Fai Tira Blog Tuesday 13rd July

Fiji Savusavu 16:46.70S 179:20.00E

 

 

We left Tonga at dawn as the sun was rising over the local church. We were technically illegal in Tonga.  We should have left the day before but we had trips booked on the karts.  See previous blog.

 

 

As we left Tonga a lovely old sailing boat was on the way in.

 

We had arrived at Fiji early in the morning and had to wait outside the pass for the marina office to open.

 

 

Savusavu with its Copra Shed marina. We were the fourth boat to arrive.

 

 

A good old British Leyland bus with a very wiggly gear leaver took me to the airport to meet the arrival of the fight bringing Judy to see me.  I met some fantastic locals on board and made friends with Levy who later came to visit us on Fai Tira.  (The picture isn’t of him it of a boy on his way to school)

 

 

She stepped off the plane looking gorgeous. I presented her with a BIG kiss and a bunch of flowers.  It was great to see her after all this time.

John and J were busy cleaning the boat ready for Judy’s arrival. 

Thanks guys.

 

 

We were whisked off to our accommodation by Junior in a 4X4.  When we got to the guest house we found out why.  It was up a 1 in 4 dirt track for half a mile.

 

We have managed to walk up it a couple of times but did need oxygen when we got to our room.

 

 

The mooring at the Copra Shed. 

 

 

We had the welcome party followed by a brilliant band which allowed us to dance the night away.  Judy thoroughly enjoyed catching up with the crews she met in Antigua and being introduced to the newer members of the rally.

It was a fantastic welcome.  The strength of the group and the support for each other is brilliant.

John and J went to watch the All Blacks beat the Australians at rugby.

 

 

There was a fabulous sunset that night.

 

The next day we went for a walk to a waterfall.  Not as impressive as some we have seen but gave Judy the opportunity to see the island and observe the friendliness and gentleness of the population.

 

It was great to be together.

 

 

A very colourful bus for the trip.

More later.

 

Pete, Judy, John and Jeremy.