Fai Tira Blog Sunday 1st August 2010

Musket Cove 17:44.84S 168:18.64E

 

First an apology for the lack of blogs over the last week.  We sent one from half way between Fiji and Vanuatu but it got lost in the ether.  It will be resent shortly.  John will modify his blog to include pictures.

 

Secondly we are all safe after quite a rough passage across to Vanuatu.  More about that later.

 

This is a picture blog of Pete and Judy’s holiday at the lovely resort of Musket Cove.

 

 

The pleasant marina at Musket Cove.  Note the size of Fai Tira’s mast compared with most of the others no wonder they have more speed.

 

 

 

Judy and I went for a canoe trip around the island.

 

 

The next day we went on a snorkelling trip to a beautiful reef not far from the resort.  Judy loved the warm clear waters here.

 

 

A couple of Dots and Dash Butterfly fish.

 

 

A mermaid I bumped into.

 

 

The reef was teeming with fish and beautiful corals.

 

 

We went for a walk along our own bit of desert island.

 

 

The following day saw Stuart from Gaultine 3 organise a golf tournament.  I partnered Carol from Bali Blue.  We didn’t do too badly against a couple of professionals.  Well, they were compared to us.  Peter and Ed came second overall.  John partnered Caroline from Gauline 3 and enjoyed his round so much he went and did another nine holes.

 

 

Another one destined for the ocean.

 

 

In the afternoon we had canoe racing with a difference.  The paddler was blindfolded and given instructions from the navigator in front.  You are looking at the winning team of Peter and Peter.  Years of surf canoeing had put us in with a good chance.

 

 

You were not allowed to partner your partner. Here is Judy in the blue canoe with Donald from Aqualuna.

 

 

Paul got it all wrong and sat in the front, accepting instructions from Marg

 

 

Sunset that evening from our Bure (Fijian House)

 

 

We then had a Birthday party for Charlotte from Blue magic.

I think she’s on the right holding the camera.

 

 

Some people decided to dress up as women.  This rally might be getting a reputation.  Very fetching, Paul and Alden!   In fact we’re beginning to think that Paul looks suspiciously practised and ‘at home’ in drag...

 

 

The lovely Charlie keeping an eye on us outside our Bure.

 

 

Entertainment followed that evening with tradional dancing and singing.

 

 

Our last romantic meal together. We had a lovely holiday.  (not an adventure)

 

 

 

Judy chilling out just before she was due to leave.

 

 

Goodbye to you Jude.  Come back soon.

 

 

The next day was a time for farewells. Bill and Sue were leaving the rally and heading for their long-term destination of New Zealand. It was an emotional parting and every one of the BWR crews will miss them, ‘Radio Camomile’, and the Friday night quizzes.

 

 

 

We left in perfect conditions, but it wasn’t to last long. John and Jeremy look quiet relaxed here.

 

 

Aqualuna overtook us, even though we were doing seven knots, and took this photo of Fai Tira in full flight.

 

 

A rough crossing indeed.  One boat was knocked down, another completely swamped and lots of people were seasick.  Fai Tira looked after us though. The only casualty of our trip was John’s cauliflower cheese sauce which ended up on the galley floor.  We ate it anyway. 

 

 

Arrival at last at Port Vila in Vanuatu.  We arrived about 15 hours before schedule due to the strong winds.

 

More to come of Vanuatu and the Volcano at Tanna soon.

 

Pete and Judy

John and Jeremy