Back at Musket Cove and Plantation Island
We took a dingy ride to a tiny little island 4 miles out. The snorkelers, divers, and surfers love this location.
Where reefs exist, the ocean waves break on the edge of the reef. Inside the reef barrier, the water is calm, outside it has great waves.
This little spot has both.
Brian went diving as Jess and I snorkeled.
I tried using my camera underwater for the first time. The sun was so bright I had a hard time determining if I was getting any good shots or not when I hit "review" and tried to view them on the screen.
Camera did great and it's still working. The lower end Olympus underwater cameras had gotten bad reviews about leaks. I was a bit nervous.
Brian had to go and rescue Tom from the authorities.
Tom was on board when we arrived. He had been with Brian on the Further for about a month. He's a tall thin 20-something guy from New Zealand who travels around the South Pacific helping as crew on various boats. In season, he helps on whale watching boats.
We had dropped him off at Musket Cove the first time we were here.
When a boat enters Fiji, they have to account for their crew. Tom had come in with Brian.
Tom had just accepted a job back in New Zealand being a kayak guide and dolphin viewing guide. For what ever reason the people at Musket Cove had brought in the authorities.
Luckily Brian made a call looking for Tom because he needed a copy of Tom's airline ticket since he wouldn't be on board when we officially check out of Fiji. Having all the paperwork in order is very important to avoid big hassles.
They asked Brian to come in. We had no idea what was up.
Brian explained that Tom was with the boat and they allowed him to leave and come back on board. He will be leaving soon for his job back in New Zealand.
We had dinner at Musket Cove, than sat with some other cruisers at the outdoor bar. Jess got to spend time with 2 11-year old twins from America.
We spent the whole next day at Plantation Island Resort along with the twins and their aunt visiting from Seattle. The family with the twins have been cruising for the past 3 years. Obviously they are home schooling.
I've seen ads for Plantation Island Resort in some magazine I used to subscribe to. I can't remember if it was Conde Naste Traveler, or Islands, or what magazine exactly. But, I remember the name and it is a fabulous place. Three pools, a few restaurants, a golf course, tennis courts, an air strip, beach front, diving, snorkeling, dolphin swims, even sky diving. There are activities happening all day.
We had a late lunch at Musket Cove. The first pizza Jess has seen since we left home.
Debbie Takara Shelor
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 11
I was beginning to get very concerned about not seeing dolphins or whales.
I realized not long ago that I had been falling down concerning a promise I had made to be an ambassador for the dolphins and whales. I had been reminded of that fact by one of my newsletter subscribers and someone else recently.
Sure I have continuing to lead the meditations each fall and spring equinox. And when someone visits one of my websites and joins my newsletter list, they get one of my ebooks where they can read about Lolita, the Orca held captive in Miami.
But I have not be telling about the slaughters in Japan and the other atrocities they have been facing for a very long time. And I knew that had to change.
Just before I left for this journey, I had decided to add conservation groups to my Dolphin Empowerment website and also to give a portion of everything I earn through my websites to organizations making a positive difference for dolphins, whales, and their habitats. But I had not yet made such a contribution.
I threw a clear quartz crystal into the water as we headed back to Musket Cove.
Brian and I were riding in the Pilot House. He was making sure all the systems were operating properly while I enjoyed the scenery, took photos, and simply basked in the glorious moment I found myself in.
I saw a grayish brown back rise out of the water to the left. I pointed it out to Brian who cut the engine. Soon we had 8 dolphins bow riding. I got lots of wonderful photos.
They were spinners, so we got to see a couple of truly spectacular leaps and spins through the air. Five of them hung with us for quite awhile.
I thanked them as they left.
Now that the sun has set on another glorious Fijian day, it's time to create dinner . . .
Debbie Takara Shelor
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 10
Being Bathed in Moonlight
I woke up to the full moon bathing me with light through the skylight over the master bed.
As has become my personal ritual, I woke up before everyone else and greeted the day. I've been take pictures of each sunrise, and continuing the writing on my latest book.
Brian went to dive with the sharks. Jess and I stayed on the boat.
I did laundry. We string a clothing line all around the perimeter of the top deck. It made me a bit nervous putting all our clothes out there with the wind whipping pretty fast. If anything flew into the water, we would surely never see it again.
We took a dingy ride around the island and watched a sea plane take off from the Turtle Island resort.
We spent some more time with our Australian friends enjoying drinks at the resort where we have all been meeting each day.
As Jess was running the controls hoisting the dingy back on the top deck, Brian noticed a tiny sea snack crawling around the back. This little poisonous snake had ridden with us from shore. That definitely creeped me out more than a little. I made Brian search around the dingy making sure there were no others lurking somewhere underneath the life vests and other things we keep in there at all times.
We headed back the next day toward Musket Cove. The water and wind are much calmer there, so we decided to go back for a few days. Jess tried fishing on the return trip. So far he hasn't caught anything. If he does catch a fish, it will most likely be as big as he is. At least that's what Brian keeps saying. Only time will tell.
Tomorrow, dolphins . . .
Debbie Takara Shelor
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 9
More Adventures in the Blue Lagoon
We spent more time at the resort and the Blue Lagoon.
The weather was very windy when we woke up so we waited awhile to go to shore.
Somewhere in Somo Somo I lost my cool purple and pink sparkly flip flops. So I bought a new pair - lime green. I don't really like that color, but it was the only ones that fit.
Jess got to hang out with the 4 Australian kids again. They were catching hermit crabs.
Brian and I had a lovely lunch of Fiji style club sandwich and fries with fresh squeezed lemonade.
Some friends of Brian's from Vancouver, Canada sailed in on the Mary Powell. He met Steve and Melva during the major 17-day crossing of the Pacific from North America. We went by and they told tales of their adventures since they had seen Brian last. We took Melva with us to shore and enjoyed a long walk on the beautiful beach.
We invited everyone over for a pot luck that evening.
With all the room on the Furthur, it is often used for pot lucks and parties of all sizes.
The Australians had all gone snorkeling and the kids were pretty badly sunburned. So Melva and Steve were our only guests for the evening.
We shared a wonderful meal of grilled tuna prepared by Captain Brian on the top deck. It was accompanied by the macaroni salad I made and the bean and rice dishes brought by Melva. That was about all they had left on their boat that doesn't have refrigeration. Brian calls them hard core. We are living in luxury with granite counter tops, leather upholstery, finished wood everywhere, microwave oven, convection oven, grill, washing machine, 2 heads (bathrooms), 2 state rooms, and we can make drinking water from sea water.
Island hopping is such an interesting experience. You never know if there is a store to add to your provisions. And if there is a store, what you will find there.
Luckily with a boat this size we are well stocked. There are a few things we don't know what to do with. Some cans of things were purchased in Mexico and I don't recognize the pictures or spanish words on the label. Other things were purchased in French Polynesia. Again I don't recognize the pictures or french words.
We have enough spices to last a lifetime. There is a huge population and cultural influence from India, so we have many wonderful spices from local markets.
Our adventures continue,
Debbie Takara Shelor
We spent more time at the resort and the Blue Lagoon.
The weather was very windy when we woke up so we waited awhile to go to shore.
Somewhere in Somo Somo I lost my cool purple and pink sparkly flip flops. So I bought a new pair - lime green. I don't really like that color, but it was the only ones that fit.
Jess got to hang out with the 4 Australian kids again. They were catching hermit crabs.
Brian and I had a lovely lunch of Fiji style club sandwich and fries with fresh squeezed lemonade.
Some friends of Brian's from Vancouver, Canada sailed in on the Mary Powell. He met Steve and Melva during the major 17-day crossing of the Pacific from North America. We went by and they told tales of their adventures since they had seen Brian last. We took Melva with us to shore and enjoyed a long walk on the beautiful beach.
We invited everyone over for a pot luck that evening.
With all the room on the Furthur, it is often used for pot lucks and parties of all sizes.
The Australians had all gone snorkeling and the kids were pretty badly sunburned. So Melva and Steve were our only guests for the evening.
We shared a wonderful meal of grilled tuna prepared by Captain Brian on the top deck. It was accompanied by the macaroni salad I made and the bean and rice dishes brought by Melva. That was about all they had left on their boat that doesn't have refrigeration. Brian calls them hard core. We are living in luxury with granite counter tops, leather upholstery, finished wood everywhere, microwave oven, convection oven, grill, washing machine, 2 heads (bathrooms), 2 state rooms, and we can make drinking water from sea water.
Island hopping is such an interesting experience. You never know if there is a store to add to your provisions. And if there is a store, what you will find there.
Luckily with a boat this size we are well stocked. There are a few things we don't know what to do with. Some cans of things were purchased in Mexico and I don't recognize the pictures or spanish words on the label. Other things were purchased in French Polynesia. Again I don't recognize the pictures or french words.
We have enough spices to last a lifetime. There is a huge population and cultural influence from India, so we have many wonderful spices from local markets.
Our adventures continue,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 8
An Exquisite Fall Equinox
We woke up the next day and prepared for our departure. Brian was feeling a little rough as he hadn't slept well at all and he was achy after the Kava.
Pastor Kali had asked for a tour of the yacht, so Brian took the dingy to the beach to pick he and 2 of his lovely children up. They brought us Fijian donuts - tortillas bathed in coconut. Very yummy breakfast.
We left Somo Somo and headed to one of the most beautiful locations I've ever been. The spot where they filmed the Blue Lagoon.
The Australians on the Cumulus II, the ones we had met previously that Jess went snorkeling with, were already there. We stopped by the boat and Brian and captain David (the grandfather) had quite a chat about sailing, yachts, and much more. I had a nice conversation with David's wife.
We headed to shore at one of the resorts in the Blue Lagoon. There are several, some like Turtle Island are so exclusive you aren't allowed to walk on their beach and the patrons are flown in on sea planes.
Jess got to play with the kids he snorkeled with from the Cumulus II and 2 other girls staying at the resort from Australia. They made up some crazy water games and had a wonderful time together.
It was Fall Equinox - the night I lead the Golden Water Dolphin Meditation for Planetary Healing each year. I went onto the top deck of the yacht, threw in my last imperial topaz and began the meditation. It was very powerful under an almost full moon.
It was the first time ever that David Adams from Australia and I were in the same part of the world doing the meditations in such close proximity.
I was moved by the experience.
Later I reveled in the moonlight streaming through the skylight in the master stateroom.
More memories of Fiji,
Debbie Takara Shelor
We woke up the next day and prepared for our departure. Brian was feeling a little rough as he hadn't slept well at all and he was achy after the Kava.
Pastor Kali had asked for a tour of the yacht, so Brian took the dingy to the beach to pick he and 2 of his lovely children up. They brought us Fijian donuts - tortillas bathed in coconut. Very yummy breakfast.
We left Somo Somo and headed to one of the most beautiful locations I've ever been. The spot where they filmed the Blue Lagoon.
The Australians on the Cumulus II, the ones we had met previously that Jess went snorkeling with, were already there. We stopped by the boat and Brian and captain David (the grandfather) had quite a chat about sailing, yachts, and much more. I had a nice conversation with David's wife.
We headed to shore at one of the resorts in the Blue Lagoon. There are several, some like Turtle Island are so exclusive you aren't allowed to walk on their beach and the patrons are flown in on sea planes.
Jess got to play with the kids he snorkeled with from the Cumulus II and 2 other girls staying at the resort from Australia. They made up some crazy water games and had a wonderful time together.
It was Fall Equinox - the night I lead the Golden Water Dolphin Meditation for Planetary Healing each year. I went onto the top deck of the yacht, threw in my last imperial topaz and began the meditation. It was very powerful under an almost full moon.
It was the first time ever that David Adams from Australia and I were in the same part of the world doing the meditations in such close proximity.
I was moved by the experience.
Later I reveled in the moonlight streaming through the skylight in the master stateroom.
More memories of Fiji,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 7
A night so memorable it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it . . .
We took the dingy back to the beach at Somo Somo. I wore a tank top with an actual skirt - instead of my usual bathing suit with wrap around sarong. The guys looked great in their shirts and shorts.
We went to the home of the mayor, not really knowing where we were supposed to be for the feast. It was already dark. The sun sets around 6:15 p.m. in Fiji this time of the year. The feast was to begin at 7 p.m.
They had us sit there for awhile and then Pastor Kali showed up. He appologized for being in his rugby gear. There was a huge tournament between villages happening in a couple of days and rugby is very very big in this part of the world. He had been at practice with the other players.
He showed us to the feast location and then excused himself to clean up and change.
We were seated on the ground under a low thatch roofed shelter. A woven mat was placed on the ground. I think it was woven from palm tree leaves. They had them lying everywhere drying in stacks in the sun.
A beautiful and very fragrant flower lei was placed around each of our heads. They look wonderful with the clothing we had chosen for the occasion.
Somehow they had rigged up a power source and had a single flourescent light bulb burning at the top of the shelter.
Brian began making animal balloons again for the kids. Swarms of them showed up. It's so delightful to see these little dark faces with bright white teeth smiling eagerly waiting for their turn to get a balloon. Often the bigger ones would get a balloon and pass it down to the smaller ones. There is no grabbing, or pushing or shoving, just happy little kids delighted at something new.
They all wanted their photo taken and then wanted to see it on the camera. Brian says that some people bring a printer and after taking photos, go back to their boat, print them and return with photos to give to the kids.
Soon the mayor was helping to blow up the balloons and the pastor was tying them. Pastor Kali eventually learned to make a balloon dog himself.
They had been cooking and preparing all day.
The main dishes had been put into a cooking pit and covered in large leaves. We think they were probably from a banana tree. I took pictures as they uncovered the pit and began putting all the food in dishes and placing it under the shelter.
Eventually there was enough food there for a small army. Yet the only one's feasting were the 3 of us and Pastor Keli. We were served on nice plates with flatwear and served a lovely fruit drink in glasses. All the ladies who prepared the food, the mayor, and the children sat around and watched us enjoy this fabulous meal.
Jess loved the boiled fish.
My favorite was definitely the tuna baked in the pit with coconut and taro leaves.
When I asked Brian which was his favorite, he said it was either the tuna or the clam soup.
I also really enjoyed the baked squash done in the pit. It was combined with some type of meat and lots of other great things.
We barely made a dent in any of it.
As soon as we were finished, they cleaned up the plates and the dishes in front of us and began sharing the rest of the meal with all the people who had been watching us eat. They all eat with their hands.
After we ate, we were offered the opportunity to enjoy Kava with the mayor. It is a gift and a ritual a bit like the native americans often accept gifts of tobacco and use them in their ceremonies.
Kava is usually drunk by the men. It has a slightly intoxicating effect. The people I've talked to who have tried it, indicate that it makes your mouth go numb.
With a female chief, it was O.K. for women in this village to drink Kava. It was offered to all 3 of us. I kindly refused. Jess and Brian participated.
The mayor poured the Kava into a cloth placed over a large bowl. The cloth is wound around kind of like a giant tea bag and it is dipped into the water, then squeezed and dipped again until the water becomes the correct color and consistency. Then it is dipped out with bowls made from coconuts. The mayor takes his first. When it is offered to someone, they clap twice, then drink the entire bowl, clap once more, and then place the bowl on the ground. At least that is how it is done in this particular village.
Jess and Brian each had one bowl. Later on they had another. Jess slept like a baby afterwards. Brian couldn't sleep at all.
Brian had brought along his Ukulele and began to play along with the Mayor who was strumming his guitar. The Mayor sang and was joined by several others from the village on some songs. I took lots of photos and even a few videos.
We said farewell to our hosts and drove the dingy back to the boat usng a flashlight to see.
What a yummy and unforgetable meal.
Wonderful memories from Fiji,
Debbie Takara Shelor
We took the dingy back to the beach at Somo Somo. I wore a tank top with an actual skirt - instead of my usual bathing suit with wrap around sarong. The guys looked great in their shirts and shorts.
We went to the home of the mayor, not really knowing where we were supposed to be for the feast. It was already dark. The sun sets around 6:15 p.m. in Fiji this time of the year. The feast was to begin at 7 p.m.
They had us sit there for awhile and then Pastor Kali showed up. He appologized for being in his rugby gear. There was a huge tournament between villages happening in a couple of days and rugby is very very big in this part of the world. He had been at practice with the other players.
He showed us to the feast location and then excused himself to clean up and change.
We were seated on the ground under a low thatch roofed shelter. A woven mat was placed on the ground. I think it was woven from palm tree leaves. They had them lying everywhere drying in stacks in the sun.
A beautiful and very fragrant flower lei was placed around each of our heads. They look wonderful with the clothing we had chosen for the occasion.
Somehow they had rigged up a power source and had a single flourescent light bulb burning at the top of the shelter.
Brian began making animal balloons again for the kids. Swarms of them showed up. It's so delightful to see these little dark faces with bright white teeth smiling eagerly waiting for their turn to get a balloon. Often the bigger ones would get a balloon and pass it down to the smaller ones. There is no grabbing, or pushing or shoving, just happy little kids delighted at something new.
They all wanted their photo taken and then wanted to see it on the camera. Brian says that some people bring a printer and after taking photos, go back to their boat, print them and return with photos to give to the kids.
Soon the mayor was helping to blow up the balloons and the pastor was tying them. Pastor Kali eventually learned to make a balloon dog himself.
They had been cooking and preparing all day.
The main dishes had been put into a cooking pit and covered in large leaves. We think they were probably from a banana tree. I took pictures as they uncovered the pit and began putting all the food in dishes and placing it under the shelter.
Eventually there was enough food there for a small army. Yet the only one's feasting were the 3 of us and Pastor Keli. We were served on nice plates with flatwear and served a lovely fruit drink in glasses. All the ladies who prepared the food, the mayor, and the children sat around and watched us enjoy this fabulous meal.
Jess loved the boiled fish.
My favorite was definitely the tuna baked in the pit with coconut and taro leaves.
When I asked Brian which was his favorite, he said it was either the tuna or the clam soup.
I also really enjoyed the baked squash done in the pit. It was combined with some type of meat and lots of other great things.
We barely made a dent in any of it.
As soon as we were finished, they cleaned up the plates and the dishes in front of us and began sharing the rest of the meal with all the people who had been watching us eat. They all eat with their hands.
After we ate, we were offered the opportunity to enjoy Kava with the mayor. It is a gift and a ritual a bit like the native americans often accept gifts of tobacco and use them in their ceremonies.
Kava is usually drunk by the men. It has a slightly intoxicating effect. The people I've talked to who have tried it, indicate that it makes your mouth go numb.
With a female chief, it was O.K. for women in this village to drink Kava. It was offered to all 3 of us. I kindly refused. Jess and Brian participated.
The mayor poured the Kava into a cloth placed over a large bowl. The cloth is wound around kind of like a giant tea bag and it is dipped into the water, then squeezed and dipped again until the water becomes the correct color and consistency. Then it is dipped out with bowls made from coconuts. The mayor takes his first. When it is offered to someone, they clap twice, then drink the entire bowl, clap once more, and then place the bowl on the ground. At least that is how it is done in this particular village.
Jess and Brian each had one bowl. Later on they had another. Jess slept like a baby afterwards. Brian couldn't sleep at all.
Brian had brought along his Ukulele and began to play along with the Mayor who was strumming his guitar. The Mayor sang and was joined by several others from the village on some songs. I took lots of photos and even a few videos.
We said farewell to our hosts and drove the dingy back to the boat usng a flashlight to see.
What a yummy and unforgetable meal.
Wonderful memories from Fiji,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 6
Time for a close encounter with a very different culture!
We anchored near Somo Somo village.
As is customary, we wore modest attire and brought gifts for the chief.
We were greeted by a woman from the village who took us wandering barefoot through a maze of tiny homes, smiling people, dogs, and a cat to the dwelling of the chief. In this village the chief was a woman. Brian presented her with Kava root and perfume. After our greeting, we received her blessing to wander about the village, enjoy the beach, and take photos if we wanted to.
The ladies from the village offered to show us jewelry. I purchased a few shell necklaces and a pair of earrings. The money was being used to support the school there.
As we were being lead back through the village, an older gentleman from the village spoke to the woman leading us and asked to meet us. We went to his dwelling. It turns out he is the mayor and the brother of the chief.
Another man from the village, a Christian minister named Pastor Kali, came over to join the little gathering as well.
Brian was making animal balloons for the children and soon more and more began to appear.
Pastor Kali offered to have the village prepare a feast for us in exchange for a donation to their diesel fund. Apparently the well they use to get fresh water runs on diesel and they are in constant need of money to purchase more fuel.
We thought it sounded like a great idea and scheduled it for the following evening.
Brian and Jess took a ride in the dingy and met some Australians who had anchored their sailboat near ours. There were 2 kids on board, along with the parents and the grandparents. The sailboat belonged to the grandparents who are seasoned travelers who have sailed to the U.S. more than once. They purchase an RV when they get there and travel all around the U.S. Funny as it may seem, they have seen more states than Brian has.
Jess went with the dad and kids snorkeling at a nearby reef.
Periodically when we looked into the water, we saw these odd creatures floating past. Eventually we figured out that they were squid.
The next day Brian and Jess headed out kayaking to a nearby reef. It was Jess' first time kayaking. It took him awhile to get the hang of it, but by the time they were returning, he was doing great.
Later we all went back to the reef to snorkel. For whatever reason I couldn't get my breath. I finally just climbed back up into the dingy and Jess and Brian continued snorkeling for awhile.
On to feasting in the village . . .
More fun in Fiji,
Debbie Takara Shelor
We anchored near Somo Somo village.
As is customary, we wore modest attire and brought gifts for the chief.
We were greeted by a woman from the village who took us wandering barefoot through a maze of tiny homes, smiling people, dogs, and a cat to the dwelling of the chief. In this village the chief was a woman. Brian presented her with Kava root and perfume. After our greeting, we received her blessing to wander about the village, enjoy the beach, and take photos if we wanted to.
The ladies from the village offered to show us jewelry. I purchased a few shell necklaces and a pair of earrings. The money was being used to support the school there.
As we were being lead back through the village, an older gentleman from the village spoke to the woman leading us and asked to meet us. We went to his dwelling. It turns out he is the mayor and the brother of the chief.
Another man from the village, a Christian minister named Pastor Kali, came over to join the little gathering as well.
Brian was making animal balloons for the children and soon more and more began to appear.
Pastor Kali offered to have the village prepare a feast for us in exchange for a donation to their diesel fund. Apparently the well they use to get fresh water runs on diesel and they are in constant need of money to purchase more fuel.
We thought it sounded like a great idea and scheduled it for the following evening.
Brian and Jess took a ride in the dingy and met some Australians who had anchored their sailboat near ours. There were 2 kids on board, along with the parents and the grandparents. The sailboat belonged to the grandparents who are seasoned travelers who have sailed to the U.S. more than once. They purchase an RV when they get there and travel all around the U.S. Funny as it may seem, they have seen more states than Brian has.
Jess went with the dad and kids snorkeling at a nearby reef.
Periodically when we looked into the water, we saw these odd creatures floating past. Eventually we figured out that they were squid.
The next day Brian and Jess headed out kayaking to a nearby reef. It was Jess' first time kayaking. It took him awhile to get the hang of it, but by the time they were returning, he was doing great.
Later we all went back to the reef to snorkel. For whatever reason I couldn't get my breath. I finally just climbed back up into the dingy and Jess and Brian continued snorkeling for awhile.
On to feasting in the village . . .
More fun in Fiji,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 5
Moving On.
Even though Musket Cove and Plantation Island are gorgeous, there was much more of Fiji to see.
We left the protected waters of the lagoon and headed out to sea once more.
We anchored near the island where Castaways was filmed. The yacht rocked and rolled all night. I had trouble sleeping.
We continued on.
The next night we anchored in what's referred to as Bly Waters. This is where captain Bly ran from the cannibals.
It's a bit unsettling to know that the Fijian people you encounter today are the descendants of cannibals.
Brian purchased a pair of Cannibal forks before we joined his adventure. They are proudly displayed in the salon (living room) along with many flower, shell, and other necklaces he received in greeting from the various locations and villages he has visited thus far.
Again the wind was up and the boat rocked and rolled at our location.
Jess will be 12 years old soon. This journey is definitely a lot like a rite of passage ceremony. He's being exposed to many new things and he has been given much more responsibility than he is used to. Brian cuts him no slack, which I feel at this stage of his life is a good thing.
He has daily responsibilities. He's also learned how to tie up the dingy, run the controls to get the dingy up to the top deck, and much more.
He's been driving the dingy.
Also, how to work the controls to pull up the anchor.
Next, on to an encounter with natives . . .
Lots of fun in the tropics,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 4
Traveling in Furthur for the first time.
Friday morning Brian fueled up his yacht, Furthur, while Jess and I checked out the store at the marina.
I used an ATM to get some Fiji dollars. Not having any idea how much to get and forgetting that the value is 2 to 1 - 1 U.S. is worth 2 Fijian. Anyway, I only got $40 Fiji dollars.
My total at the store totalled $39 something. I had to laugh.
I went back to the ATM to get more cash - since I obviously was going to need lots more than I had taken out - and the ATM was now out of service. Oops!
It was so exciting leaving the marina and heading out to sea for the first time.
It took awhile, but I finally learned a couple of things about sea sickness and being on the Furthur. I simply have to stay in the open air - in the pilot house or on the top deck in the pilot birth. My stomach has to be full - a trick I learned a long time ago on a cruise ship.
So traveling along at lunch time, me trying to put together something for all of us to eat in the galley is a bad idea. I haven't actually "lost my cookies," but boy have I come close.
The five day crossing to Australia is going to be interesting. Unless someone else handles the galley, we're going to be living on pop tarts, peanut butter sandwiches, and other uncooked, unprepared meals. Or, hopefully by then, my stomach can handle being in the galley.
As usual, it was a lovely day navigating around coral reefs, and taking photos of islands everywhere.
We arrived at Musket Cove / Plantation Island. Absolutely gorgeous!
We anchored off shore - as we do in most places.
At low tide, just off Musket Cove, a sand bar pops out of the water. A small stretch of beach only above the surface part of the day. It is surrounded by coral reefs and is a wonderful place to snorkel.
Brian took us over in the Dingy. Jess and I geared up with Brian helping us make the proper adjustments to our masks and fins. The one's I'd ordered through Amazon met with Brian's approval.
We sat off on Jess' first snorkeling adventure. Wow, beautiful coral, fish, and giant blue starfish. It was so much fun. Jess really loved it.
We were the first feet on the sand that day, so we took photos of course. It reminded me of that Christian poem of footprints in the sand where Jesus carries you in your times of trouble. That has definitely been true in my own life.
Just as we were finishing up our snorkeling fun, other boats began to arrive to do the same.
We headed in to Musket Cove in the dingy.
By now my month long date with the captain was in full swing. Funny, when I was telling my friends about the trip, I always added that it was basically a month-long date. Apparently Brian had been doing the same with his friends. Its what we both chose to call whatever this was going to be.
There are few things in life as romantic as walking hand in hand on the sand at a tropical beach resort. We had ice cream at Plantation Island. Jess played in the water for awhile and then joined us for ice cream.
Musket Cove and Plantation Island are at 2 opposite ends of a beautiful lagoon connected by a stretch of sand. When you are anchored there, you get to use all the facilities. We had a wonderful swim in the salt water pool. I had never heard of Musket Cove, but I had heard of Plantation Island.
Fiji is only a short plane ride from New Zealand and Australia. There are resorts in all price ranges everywhere.
Jess found a $20 Fijian dollar floating in the water. We realized a couple was looking for the money, so he gave it to the lady. She said there was a bunch of coins at the bottom of the pool and he could keep them for helping her.
Sunday we attended church on the island. It was half in Fijian and half in English. The topic was prosperity. I thought the guy was going to read every scripture in the whole bible related to money. English is a second language, so he read and spoke from a script the English portion. He spoke very slowly and it was almost painful getting through the service. The singing was lovely though.
All the buildings I've been to in Fiji are open air, except the one restaurant we visited in Lautoka. The air conditioning in the restaurant felt so cold in comparison with everywhere else.
Bugs, lizards, and other interesting creatures are in lots of places. Just part of the landscape of the place.
People are very friendly everywhere.
They all say "Bula," which again means hello.
Regardless of the nationality of the person having a conversation with you - a native Fijian or another tourist - after exchanging names, the typical first question is "Where are you from?"
When someone wants to know specifically where in America, Brian likes to ask if they have ever seen the Twilight movies - since he is from Seattle, a nearby city to Forks, WA.
The next is usually, "Where are you staying?"
When Brian explains that we are on a live-aboard boat anchored off-shore, and that he has driven the vessel all the way from America, many questions follow. Several people request a tour, which Brian happily gives.
Lots of fun in the tropics,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Friday morning Brian fueled up his yacht, Furthur, while Jess and I checked out the store at the marina.
I used an ATM to get some Fiji dollars. Not having any idea how much to get and forgetting that the value is 2 to 1 - 1 U.S. is worth 2 Fijian. Anyway, I only got $40 Fiji dollars.
My total at the store totalled $39 something. I had to laugh.
I went back to the ATM to get more cash - since I obviously was going to need lots more than I had taken out - and the ATM was now out of service. Oops!
It was so exciting leaving the marina and heading out to sea for the first time.
It took awhile, but I finally learned a couple of things about sea sickness and being on the Furthur. I simply have to stay in the open air - in the pilot house or on the top deck in the pilot birth. My stomach has to be full - a trick I learned a long time ago on a cruise ship.
So traveling along at lunch time, me trying to put together something for all of us to eat in the galley is a bad idea. I haven't actually "lost my cookies," but boy have I come close.
The five day crossing to Australia is going to be interesting. Unless someone else handles the galley, we're going to be living on pop tarts, peanut butter sandwiches, and other uncooked, unprepared meals. Or, hopefully by then, my stomach can handle being in the galley.
As usual, it was a lovely day navigating around coral reefs, and taking photos of islands everywhere.
We arrived at Musket Cove / Plantation Island. Absolutely gorgeous!
We anchored off shore - as we do in most places.
At low tide, just off Musket Cove, a sand bar pops out of the water. A small stretch of beach only above the surface part of the day. It is surrounded by coral reefs and is a wonderful place to snorkel.
Brian took us over in the Dingy. Jess and I geared up with Brian helping us make the proper adjustments to our masks and fins. The one's I'd ordered through Amazon met with Brian's approval.
We sat off on Jess' first snorkeling adventure. Wow, beautiful coral, fish, and giant blue starfish. It was so much fun. Jess really loved it.
We were the first feet on the sand that day, so we took photos of course. It reminded me of that Christian poem of footprints in the sand where Jesus carries you in your times of trouble. That has definitely been true in my own life.
Just as we were finishing up our snorkeling fun, other boats began to arrive to do the same.
We headed in to Musket Cove in the dingy.
By now my month long date with the captain was in full swing. Funny, when I was telling my friends about the trip, I always added that it was basically a month-long date. Apparently Brian had been doing the same with his friends. Its what we both chose to call whatever this was going to be.
There are few things in life as romantic as walking hand in hand on the sand at a tropical beach resort. We had ice cream at Plantation Island. Jess played in the water for awhile and then joined us for ice cream.
Musket Cove and Plantation Island are at 2 opposite ends of a beautiful lagoon connected by a stretch of sand. When you are anchored there, you get to use all the facilities. We had a wonderful swim in the salt water pool. I had never heard of Musket Cove, but I had heard of Plantation Island.
Fiji is only a short plane ride from New Zealand and Australia. There are resorts in all price ranges everywhere.
Jess found a $20 Fijian dollar floating in the water. We realized a couple was looking for the money, so he gave it to the lady. She said there was a bunch of coins at the bottom of the pool and he could keep them for helping her.
Sunday we attended church on the island. It was half in Fijian and half in English. The topic was prosperity. I thought the guy was going to read every scripture in the whole bible related to money. English is a second language, so he read and spoke from a script the English portion. He spoke very slowly and it was almost painful getting through the service. The singing was lovely though.
All the buildings I've been to in Fiji are open air, except the one restaurant we visited in Lautoka. The air conditioning in the restaurant felt so cold in comparison with everywhere else.
Bugs, lizards, and other interesting creatures are in lots of places. Just part of the landscape of the place.
People are very friendly everywhere.
They all say "Bula," which again means hello.
Regardless of the nationality of the person having a conversation with you - a native Fijian or another tourist - after exchanging names, the typical first question is "Where are you from?"
When someone wants to know specifically where in America, Brian likes to ask if they have ever seen the Twilight movies - since he is from Seattle, a nearby city to Forks, WA.
The next is usually, "Where are you staying?"
When Brian explains that we are on a live-aboard boat anchored off-shore, and that he has driven the vessel all the way from America, many questions follow. Several people request a tour, which Brian happily gives.
Lots of fun in the tropics,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 3
Wow, we are actually in Fiji
We thanked Abdul for the taxi ride and greeted Brian, thanking him for this fabulous opportunity to enjoy the South Pacific.
The first day or so was somewhat of a blur. Sleep deprivation will do that to you.
We stored all our gear.
I gave Brian several gifts. Some were things he requested I bring. Others were things I put together as a thank you. He had broken 2 french press coffee makers, so he wanted one out of stainless steel. Seattle boys need their coffee.
When he visits remote villages, he makes animal balloons for the kids and he had run out of balloons. So I got 3 giant bags, plus another pump.
There was something else, but I can't remember what it was.
The gifts I gave him included a mug and hat with a picture of his yacht. I had taken the picture off his blog and added some words. The name of the boat is Furthur - after a crazy bus trip made famous back in the 60's. His blog title is Furthur Adventure. So I put "Furthur Adventures . . ." on the picture of his yacht on the mug. On the hat I put Further Adventure, then the photo, then it said "captain." (He's been drinking from the mug ever since).
We took several naps.
Brian had just had the bottom painted on the yacht, so he was docked at the marina that did that work - Vadu Point Marina. He's been in yacht sales for 20 some years and has seen a ton of work done on boats. He says they did a fabulous job.
In North America a large motorized boat is referred to as a yacht. A yacht in these waters is a sailing vessel and a motorized boat is a called a launch.
The Marina was adjacent to a lovely resort and we had access to all the facilities. We quickly made our way to the pool. Being in the water felt wonderful.
I ended up napping under some palm trees.
Abdul drove us to Lautoka for lunch and groceries. We were leaving the main island the next day.
There is a large influence from India, a full 40% or so of the population of many of these islands. So lunch was a vegetarian indian meal. I loved it. Jess wasn't so sure.
The open market was amazing. Piles of everything you can imagine with many vendors. We got lots of veggies, fruits, and spices. Some things are easy to come by and others are completely non-existent.
The marina had a lovely open-air restaurant overlooking the water. That's where we had dinner. Well, Brian and I had dinner there. Jess literally put his head down on the table and slept through the whole thing.
Having fun in paradise,
Debbie Takara Shelor
We thanked Abdul for the taxi ride and greeted Brian, thanking him for this fabulous opportunity to enjoy the South Pacific.
The first day or so was somewhat of a blur. Sleep deprivation will do that to you.
We stored all our gear.
I gave Brian several gifts. Some were things he requested I bring. Others were things I put together as a thank you. He had broken 2 french press coffee makers, so he wanted one out of stainless steel. Seattle boys need their coffee.
When he visits remote villages, he makes animal balloons for the kids and he had run out of balloons. So I got 3 giant bags, plus another pump.
There was something else, but I can't remember what it was.
The gifts I gave him included a mug and hat with a picture of his yacht. I had taken the picture off his blog and added some words. The name of the boat is Furthur - after a crazy bus trip made famous back in the 60's. His blog title is Furthur Adventure. So I put "Furthur Adventures . . ." on the picture of his yacht on the mug. On the hat I put Further Adventure, then the photo, then it said "captain." (He's been drinking from the mug ever since).
We took several naps.
Brian had just had the bottom painted on the yacht, so he was docked at the marina that did that work - Vadu Point Marina. He's been in yacht sales for 20 some years and has seen a ton of work done on boats. He says they did a fabulous job.
In North America a large motorized boat is referred to as a yacht. A yacht in these waters is a sailing vessel and a motorized boat is a called a launch.
The Marina was adjacent to a lovely resort and we had access to all the facilities. We quickly made our way to the pool. Being in the water felt wonderful.
I ended up napping under some palm trees.
Abdul drove us to Lautoka for lunch and groceries. We were leaving the main island the next day.
There is a large influence from India, a full 40% or so of the population of many of these islands. So lunch was a vegetarian indian meal. I loved it. Jess wasn't so sure.
The open market was amazing. Piles of everything you can imagine with many vendors. We got lots of veggies, fruits, and spices. Some things are easy to come by and others are completely non-existent.
The marina had a lovely open-air restaurant overlooking the water. That's where we had dinner. Well, Brian and I had dinner there. Jess literally put his head down on the table and slept through the whole thing.
Having fun in paradise,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 2
We Set Off On Our Adventures
When I was searching for airfare to Fiji, it became obvious that flying out of a large international airport was going to be significantly cheaper. There are no international airports anywhere near where I live in southwestern Virginia.
I finally settled on flying out of Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C.
With all our gear and a combination of excitement and dread over the long flight, we headed to D.C. My dear friend, Carolyn Nau, put us up for the night. Then she took us to the airport the next day.
Five hours from D.C. to L.A. The on board movie was the new Karate Kid movie. It was awsome. I've always loved the Karate Kid movies and interestingly enough Jess and I had watched the first two movies only a week before. I just love it when I am "inspired" to do things and they line up beautifully with what the Universe knows we have in store.
The adventure was now fully underway.
When we got to L.A. we were told at Air Pacific that we could not board the flight on one way tickets to Fiji. We had to have return tickets or a flight to somewhere else or they would not even let us on the plane. Nice!
I already had a letter from Brian, the captain of the vessel we would be boarding, but apparently what we were supposed to have was prior permission from immigration with an official letter from them.
The airline tried to contact Fiji immigration to no avail. Finally they got through and were told that I had to purchase a second ticket. So I had to come up with money for a flight from Fiji to Sydney Australia.
Well, it was becoming interesting so far.
The plane boarded around 11 p.m. Pacific time. Thankfully they were letting us take the flight. We were still on East Coast time, so it felt like 2:30 a.m. already.
We were totally exhausted.
Already having flown for hours, then dealing with the immigration problem and the potential of not even being able to make the flight, my joyful nature was beginning to wear thin.
Once on board the huge airplane, we tried to sleep. They gave us pillows and blankets. I had eye shades and ear plugs for both of us. Regardless of all the proper stuff, neither of us slept at all during the 10 hour flight from L.A. to Fiji.
One of the many on-board movie choices was a movie I had seen the previews for and always wanted to watch. I enjoyed it.
We had now been up way too long.
I had a bunch of vitamins and mineral supplements - tons actually - and I was fairly concerned about getting them through customs. None of them were in the original bottles because I had put them into daily packs ready to use each morning.
We also had the issue of getting into Fiji and having to produce the documents about boarding the boat, the airline tickets I had purchased to Sydney, etc.
Luckily all of that was fairly simple.
Once we had all of our luggage, we saw Abdul holding up the sign for Furthur - the boat we would be calling home for quite a while.
Abdul was very sweet. He runs a taxi service and had been chauffering Brian around to various parts of the island. Brian arranged to have Abdul pick us up at the airport. He got there at 4 something in the morning because the flights are sometimes early.
Ours actually got in at the scheduled time of 5:30 a.m. We had crossed the international date line, so instead of arriving the next morning, on Fiji time it was 2 days later. Our bodies weren't quite sure what to do.
We got the official greeting by Abdul who put a shell necklace around each of our necks and welcomed us with "Bula."
Bula means hello. According to Brian, it is one of the few hello's that he has actually been able to say.
Having fun in paradise,
Debbie Takara Shelor
When I was searching for airfare to Fiji, it became obvious that flying out of a large international airport was going to be significantly cheaper. There are no international airports anywhere near where I live in southwestern Virginia.
I finally settled on flying out of Dulles Airport near Washington, D.C.
With all our gear and a combination of excitement and dread over the long flight, we headed to D.C. My dear friend, Carolyn Nau, put us up for the night. Then she took us to the airport the next day.
Five hours from D.C. to L.A. The on board movie was the new Karate Kid movie. It was awsome. I've always loved the Karate Kid movies and interestingly enough Jess and I had watched the first two movies only a week before. I just love it when I am "inspired" to do things and they line up beautifully with what the Universe knows we have in store.
The adventure was now fully underway.
When we got to L.A. we were told at Air Pacific that we could not board the flight on one way tickets to Fiji. We had to have return tickets or a flight to somewhere else or they would not even let us on the plane. Nice!
I already had a letter from Brian, the captain of the vessel we would be boarding, but apparently what we were supposed to have was prior permission from immigration with an official letter from them.
The airline tried to contact Fiji immigration to no avail. Finally they got through and were told that I had to purchase a second ticket. So I had to come up with money for a flight from Fiji to Sydney Australia.
Well, it was becoming interesting so far.
The plane boarded around 11 p.m. Pacific time. Thankfully they were letting us take the flight. We were still on East Coast time, so it felt like 2:30 a.m. already.
We were totally exhausted.
Already having flown for hours, then dealing with the immigration problem and the potential of not even being able to make the flight, my joyful nature was beginning to wear thin.
Once on board the huge airplane, we tried to sleep. They gave us pillows and blankets. I had eye shades and ear plugs for both of us. Regardless of all the proper stuff, neither of us slept at all during the 10 hour flight from L.A. to Fiji.
One of the many on-board movie choices was a movie I had seen the previews for and always wanted to watch. I enjoyed it.
We had now been up way too long.
I had a bunch of vitamins and mineral supplements - tons actually - and I was fairly concerned about getting them through customs. None of them were in the original bottles because I had put them into daily packs ready to use each morning.
We also had the issue of getting into Fiji and having to produce the documents about boarding the boat, the airline tickets I had purchased to Sydney, etc.
Luckily all of that was fairly simple.
Once we had all of our luggage, we saw Abdul holding up the sign for Furthur - the boat we would be calling home for quite a while.
Abdul was very sweet. He runs a taxi service and had been chauffering Brian around to various parts of the island. Brian arranged to have Abdul pick us up at the airport. He got there at 4 something in the morning because the flights are sometimes early.
Ours actually got in at the scheduled time of 5:30 a.m. We had crossed the international date line, so instead of arriving the next morning, on Fiji time it was 2 days later. Our bodies weren't quite sure what to do.
We got the official greeting by Abdul who put a shell necklace around each of our necks and welcomed us with "Bula."
Bula means hello. According to Brian, it is one of the few hello's that he has actually been able to say.
Having fun in paradise,
Debbie Takara Shelor
Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 1
Trip to the South Pacific:
September 14th, 2010
My son, Jess, and I sat out on a grand adventure to the South Pacific.
It all began when I reconnected with an old friend, Brian Calvert, through Facebook. 13 or so years ago, I lived on San Juan Island in Washington state. Its a small place where most everyone knows one another. Brian was the Port Commissioner of Friday Harbor as well as the co-owner of Friday Harbor Yachts.
We had a few adventures together back then.
I had recently left the comfort and security of the corporate world where I was an engineer and front line supervisor. I moved to the San Juans to co-found a non-profit for dolphins and whales.
We were both involved in different ways in the work going on to free Lolita, a wonderful Orca, from SeaAquarium Miami. Lolita was taken as a juvenile from her family in the San Juan's and had been performing in Miami for over 25 years. She was the last one remaining in captivity that had been taken from the Northwest before it became illegal to do so. All the others had already died in captivity.
Brian once took a friend and I on a yacht to another island for dinner. Another time he flew us to Seattle on his private plane.
We lost touch after I left the island to head to California for awhile.
I found another friend on Facebook, a photographer named Kelly Balcolm-Bartok who had worked on the Free Willy movies. His father is a famous whale researcher named Ken Balcolm. We had also known one another when I lived on San Juan. After we became Facebook friends, I began wondering if he would have any other Facebook friends that I might know from my island days. I came across Brian in Kelly's friends list.
When we reconnected, Brian was in Puerto Viarta, Mexico, preparing for a trip cruising around the world on his yacht. Brian began inviting me to join him in Paradise. He kept luring me in with amazing photos, Facebook and blog postings about his grand adventures at sea. It's fairly rare to come across a man who loves the ocean as much as I do.
Anyway, while he was in Tahiti, I told him I had received a pearl in meditation awhile back and would love to have a real one. The pearl I saw in my vision was a Tahitian black pearl. He said it was a funny thing because he had already purchased one. But I'd have to come to collect it myself. Ah, he had so much fun convincing me to join him somewhere.
Each time he asked, I just knew within myself that I was not to go on that journey. I could have gone to Puerta Viarta, or Tahiti, or Bora Bora, or Tonga, or a whole host of other fabulously delicious places. But each time, the answer inside was simply no. I assumed that he would keep asking and I would keep saying no.
But when the offer came to fly to Fiji and stay on board for a month and fly back from Australia, every cell in my body said "yes." I told him I couldn't possibly go for that long and leave my son. So he told me to bring Jess along as well.
The next several weeks were a whirlwind of activity. I had to notify all my wholesale customers that I would not be able to make Dancing Dolphin Essences for at least a month and they needed to stock up by a certain date.
For what seemed like weeks on end, I got up at 5:30 or 6 a.m. and worked until 11 p.m. finishing up projects I was working on, completing a few websites I was designing for clients, doing a bunch of writing on my books, running a couple of sales to have extra cash for the trip. I also had to do a lot of shopping on line - wetsuits, snorkel gear, underwater camera, vitamins and supplements for a lengthy time abroad, plus a few things for Brian. Amazon.com loves me about now.
Then there was the packing. Even though it is a large yacht with lots of storage, there simply isn't room to store big bulky rolling luggage. I convinced him to let me bring 2 rolling carry-ons. But the rest needed to be in duffles. I've been traveling for years, and have never used a duffle. They are too heavy for me to handle easily.
I didn't want to buy duffles, because I didn't plan on using them after the trip. And I just purchased a new set of luggage for Jess and got another set for myself just a few weeks ago. So I asked if I could borrow one from my ex. An odd request for sure, but he has a couple. He sent the big one.
Another friend had just bought a really nice leather one at a used clothing store for $10. She and her family of 6 were about to head out on a 3-week camping trip from Virginia to California and back. They had a big luggage carrier shell for the top of their van. So the luggage that went inside had to be soft sided in order to be stuffed in and fit properly. She said I could borrow it when they got back. They returned on Saturday and we were leaving on Monday. I really only had one day to pack everything.
Looking forward to having fun in paradise,
Debbie Takara Shelor
September 14th, 2010
My son, Jess, and I sat out on a grand adventure to the South Pacific.
It all began when I reconnected with an old friend, Brian Calvert, through Facebook. 13 or so years ago, I lived on San Juan Island in Washington state. Its a small place where most everyone knows one another. Brian was the Port Commissioner of Friday Harbor as well as the co-owner of Friday Harbor Yachts.
We had a few adventures together back then.
I had recently left the comfort and security of the corporate world where I was an engineer and front line supervisor. I moved to the San Juans to co-found a non-profit for dolphins and whales.
We were both involved in different ways in the work going on to free Lolita, a wonderful Orca, from SeaAquarium Miami. Lolita was taken as a juvenile from her family in the San Juan's and had been performing in Miami for over 25 years. She was the last one remaining in captivity that had been taken from the Northwest before it became illegal to do so. All the others had already died in captivity.
Brian once took a friend and I on a yacht to another island for dinner. Another time he flew us to Seattle on his private plane.
We lost touch after I left the island to head to California for awhile.
I found another friend on Facebook, a photographer named Kelly Balcolm-Bartok who had worked on the Free Willy movies. His father is a famous whale researcher named Ken Balcolm. We had also known one another when I lived on San Juan. After we became Facebook friends, I began wondering if he would have any other Facebook friends that I might know from my island days. I came across Brian in Kelly's friends list.
When we reconnected, Brian was in Puerto Viarta, Mexico, preparing for a trip cruising around the world on his yacht. Brian began inviting me to join him in Paradise. He kept luring me in with amazing photos, Facebook and blog postings about his grand adventures at sea. It's fairly rare to come across a man who loves the ocean as much as I do.
Anyway, while he was in Tahiti, I told him I had received a pearl in meditation awhile back and would love to have a real one. The pearl I saw in my vision was a Tahitian black pearl. He said it was a funny thing because he had already purchased one. But I'd have to come to collect it myself. Ah, he had so much fun convincing me to join him somewhere.
Each time he asked, I just knew within myself that I was not to go on that journey. I could have gone to Puerta Viarta, or Tahiti, or Bora Bora, or Tonga, or a whole host of other fabulously delicious places. But each time, the answer inside was simply no. I assumed that he would keep asking and I would keep saying no.
But when the offer came to fly to Fiji and stay on board for a month and fly back from Australia, every cell in my body said "yes." I told him I couldn't possibly go for that long and leave my son. So he told me to bring Jess along as well.
The next several weeks were a whirlwind of activity. I had to notify all my wholesale customers that I would not be able to make Dancing Dolphin Essences for at least a month and they needed to stock up by a certain date.
For what seemed like weeks on end, I got up at 5:30 or 6 a.m. and worked until 11 p.m. finishing up projects I was working on, completing a few websites I was designing for clients, doing a bunch of writing on my books, running a couple of sales to have extra cash for the trip. I also had to do a lot of shopping on line - wetsuits, snorkel gear, underwater camera, vitamins and supplements for a lengthy time abroad, plus a few things for Brian. Amazon.com loves me about now.
Then there was the packing. Even though it is a large yacht with lots of storage, there simply isn't room to store big bulky rolling luggage. I convinced him to let me bring 2 rolling carry-ons. But the rest needed to be in duffles. I've been traveling for years, and have never used a duffle. They are too heavy for me to handle easily.
I didn't want to buy duffles, because I didn't plan on using them after the trip. And I just purchased a new set of luggage for Jess and got another set for myself just a few weeks ago. So I asked if I could borrow one from my ex. An odd request for sure, but he has a couple. He sent the big one.
Another friend had just bought a really nice leather one at a used clothing store for $10. She and her family of 6 were about to head out on a 3-week camping trip from Virginia to California and back. They had a big luggage carrier shell for the top of their van. So the luggage that went inside had to be soft sided in order to be stuffed in and fit properly. She said I could borrow it when they got back. They returned on Saturday and we were leaving on Monday. I really only had one day to pack everything.
Looking forward to having fun in paradise,
Debbie Takara Shelor
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