tRain, Rain go away..........
Been raining pretty steadily since we arrived. Upside is that it is actually cool (Josh had socks on last night! yeah I know first time in ages). Downside is it is cool and damp and hard to do the outside projects. Hopefully the weather will get over itself soon.... doesn't it know I have things to do???
In spite of the rain, we went to the market yesterday. Very nice, lots of fresh veggies and yes eggs - unrefrigerated!!! a flat for about 7.20 US. We picked up bread and lettuce/toms/carrots/passion fruit/pineapple/bananas - the usual. And some unusual - plaintains to boil and then fry into chips and taro and coconut to make my new favorite dish (the lady talked me through the process a couple of times). I am also the proud new owner of a coconut scraper. Going to have to post a picture of it cuz it is hard to explain - you cruisers out there know what it is - the board you sit on with the scraper at the end to get the coconut out. Pretty much did a circuit of the main downtown area. Dennis chose a sulu - very brightly colored - I am proud of him (that will need a picture as well). We picked up a router oh and yummy bread. The bread store had chicken chile meat pies - Dennis had two. They were good and hot.
After we got back to the boat, Dennis spent the whole rest of the afternoon trying unsuccessfully to get the new router to work. OMG, what a pain in his neck, butt, back, head...... I think the sadistic SOB who makes those things needs to be painfully killed. I mean really it shouldn't be this hard!!! Hopefully he will get it up and running - I hate it that he has to spend so much time and energy on something that SHOULD BE EASY!!!!!
I spent the afternoon rearranging under Josh's bunk, hanging new storage hammocks and trying to tidy up and make a space for Paul - More of that today as well as changing our the filters in the water maker. Otherwise not much going on. It is Sunday - the streets are rolled up until tomorrow. I have been up since 0530 - good time to use the internet when everyone else is asleep. But, Dennis is up now - coffee is brewing - time to start the day.....
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Sunday, September 1, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
Arrived in Fiji
We are here in SavuSavu Fiji - YAY!
Last night was not too bad - Finally had to start the motor around 0430 - the wind really died down (less than 10kts). It tried to come back, changed directions some, but never got strong enough to turn off the engine. We were all tied up to a mooring ball by 1030 local time (that is an hour behind Apia for those of you following behind us).
It is a very tight little mooring field. Our mooring is in 50 feet of water - pretty sure we can see at least 30 feet down the mooring line. The CopraShed Marina security guard led us to our mooring, then brought out all of the officials we needed to see. Quarantine didn't even get on the boat, we just filled out a form and will go pay at the hospital on Monday. Customs and Immigration was all one person. He had all the documents I had scanned and sent, but also wanted the originals, 2 copies of our crew list, and then I filled out arrival cards (like you get on the airplane). He was very pleasant, and only stood in the salon and then left. The biosecurity guy saw us walking out of the marina office and we did his paperwork at the restaurant there. Crazy easy.
We had lunch at the one of the marina restaurants - best curry I have had in a long time. Josh was not too enamored of his pork chops with teryaki on them, but they disappeared quickly anyway. After that we split up, I went to find an internet place to do some immediate email, and Dennis and Josh went to the other marina office (we are on their mooring ball) to check in with them and see if we needed to move (we don't) and then an ATM. We met up, found an atm, I went to immigration to deal with on coming crew paperwork (Paul will join us next week), Josh found new earbuds to replace the ones that just died (another one of those disposable things it seems), Dennis and Josh picked up a USB internet modem from Vodaphone. 50 US for the USB and 11 gbs of data. Hopefully that will get us through the next 6-8 weeks. AND best of all, the dinghy engine started with only half a zillion pulls - a good omen I think.
So we are settling in. Have several projects that need to get done while we are here, not the least of which is laundry, but it is cheap here and they do it for you 2.50 US per load wash, dry fold - woohoo I have died and gone to heaven!!! On the downside, the bimini I put together in Mexico is on its last legs, so really need to make a new one. I hope I have enough fabric. Oh yeah and we need to clean out the spare bunk for Paul. That will be interesting, not sure where it will all get stowed, but pretty sure I can figure it all out. Watermaker filters need changing too. Just like a house, there is always something.....
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Last night was not too bad - Finally had to start the motor around 0430 - the wind really died down (less than 10kts). It tried to come back, changed directions some, but never got strong enough to turn off the engine. We were all tied up to a mooring ball by 1030 local time (that is an hour behind Apia for those of you following behind us).
It is a very tight little mooring field. Our mooring is in 50 feet of water - pretty sure we can see at least 30 feet down the mooring line. The CopraShed Marina security guard led us to our mooring, then brought out all of the officials we needed to see. Quarantine didn't even get on the boat, we just filled out a form and will go pay at the hospital on Monday. Customs and Immigration was all one person. He had all the documents I had scanned and sent, but also wanted the originals, 2 copies of our crew list, and then I filled out arrival cards (like you get on the airplane). He was very pleasant, and only stood in the salon and then left. The biosecurity guy saw us walking out of the marina office and we did his paperwork at the restaurant there. Crazy easy.
We had lunch at the one of the marina restaurants - best curry I have had in a long time. Josh was not too enamored of his pork chops with teryaki on them, but they disappeared quickly anyway. After that we split up, I went to find an internet place to do some immediate email, and Dennis and Josh went to the other marina office (we are on their mooring ball) to check in with them and see if we needed to move (we don't) and then an ATM. We met up, found an atm, I went to immigration to deal with on coming crew paperwork (Paul will join us next week), Josh found new earbuds to replace the ones that just died (another one of those disposable things it seems), Dennis and Josh picked up a USB internet modem from Vodaphone. 50 US for the USB and 11 gbs of data. Hopefully that will get us through the next 6-8 weeks. AND best of all, the dinghy engine started with only half a zillion pulls - a good omen I think.
So we are settling in. Have several projects that need to get done while we are here, not the least of which is laundry, but it is cheap here and they do it for you 2.50 US per load wash, dry fold - woohoo I have died and gone to heaven!!! On the downside, the bimini I put together in Mexico is on its last legs, so really need to make a new one. I hope I have enough fabric. Oh yeah and we need to clean out the spare bunk for Paul. That will be interesting, not sure where it will all get stowed, but pretty sure I can figure it all out. Watermaker filters need changing too. Just like a house, there is always something.....
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Thursday, August 29, 2013
En Route to SavuSavu - day 4
0530 zulu
lat 16 deg 53.37 S
long 179 deg 37.70 W
course 246 T
speed 5kt (second reef on main, staysail and partial jib)
wind 10-15 SE
swell 3-4 ft S SE
mosly sunny
Well, we have been seeing the Fijian Islands since early this afternoon, but will arrive at the checkin port of SavuSavu tomorrow - probably in the morning -- about 80 miles left to go. Last night was the same old weird stuff. About 0100 the wind picked up and by the time I came up at 0130 we brought in the jib - we still rocked and rolled until about 1000 this morning, then the wind came down and the seas calmed. Craziness. Makes for difficult sleeping. Otherwise very quiet. We are all ready to be done, but in the grand scheme of things it has been a pretty nice crossing, so not complaining. Fixed the radar today - Raymarine used a pretty useless connector and we had problems with it all the way to Mexico. Dennis finally got some very expensive goo with silver in it and has worked ever since. Just wiggled it a little bit and back in business.
Woo Hoo land ho
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lat 16 deg 53.37 S
long 179 deg 37.70 W
course 246 T
speed 5kt (second reef on main, staysail and partial jib)
wind 10-15 SE
swell 3-4 ft S SE
mosly sunny
Well, we have been seeing the Fijian Islands since early this afternoon, but will arrive at the checkin port of SavuSavu tomorrow - probably in the morning -- about 80 miles left to go. Last night was the same old weird stuff. About 0100 the wind picked up and by the time I came up at 0130 we brought in the jib - we still rocked and rolled until about 1000 this morning, then the wind came down and the seas calmed. Craziness. Makes for difficult sleeping. Otherwise very quiet. We are all ready to be done, but in the grand scheme of things it has been a pretty nice crossing, so not complaining. Fixed the radar today - Raymarine used a pretty useless connector and we had problems with it all the way to Mexico. Dennis finally got some very expensive goo with silver in it and has worked ever since. Just wiggled it a little bit and back in business.
Woo Hoo land ho
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Wednesday, August 28, 2013
En route to SavuSavu Fiji day3
0530 zulu
lat 15 deg 46.41 S
long 177 deg 29.23 W
course 245T
speed 5.4 knots (just started the motor to charge up the batteries)
wind 15 E to SE
seas - mixed/confused from the southeast ish 4-6 feet
mostly sunny all day
Was a rock and rollin night last night. Dennis got a little seasick so Josh covered a couple hours of his watch so the meclizine could kick in. He is feeling much better today. My watch was full of dark clouds, off and on rain and wind around 25 knots. That kept up thru Josh's watch, although the clouds started to diminish around 0500 - even saw a few stars. The wind and seas calmed down a lot today - which made for a much more comfortable day. To the point that Dennis and I even braved the back deck for a quick rinse - that sure felt good. We are running the engine now to give the batteries a boost. We have the parts coming to Fiji with Paul to re run the water for the generator so we can use it underway. Until then it is the engine. (yep there is always some project).
Otherwise a nice uneventful day. Shared a beer between the 3 of us before dinner. Just the way all you guys think it is every day (except when it isn't right?) Still looks good for a Friday arrival in SuvaSuva. Hopefully in time to get checked in - if not, it will be a quiet weekend on the boat for us - actually that doesn't sound all bad......
til tomorrow......
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lat 15 deg 46.41 S
long 177 deg 29.23 W
course 245T
speed 5.4 knots (just started the motor to charge up the batteries)
wind 15 E to SE
seas - mixed/confused from the southeast ish 4-6 feet
mostly sunny all day
Was a rock and rollin night last night. Dennis got a little seasick so Josh covered a couple hours of his watch so the meclizine could kick in. He is feeling much better today. My watch was full of dark clouds, off and on rain and wind around 25 knots. That kept up thru Josh's watch, although the clouds started to diminish around 0500 - even saw a few stars. The wind and seas calmed down a lot today - which made for a much more comfortable day. To the point that Dennis and I even braved the back deck for a quick rinse - that sure felt good. We are running the engine now to give the batteries a boost. We have the parts coming to Fiji with Paul to re run the water for the generator so we can use it underway. Until then it is the engine. (yep there is always some project).
Otherwise a nice uneventful day. Shared a beer between the 3 of us before dinner. Just the way all you guys think it is every day (except when it isn't right?) Still looks good for a Friday arrival in SuvaSuva. Hopefully in time to get checked in - if not, it will be a quiet weekend on the boat for us - actually that doesn't sound all bad......
til tomorrow......
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013
En route to Fiji day 2
0530 zulu
lat
long
course 230 mag
speed 6-7 knots
wind 20 ish
swell 8-10 SE and S mixed bag of uncomfortable tricks
cloudy all day, but no rain
Well, crazy night. rain, wind, then no wind and then wind from all directions. All on top of first night of a crossing sleepies. Something just not fair about that. Finally around 0430 it settled into what we still have 15-20 behind the beam. Rockin and rollin. So yeah, the usual stuff. Got good speed going with just the main (2nd reef in - wish it were the 3rd) and the stay sail. Managed to get everything closed up before the waves started hitting the deck - a first I think. Woke up for my watch and my computer was not in its place - Josh had seen some lightening on his watch, so all the laptops were in the oven. That still cracks me up. Don't know if it would work, but at least we could say we tried...
We are about 350 miles from SavuSavu, so Friday is still looking good. Hopefully before quitting time. Huge thanks to Brad for the weather info. It sure is comforting to know he is out there watching for us. PJ give him a big old smooch for me!!!
Wondering if my position reports are posting on the blog? Anyone? My little computer doesn't always want to play with this program. it looks like they are being sent, but would be nice to know for sure.
Speaking of which, off to wrestle with the SSB, position report, request for gribs etc. cross your fingers....
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lat
long
course 230 mag
speed 6-7 knots
wind 20 ish
swell 8-10 SE and S mixed bag of uncomfortable tricks
cloudy all day, but no rain
Well, crazy night. rain, wind, then no wind and then wind from all directions. All on top of first night of a crossing sleepies. Something just not fair about that. Finally around 0430 it settled into what we still have 15-20 behind the beam. Rockin and rollin. So yeah, the usual stuff. Got good speed going with just the main (2nd reef in - wish it were the 3rd) and the stay sail. Managed to get everything closed up before the waves started hitting the deck - a first I think. Woke up for my watch and my computer was not in its place - Josh had seen some lightening on his watch, so all the laptops were in the oven. That still cracks me up. Don't know if it would work, but at least we could say we tried...
We are about 350 miles from SavuSavu, so Friday is still looking good. Hopefully before quitting time. Huge thanks to Brad for the weather info. It sure is comforting to know he is out there watching for us. PJ give him a big old smooch for me!!!
Wondering if my position reports are posting on the blog? Anyone? My little computer doesn't always want to play with this program. it looks like they are being sent, but would be nice to know for sure.
Speaking of which, off to wrestle with the SSB, position report, request for gribs etc. cross your fingers....
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Monday, August 26, 2013
Suvai'i to Fiji
zulu 0530
lat 13 deg 40.36 S
long 173 deg 15.03 W
course 241 T
speed 5-6 knots
wind 14 SE (except when its not)
sea state - calm waves 1-2ft following (yeah!)
cloudy with the occasional rainbow
So yeah, I forgot to mention that we swam back in the rain - darn it we got wet!!! It rained hard most of the night. This morning it was hot and sunny very little breeze. Dennis helped me get the kayak down and I went in a settled our bill in Australian dollars and talas. Pretty funny actually. Loaded the kayak back on the boat, stowed everything and headed out. That entrance channel is crazily narrow, but we just followed our track back out, so no worries.
Hurray we are on our way to Fiji!! The winds today have been pretty squirrelly. We had to motor almost to the end of the island before we got any decent wind. Poled out the jib port, furled it, put it out starboard for wing and wing, jibed the main back and forth and now at 1830 local we have the second reef back in the main, the stay sail and partial jib with the wind back behind the beam. During my watch this afternoon it did about a 360 ended up close hauled thru dinner, and now it is behind the beam. Will see what the evening brings. Quiet day other than the multiple sail ins and outs etc. Hot. Should make Fiji by Friday if we can average between 5 & 6 knots. it could happen, if not, we will still be moving and when we do get there we will laze around the boat until Monday (if we get there before then - which we should even if we go realllyy slow).
Back to crossing mode. Hate to say it, but so far the motion has been great - probably jinxed myself, but trying to be thankful for the small things. I hardly knew how to cook in a galley that wasn't pitching around. Nice!
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lat 13 deg 40.36 S
long 173 deg 15.03 W
course 241 T
speed 5-6 knots
wind 14 SE (except when its not)
sea state - calm waves 1-2ft following (yeah!)
cloudy with the occasional rainbow
So yeah, I forgot to mention that we swam back in the rain - darn it we got wet!!! It rained hard most of the night. This morning it was hot and sunny very little breeze. Dennis helped me get the kayak down and I went in a settled our bill in Australian dollars and talas. Pretty funny actually. Loaded the kayak back on the boat, stowed everything and headed out. That entrance channel is crazily narrow, but we just followed our track back out, so no worries.
Hurray we are on our way to Fiji!! The winds today have been pretty squirrelly. We had to motor almost to the end of the island before we got any decent wind. Poled out the jib port, furled it, put it out starboard for wing and wing, jibed the main back and forth and now at 1830 local we have the second reef back in the main, the stay sail and partial jib with the wind back behind the beam. During my watch this afternoon it did about a 360 ended up close hauled thru dinner, and now it is behind the beam. Will see what the evening brings. Quiet day other than the multiple sail ins and outs etc. Hot. Should make Fiji by Friday if we can average between 5 & 6 knots. it could happen, if not, we will still be moving and when we do get there we will laze around the boat until Monday (if we get there before then - which we should even if we go realllyy slow).
Back to crossing mode. Hate to say it, but so far the motion has been great - probably jinxed myself, but trying to be thankful for the small things. I hardly knew how to cook in a galley that wasn't pitching around. Nice!
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Saturday & Sunday Suvai'i
Saturday was a lazy day. We all slept in, I made a late breakfast, then we internetted, schooled and read until about 1400. Then we decided to go in to see what was what. After a zillion pulls and lots of cursing, the dinghy engine finally started. In the meantime Tortuquita (Dave and Booker) and Wendy Ellen (Zack, Susie and Ronan) came to the anchorage. It was low tide, so it took lots of persistence to finally make it to the beach and up to the Savai'i Resort. Once there we had beers, a fruit platter (with the first grapefruit since Fr. Poly) and fries. We did a quick tour of the immediate vicinity (they have a pizza parlor) and then headed back to the boat. I made bbq ribs -rum. We watched the first "Taken" movie with Liam Neeson - Not bad for a shoot 'em up movie.
This morning we got up and started stowing the boat for the crossing to Fiji. Major pain, but we decided to put the dinghy on the deck to save some wear and tear. The davits are hard on it on a long crossing. We finally were ready around 1130, so up came the anchor and we were off like a herd of turtles. Not much wind, but the sea was calm. We were able to sail for a little while, then around 1400 turned on the motor, hoping to get out of the Island's wind shadow and commence real sailing. Around 1500 we were passing the harbor of Asau and decided to stop for the night. The entrance gave us a few more gray hairs, but we got in and anchored and all is well. For anyone coming after us, the waypoints in the compendium are good - kind of disconcerting as our navionics charts put those waypoint on land..... but visually (in the real world) they were right on. There is no second range mark that we could see, but there are three poles (for want of a better term) sticking out of the water and the center one lines up with the white triangular range mark. Taka from the Moana resort paddled out to meet us, but by then we were through the worst of it. Luckily the light was good enough to see the shoals.
Since the dinghy was on the deck, Dennis and i swam in for a drink. Note - yes you can use a credit card, but 100 tala minimum charge. That part got lost in translation, so not sure what is going to happen. i will have to go in in the morning and figure it out with someone with the authority to make those kinds of decisions. sigh...... Anyway, pending what the gribs say we will be on our way tomorrow to Fiji. We expect it will take 4 full days, so hope to be there before closing time on Friday. If we don't leave tomorrow, probably won't leave until wednesday, as cannot check in to fiji on the weekend.
More tomorrow....
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This morning we got up and started stowing the boat for the crossing to Fiji. Major pain, but we decided to put the dinghy on the deck to save some wear and tear. The davits are hard on it on a long crossing. We finally were ready around 1130, so up came the anchor and we were off like a herd of turtles. Not much wind, but the sea was calm. We were able to sail for a little while, then around 1400 turned on the motor, hoping to get out of the Island's wind shadow and commence real sailing. Around 1500 we were passing the harbor of Asau and decided to stop for the night. The entrance gave us a few more gray hairs, but we got in and anchored and all is well. For anyone coming after us, the waypoints in the compendium are good - kind of disconcerting as our navionics charts put those waypoint on land..... but visually (in the real world) they were right on. There is no second range mark that we could see, but there are three poles (for want of a better term) sticking out of the water and the center one lines up with the white triangular range mark. Taka from the Moana resort paddled out to meet us, but by then we were through the worst of it. Luckily the light was good enough to see the shoals.
Since the dinghy was on the deck, Dennis and i swam in for a drink. Note - yes you can use a credit card, but 100 tala minimum charge. That part got lost in translation, so not sure what is going to happen. i will have to go in in the morning and figure it out with someone with the authority to make those kinds of decisions. sigh...... Anyway, pending what the gribs say we will be on our way tomorrow to Fiji. We expect it will take 4 full days, so hope to be there before closing time on Friday. If we don't leave tomorrow, probably won't leave until wednesday, as cannot check in to fiji on the weekend.
More tomorrow....
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