The Countdown to Fiji

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We survived the low from the Tasman and had an enjoyable few days in Orakawa following the storm. Our friends, Jean and Matt from "Superted" were nearby and we enjoyed a few nights of social time. One night it was "curry night" aboard SuperTed V with Monique and JanBart from "Victory." We all got to admire the newly remodeled galley on SuperTed – very nice! Everyone contributed to the feast and we had lots of laughs.

JanBart and Michael went fishing one rainy afternoon, Matt worked on his battery calculations and Monique, Jean and Barbara played MahJong. "Victory" left the next day in some stormy weather. It was a cold and rainy day – perfect for chilli and homemade bread – so we invited the SuperTed crew over for an early evening chow before what would be another windy night at anchor. After a day, the weather settled a bit and Michael and Matt went fishing (scoring some nice snappers) and Jean and Barbara played MahJong (along with invisible partners "Mini Jean" and "Mini Barbara"). Michael is getting a bit nervous about these "invisible" friends who are adopting their own personalities! It is kind of sad that we have to make up friends just to play MahJong.

Then, Mike and Karen aboard "Chapter Two" arrived in the anchorage and it was time to celebrate Mike's (of C2) birthday – he joined the "sexy 60" club. Astarte hosted a feast and the party went on well past Cruiser's Midnight (and even the real midnight)...with way too much wine, chocolate cake and dinner consumed. It was a very fun evening but everyone felt a tad "fragile" the next morning.

Off we went the next morning, back to Opua! We are now back at the marina and our new mainsail has been picked up by the sailmaker for a re-fit. The fit wasn't perfect – so it is back at the loft. Plus, the oil leak in the old Perkins still needs to be solved – so a new set of gaskets were ordered and, this time, all six of the gaskets will be changed, not just five. And something always seems to break or wear out – and that was our propane "sniffer." We ordered a new one and Michael has already got that installed as well. Better that it broke down here rather than Fiji!

On Saturday night, we had a big cruiser potluck and birthday party for 7 year old Natalie from "LaFiesta." It was a fun evening with lots of folks.

The last provisioning needs to be completed along with some "pre-cooking" of offshore meals. Then, its waiting for the best weather window to leave. There is a good one this week it looks like, but we won't be quite ready as the sail won't be back until late in the week. The meat order will be picked up from "Central Butcher" in Kawakawa on Tuesday morning (all packed, labeled and frozen); and, hopefully a last big provisioning run will also be made this week. We keep getting more info about what is and isn't available in Fiji. Luckily some of our friends still have their cars here – so we are hitching rides whenever someone goes to one of the nearby towns.

It feels like we still have a bit to do – but much of it can't be done until the last minute (eggs, bread and fresh fruits and veggies). But we still need to pick up some additional staples.

But stay tuned – a new country soon!

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