Memorial Service

I have shaved off the mustache just before a morning snorkling venture to allow the goggles to fit better and did not take the time to properly tie in the waterproof camera.  Lost it to the deep.  I was annoyed that I let myself be rushed into splashing in before I was really ready.  Another lesson.  But I had already saved yesterday's photos at Split Rock.  Not a serious loss when I consider what other people here have lost recently.

Short but pleasant sail in light winds back from Split Rock anchorage to Savusavu.  Stopped Jim from taking apart the windlass as he figured it would be easier to hand crank if he took the cover off.  I had a mental image of parts flying everywhere.  Encouraged Jim to put it back together and try the windlass using the starter battery and the house batteries together on "both" setting with the engine running and everything else turned off.  It worked well which saved a lot of labour.  Used main and staysail as Jim will not put out the jib saying that it is "too fragile" due to UV damage.  Just one more broken part of this vessel.

Attended memorial service for Sean (corrected spelling) and Sharon at 5 pm this afternoon in the bar and deck below their second floor store.  Methodist minister, newly arrived, presided.  Memorial featured a few words from the minister, a very shy and soft spoken Fijian whose life was turned around by Sean & Sharon's employment with anecdotes from long time friends.  Memorial was held as their boat was being hauled up on land by two cranes for investigation.  Large tract of land taped off with "crime scene" tape.  Large crowd at the service, they were well liked.  Lived on their boat and operated a clothing and T shirt store here while employing 15 people in Suva to make the shirts.  Nobody knows what will happen to the compnay or the employees. 

Apparently Sean was quite a character and if anyone would come back from the dead to trick his friends it would be Sean.  So explained a fellow with a strong New Zealand accent as he made the point with a circle of his friends while asking me who I was.  Apparently, with the mustache off, many folk here think I look like Sean.  Oddly, Sean and Sharon's cat had wandered through the service and jumped up on my lap allowing itself to be petted before moving on.  The same fellows, on hearing of my boating woes, congratulated me for leaving the ship today.

Checked with the bus office on the way into town and it looks like a trip to Tavenui is quite possible.  In the morning I will secure my new base in Savusavu town and organize my plans so that I can see as much as possible and still make the April 1 flight from Nadi.  Thanks to all who have sent suggections of places to see.  My "Lonely Planet" book is a great guide and the other yacht folks residing here in the Bay have been most helpful.  Just as long, said Vin and Annette, as I come back to Savusavu for the Wednesday and Sunday night music evenings.  Lovely people here.

Lynda is with a friend tonight so I get the big bunk and Jim is still schmoozing at the yacht club.  After fish and chips at the yacht club ($9.50 Fijian), I took a taxi from town back to the dock.  $2.50 Fijian.  Can you believe it?  That would be about $1.50 Canadian and you can't step into a cab at home for that money.  Small wonder many Australian and New Zealand folks on pensions come here to live.  Your money goes further although expectations are lower, people live more simply but they all seem happy to be here.  You just need webbed feet.

Hope you get rid of the snow before I get home.