| 22.08. - 04.09.2005
BULA !
Here I am, back again! And look how well I can walk!
Since we're on our way to the island Yadua our small Capitano
has to get all his exercise on board again, but he does seem to
enjoy it. Nevertheless, to make sure the landfalls don't fall
short we stop over at Sawa-i-Lau, one of our favorite places in
the Yasawas. And, during our travels, Antoine is a great help
with the fishing.
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Early next morning we leave this beautiful place, the low
sun making it difficult to navigate through the reef. However
we have 50 miles ahead of us to get to Yadua. Late in the afternoon
SILVER BLUE reached her magic anchorage place west of Yaduas.
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Soon we become friendly with a couple of fishermen that come from the
east-coast of the island to spend a week diving for sea-gherkins. No,
these are not Neptune's vegetables, but a n ocean animal that is cooked
and dried and then sold to China and Japan (… they really seem to
eat everything).
At the end of the wee, we help them out with a bit of fresh water and
they invite us for a tea Fijian style, which consists of a few leaves
from a lime tree boiled in hot water. But a piece of cake from a baker
from the east coast was also given.
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Close to our anchorage place is the tiny island Yaduataba, on
which live the only iguanas with a green comb in the world. These
we would, of course, really like to see them, but a state game
warden Petar explains to us why going on the island is strictly
forbidden.
In the year 2001, a German tourist heard about these Iguanas,
lend a motorboat and visited the island. After Petar showed him
the iguanas, they left the island, but he came back in secret
and stole a couple of these protected animals. But as a result
of some engine damage, he took longer than planned and Petar recognized
him again and informed custom officials. During the custom-checks
at the airport, five iguanas were found in the luggage of this
most stupid person. One of them had died already.
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So we enjoy the underwater world of Yaduas. The closely situated
coral reefs invite us to dive and snorkel. A wonderful system
of soft and hard corals, spunges, pipe worms … all protected
by some white-pointed sharks, exists here, like this majestic
Napoleon fish, these cute Sweetlips and of course also a "Nemo"
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But also on land there are things to explore. On the Luv-side of the island
is a long beach were one can find a lot of "Stranded Goods".
Besides the civilization-rubbish the ocean had spit out here, we found
two amazing examples of the beautiful nautilus shells.
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We stayed a few day longer at this beautifull, protected anchorage
place than planned, as a cold front supplied us with some 40 knots
winds. But at the end of the week we make our way to Savu Savu,
you remember, our very first harbour of Fiji about three month
ago. We arrive on Sunday the 4th of September, the Fijian fathersday,
so father with son enjoys a nice cool beer at the end of the day.
More from us soon
Till then……. Everything of the best!
Tom, Nela & Antoine
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