Thursday, May 15, 2014

Underway at last

Sieg's friend Chuck flew in with the last of our new parts a couple of days ago. Now, with new batteries, wiring harness, solenoid, safety switch, and fuel water separator installed (and pocketbooks correspondingly emptied), we are finally ready for action. Despite no wind and a forecast for rain showers, we "braved" the 15nm passage to Malolo Lailai island. The reef-strewn waters give you a clear idea of why Moorings gave up on bareboat chartering here. We picked up a mooring in front of the Musket Cove resort, rather than anchoring in 60+ feet of water. This is low season, and there are less than a dozen yachts here, including friends on Inca and Sorceress. Most of the fleet has not yet arrived from NZ or the east. In late August, boats will start massing here for the Sailing Rally to Port Vila, Vanuatu. We're happy to have it to ourselves for now. Its quiet ashore, and easy to find a table at Dick's restaurant, a seat at the bar, or a lounge chair by the pool. The first night here, there was traditional Fijian dancing in front of the restaurant. Not nearly as sensual as in French Polynesia, but still fun, and a good reminder that in spite of the touristic trappings, we are a long way from home. As is our custom, we were up before dawn for a vigorous walk before the sun heats things up. We walked through the resorts and up to the hilltop for a view over the bay. Along the way we passed this picturesque chapel. We hope to relax here for a week or so. Its one of the few spots in the Mamanucas and Yasawas with reliable 3G internet, and I need to stay connected until the end of spring term in a few more weeks.

1 comment:

Linda said...

So glad you dodge a very serious potential blaze!!

Have a great season

Chuck & Linda
Jacaranda
NW Panama