South Pacific Projects – Marine Conservation, Fiji

The best day ever started with a beautiful sunrise across the spit of Leleuvia. On the boat to the dive site, Jone spotted a pod of about 25 Spinner Dolphins- the first sighting of the expedition.

We eagerly drew up beside them, but they were clearly off somewhere more important. Despite our rapid kitting up, by the time we made it into the water they were no where to be seen, not that it mattered, our dive was still beautiful.

To top it all off, we completed our Benthic tests!  Waiting for us when we arrived back from the dive was an amazing breakfast, consisting of Lele’s legendary homemade bread, and a fried egg no less! It was genius. The morning then proved useful for working on our tans and our laundry, both equally important. After chilling out with everyone, the conch was blown for lunch. We couldn’t contain our excitement when we realised that there were chicken salad sandwiches waiting for us, amazingly with potato chips! This was shaping up to be a great food day!

Howard surprised us with the idea of going for a snorkel. We all hopped on the boat and went to Moturiki fringing reef, on Jone’s recommendation- what a recommendation! Within the first five minutes we saw our first turtle, we were all totally enchanted by his graceful movements (in the words of Jane). As he swam into the blue we turned away and quite unbelievably saw another turtle.

They swam away together, leaving us all “having a moment”. You wouldn’t believe us if we said that we saw yet another turtle over the reef wall, BUT WE DID! Whilst recovering from seeing the turtles, we swam with three white tips, a school of massive snappers (they have a real presence on the reef, don’t they Tristan?) and loads of parrotfish.

After we returned from the snorkel, tired but happy, we quickly prepared for Miri’s 8th birthday party. The surprise took place in Hammock city, the staff did an amazing job and the table full of goodies was enough to make a fully grown man (Howard) speechless. Possibly the best cake ever made.  Miri was thrilled with her cards and presents, and of course the obligatory birthday bumps. A stunning sunset topped off the day as we watched it set over Viti Levu, with a cold beer and the island cat, Whitey, in tow.

As stated earlier, this was set to be the best food day ever. At dinner Spaghetti Bolognaise did not disappoint, it was truly delicious. What more need we say – what a day!
Lucy and Jane