We headed over to Denarau and by a stroke of luck, the fuel bay was empty. Straight on, and some diesel and petrol later we were already to go! We anchored out in our usual spot, and a bit later, Fenice came and anchored near by. They were headed to the Lau, like us. When we’d seen them at Blue Lagoon, they thought they’d missed their chance to get out there as they have friends coming later in the season. However, they see the same weather window we do, and are also jumping on it…

We had a very nice curry ashore in Port Denarau that evening. And by co-incidence, Chris and Lynda (from Fenice) turned up just as we were finishing. Great minds…

This morning we were up early and motoring over to Vuda. We both like the market better in Lautoka and I prefer the Extra supermarket, so Vuda it was. Another co-incidence, we saw Loupan - a Swedish boat I’ve not seen since Fiji in 2018. They had been in NZ for part of the pandemic and then home in Sweden. Finally they are out cruising again. It was nice to chat to them briefly on our way in to shop. Alas, we could have chatted longer but we were on a mission. We may see them again before they leave for Vanuatu.

Shopping was good and easy. In the bottle shop, we bought a case of beer, some wine, rum and scotch. The assistant asked if it was just for today! We did explain we were stocking up for a month or so in the Lau group and that we weren’t from Western Australia really!

Once back onboard, we lifted anchor and got going. Nina stowed the shopping, whilst I helmed. The route is a little tortuous through reefs and shallows but I’ve been along here a few times. We made it as far as Ba Roads, where there is this odd construction that has been here since my first time in Fiji, 2018.

I’ve still no idea what it is - maybe some form of dredger and extraction setup?

Its quite pretty motoring along and because the island protects us from the wind, and the reefs from the waves - its very comfortable. Just a bit boring. It has to be done though.

If we had gone the southern route, we’d have had lots of wind on the nose and big waves, so though this is all slow motoring, its much preferred to the alternative.

This evening we’re anchored and it feels like a lake. Very flat, no waves. Lovely. The sun has just set, and given us quite the show.

Tomorrow we continue on as far as we can and it looks like Thursday morning the wind goes NE and we start our trip out to Fulaga at the windward end of the Lau group. Can’t wait!