Trish and I have headed south about 16nm to Musket Cove, a really pretty anchorage off the Musket

Cove Resort and small Marina.

Prior to our departure for the UK in September, the west coast of Viti Levu had not seen any rain

for some months and non fell in the time we were away. The land had changed colour from its usual

lush green to parched brown and a hose pipe ban was in place.

In a strong La Nina year the weather patterns have been really screwed up with the convergence zone

moving around and affecting the weather in the western pacific. Fortunately for the people of Viti Levu

but not for the holidaymakers, the dry spell broke with a vengeance and we have had heavy rain now for

the last few days.

The La Nina effect is also being watched closely by the cruisers who are heading on to Australia or

west and then north towards the Philippines’ and Japan.

We have met up again with good friends Allan & Alison off Fly Aweigh (who are about to leave for

New Caledonia and on to Oz) and Steve & Melva off Mary Powell (who will continue to Vanuatu before

heading NW as they circle the eastern Pacific on the way back to Canada).

It has been great to catch up again, swap stories old and new and share plans for the future.

It will be sad to see them go!