Position: 18 degrees 42 minutes south, 176 degrees 51 minutes east

We left the calm, peaceful anchorage of Momi at 0900. We are currently averaging about 6 kts with a triple-reefed main and the stays’l. We were making 7 -8 kts before the third reef went in but it feels like the winds are increasing a bit. The wind in the lulls is about 25 kts but gusts into the low 30’s. Before the third reef we were burying the rail pretty often. Now it only happens every once in a while. We have two meter seas. Everything is from ESE.

So while it’s not the quiet, idyllic cove, it is not horrible either. We think is should calm down in a day or two. Short but sweet and we are getting’ her done!

We are currently anchored in Momi Bay for a quick passage out of the reef around Viti Levu and the beginning of our trip to New Zealand. Two other boats that we know checked out right in front of us but did not stop for the night in Momi Bay. We decided we wanted to start fresh. There is a lot of stress that goes with moving in and out of docks to check out. Do you have the right paperwork? Is the Customs Dock clear? Where is the wind coming from? Turning around in tight locations. Lots to be stressed about.

At least our voyage checklist is complete!

Add to this stress add the heartbreak of leaving our best cruising friends,
Orcinius, John and Lisa. Rumor had it that Lisa cried as she woke up. I only cried when I allowed myself to think about the pending separation which was from my first opening thoughts of the day. We did not think we would cross paths with Orcinius as we waved good-bye to them in early June but we were blessed with a fabulous month-plus as we left Fulanga. We have had a blast with John and Lisa. So lucky we are.

And then add to that the fact that Lisa made a double batch of her wonderful chicken curry and John made a double batch of his famous spaghetti sauce to stock our freezer and you might understand how wonderful our friendship has been. Oh, and did I tell you that as we tearfully pulled away Lisa remembered the chocolate chip cookies she made for us? Yep, two cookies per day for the whole trip plus a few to cheat with. Oops, she forgot to give them to us on the dock. So after we pulled away Bob pulled one of his famous “Spin Charisma on a dime moves” and got us close enough to a dock for John to toss the cookies aboard. And we just had one and they are fabulous!

So tomorrow morning, after a restful night’s sleep and relaxing breakfast we head to New Zealand again. While we can’t wait to get there we first must pay the piper and make the crossing. Please offer prayers, cross fingers and a send good vibes our way. We will be out of Internet touch other than posting the blog for the next ten or eleven days.

See you in New Zealand! Happy Halloween!