Yup, sometimes that’s the smartest move.

We were going to go out to Cousteau Resort to stage for our move to Koro and then Nairai, but the wind is really not cooperating. SO-we stayed in Savusavu and will be here another day or two while we wait for a high pressure system that is to the south of us, to move west.

In the mean time we did two things today:
-I spent an hour or so crunched down in the lazarette tightening the steering cables. The wheel has been showing some slackness which is not good. I think our two tough passages to/from NZ stretched the cables a bit. Once stretched, they can wreak other havoc from chafe and other stuff. So…I tightened the adjustment bolts about 1/2 inch on each side and we have a nice tight steering system again.

-We went ashore for a walk. We climbed the hill just adjacent to where we’re moored. We got about halfway up the hill and…uh oh-a really big doggie was intently watching us. This was a 100 lb. very fierce looking Rhodesian Ridgeback (I believe they were bred to fend off lions!). I said to Ann: “I think our hike is over now”. We started our strategice retreat, but Mr Ridgeback had other ideas. He came charging toward us, barely stopping about twenty yards away, staring with huge dark eyes daring us to even move. I decided we had one chance before he tore us apart; “hi, puppy, how are you!” I uttered in my best, highest, puppy-friendly voice. That’s when he charged. I closed my eyes, started into the fetal position, and next thing I knew….he was licking my face. Close call!

So, another day or so here and south we go. Koro Island, then Nairai to meet the folks who found our bottle that we threw over at the equator. That should be interesting because we can find zero information about Nairai-no charts, no waypoints, nothing. We’ll be exploring on our own.

Wish us luck!