Voyages 6

The Voyages: Fiji III

We took a trip to the Yasawas, west of Viti Levu. These are beautiful volcanic islands, very high and rugged, much like the Marquesas, but smaller.

In Tokatokaunu Pass, at the south end of Naviti, we found huge manta rays while snorkeling and spent hours swimming with them while they fed. We were able to swim very close to them because they moved very slowly. We both managed to touch their smooth skin gently. They did not react to our touch at all and continued their slow swim across the reef.

At the north end of Waya, we visited the village in Nalauwaki Bay and made sevusevu (presented a gift of kava) to the village chief. The kava was prepared and we drank with the chief and some of the elders in a traditional welcoming ceremony. Everyone in the village was extremely nice to us. Later, they did a meke for us, a traditional dance. We will never forget their wonderful hospitality.

In early August, we will be leaving Fiji for the Marshalls by way of Tuvalu and Kiribati. It will be so hard to leave this enchanting land and its beautiful people.

This was taken from Waya Island, Naviti Island is in the distance. Athough calm at the moment. strong northerlies can occur in this area.

Waya Island from the west. According to what we’ve read, this is some of the most beautiful scenery in Fiji.

Southern Naviti Island. Near here we swam with manta rays. The water visibility was astounding.

Nalauwaki Bay in northern Waya. The village is on the right. Fishing provides a large part of the diet of these people.

John, the chief of the village, about to present us with the first bowl of kava (”yaqona” in Fijian) in a welcoming ceremony.

The people of the village performing a Meke for us. They sang and beat drums beautifully. Afterwards, we joined in the dancing.

Mom and kids. We fell in love with these people. These are the grandkids of Api, the man who led us through the village.

Only a small number of the village’s large supply of pigs.

Likuliku Bay on the western side of Waya. This anchorage is good in SE winds, but treacherous when the wind is from a westerly quadrant.

Likuliku Bay. The snorkeling was amazing. The coral reef was very healthy and the fish were plentiful.

Indo-Fijian friends invited us to a family meal. Here the women pose in beautiful holiday dress. The meal was delicious curry fare.

Sue and Pete from Nightcap borrowed a truck and we all went for a ride to the interior of Viti Levu. Here, we give some hitch hikers a ride.

High up in the interior with Pete and Sue. A sugar cane fire smokes in the distance.

Rhonda coming up from a free dive over a beautiful coral reef. The water is really clear. Photo by Marilyn Stewart.

Rhonda examining a pink starfish. Diving is one of our favorite pastimes. Photo by Marilyn Stewart.

Stowing the jib after anchoring. It always feels good to have the hook down and set, like coming home.

“On a long passage, when the going gets rough, the only strength that counts is mental.”