Vuda to Blue Lagoon

After what seemed like a quick flight, (had a good book to read) we arrived at Nadi and were soon in the taxi and on our way back to the boat. No problems there, in fact the boat seemed a lot cleaner than it usually did on our return. The reason for that was that there had been a torrential rain fall the day before our return. That was great for us, although Tony did give Windspirit another good wash. On Friday we headed up to Lautoka and restocked our dwindling food supply, especially fresh fruit and vegetables and then on Saturday morning we left Vuda and had a short trip up to Saweni Bay where we had a few chores in store for us before heading to the Yasawa Islands, about thirty miles to the west of Viti Levu.

All plans had to be put on hold because the weather forecast was for a trough to pass over the group and so we were not able to leave Saweni until the morning of the 29 September when the weather moderated. We had a pleasant motor sail to Cuvu Bay at the southern end of Naviti Island. Although not totally sheltered from the South East trade winds, we spent a comfortable night tucked in close to the beach. We even managed to take a pleasant swim and snorkel on the reef. On swimming back to the boat we had to swim through what looked like fine white threads. Unfortunately, where they touched the skin, we had small stings. Not that they were very painful, but uncomfortable. By night time the sensation had gone away. Perhaps they were some form of jelly fish.

The next morning, Tuesday, the weather forecast was for strong South Easterlies and we felt that it would not be wise to stay on a lee shore. Therefore, we up anchored and headed north, inside the outer reef, through the Nailavalava Passage and in to beautiful Vunayawa Bay at the north end of Naviti, where we hoped to stay for a while to explore. However, that was not to be as the wind did a spin and ended up from the North East, in to the bay. However the seas were coming from the other direction still and we ended up having a sleepless and very uncomfortable night. It was so rolly that it was impossible to do anything, including cooking. We went to bed early but then had to keep checking the anchor. Oh the joys of sailing!. We stayed two nights without even going ashore and as soon as the weather moderated we headed to Blue Lagoon, location of the two movies of the same name. What a beautiful spot. No wonder that movies were made here. We anchored north of the area where the Blue Lagoon Cruises have their allocated private beach and settled down for some rest.

We had been having problems with the anchor winch that was only four years old and well maintained. It had cut out a few times and then restarted but now it has only half power. So Tony has been spending some time stripping and cleaning the terminals etc. Until we use it again we are not sure if that has done the trick or if he needs to take more drastic action.

Yesterday we went ashore and had a really long walk, the first for ages around Nanuya-Sewa Island. We started by walking around the northern end of the bay and then did some cross-country, steep walking until we found a path along the ridge of the island. The views were amazing.

We could see for miles and also could see all the reefs. Pity they are not so clear when in the boat. It is quite frightening to be close to the reefs and they are very hard if you touch. We try to stay well away from them. On our walk we passed a communications tower. Knowing we did not have cell phone service we had not tried to clear our emails. But seeing this tower we decided to try when we got back to the boat. We have been using Mobile Connect, a telecom service, since arriving in Fiji, and were amazed to find that even in this remote spot we have full internet service. It is hard to stay remote in Fiji.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, that meant that Tony could catch up on his work emails too and so he has spent almost all of today working. That was not exactly planned for this time away but he must not neglect his clients if he can help it. However, he has now caught up on all his work and can rest with a clear conscience. The timing was right though because we have had really strong winds since yesterday afternoon and would not have wanted to leave the boat on anchor without us being here. We are thrilled with our Rocna anchor which we bought not long before leaving NZ and have not had any problems with dragging anchors. Touch Wood!
Yesterday afternoon the local supply ship arrived with it’s cargo. We were amazed to see that there were thirteen 44 gallon drums of diesel aboard and they were dumped in to the sea to float for the long boats to collect, tie up and drag to shore. It was a very difficult task for the workers because it was very windy and it took over an hour to bring the last one to shore, given the offshore strong wind. When the ship arrived and held station just off the shore many long boats arrived and people clambered aboard obviously finding their goods. The ship was packed in an unbelievably untidy way. Bags and boxes were just dumped on top of one another. It is amazing that the people managed to find their own gear, if they did!

Tomorrow we want to get out in the dinghy for a decent look around and hopefully do some snorkelling. We have been told that it is not only beautiful above the water, but also below.