To Buca Bay

Beez Neez now Chy Whella
Big Bear and Pepe Millard
Fri 26 Jun 2015 22:57
To Buca Bay via Kioa Island
 
 
 
 
IMG_3726
 
Our planned route.
 
We had a leisurely morning and set off at a quarter to one, we were leaving Viani Bay at the top of the tide to meet slack water as we went between Vanau Levu and Taveuni islands to anchor off the main village on Kioa Island ten miles away.
 
 
IMG_3728
 
As we ducked out of the shelter of Viani and looked across to Taveuni the sky looked ‘full of it’.
 
 
IMG_3733
 
As we approached the wind turned and was blowing over twenty knots, at anchor we would be back to Kioa Island. Not knowing what the holding was like or if the wind would get stronger over night Scott-Free and Beez Neez decided to take shelter in Buca Bay back on Vanau Levu. A shame, but we were only venturing six miles away and felt it better to retry our ‘looked forward to’ visit in the morning.
 
 
IMG_3740  IMG_3737
 
The marker post on our chart plotter, although unlit was proudly showing the edge of the reef.
 
 
IMG_3744
 
Once more in the main channel we heard the school bus pass, the children squealing and laughing as they caught a wave.
 
 
IMG_3745  IMG_3742
 
The driver called “Beez Neez”, the children waved and laughed as did a pleasure craft. All home soaked methinks.
 
 
IMG_3753
 
All quiet as we picked our spots, the only two boats in Buca Bay – pronounced Botha.
 
 
IMG_3746
 
The six mile journey from Kioa to Buca we could happily take on in the pitch dark. Deep water all the way and you can pick any depth you want to anchor - solidly in the thick muddy bottom. Bear fancied eight metres and we were all settled by four o’clock. The high sides act as a very effective wind break.
 
 
IMG_3750
 
The plan on the morrow is to try for Kioa Island and if we have to divert, head to Katherine Bay on Rabi Island.
 
 
IMG_3757
 
A fisherman slowly making his way home.
 
 
IMG_3754
 
Looking out to sea it’s hard to believe it’s blowing a hoolie out there.
 
.
 
 
 
 
ALL IN ALL SNUG AS BUGS
                     A VERY SHELTERED BAY