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Spring 2025 Trip
  • Mark E
  • Janine Westlund
  • Mark E
  • Janine Westlund

Spring 2025 Trip

LA, Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, New Zealand Read more
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  • Spring 2025 Trip
    The reef was on the rightWe were dropped off and snokeled back to shoreThis building is being lived inLocal village

    Day 2 - Snorkeling

    February 8, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    What we found out in Fiji 10 years ago was that the locals over-fished the area. Then we found out they fished with the Derris root, also known as duva or tuba, is a plant found in Fiji that is used as a fish poison and to make rotenone, a natural insecticide. The insecticide also killed the reefs, so 10 years ago, the local chiefs banned its use, and the reefs have been making a recovery ever since. Some reefs have fully recovered, while other reefs continue to struggle.Read more

  • Spring 2025 Trip
    They provided a nice description of there live with questions and awnser sessionChurch built in 19791

    Day 2 - Visit Soso Village

    February 8, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Visited a Soso Village. It's 1 of 8 villages on this island with the village population around 300. Due to local customs, we were required to cover shoulders and wear a sarong over our shorts. Additionally, while indoors, we weren't allowed to wear sunglasses on your head.Read more

  • Spring 2025 Trip
    Reviewing our dive plan and anticipated sights.

    Day 3 - Barefoot Manta Island

    February 9, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    We decided to go scuba diving instead of attending a local church service. Our dive was scheduled with a provider named Manta Island. So after the dive, Mark wandered around the resort and took some pictures for future possibilitiesRead more

  • Spring 2025 Trip
    Favorite dive partner
    We dove Coral Wonderland again, just took a slightly different path.2

    Day 3 - Morning Dive: Coral Wonderland

    February 9, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    After the dive, we talked to a local Marine biologist who indicated 10 years ago that this reef was dead from too much fishing by poor locals trying to feed themselves. Since that time period, they stopped fishing and planted new coral, and the reef has made a stunning recovery. The local island has found new income from the tourist and now understands it's in everyone's interest to have a healthy reef.

    On the dive, we had a beginner diver with us who was 18 years old from England. He vigorously swam around and around taking lots of pictures; 40 minutes later, he ran out of air which ended our dive early. 😕 We didn't mention our displeasure, because we figured we'd never see him again. [As fate had it, he showed up on Mark's shark dive a couple of days later; Mark was to be the old grumpy old man and school him on the etiquette of diving.]

    Another diver used the provider's mask which leaked; so lesson learned: ALWAYS BRING YOUR OWN MASK.

    We have found that snorkeling is just as good or better than diving.    Read more

  • Spring 2025 Trip
    Waving to our new passengers joining us

    Day 4 - Cruising in the Sacred Islands

    February 10, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    We are currently cruising in the "Sacred Islands": a group of islands
    located between the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands. Their names: Eori Island, Navadra Island, Kadomo Island, and Vanua Lailai; these islands are believed to be the birthplace of Fijian culture.

    The backdrop of the neighboring Waya Lailai volcanic formations is breathtaking.

    Today is a transition day as the folks on the 3 day tour are leaving and we're picking up additional passengers for the remaining 4 days.    Read more

  • Spring 2025 Trip

    Day 5 - Arrived at the Blue Lagoon

    February 11, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☁️ 82 °F

    Tuesday -5th Night: Blue Lagoon

    Our destination today is the famed Blue Lagoon on Nanuya Island. It's a superb stretch of water ringed by pretty islands. Blue Lagoon Cruises has its private spot on the beach, so the M.V. Fiji Princess backs right up to the beach and tie off to a coconut tree!

    We dined on the beach all day today, including morning and afternoon tea, a buffet-style lunch and a traditional Lovo meal cooked underground for dinner under the stars.

    Activities include snorkeling, fish feeding, non-motorised watersports, water aerobics, and volleyball; and tonight we enjoyed a special traditional Meke performance by local villagers.    Read more

  • Spring 2025 Trip
    Local child enjoying dayThat his boat.The bar is in the background

    Day 5 - Met a Solo Sailor

    February 11, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    Walking down the beach, we met a Solo Sailor from Florida who has been sailing for 2 years; he's here until March, waiting for the weather to change in his favor and then he's off again on his journey. He connected with some locals and is helping them build a local bar.
    If you're interested in supporting the building of a new bar, let us know.    Read more

  • Spring 2025 Trip
    This is Mama Lo!
    1Lagoon behind the Tea House.Clam shell . . .

    Day 6 - Lo's Tea House

    February 12, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ⛅ 84 °F

    Took a boat to the other side of the island to Lo's Tea House. The alternate plan to walk the 40 minutes was canceled due to muddy trail conditions. We enjoyed Lo's cakes, and since we couldn't hike across the island, we didn't see the advertised village gardens and residences.Read more

  • Spring 2025 Trip
    3"Mind Your Head"Cave 11Swimming from cave 1 to cave 2

    Day 6 - Visit the Sawa-i-Lao Caves

    February 12, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    This is the cave in the movie Blue Lagoon. It's a beautiful cave in which you enter by a walkable path, then swim into the cave, then swim to another cave via a brief underwater passage. It was an enjoyable experience even though Mark might have blinded a couple of folks with his scuba lights.Read more

  • Spring 2025 Trip

    Day 6 - En route to Tasmaua Village

    February 12, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Traveling to the Tasmaua Village. This is the village that owns the caves and has some type of arrangement with our cruise provider that our tour /dinner in the town follows the cave visit.

  • Spring 2025 Trip
    High school for the islandA few students greeted us on our arrival at the beach.Lunch RoomOpposite side of Lunch RoomSchool groundsThe Primary school is just opposite the high school.Women's Dorm RoomComputer RoomScience LabLibrarySchool in sessionThe 12th & 13th grade students wait for our arrival.

    Day 7 - Yasawa High School visit

    February 13, 2025 in Fiji ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F

    This high school currently has ~156 students (w/ an anticipated ~250 once enrollment is complete); they come from 7 local islands, with 57 students living in boarding rooms on the grounds. The children's day starts @ 5a with worship, ~1hr farming, clean-up/bkfast then school from 8a-3p; then it's sports/gardening/farming/dinner/studies w/ the day ending ~9p. The gardens supplement their meals. We were the first tour group to visit the school in 2025; the videos don't do justice to the enthusiasm of their singing.Read more

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