After another rolly night and the continuation of the poor light due to the overcast weather, making navigating the reefs to get to the other anchorages around Naviti Island too precarious and with stronger winds expected from tomorrow through to Sunday, we decided that staying in the marginal anchorages of the southern Yasawa Islands that we could access was probably not a good idea.
So, rather than return to Saweni Bay where there is no entertainment ashore or returning to Port Denarau, since we have to be back there on Sunday anyway for Elaine's next physiotherapy appointment, we motor-sailed / motored the 36NM in very lumpy seas back to Malolo Lailai, arriving just before sun set, which made for a very long day of bouncing around. Of course, it didn't help matters that the stronger winds forecasted for tomorrow actually arrived today and, for the most part, were right "on the nose". We did, however, get to enjoy the scenery and a much close r look at many of the northern Mamanuca Islands, including the numerous resorts tucked away in the palm trees fringing the white sandy beaches of most of the islands.
On our arrival at Malolo Lailai we were surprised to find the mooring field and anchorage at Musket Cove jam-packed with yachts which resulted in us having to anchor out with the "big boys".
As soon as we were settled we headed ashore for a well deserved drink and a light dinner. We had left our "party lights" on so that we could identify Paw Paw easier in the dark, but we both had a good giggle as soon as we exited the marina to return to Paw Paw when we saw all the megayachts lit up like Christmas trees, knowing Paw Paw was anchored amongst them. Turns out we really weren't going to have any trouble finding her in the dark.
Something else we noticed on our journey south was that the minute we left the vicinity of the Yasawa Islands, the skies were clear and sunny. A complete co ntrast to the dull, overcast days we had experienced the whole time we were there. It seems that this area of Fiji probably has its own microclimatology based on location and the high mountains of the island chain. Definitely something to consider when we explore the northern and central area over the coming weeks.
