Finally arrived in Auz

When we left the UK in 1997 our only real goal was to reach Sydney and sail under the harbour bridge. We met each other in Sydney in 1989 and so this would bring us back to where it all started. Of course we had planned to be here for the Olympics in 2000 so we are a little late but still this is a milestone.

Bonjour from New Caledonia

We had a fabulous trip from Lautoka to Noumea - faster and smoother than we had expected. Now enjoying croissants, bagettes and a very pretty city.

We only have a few jobs to do before we set off again, this is just a stopover really. Our next port of call should be Coffs Harbour in NSW.

Welcome to Vincent William - Bithia and Neill's son and Erin's nephew. We are, of course, rushing to Sydney to see him and Stella his big sister.

Sorry no photos for this one.

Musket Cove Regatta

• Salty pirates in the beachcomer race - crew on Freedom Hunter.
• Erin - not coming last in the kayaking race (dressed in black).
• Princess Fatima - didn't make the finals.
• Whimsey Galore - finalist in the princesses competition.
• All in all we have had a lot of fun!! Recommend the regatta to anyone who is in the area. Lots of friends turned up here - some new and some old.

Fiji's hot and sunny west coast

This will be a quick one as the connection is a bit slow. We have had a lovely couple of weeks making our way from Savusavu to Vuda point marina. Look out for the photos of the giant clams and Sean working with Kameli to try to mend the water pump on Makongai.

Leaving Savu Savu

After a wonderful month in Savu Savu it is now time to move on. We have been welcomed into the homes and lives of so many friendly people it will be hard to say goodbye - but only until next year.

We are moving west towards Lautoka and Musket Cove for September where Erin's mum and dad will join us for a week.

SavuSavu Darts Champions

Arvind, Sean and Gopen - some of the winning darts team. Planters Club SavuSavu 21st July 2007. NEWS FLASH - we had our pictures in the Fiji Sun newspaper!!

This is Savusavu where we are now.

One of the many stunning ocean sunsets on our trip.







We were given the best part of a large wahoo in Minerva reef by Don on "The Scotsman" - so much that Erin marinaded and dried it on the back deck.

Savusavu

We are enjoying life in Savusavu. In the two weeks since we arrived we have been invited to, and attended, a Hindu wedding and Sean is now a member of the local darts team. Our plans, as always, are flexible but we are aiming to head from here to Koro, then to Kandavu up to Lautoka and the islands of the west. However, Sean would also like to go to the Somosomo straits and the east of Vanua Levu so all of that is still under discussion.

We haven't heard from anyone in Bayswater since the big blow a couple of weeks ago so are hoping all is well.

I'm having problems loading photos but hope to have some pictures up soon.

Finally in Fiji

After a longer than expected trip - 4 weeks - we arrived in Fiji. We did spend 12 days in North Minerva reef waiting for the right weather so I suppose it wasn't so bad.

Savusavu is lovely - really lush and tropical and we are enjoying the change of weather.

More to follow - going to a seminar on village culture.

Erin and Sean

Waiting for weather

We are in Opua in the Bay of Islands waiting for the next good weather window to head north. Not a bad place to wait except for the talk of Polar blasts which sound far too cold - still not reaching us yet. Earliest departure looks like mid week.....

Boat work in beautiful places

We have had a successful trip up the coast of New Zealand with new winches installed (Erin) engine work (Sean) painting (Erin) engine work (Sean) etc.


Fingers and toes crossed we are nearly ready to head North. Until then we will enjoy the lovely Bay of Islands.

On the move - Whangarei

Just a quick update - Whimsey is now in Whangarei Town Basin. Sean is investigating the engine (what's new) and Erin is trying to keep out of Arthurs Emporium.

Whangarei is a 3 hour motor up the river, even at high tide we had about 2 inches under the keel at times so an interesting trip. It is quite lovely and everything is really handy but all the same we plan to be on the move again by the end of the week.

Panama Canal

Just to get these photos up here, and to test out the process. This is us going through the canal on March 15th and 16th 2002. We searched on both sides of the canal, in Balboa and in Panama city and found a grand total of 18 cans of Guiness for the St Patricks Day celebration. The transit crew were: David, Randy, Carl, Sarah, Sean and Erin.

Sean fishing at sunset on Gattun Lake

Under the bridge of the Americas.

Here we are

Here we are in Auckland:
the fuel tank is out
the pushpit is off
the life lines are off and
the life rafts being serviced.

After 4 1/2 years in Auckland Whimsey is getting ready to head off into the Ocean again. Fiji here we come!