Viani Bay is a great place for cruisers to drop anchor and enjoy their visit. Jack Fisher lives here and is written up in the cruising guides as a friend to yachties. He showed us a super place to snorkel as well as an easy trip to Taviuni to see the water falls.

After getting anchored and settled, we lowered the dinghy and came ashore to meet the infamous, Jack. We were told that he presently was not at home, but we were welcome to walk around the village. His wife and sister invited us in (left) and we arranged a hike for the following day.

We walked along the beach toward the school just as classes were over. We received the universal Fijian welcome smiles (right).

There was an after school volleyball game going on and we stopped to watch. Most of the Fijians are strong and athletic, and excel at sports.

The village was quite pleasant. It is on freehold land, which means that individuals own their homes and do NOT live under the authority of a chief - as most Fijians do. Also, because Viani Bay is on the large island of Vanua Levu villagers can easily travel to employment opportunities outside the village. Yachties are more free to wander the beaches and swim in the bay. As you may have noticed, visitors to most Fijian villages have a guide with them at all times.

Since the Rainbow Reef is written up in all the guide books we felt that it was worth it to wait for Jack's return to be shown the exact safe place to anchor Quest on the reef. As you see (right) it was worth it to wait for Jack, for we had just left the bay when he was able to catch a great fish for dinner!

The photo on the left is of Quest as we approached the reef. The prevailing wind is toward us, so our plan is to anchor on a shallow sandy spot that Jack has in mind! The fish like it out here on the reef, so we had a great time!

Just thought I'd put a couple of underwater shots in here. I have more on my "Sealife" page.

The next day we went over to Taviuni, "The Garden Island." The 180th meridian goes through this island (right). So, at this exact line we're opposite Greenwich, England. If it's noon here in Fiji, it's midnight in England!

One of the attractions of Taviuni is a beautiful waterfall. We took the local bus to travel to the northern part of the island to the place of the waterfall. As we travel there we get into some rural villages - again where the main support is agriculture and the roads turn to dirt.

Again, you see the traditional basket made of palm frond.

It's interesting that we don't see many horses in these western islands. If you remember, we saw a lot in the Marquesas. In fact, there are wild horses there. It probably has to do with water and grazing land. Taviuni has a lot of both, so there are a few horses.

When we get to the waterfall we're expected to pay a small fee. But it's worth it as we relax in the lower pool!

We get on the return bus just as school lets out!

When returning to the Quest after a land tour we're always happy to see her safely anchored in the spot where we left her!

We head back to Viani Bay, let Jack off and proceed on to another beautiful Fijian island. It's surprising how attached you get to people in these circumstances. We had a great time in Viani Bay all because of the welcoming attitude of the local people.