August 2008: South Pacific
Makogai Island, Fiji pt 2 (S 17.26.556 E 178.57.095)
In the pictures above we are anchored on the left. For the duration of our stay here there were only 2 sailboats. Very quiet and very secluded. The only noise was the noise we generated. The in-mast furling, still broken, would bang against the mast on the inside and pretty much sounded like a foundry. We were concerned that it would annoy the other boat. Not only loud, but it made for really bad sleeping conditions, meaning, not much. Ugh.
Throughout all the islands I have been on I have seen one very common item. Hanging from some kind of rack or a tree or whatever is a steel cylinder whether an old scuba tank or a compressed gas tank that is used as a bell. I first became very aware of them when we were anchored off Savai’i as they were very loud and rung every day. There didn’t seem to be a schedule though as I’d hear them at all points of the hour. Another common item is the deteriorating concrete power pole with rusty rebar.
Ah yes, it may look like paradise and all palm trees and Kava but someone still has to do yard work. Once we’ve dropped the hook someone generally snorkels to inspect the quality of the anchor’s hold and the scope of the chain; i.e. if the anchor has set, if the chain is tangled, etc. Every once in a while there is a workday and cleaning the bottom of the boat is one of the tasks. This is best done in clear water as we need to see the bottom to clean it while free-diving/breath-holding. The last cleaning was done at Wallis and it is in fine shape. So, that leaves cleaning above the waterline. Hence, Bob above, playing the part of the sponge mechanic. Snorkeling the boat also allows us the ability to visually inspect the condition and integrity of the stuff below the waterline. Things so far appear in order with no surprises. There is an underwater diary being written for the vessel as well. The leading edge of the keel proudly displays the scars of battle with terra-firma.
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