Still in Musket Cove .....Waiting and Reflecting

It is reflection time which brings to mind wonderful memories with new friends.

Here at Budd's Reef, we found ourselves with great people from four other boats. We hiked the rim of this vocano and thoroughly treasured the views at the top. Wonderful friends, Beth and Ken joined in the fun.

After hiking, we snorkeled one of the passes, and had a wet, wild ride home.

Ken finds his dive mask useful even out of the water!

Sidewinder and Eagle's Wings sailed side by side on the way to Budd's Reef

What a joy to meet the villagers at Daliconi, who danced with us, sang, and gave us a great feast!

Flying Foxes are plentiful in Vanua Balavu, the Bay of Islands. They look like little monkeys when they move from branch to branch.  So interesting to watch them.

Passages between island groups were pretty spectacular and comfortable.

The kids delighted in having their pictures taken by me. What fun it was to re-connect with the children.

An excursion to the caves gave us the opportunity to see the whole area.

Linda, from Chesapeake, and I enjoyed early morning tranquil kayaking trips around this exotic area.

Fun times on Riada II, with Dave, Carolyn, Rickki (Guava Jelly)  and others. Think we got crazy?!!

Carolyn and Dave cooked us yummy food and often times we played music together.

What an awesome place, both in the still of the mornings, afternoons, and at sunset time. WOW!

Early mornings are such a wonderful time to connect and think about all that is good.

It has been a whole week since the last night party, and we are now on a mooring, more settled in than ever. I am just recovering from a bug which took away my voice, and the weather has been very stormy. We had major lightning and thunder a few nights ago, and we feel lucky not to have been hit; several boats lost all electrical and we are counting our blessings. Being here has its advantages.  I have found a flat area where I can go ashore and do yoga postures, there is good hiking/walking in the hills, David has been playing lots of good VBall with the locals every evening, and warm showers are the best.  My voice has finally returned, unfortunately for Cpt David, and the energy is back. We have talked about going somewhere, but it is quite fun just hanging out here, while the money lasts, and since I have been sick, the diving elsewhere is not a possibility. It is time to reflect on our awesome cruising season after leaving Taveuni and the ones above are just a few of the pictures for all to enjoy.  I will continue to add some each day.  We certainly have been blessed with wonderful weather, great new friends, and amazing Fijian local experiences which we will always cherish.