Tonga to Fiji

Leaving Tonga today...

Waiting 5 hours for fuel truck with six boats rafted together on fuel dock!

September 26, 2013
WE are waiting to check out of Tonga. Waiting for the fuel truck. They say the truck will arrive on “Tongan Time” which will be when it is… We were told to pre-arrange 24 hr in advance for the “duty-free” fuel.  We arrived at 10:00am.  But we are still waiting.  Several other boats are waiting with us.  We’ve cleared our papers and passports with customs, but now we are waiting…
Finally, after 5 hr delay, the fuel truck arrives… fuels six boats waiting…and we are off to overnight in outer island anchorage.

Finally....

September 28, 2013
Leaving Tonga in the distance, we sail out in near perfect conditions; puffy white clouds clear blue skies with light lights 10-15knots.  Wizard sails best scooting along at 5.5knots. We left in a weather window with SE trades along with three other boats-destination- Savusavu, Fiji.
Calico Jack- Travis & Joanne
Yindee Plus- Chris, Sue & boys, Wil & Sid
Galligano- Matt & Charlotte

Reef Resort...we will be back soon to caretake in February

sailing into dark clouds could mean trouble...

9/29 

Tonga to Fiji Passage;

Sailing directly into dark squally clouds with rain on the port side, white puffy clouds on starboard…will we be heading into bad weather?

The 3 day sail is pleasant with 10-15 knot winds. Wizard sails nicely in this wind, some downwind time, some broad reaching as we turn the corner into Nanuku Pass heading for Savusavu.

Traditional sailing canoe of Tonga

I have time, now to reflect on our one year plus of sailing. …
 The year has passed really fast.  We have sailed over 6,000 miles and will have visited five countries before we're finished!   Our plans back in Sept 2013 were only to sail south to Mexico with the Baja Rally. We spent 3 months in and around Banderas Bay and exploring the coast of Mexico.  We met so many cruisers who where going on west on the “Pacific Puddle Jump” that we decided to go for it.  This is the across the Pacific Ocean to French Polynesia Rally. Again, not too much thought, we just needed to add a few more items for the passage, like 200ft more chain for the deeper anchorages and more provisions, and another crew member and we were off!
Our 21-day passage to Marquesas was not the fastest, but certainly not the slowest time.   We experienced light to fair winds the whole way, an uneventful passage, of which I'm thankful!  There are many stories to share this past year and I have enjoyed journaling the highlights on my blog, sailingonwizard.blogspot.com
Some reflections on the two people who started this journey in one mind-set and where that mind set has come or gone is my goal here.

Arrived in Fiji! 

When these two people, one with some sailing experience, the other not-so much combine to travel the high seas together, there are many exciting adventures to share, but more important are the changes that happen between the two people.  There’s the mutual trust, rules to agree to, compromising, the learning curve, the arguments and the forgiving and lots of beer drinking in between that makes the two people closer and stronger than before the adventure. Truly, we have enjoyed our time together, or at least survived!.

Some interesting “tid-bits” to share:
- I haven’t worn a pair of jeans or pants for one year
- I haven’t worn shoes for over a year
- My entire clothes closet fits in a 2x3 plastic storage box
-  I barely remember what day it is, let alone my "passwords" for the Internet!
- You really can live with less!

Savusavu, Fiji

The Copra Shed Marina in Savusavu, Fiji

Love the fresh veggies at the market!

Arrived in Savusavu! Destination the Copra Shed Marina located up the Nakema River. It’s a protected spot with the boats moored in line up the river.  On shore is the bustling small town filled with people, markets and services.  The “yachtie” community contributes to this economy, buying provisions, drinking beer at the yacht club and dining out at the many restaurants. The food is good and a varied mix of Indian, Fijian, and Chinese.  The mix cultures is friendly and interesting.

Colorful stores filled with eclectic goods

Showing off in my new "wrap-around" pants. The custom is to be modestly dressed.

We only have a few weeks to discover Fiji.  Most cruisers spent a season here (six months). The sailing through the islands can be challenging because of the reefs. We'll see what we can see in a month. Then on towards Australia!

Coconut palms sway in the breeze