Adventures in the South Pacific - Issue 12

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