The last week in Fiji was spent at Vuda Point having matilda's bottom scrubbed and anti-fouled. This proved relatively painless thanks to Doug of Yacht Help Fiji. The marina itself was small but very friendly and we had a wonderful apartment overlooking the boats with a great balcony for chilling out at sunset time. The only other ARC boats there were 12 Moons and Southern Cross, but there were a few other familiar faces around such as Seazen and Seafaulk. We also got to meet a lovely couple who had been following our escapades on our blog - it came as a bit of a surprise that there are other people out there other than family and friends following our progress - fame at last...
We also met up with Caroline and David from Peat Smoke to do a little sightseeing via car on the Sunday, although most things were closed on Sunday. However we did manage to find some hot springs that were apparently a local village's micro-finance project, and spent most of the day in a series of mud holes (some classic photos of Dave and Jonathan wearing same) and hot ponds - way nicer than I am describing it. It reminded me a lot of the Japanese Onsen without having to be starkers and wear a nappy on your head. We finished off with a massage beneath the large trees - lovely. In the evening we went to Denerau Marina where there were heaps of other ARC boats and a whole range of shops and restaurants. I am really glad we went that night because we managed to catch up with Magali and Dave (Ensemble) who were leaving to go back to Australia before the Musket Cove reunion. It was great to have a proper chance to wish them well, although I am sure we will be getting together when we make it back to Sydney.
The Musket Cove rendezvous was great fun and a really nice resort. We peaked too soon on the first night thanks to the complimentary rum punches (they sneak up and ambush you) which meant the following night at the official gathering was a relatively well behaved affair for us. Just as well as we had to do a real muck out of the boat for our visitors. I think the hardest part was converting our sail loft back into a v-berth fit for human inhabitation.
The Boardman-Sternbergs made it to the island without any major mishaps and settled in really well. I am still trying to get my head around how quickly boys grow up and how much more sophisticated they seem these days. Fin (10) seems to take everything in his stride and Ethan (all of 7) wants to be an app writer when he grows up.
The passage to Vanuatu at last gave us wind just where Matilda likes it, giving us a speedy crossing. Unfortunately it also meant that the boat was not as stable as it could be and all our guests were sick at some point - poor Philippa suffering the worst. The boys were amazing, they either slept it off or were really well behaved in the cockpit.
We arrived in the wee hours this morning, really surreal watching the volcano in action as we approached Tanna. I am so looking forward to visiting the volcano, which should happen tomorrow afternoon/evening, not to mention the waterfall abseiling at the next port of call. Sadly Vanuatu will be a little bitter-sweet as we will be saying goodbye to a few boats who are going on to more extensive touring of the region. I know we will really miss you guys.