Yup, another great day.

Right now, we’re sitting in what’s known as the “Sand Spit” anchorage. It’s a little part of the lagoon in the southeastern side of the island. Our stern is backed to the sand spit, our bow toward the Southern Cross, and I’m looking out over the peaceful water at a full moon (plus one day) coming up over the island. The moon is leaving a trail of white gold over the water that I think we could almost walk on to the beach. Palm trees are silhouetted on shore and the roar of the ocean on the reef is flowing through the palms and the jungle.

View from our back yard.

After a leisurely coffee and papaya breakfast, Ann and I jumped in the dinghy for what is now a half hour ride through the lagoon to the beach that gives access to the village. We pull the dinghy up on the beach away from the tide and take the 20 minute walk through the jungle to the village. Along the way we can hear the loli (a type of Fijian drum) announcing church is starting. Ah, oh, we’re a bit late. No worries, we’re on Fijian time.

Part of the view walking into the village.

There are four other boats in the Sand Spit anchorage with us and we decided that we would dive again this day. The only problem for us was after church you are supposed to have lunch with your host family. I had a feeling it would be tantamount to a mortal sin if we skipped lunch, so instead of saying we would skip lunch in favor of diving, I asked if maybe it would be too much trouble for them to have us for lunch again. Me, “The yachties are going diving, maybe you don’t need to make lunch today”. Jasmine, one of our hosts; “Diving? Why”. Me; “The tide is right, it would really be best if we leave and then you won’t have to do lunch today”. Jasmine, “OK, you can go dive right after lunch. Come on”.

It’s like that. Fijians sometimes have a stubborn streak (don’t we all) that shows more as just ignoring your question. Anyway, we (I) knew in our hearts that skipping lunch on Sunday would not be good, so we dutifully trudged over to Tau’s house and sat down. She said, “I hear you want to go dive today?” Me, “Yes, the tide is good and the other yachties will be there”. She, “OK, you can go right after lunch!”

OK. So that’s how it went. Lunch was delicious as always. The highlight was clams baked in the lovo (underground oven). Yum. Once lunch was done they dismissed us, “OK, you can go dive now”, and off we went and darn if we didn’t get back to the boat just in time to make the dive.

The dive was spectacular. Even better than yesterday. Very clear water, at least 120 feet visability and crystal clear. It doesn’t get better. We’re looking forward to more dives all this week – except maybe tomorrow when the wind might come up. We’ll see.

Excellent water clarity

Dinner. Fish again. Fresh tuna marinated in sesame oil and soy sauce and cooked very rare, with rice and breaded eggplant. Yes, life is tough out here.

Signing off from Fulunga for some extreme moon watching.