Saturday, December 12, 2009
ANOTHER VIVID DREAM
Last night I had another vivid, frustrating, revealing dream.
My father had come to visit me. He explained that he had been living in a faraway place which, I suppose, was his reason for not remaining in contact with me for so long.
He explained, with tears welling in his eyes, that he was very ill and did not have long to live. He told me, for the only time I could remember in my life, that he loved me.
The only time I had ever seen him cry in my entire life was at his father's funeral.
I tried to write down his phone number so we could get together within the next few hours. For some reason I found it impossible to write the digit "8". As hard as I tried, my trembling hands could not write down his telephone number correctly.
I awoke to find myself again in that post-dream condition wherein it takes you several minutes to realize that you had only been dreaming.
You see, my father had died on 2/8/88.
He never told me he loved me.
Sadly, I never told him that I loved him.
Shame on me!
Tell the ones you love how happy you are that they are in your life. Tell them that you love them EVERY DAY. Even on the days that you don't like them.
My father had come to visit me. He explained that he had been living in a faraway place which, I suppose, was his reason for not remaining in contact with me for so long.
He explained, with tears welling in his eyes, that he was very ill and did not have long to live. He told me, for the only time I could remember in my life, that he loved me.
The only time I had ever seen him cry in my entire life was at his father's funeral.
I tried to write down his phone number so we could get together within the next few hours. For some reason I found it impossible to write the digit "8". As hard as I tried, my trembling hands could not write down his telephone number correctly.
I awoke to find myself again in that post-dream condition wherein it takes you several minutes to realize that you had only been dreaming.
You see, my father had died on 2/8/88.
He never told me he loved me.
Sadly, I never told him that I loved him.
Shame on me!
Tell the ones you love how happy you are that they are in your life. Tell them that you love them EVERY DAY. Even on the days that you don't like them.
Friday, December 11, 2009
READY TO GO CRUISIN
Torrid is ready to go cruisin' again. Fuel is on board as are most provisions. I'm now awaiting a weather "window".
Unfortunately, a Tropical Depression has formed to the North West and looks like it will slam Fiji over the next couple of days.
The old saying goes: "There are old sailors and there are bold sailors, but there are no old and bold sailors."'
Since I'm already an old sailor, I'll continue to be a cautious, not a foolish bold sailor.
I await fair winds and a high tide.
Unfortunately, a Tropical Depression has formed to the North West and looks like it will slam Fiji over the next couple of days.
The old saying goes: "There are old sailors and there are bold sailors, but there are no old and bold sailors."'
Since I'm already an old sailor, I'll continue to be a cautious, not a foolish bold sailor.
I await fair winds and a high tide.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A DISTURBING DREAM
I awoke this morning to the recollection of a disturbing dream. The details are not relevant nor even interesting to anyone other than my memories which became the genesis of the dream.
Suffice it to say that the lesson of the dream was this: You cannot change your past. No matter how much we hope and pray to undo the mistakes of our past, once made they cannot be undone.
Choices are funny things. We have many choices we make in our every day lives. Most are insignificant. Do we buy the mayonnaise we always use or do we try a new brand which is on sale at a much lower price. If we try the new brand and don't like it the solution is simple: toss out the new brand and suffer the small financial loss.
Other decisions are much more important. These are the decisions which, once made, exclude all other possibilities. Do we file for divorce, do we accept a marriage proposal, do we have another child? These are the kinds of decisions which will bless or haunt our futures forever. These decisions must be made with the understanding that once made, it excludes all other possibilities.
We cannot thank or blame God, the fates or our stars for our choices whether they turn out to be right or wrong. They are our conscious decisions. How well we reason out these decisions and their possible consequences varies from person to person and from situation to situation.
I'm not sure how accurate my recollection of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" is, but I love this quote: "Our fate, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves."
What is your most memorable decision? Were you right or were you wrong? Have you awakened from a vivid dream wherein you thought you could undo that one decision in your life? Did you wake up with a tear in your eye as I did this morning?
s
Suffice it to say that the lesson of the dream was this: You cannot change your past. No matter how much we hope and pray to undo the mistakes of our past, once made they cannot be undone.
Choices are funny things. We have many choices we make in our every day lives. Most are insignificant. Do we buy the mayonnaise we always use or do we try a new brand which is on sale at a much lower price. If we try the new brand and don't like it the solution is simple: toss out the new brand and suffer the small financial loss.
Other decisions are much more important. These are the decisions which, once made, exclude all other possibilities. Do we file for divorce, do we accept a marriage proposal, do we have another child? These are the kinds of decisions which will bless or haunt our futures forever. These decisions must be made with the understanding that once made, it excludes all other possibilities.
We cannot thank or blame God, the fates or our stars for our choices whether they turn out to be right or wrong. They are our conscious decisions. How well we reason out these decisions and their possible consequences varies from person to person and from situation to situation.
I'm not sure how accurate my recollection of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" is, but I love this quote: "Our fate, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves."
What is your most memorable decision? Were you right or were you wrong? Have you awakened from a vivid dream wherein you thought you could undo that one decision in your life? Did you wake up with a tear in your eye as I did this morning?
s
Monday, December 7, 2009
WOLFGANG VISIT
This past week-end my friend Wolfgang came to visit for an all too short 2 days.
I sailed out to Musket Cove and spent 1 night. I then took him to Bounty Island for some snorkeling and beachcombing.
Torrid behaved beautifully and I'm sure Wolfgang had a great time, except for WAAAAAAAAY too much sun!!! Oh, well, at least he goes back to Germany with a tan to show off.
He is a fine young man and I mis him terribly when he is gone. I'm happy to say I had just a little to do with him becoming the man he is.
I hope to visit him in Munchen.
I sailed out to Musket Cove and spent 1 night. I then took him to Bounty Island for some snorkeling and beachcombing.
Torrid behaved beautifully and I'm sure Wolfgang had a great time, except for WAAAAAAAAY too much sun!!! Oh, well, at least he goes back to Germany with a tan to show off.
He is a fine young man and I mis him terribly when he is gone. I'm happy to say I had just a little to do with him becoming the man he is.
I hope to visit him in Munchen.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
THANKSGIVING DAY- 2009
Today is Thanksgiving Day, 2009.
Although it is actually the following day here in Fiji, I decided to take out a few moments for reflection.
I have a great deal to be thankful for. I had a good career and am having a great retirement. I am fulfilling a dream I've had since I was 18. I'm in the process of sailing around the World and taking my own sweet time doing it. I am meeting many wonderful people and learning new cultures. I am trying to become a citizen of the World, not just the United States.
Sure, I have more than my fair share of regrets and sad memories during my lifetime. I could have very easily fallen into the depths of despair and drifted about on a Sea of Alcohol instead of the Oceans of the World.
A friend once advised me: "Into each life a little rain must fall." I've had my share of downpours. Everyone, it seems, has also had their share of turmoil and tragedy. How we cope with these storms become the true measure of our moral and spiritual compass.
Be thankful for what you have. Enjoy your loved ones-------while you still can. Tell them that you love them--------while you still can. It costs nothing and pays tremendous dividends.
Although it is actually the following day here in Fiji, I decided to take out a few moments for reflection.
I have a great deal to be thankful for. I had a good career and am having a great retirement. I am fulfilling a dream I've had since I was 18. I'm in the process of sailing around the World and taking my own sweet time doing it. I am meeting many wonderful people and learning new cultures. I am trying to become a citizen of the World, not just the United States.
Sure, I have more than my fair share of regrets and sad memories during my lifetime. I could have very easily fallen into the depths of despair and drifted about on a Sea of Alcohol instead of the Oceans of the World.
A friend once advised me: "Into each life a little rain must fall." I've had my share of downpours. Everyone, it seems, has also had their share of turmoil and tragedy. How we cope with these storms become the true measure of our moral and spiritual compass.
Be thankful for what you have. Enjoy your loved ones-------while you still can. Tell them that you love them--------while you still can. It costs nothing and pays tremendous dividends.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
SPLASH!
Hurrah! Torrid is back in the water where she belongs!
I got an early start (0430) and finished preparations for the relaunch. I was back in the water and in a slip at 1000 hrs.
It at least 10 degrees cooler on the boat. I can actually be below decks without drowning in my own sweat.
I hope to go out for a day sail soon.
I got an early start (0430) and finished preparations for the relaunch. I was back in the water and in a slip at 1000 hrs.
It at least 10 degrees cooler on the boat. I can actually be below decks without drowning in my own sweat.
I hope to go out for a day sail soon.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
ANCHORS AWEIGH
Today I purchased 65 meters (219.05 feet) of anchor chain. I can now safely cruise to the nearby islands during the cyclone season.
Torrid gets relaunched on Monday, November 23, 2009. She and I are REALLY looking forward to getting back on the water.
Very little remains to be done for the relaunch. The biggest hurdle has been the heat! It is easily over 100 degrees in the Marina from 0930-1630. As a consequence, I've been spending a lot of time lounging by the swimming pool at the adjacent First Landing Resort. I must say that I am very impressed by their hospitality, especially since I am not a hotel guest. They are very yachtie friendly. I try to enhance my welcome by eating here frequently. Today is Friday and pizza is 1/2 price------oh boy!
Torrid gets relaunched on Monday, November 23, 2009. She and I are REALLY looking forward to getting back on the water.
Very little remains to be done for the relaunch. The biggest hurdle has been the heat! It is easily over 100 degrees in the Marina from 0930-1630. As a consequence, I've been spending a lot of time lounging by the swimming pool at the adjacent First Landing Resort. I must say that I am very impressed by their hospitality, especially since I am not a hotel guest. They are very yachtie friendly. I try to enhance my welcome by eating here frequently. Today is Friday and pizza is 1/2 price------oh boy!
Friday, November 13, 2009
A HAPPY DECISION, I HOPE!
I have decided to put TORRID back in the water where she belongs!
Since my travel plans to SE Asia have been put on hold and I'm back to living aboard TORRID, it makes little sense to not use her for some more sailing in Fiji.
For the most part, the Cyclone season is a non-event. In the meantime, the sailing can be quite pleasant. In the event a Cyclone does threaten, I will be near Vuda Marina where I can return to moor in a reasonably safe location.
Three days ago while riding the bus into Lautoka, I saw my favorite Fijian island, Waya, beckoning me in the distance.
I'll now have to prepare TORRID for the launching.
My only real impediment is that I have to purshase new anchor chair before I can do any serious cruising.
I think TORRID senses my decision and she seems delighted!
Since my travel plans to SE Asia have been put on hold and I'm back to living aboard TORRID, it makes little sense to not use her for some more sailing in Fiji.
For the most part, the Cyclone season is a non-event. In the meantime, the sailing can be quite pleasant. In the event a Cyclone does threaten, I will be near Vuda Marina where I can return to moor in a reasonably safe location.
Three days ago while riding the bus into Lautoka, I saw my favorite Fijian island, Waya, beckoning me in the distance.
I'll now have to prepare TORRID for the launching.
My only real impediment is that I have to purshase new anchor chair before I can do any serious cruising.
I think TORRID senses my decision and she seems delighted!
Saturday, November 7, 2009
WAIMANALO BLUES
Every Sunday afternoon the Vuda Marina has live musical entertainment. I decided to enjoy the music and cool off as the breeze there is quite comfortable as opposed to the heat of the storage area where Torrid is stored.
While enjoying the music I began reading a travel book to get more information about Thailand. I was quite rapt in the book and vaguely noticed that a familiar song was being played. It is entitled "Waimanalo Blues" and was made popular around 1978 by a group in Hawaii called Country Comfort.
What has prompted me to report this event is because the song was popular only in Hawaii. I had met one of the band members. Both he and his girlfriend were drug addicts and their child had been taken from them by Child Protective Services. I had been court-appointed to be a GUARDIAN AD LITEM which is "Lawyerese" for the Attorney for the child.
My job was to report to the Family Court, make my recommendation as to where the child should be placed and be prepared to fully support my report.
As the mother had already died of an overdose and the father was still an active and unrepentant addict, he was obviously unfit.
The Grandparents were fiercely competing for custody. I found the maternal Grandparents to be wealthy but cold, superior, racist and snobbish. I felt they wanted custody because they were expected by society to take that stance. I was sure the child would've been shipped off to boarding school.
The paternal Grandmother, although very poor financially, was very loving and sincere. I recommended she get custody. The Court agreed.
The father later overdosed but not before his group made "Waimanalo Blues" a very popular song which is still played frequently in Hawaii,.
It almost made me homesick for Hawaii----------almost.
While enjoying the music I began reading a travel book to get more information about Thailand. I was quite rapt in the book and vaguely noticed that a familiar song was being played. It is entitled "Waimanalo Blues" and was made popular around 1978 by a group in Hawaii called Country Comfort.
What has prompted me to report this event is because the song was popular only in Hawaii. I had met one of the band members. Both he and his girlfriend were drug addicts and their child had been taken from them by Child Protective Services. I had been court-appointed to be a GUARDIAN AD LITEM which is "Lawyerese" for the Attorney for the child.
My job was to report to the Family Court, make my recommendation as to where the child should be placed and be prepared to fully support my report.
As the mother had already died of an overdose and the father was still an active and unrepentant addict, he was obviously unfit.
The Grandparents were fiercely competing for custody. I found the maternal Grandparents to be wealthy but cold, superior, racist and snobbish. I felt they wanted custody because they were expected by society to take that stance. I was sure the child would've been shipped off to boarding school.
The paternal Grandmother, although very poor financially, was very loving and sincere. I recommended she get custody. The Court agreed.
The father later overdosed but not before his group made "Waimanalo Blues" a very popular song which is still played frequently in Hawaii,.
It almost made me homesick for Hawaii----------almost.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
SABRINA
I received sad news last night. Sabrina, the resident cat at Vuda Point died while I was in Sydney.
I looked forward to sharing my fish and chips with her.
She was a sweet, cuddly cat.
She will be missed.
Monday, November 2, 2009
TO BE(ARD) OR NOT TO BE(ARD)
To beard or not to beard, that is the question.
Prior to my trip to Sydney I decided to shave off my beard which I had developed for 6 months.
Here is a recent photo, taken 11/03/09 at Vuda Point, Fiji.
Which do you prefer? With or without the beard?
AUSTRALIA RECAP
My visit to Sydney was disappointing.
Sydney seems to be a quietly unhappy city. Although interesting in its multi-racial, multi-ethnic makeup, nevertheless I observed that the various races and cultures tolerate as opposed to accept and embrace one another. The Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Pacific Islander and all other groups seem to bond strongly to their own members to the exclusion of all others.
The "native" Australians, that is to say the descendants of the first English settlers, maintain their unique language, behavior and attitudes which seem to tolerate, if not ignore, the presence of new settlers to Australia from the far corners of the Commonwealth of Nations (formerly known as the British Empire).
Australia is still at a loss as to how they shall deal with the "Aboriginals". The "Aboriginals" are still at a loss as to how to deal with the powers which took over their country.
As an American, I cannot help but notice the similarities of these difficulties, and atrocious treatment history, as we "Americans" have had with our "Native Americans".
In sum, I found Sydney to be expensive, indifferent and, sadly, intolerant .
Whilst strolling near my over-priced hotel/motel in Sydney I came across an automobile parts dealership. The significance of my observation is in the picture I took of their outdoor sign. I dare say the sign would not last very long in America!
Friday, October 30, 2009
AUSTRALIA UPDATE, SYDNEY FAREWELL
I have been in Sydney, Australia for several days now and I have decided to return to Fiji.
Unfortunately, Australia has proven to be way too expensive for my blood. Although it is blessed by riches and things that are unheard of in Fiji it is also doomed by its own success.
I have been to "OZ" many times now and I realize that Sydney is not a complete picture of Australia, however, I must report that Sydney is, unfortunately, an expensive, multi-national experiment wherein most races and nationalities tolerate, as opposed to accept, one another.
I will return to "OZ" one day I am sure, I don't think my return will ever include Sydney
Unfortunately, Australia has proven to be way too expensive for my blood. Although it is blessed by riches and things that are unheard of in Fiji it is also doomed by its own success.
I have been to "OZ" many times now and I realize that Sydney is not a complete picture of Australia, however, I must report that Sydney is, unfortunately, an expensive, multi-national experiment wherein most races and nationalities tolerate, as opposed to accept, one another.
I will return to "OZ" one day I am sure, I don't think my return will ever include Sydney
Thursday, October 22, 2009
MIXED FEELINGS
As I prepare to put Torrid in storage for the cyclone season and leave for Australia I am flooded with mixed feelings. As much as I like Fiji, I know that I must push on to new travels and activities.
I'm flying to Australia in a few days and will probably go on to SE Asia for a few months.
My plan is to return to Fiji in April and sail on to Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Australia, Indonesia and Thailand. It should be a busy 6 month schedule.
Of course I will be updating this BLOG with pictures and observations during my travels.
The picture is one I took a couple of years ago in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
BACK AT VUDA
TORRID and I are back at Vuda Marina.
I am preparing her for storage during the Cyclone season which runs from November until April. Accordingly there will be little to report on this BLOG for the time being.
I expect to go to Australia in the near future and then to SE Asia. I will be updating the BLOG as my travels continue.
I am preparing her for storage during the Cyclone season which runs from November until April. Accordingly there will be little to report on this BLOG for the time being.
I expect to go to Australia in the near future and then to SE Asia. I will be updating the BLOG as my travels continue.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
FATHER (SAINT) DAMIEN'S CHURCH
I've been safely moored at Musket Cove for the past few days.
Today, Monday October 12, 2009 is "Fiji Day". It celebrates Fiji's independence from Great Britain. Fiji was granted independence and did not have to fight a war for it as we did in the United States.
Nothing of any consequence has happened to merit reporting in my Blog. However, I did find out that Father Damien, the Belgian Jesuit priest who tended to the lepers of Hawaii during the late 1800s at Kaulapapa, Molokai, Hawaii was just canonized as a Saint in the Catholic Church. I was fortunate enough to visit Kaulapapa several times while living in Hawaii. I met and became friends with "Boogie", a colorful ressident and Hansen's disease patient. He took me on a tour of the area and I was lucky enough to visit Father Damien's Church. The picture I took has a great deal of significance to me. I'm happy to share.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
TSUNAMI ALERT !
Today, 10/8/09, a major earthquake (8.3) struck the island nation of Vanuatu.
Vanuatu is situated almost due west of Fiji. The area where I am anchored faces West. I was very concerned.
By the time the word was passed around there were only 20 minutes until the possible tsunami would strike my location.
There was not enough time to take Torrid to deep water, so I grabbed my wallet and passport and zoomed in to shore. I hastily beat a track to high ground where dozens of other concerned yachties, hotel gueast and Fijian employees were waiting.
I took a "Before" picture, just in case. I hoped I wouldn't be taking any "Action" or "After" photographs.
Fortunately no Tsunami was generated which affected my area. Whew!
The picture is my "Before" photo of Torrid placidly lying at anchor at Musket Cove.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
SEA SHELLS AT NAVADRA ISLAND
To say sea shell collecting on Navadra Island is GREEEEEEEEEEEAT! would be a vast understatement.
I collected these in a little over an hour.
Please remember, the were all dead shells that had been washed ashore.
ANOTHER STUNNING SUNSET
OK, OK, OK!
I'm a sucker for stunning sunsets.
Taken off Navadra Island 10/5/09.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
WE MAY NEVER PASS THIS WAY AGAIN
As I looked North from Navadra Island, I could see beautiful, stunning, wonderful Waya Island in the mist. It made me a bit nostalgic realizing that I will probably never come this way again.
Then I realized, I sholud thank my lucky stars that I came here at all. Besides, there is a great big world out there yet to be seen.
This picture is of Waya Island.
BACK TO MUSKET COVE
I am currently headedback to Musket Cove.
It is Wednesday 10/7/09 at 1030 hours.
I'll start putting up some recent pictures.
This one is of Navadra Island. I only had to share the ENTIRE island with 2 goats!
YASAWA ISLANDS UPDATE- PART 2
I just got back in internet range on Wednesday 10/7/09.
Here are my Yasawa Islands note taken since I last made an entry.
TORRID- YASAWA DIARY- PART 2
As I’m out of internet range again, I’ve decided to write these recollections until I can get back on the Net.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Today the winds turned favorable for my return voyage back down the Yasawa group. It was my intention -note, not my “plan”, to sail back to Octopus Bay and enjoy some good food------for a change.
As 3 pm came and went I could tell that if I continued on that I’d be pulling into Octopus Bay after dark. Accordingly I decided to anchor near Manta Ray hotel. I remembered it as a pleasant anchorage.
It was a good thing I made this decision as my roller furling system decided to stop working. I could not roll in my jib.
Being alone on a boat requires one be able to solve problems and this was my PROBLEM DU JOUR.
The solution was relatively simple. I put the boat directly into the wind, turned on the auto pilot, went forward and dropped the jib. Then I had to make sure the jib didn’t flop over into the ocean. I tied up the jib and all was well.
After anchoring I examined the roller furler and diagnosed the problem. Three set screws hold the roller in place. All three were gone, long gone. I retired to a quiet night.
Sunday, October 4, 2009.
I awoke after dreaming all night about how to solve my jib problem. As it turned out, the solution was pretty simple. The hard part was re-raising the jib single-handed. Fortunately there was very little wind first thing in the morning and I managed to raise the jib and test the roller-furling and made sure TORRID was sea worthy again.
I had a very pleasant sail back to Waya island and Octopus Resort. The folks are so very pleasant. I’d say that if you were to come to Fiji and stay only at Octopus Resort you’d get your money’s worth. Many people I talked to have come back to Octopus year after year.
Sunday evening was another “Green Flash” sunset. I think I’m now up to 8.
The Sunday evening movie under the stars was very enjoyable.
Monday, October 5, 2009
I decided to sail over to Navadra Island. It is beautiful despite a fairly “rolly” anchorage. I saw some nice surf at the next island. I went ashore and did a little exploring. As far as I can tell, these islands are unoccupied.
It may be difficult to imagine, but there are literally hundreds of miles of deserted beaches in Fiji. In the Yasawas it is not uncommon to have an entire beach, if not island, to yourself.
As far as I can see, the main impediment to the use of several of the picturesque little outlying islands is a lack of reliable a reliable water supply. The resorts use a combination of river, well, catchment and desalinization systems. These are not cheap. The other problem is energy. Fuel for generators is brought in by boats and is brought ashore in 5 gallon containers . Most food and other necessary supplies have to be brought over from mainland
Fiji by boat.
I plan to do some snorkeling in the morning and will probably stay the day as it is a full day of sailing to get back to Musket Cove.
One of the REALLY nice things about being retired and on my own is that I am beholden to no time schedule. Life is good.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009. Navadra Island
This morning I went snorkeling in some very beautiful water. The reef is beautiful and is untouched. Sadly, I did not see any lobsters.
The anchorage here is somewhat exposed to a swell from the northwest. I few wave have rolled in and it is probably a pretty good break on big days with a consistent swell. As it appears the island is uninhabited there would not be any interference from villagers or resorts which specialize in surfing holidays. I have heard that some breaks are “owned” by resorts or villages and access is restricted to guests of the surfing resorts who pay a large fee to be able to surf in uncrowned conditions. As a former surfer myself, I can understand the desire to find uncrowned conditions. However, I cannot abide the idea of someone claiming “ownership” of the waves.
I went ashore and did some exploring. My only company seemed to be two goats which were also beachcombing. I was looking for shells. The goats were looking for ANYTHING to eat.
Tomorrow I hope to make my way back to Musket Cove.
Here are my Yasawa Islands note taken since I last made an entry.
TORRID- YASAWA DIARY- PART 2
As I’m out of internet range again, I’ve decided to write these recollections until I can get back on the Net.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Today the winds turned favorable for my return voyage back down the Yasawa group. It was my intention -note, not my “plan”, to sail back to Octopus Bay and enjoy some good food------for a change.
As 3 pm came and went I could tell that if I continued on that I’d be pulling into Octopus Bay after dark. Accordingly I decided to anchor near Manta Ray hotel. I remembered it as a pleasant anchorage.
It was a good thing I made this decision as my roller furling system decided to stop working. I could not roll in my jib.
Being alone on a boat requires one be able to solve problems and this was my PROBLEM DU JOUR.
The solution was relatively simple. I put the boat directly into the wind, turned on the auto pilot, went forward and dropped the jib. Then I had to make sure the jib didn’t flop over into the ocean. I tied up the jib and all was well.
After anchoring I examined the roller furler and diagnosed the problem. Three set screws hold the roller in place. All three were gone, long gone. I retired to a quiet night.
Sunday, October 4, 2009.
I awoke after dreaming all night about how to solve my jib problem. As it turned out, the solution was pretty simple. The hard part was re-raising the jib single-handed. Fortunately there was very little wind first thing in the morning and I managed to raise the jib and test the roller-furling and made sure TORRID was sea worthy again.
I had a very pleasant sail back to Waya island and Octopus Resort. The folks are so very pleasant. I’d say that if you were to come to Fiji and stay only at Octopus Resort you’d get your money’s worth. Many people I talked to have come back to Octopus year after year.
Sunday evening was another “Green Flash” sunset. I think I’m now up to 8.
The Sunday evening movie under the stars was very enjoyable.
Monday, October 5, 2009
I decided to sail over to Navadra Island. It is beautiful despite a fairly “rolly” anchorage. I saw some nice surf at the next island. I went ashore and did a little exploring. As far as I can tell, these islands are unoccupied.
It may be difficult to imagine, but there are literally hundreds of miles of deserted beaches in Fiji. In the Yasawas it is not uncommon to have an entire beach, if not island, to yourself.
As far as I can see, the main impediment to the use of several of the picturesque little outlying islands is a lack of reliable a reliable water supply. The resorts use a combination of river, well, catchment and desalinization systems. These are not cheap. The other problem is energy. Fuel for generators is brought in by boats and is brought ashore in 5 gallon containers . Most food and other necessary supplies have to be brought over from mainland
Fiji by boat.
I plan to do some snorkeling in the morning and will probably stay the day as it is a full day of sailing to get back to Musket Cove.
One of the REALLY nice things about being retired and on my own is that I am beholden to no time schedule. Life is good.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009. Navadra Island
This morning I went snorkeling in some very beautiful water. The reef is beautiful and is untouched. Sadly, I did not see any lobsters.
The anchorage here is somewhat exposed to a swell from the northwest. I few wave have rolled in and it is probably a pretty good break on big days with a consistent swell. As it appears the island is uninhabited there would not be any interference from villagers or resorts which specialize in surfing holidays. I have heard that some breaks are “owned” by resorts or villages and access is restricted to guests of the surfing resorts who pay a large fee to be able to surf in uncrowned conditions. As a former surfer myself, I can understand the desire to find uncrowned conditions. However, I cannot abide the idea of someone claiming “ownership” of the waves.
I went ashore and did some exploring. My only company seemed to be two goats which were also beachcombing. I was looking for shells. The goats were looking for ANYTHING to eat.
Tomorrow I hope to make my way back to Musket Cove.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
SURVIVORS OF THE STORM VIDEO
I made this video after we survived a major storm encountered between Futuna Island and Fiji.
It was a VERRRRRRRRRY exciting night!!!
It was a VERRRRRRRRRY exciting night!!!
SAWA-I-LAU CAVES
Today I was able to go into the cave and grotto on Sawa-i-lau isalnd.
My guide was a very nice Fijian lad named "John". Although he charges $10.00 Fijian (which is more like $5.00 US) it was well worth it. We had the entire cave and grotto to ourselves.
To get into the grotto you must first swim across a pool and next go thru a very narrow pass into the next cave which is more like a grotto. It is open to the sky so there is plenty of light. It was beautiful.
On the beach there was a group of Italians from a nearby luxury vessel. John explained that they didn't plan to see the grotto and cave because they didn't wish to pay the admission fee. That's like flying to Los Angeles, taking a limo to Anaheim and refusing to go to Disneyland because thet have an admission fee!
The picture is of the ceiling of the grotto with the sunlight streaming in.
BOUMA WATERFALL VIDEO
This video was taken 6/15/09 at Bouma waterfall on Teveuni Island.
I seems as a dream to me now to be reliving and sharing these moments.
Enjoy!
I seems as a dream to me now to be reliving and sharing these moments.
Enjoy!
SHORE VISIT
This morning I went ashore at Tamusua village on the south coast of Yasawa island. The GPS coordinates are approximately S 16 Degrees 50 Minutes 450 Seconds, East 177 Degrees 27 Minutes 823 Seconds for those interested in using Google Earth.
I met "John" who will be my guide to the caves at nearby Sawa-i-lau island.
John took me to meet the chief. We had a very pleasant meeting and I gave him a gift of Kava.
I also brought in a little "extra" gift of a kilo of flour which I gave to John and his diving pals.
John couldn't take me right away as he was going spearfishing. A large Australian tour boat is in the Bay and John will sell his catch to them. Get this, he's going for Barracuda and Walu, both very large, agressive fish with a LOT of teeth. Pictures of both can be found in earlier entries of my BLOG.
The picture is of John walking towards his dive boat with his village of Tamusua in the background.
Hopefully I'll have cave pictures later. John is to meet me at 1330 hours-----but remember---that's "Fiji time".
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
SAWA-I-LAU ISLAND ARRIVAL
This morning I had a pleasant trip up to Sawa-i-lau island.
This island has several limestone caves, the most popular being one which you can enter, then swim underwater for a brief time and resurface in an enclosed grotto which is said to have an opening to the sky allowing sunlight in. It was featured in the movie "Blue Lagoon" with Brooke Shields.
I hope to get some great photos to share.
This picture was taken as I arrived at Sawa-i-lau island. Note the other yacht in the left foreground.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
SNAIL TRAIL
Today, Monday September 28, 2009, I went ashore at Blue Lagoon, aka Nanuya-sewa Island.
I hiked over to the other side of the island then walked along the beach back to TORRID.
Along the way I spotted several "trails" in the sand. I knew what they were, but thought it would be fun to try to share.
The pictures are of the trail of a seashell through the sand. The other is of the critter that makes the trail in the first place.
These snails make their living by burrowing along just under the surface of the sand injesting whatever little scraps of organic material they can find. As they burrow along they cause the sand to rise just a little with their passage, then the sand settles just a little bit lower than the surrounding sand after they pass by. This way they leave a little "snail trail" in the sand. It is a simple matter to follow the trail to the end, scoop up the sand and VOILA' there is the little snail.
I'm holding the snail in my hand to give a size prespective.
Blue Lagoon is primarily a Honeymooners Resort. As I am a bachelor, yes, things are just THAT quiet for me. Even the snorkeling does not look worth even getting wet.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
BLUE LAGOON ARRIVAL
I had a very pleasant sail up to Nanuya-sewa Island, better know as Blue Lagoon. This is where Brooke Shield's "Blue Lagoon" was filmed about a hundred years ago.
I'm going ashore soon and just thought I'd pop in one photo.
If nothing else, the anchorage is VERY nice.
Friday, September 25, 2009
A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE
The recent news of someone I really care for becoming seriously ill has made me reflective of how our lives are changed by simple twists of fate.
How have we arrived where we presently are in life except for these simple twists of fate?
Had a friend of mine not stopped me when I was mowing my lawn to tell me that he was entering Law School that fall would I have EVER gotten the urge to attend Law School myself ?
Had I not started up a conversation with a young man working on a sailboat in Lahaina, Maui in the Spring of 1964 would I ever have gotten a job working on a sailboat, learned to sail and developed a love the Sea and sailing ?
Would I ever have developed my unrelenting desire to one day sail around the World ?
Had I not have concieved my first child on my birthday in 1967 would I have not been able, legally and properly, been able to avoid being drafted into the military and be sent to the Viet Nam war?
Would my name be carved on a long black wall in Washington, D. C. for all to see and none to remember?
Eventually, would I have ever wound up here, on a sailboat, in Fiji, bound to fulfill my lifelong dream of sailing around the World ?
Would I ever have had the adventures, good, bad and ugly, as I've had on this trip?
Or, would I still be pushing legal papers around, defending criminals and putting up with my fellow lawyers?
Would I still sit in front of the Boob Tube every night, mastering the use of TIVO and looking forward to a new episode of "24" or Monday Night Football ?
Would I have resumed sliding down the slippery slopes of my depression and alcoholism ( after all, I am of Irish ancesty you know) into poor health and eventual oblivion?
Instead, thru some simple twists of fate, I am here in Fiji, albeit alone, trying to accomplish my lifelong goals of sailing around the World, learning new cultures , meeting peoples and learning new languages.
I decided that once my obligations in life had been met that if I were ever going to fulfill my lifelong dream I had better get started before age, injury, illness, disability, unforseen responsibilites or some simple twist of fate prevented me doing so.
I think that it is a far,far better thing to try and fail rather than to fail to try.
I resolved that when I'm finally facing my death and about to "Shake off this mortal coil" and take that final voyage to "The Undiscovered Country", (Yes, it is from "Hamlet"), that I would not have any regret of having to think, too late, "If only.........................................".
Regrets, sure, I have many in my life. Who doesn't?
I, I took the road less traveled by, and that has made the difference.( Credit to Robert Frost).
I don't regret having failed to try or to have taken the road less traveled by.
That has made the difference.
VINAKA VAKA LEVU
Today I hiked back to Spitfire Bay to give the gracious lady who lives there a gift of a kilo of rice.
She is 73, lives alone in a "little grass shack" which was cool and comfortable.
The picture is outside her home, or "bure" and is made almost completely out of palm fronds, tree branches and bamboo.
She is a wonderfully sweet and gracious lady.
Vinaka vaka levu- Thank you--very much.
THE OLD AND THE NEW
When I went to church on 9/20 on Waya Island I took a picture of the little church.
In the background you can see the church. In the foreground, and this is why I took the picture, you can see a solar panel and a sattelite dish. These are UNHEARD of in small Fijian villages. It is apparent that this village is the beneficiary of the employment and generosity of nearby Octopus Bay Resort.
I was very impressed by the way the owner of Octopus Bay Resort looked after his employees and their famalies. A good example of this was the evening the "International Crab Races" was held. It worked like this: The Fijian boys collected several hermit crabs from the beach. Each person who wished to participate bought a crab for $FJ 3.00, that's $ 1.50 US. Each entrant is assigned a number and their number is placed on the hermit crab they've chosen from the "stable" gathered by the Fijian boys.
The entrants are next placed in the middle of a large circle drawn in the sand and the "race" begins. The first crabs to get out of the circle are the winners.
Several "heats", or elimination races, are "run" until a select few are ready for the "Derby". The "Derby" is "run" and the entrants with the crabs which "ran" first, second and third are awarded prizes of bar credits. Fun is had by all, even the crabs, as they are not harmed and lated released to resume their forraging on the beach,
The really good part about it all is that the proceeds are donated to a scholarship fund for the Fijian children of the adjacent village.
I spoke with several of the Fijian employees at Octopus Bay and they ALL seemed very happy with their jobs and their employer.
Well done, Octopus Bay Resort.
WALU
Here is a picture of a WALU which George and I caught while we were departing Savusavu.
A very tasty fish,
Thursday, September 24, 2009
SUNKEN SPITFIRE
During WWII a British pilot was patroling the Fiji area in his Spitfire fighter aircraft. As the Japanese were no where near Fiji and it appeared that they had no interest in ever coming here the pilot became bored and decided to do a little "barnstorming". For those of you unfamiliar with the term, barnstorming means flying low, fast and reckless. It is an expression from the late 1920's and early 1930's when pilots would put on air shows and entertain the hicks (audience of mostly farmers and ranchers) with flying feats of daring do. Usually they would swoop down, close to the ground, or barn as the case might be, and roar past the crowd at incredibly low altitudes.
Well, our Spitfire pilot was incredibly lucky AND incredibly unlucky. He was lucky because although he misjudged the altitude of a nearby coconut tree, clipped it with his wing, lost control of his aircraft and crashed into a nearby lagoon he survived and was able to walk (that is swim) away from the plane.
He was incredibly UNlucky because he survived and had to explain to his commanding officer how he had come to destroy one of His Majesty's warplanes. That would've been an interesting meeting to listen in on.
Nevertheless, here is a picture of what remains of the Spitfire. Most of it is gone, but the tail-rudder and stabilizer are somewhat distinguishable.
BOUNTY ISLAND
Bounty island, "islet" more descriptive, is a small backpacker's locale located about 5 miles offshore of mainland FIJI. It is a short, easy trip from Vuda Marina.
I went there on my way out to the Yasawa Islands and wanted to test out the recent repairs before I ventured too far off shore.
The picture is the kind you see in the travel brochures.
The anchorage is an open roadstead and quite uncomfortable. The weather was so bad that I never launched my dinghy to go ashore.
SUNSET AT OCTOPUS RESORT
Yes, another sunset picture. This was taken at the Octopus resort.
The next evening I was treated to another sighting of the "green flash".
That was the 6th time I've seen it. Sure wish I could catch it on camera.
WAYA ISLAND WEST COAST
While cruising up the west coast of Waya Island I remarked how beautiful it is and how much it reminded me of Tahiti and Rarotonga.
Waya is said to be the prettiest of the Yasawa group. I tend to agree.
FERAL PIGLET
I spotted this little guy forraging near the trail to the village I went to for church services on 9/20/09. He was quite unconcerned that I was nearby. He is seen nibbling on some leaves.
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