Alcedo of Ryme - Blog 58. Viani Bay. 16.45.00S 179.53.26E

Saturday, 18 June. With some North in the wind we had pleasant sailing all night and the wind conveniently dropped in the early hours so we could slow down and time our arrival in the Somosomo Straight at dawn and Viani Pass in daylight. Good timing, because Paradise Found and Wishanger were just approaching the pass as well on their way to a snorkelling and diving session with Jack, the local who has taken upon himself to provide services to yachties. We were very lucky to be allowed to tag along and Paradise Found and Alcedo rafted up on either side of Wishanger anchored off the reef that forms the NE side of the pass. Our ISailor chart showed us to be parked on the reef definitely local knowledge required to do this! The snorkelling was wonderful, with great coral and masses of reef fish, but also some Crown of Thorn starfish, which does not bode well for the coral and not many predator fish. After our exertions, we had coffee, flapjacks and cake, the latter courtesy of Claudine, who then spoilt us further by giving us some bread she had just baked. She is a domestic goddess and very bad for our boys who were beginning to think they should jump ship!

Wishanger and Paradise Found then set off for Savusavu, while we went with Jack as navigator into Viani Bay and onto one of his moorings. We found the Bay quite lovely, with its small settlements, village school and active Church, plus exciting birds like the Collared Lory seen in the coconut trees off a beach and the Streaked Fantail, a really cute little bird, the Slatey Flycatcher, also really cute, Polynesian Starling, White Breasted Wood Swallow, the Sacred Kingfisher and a brief glimpse of a Golden Whistler, all seen on a walk with Jack the following day. We also snorkelled and met Peter and Katherine on Southern Cross, one of the Sea Mercy yachts who added to our knowledge of sailing to, from and in New Zealand. The bay was beautifully calm both days that we were there and we really enjoyed it. Tomorrow we are heading for Savusavu and the market!

Alcedo