September 6, 2008: South Pacific

Momi Bay, Viti Levu, Fiji (S 17.54.818 E 177.15.988) http://maps.google.com/maps

Beqa Island was in the path of the trades and the winds were steady and strong (26 Knots). But, once we rounded the southwestern tip of the big island of Viti Levu the wind reversed, literally 180 degrees and then almost shot off. It was like being in an entirely different place as you can see.

We planned to enter the reef through Navula Pass and anchor in this bay. We were the only boat here and once again this place was incredibly quiet with very light winds. The only sounds heard were an occasional tractor on shore or the roosters at sunrise. The weird thing is that if you did not know where you were you’d swear it was Sonoma, CA.

Well almost like Sonoma. Momi Bay was a major gun placement during WWII protecting this side of Fiji. The only time the guns were fired was when they mistook a friend ship for a Japanese battleship. The surrounding area like most of Viti Levu is all sugar cane fields. The locals have done a good job preserving the sight.

Our base in the Mamanucas was to be Musket Cove only about 10 miles from here but you have to pick your way through the coral heads to get there.