Fiji is a nearly perfect delight= wonderful weather, in other words slightly cooler and fresher than French Polynesia, people are the friendliest and most genuine that we have encountered on our voyage thus far and it is a stunningly beautiful place. We could easily stay here for months and months and sail round each island and bay - there are many we have met here who are doing just that.

but we must press on Vamoose!

We checked in with some minor bureaucratic delays and astounding masses of paperwork and multiple payment of very small amounts - however we did it in the capital city of SUVA. We then set sail over night towards Musket Cove - we passed through he reef in pitch dark, no moon just  a few stars, at midnight 30 and anchored up in a small nearby bay which George had spotted on the chart. Momi bay was safe and there were jst tow other yachts there - we dropped the anchor in 5 meters of water and slept a few hours.

 George front left of picture. We arrived in Musket Cove the next morning after negotiating more internal reefs and coral heads by eyeball navigation. Here was the swedish Yacht Spirit which numbers amongst her crew Pia Hultgren the Swedish TV weather forecaster who had very kindly helped us by send weather report when we were catching up with the fleet. So we had a celebration with her and her wonderful Husband Erik who in turn had helped with getting a grip of Volvo, where he had contacts, to procure our new engine.

 A fine Yacht anchored next to us in Musket Cove.

This is our first visit to Musket Cove, really to show George who sadly leaves us later this week. We crossed to Vunda Marina where there a more mechanics to attend to a few small maintenance issues and be closer to the airport for George’s return flight.

Vunda was great and from there we explored more of mainland VITI LEVU the main island of Fiji.

 Vicky negotiates for vegetables and fruit.