Arrival in Fiji

Dear all,

 

At last we have reached Fiji after a wet & windy sail. We arrived in the dark and the navigation lights on the shore were either not working or different to the chart. Given that the chart plotter has been out by over 0.2 of a mile in places it wasn't worth the chance so we had to hove too and we waited until sunrise this morning to enter through the reef pass. It was actually quite comfortable especially as the watch was accompanied with a chocolate cake Laura had made during the day.

On entering the reef pass it seems as though the Fijians have been upgrading there navigation lights and towers, but the charts have not followed suit – yet!!

 

As we motor up to the town of Lautoka checking in with port control and customs we establish that today is a public holiday. We seem to be pretty unlucky with an on going trend of arriving on public holidays.

1, Galapagos Islands, arrived during part of a 4 day public holiday,

2, Marquises' arrived in Nuku Hiva jut before Easter public holidays,

3, Aitutaki arrived for the Vaka voyaging society arriving and enjoying a public holiday

4, Tonga arrived in time for Emancipation day

5, Fiji Cannot clear customs because of a public holiday!

 

Oh well, I guess we could do with a rest! We will have to anchor and stay on the boat till tomorrow when we can clear customs, it will give us time to eat some more food before we get it confiscated.

Our midday position was 17 39.4S, 177 21.8E

 

We hope everyone at home is well,

Lots of love,

 

Ocean Lady