Yasawa Islands

The first week after we arrived in Fiji we headed out from Musket cove to the Yasawa group of islands. The Yasawas are the most western of the islands in the Fiji group. There is mostly a resort on every island with friendly local villages and plenty to see and do. Some of our highlights were the snorkeling and diving at Navadra Island. A couple of days snorkeling with the Manta Rays at Manta Ray pass and a fantastic night out with fellow yachties at Manta Ray resort. A night in Somosomo Bay where we purchased a lobster from the locals for FJ$20.

Snorkeling with the manta rays at Manta Ray Pass was a highlight and something we intend to do again with the kids.

Diving the many bays was also a highlight

 Navadra at Sunset

Somosomo Bay

Lobster for Dinner

Thank you to everyone that has helped us get here!

It has been a long journey to get where we are today and there have been a lot of people that have helped us get here. This post is long overdue so we want to say a BIG thank you to all you that have helped us, without your help we would not be in Fiji today. Apologies if I miss anyone in the list below.

Crew for the trip Sydney to Brisbane

Tony Wulff

Adam Tucker (Manuel)

Peta West 

Crew for the trip from Brisbane to Vanuatu

Evan Lawless

John Penfold (also a great sailmaker, see http://jpsails.com.au)

Paul Martin

Crew for the trip Vanuatu to Fiji

John Penfold

Evan Lawless

Dad -William Hall (Snr)

Other special mentions

Granma who you all know is a "special lady" and means the world to me, we thank you for putting up with us over the last couple of years...we love you and the kids are already missing their daily morning tea with you

Paul Ley for all of your advice and great work on making our new dodger

Jessica Tracey for research and organising the Chesterfield and Huon reef stopover

Dr Trachtenberg for providing wonderful medical advice and keeping my wife mostly sane

Other providers we have used

JP Sails for our new Mainsail that has lived up to all expectations

Island Cruising Association for training, advice and information (John & Lyn)

Tempo Spars for rig inspection in Sydney

Port Vila Boatyard for repair of the grid to hull joins in the bow

P Kumar electrical for alternator and windlass motor rebuild

....and to everyone who have spent hours listening to us repeat stories about our plans, our preparations, schedules and all things boating, thank you!

The kids are here!

In making plans for our 'big adventure' we decided early on that it would be best that the kids were not thrown into a life of cruising by being aboard for the trip from Aus to Fiji. We knew this wouldn't be a good start for them. Instead we enlisted the Granma's to assist us by bringing the kids to meet us in Fiji.

Olivia and William arrived at Musket cove on the 7pm Malolo cat on the 11th June and after a fantastic dinner at Dicks Place were keen to get onto the boat and start their family holiday. They were asleep within minutes, all worn out from a big day of travel.We chose Musket cove for their arrival because they are familiar with the surroundings and it is very convenient to tie up to the floating marina or one of the mooring balls they provide for a small fee. 

They have both been exploring the beaches, collecting hermit crabs and swimming everyday. With attention being payed to practicing their snorkelling so they can join the  dinghy rides to snorkel on the reef with mum and dad. We have seen a huge improvement in their swimming, Olivia is now proficient at diving down to inspect the coral closer and William is happy to swim around with his head underwater to see the view and working on using a snorkel. 

Olivia showing off how comfortable she is with the snorkel

The kids favourite location is the Musket Cove pool

Sunset looking out to the Island Bar

Olivia dancing while waiting for the welcome cocktail party

Granma at the Island bar

William ordering his favourite vanilla milkshake