We are still here at the marina in Vuda, but Dallas, Martin, and Ash are putting the rudder back on as we speak (I’m just staying out of the way!). The process of grinding and fairing the wood, glass, and epoxy into shape took Dallas several days, but I think he was pretty pleased with the results.

Grinding down the wood

Aside from the rudder, we’ve been occupying our time doing odd jobs on the boat that there wasn’t time for in NZ: improving the reefing system, installing cockpit lighting, and polishing the rigging to name a few. Also, Dallas installed a new water pump that we are hoping will solve our perpetual issues with water pressure.

Great view from up here

S/V Anima arrived late last week followed by our friends on S/V Matajusi and Simon from S/V Sedna One, so we’ve been hanging out with them in the evenings, making music and swapping stories. Last Saturday I had a chance to put my dancing shoes on at the Night Market here at the marina. A good time was had by all, especially Martin, Ash, and I who were the only ones on the dance floor most of the time and thus have celebrity status with the staff around here. During the days we have fit in a little recreation, too. We escape the heat by swimming at the pool next door and watching the NBA finals at the bar. It’s hard to believe that an entire year has passed since we were watching the finals in Panama. Time flies when you are traveling.

Risky moves from the fire dancers at the resort

I’ve enjoyed my trips into Lautoka to provision as well. There’s always plenty going on, and I recently discovered the kava tent where various groups of people congregate at various points throughout the day. I happened to stumble in there around 3:30, and several people had gathered for a bowl or two after work. They explained to me that anyone can sit at a table—Fijian, Indian, etc.—as long as they contribute $2 to fill the bowl, to be shared by everyone at the table.

Women like kava, too

We have yet another crew change to report. Shiroma had to leave S/V Anima since Martin has new crew (a German couple) arriving today, so she has been looking for another boat on which to make the passage to Vanuatu. She was starting to panic a little since she couldn’t find anyone needing crew, so we offered her a place on the settee for the short (450 miles–that’s short for us now!) passage. Some of you may recall that she is very comfortable there on the settee after spending most of the passage from NZ there, but it seems like she has developed some sealegs and should be able to be a little more mobile now.

Ash is less than enthused about the return of “the princess”, but he is dealing with it. Their relationship has improved as a result of her absence, though it would be a stretch to say that it made their hearts grow fonder. Colin, on the other hand, is a big Shiroma fan and is currently traveling with her around the island.

Dallas has been consulting with Martin about weather, and it was initially looking like we were going to be setting sail in 35 knots, but a better weather window is now forecast to open up after the low passes. We plan to set sail for Port Vila on Thursday morning in light winds.