Sailing SV Russula
Coming from New Zealand still High on energy I needed to mellow down to Fiji Time. The humidity and tropical climste and the constant upcoming jobs on the Vessel, that slow one down, made me adapt quickly.
Suvasuva
Nawi Island Marine at Suvasuva gave me a comfortable start. Fancy bathroom facilities and a small infinity pool with bar to linger – pure luxury! The town itself offers a wide range of budget restaurants as well as some supermarkets for supplies. I was happy to find a second-hand store to get myself a suitable Fijian wardrobe!
While getting everything ready to leave, I got introduced to some of Captain Craig’s friends. We spent a wonderful evening with Danielle and Leib from Canada and California. I helped Danielle preparing a delicious meal while the men were doing a jam-session on the ukelele and guitar. Grateful to meet those generous, kind people!
Sailing Savusavu to Taveuni
Finally we were all set to sail away. Captain Craig made me film him giving me to most important instructions in case of an emergency. A great idea!
We raised the main sheet and the Jib for some time, combined with motoring to reach our first destination of Anchorage in a lovely bay just across “Paradise Taveuni Resort”. My first 41 miles of sailing the Pacific ended with a magical sunset over a great meal.
Lavena Waterfalls
After hanging out one day around the pool of Paradise Taveuni Resort it was time to continue as we wanted to explore the famous Lavena Waterfalls. There were plenty of falls along the coastline we could easily spot from the Vessel.
We anchored near the impressive Lavena Waterfall and went in the dinghy to have an up-close look. The hiking path seemed inaccessible due to the tide, so we went back to Russula and got our snorkeling gear out.
I was only 28, the last time I went on a guided snorkeling tour in Thailand. This was a whole different level. A dark piece of ocean with some waves was awaiting me. It took some time to get myself together before my breathing became calm and natural again.
Then Craig shouted excitedly to me “Look, a shark… right there below you!” Instead of feeling lucky, it was “frikin” me out. In doubt if I really wanted to know in detail about this whole world under the surface… I decided just NOT to look! So much about my first snorkeling experience again. I sure didn’t make myself proud.
Swimming around in this big black ocean where the waves decided to meet the rocks, I wasn’t comfortable at all. I gestured to Craig that I would swim back to Russula meanwhile he could enjoy a moment at the waterfall.
I safely reached back to the boat. A few times I managed to overcome my fear and actually looked down. There was not much to see though which felt just right. Ridiculous, I know!
After a bit Craig came back. Russula was rocking too much due to a swell, so we got the anchor up to find a better spot for the night. We got the fishing line out and beginners luck gave us a medium-sized Rainbow runner.
Just passing Bouma Village, we found a lovely Anchorage in Naivileka Bay, right before sunset. We finally enjoyed our fresh fish dinner with a cow mowing and some flapping fish around the boat.
Life was good again!
