Phase 18 Blog- Week 6
We started the week with another birthday, this time it was Kristy’s turn to celebrate her special day on the island. We were taught the survey on land on the volleyball court before being put into the ocean to practice surveys on the house reef. We were excited to be putting all are hard learnt science into practise by starting real surveys around Kubulau, after a few ropey attempts we all got into the swing of it pretty well. Debs, Karen and Rachel also went on a trip to help identify a stranded whale that had died further up the coast, it turned out to be a 16m male sperm whale! The smell was VERY pungent when they returned!
Measuring the 16m (52ft) Sperm Whale.
We started the week with another birthday, this time it was Kristy’s turn to celebrate her special day on the island. We were taught the survey on land on the volleyball court before being put into the ocean to practice surveys on the house reef. We were excited to be putting all are hard learnt science into practise by starting real surveys around Kubulau, after a few ropey attempts we all got into the swing of it pretty well. Debs, Karen and Rachel also went on a trip to help identify a stranded whale that had died further up the coast, it turned out to be a 16m male sperm whale! The smell was VERY pungent when they returned!
Measuring the 16m (52ft) Sperm Whale.
This week we were lucky enough to have our first two fundraisers. Our first was in the village of Natokalau; we had great food, lots of Kava and even enjoyed sober dancing. The money raised that evening went towards an anchor for the youth group’s boat. The second was in our home village of Navatu where we raised money for an upcoming wedding, with Debs, Karen Ben S and James putting in a truly amazing performance drinking Kava well after the others had left for bed!Saturday was the day of camp clean and fun dives. We got to go to ‘Shark Attack’ (it’s just a name, HONEST!) where we had an awesome drift dive. The food that night was also awesome with beef burgers on the menu following fish and chips earlier in the week courtesy of Paul’s fishing skills- it was a good week for food where we were spoilt rotten! Saturday night we had a Leavers Ball for the six weekers leaving; Kristy, Amy, Ben S and Allyce.
After a Sunday spent in Navatu Monday morning came round all too quickly and it was time for the six weekers to start the journey home, which was emotional for everyone, especially as the rest of us followed Kristy’s goodbye treasure hunt she had set up before heading home. Luckily the week finished on a high note with the return of Gwyn our Medforce volunteer from his 10 day placement at the hospital in Savusavu. But even with his return camp still felt very empty =(
James and Will
Phase 18 Blog- Week 7
The week started with surveys but due to rough weather conditions dives were cancelled. This gave us time to relax in the sun and play some volleyball. Thursday and Friday we all went to the Kubalau 7’s Rugby Tournament, which was two exciting days watching rugby teams from all over Vanua Levu including our very own volunteer Ben playing for the Navatu 3rd team. There was a lot of nice food and of course Kava. A particular highlight was bread and jam. Lots of new friends were made, especially with the North Fijian army who friendly invited us to sit in their tent on day two. Sadly Navatu didn’t win but came second taking away $500, which was donated to the church.
Afternoon nap in the Fijian Army’s tent Navatu 1st’s vs. Natokalau in the semi final
Saturday was another amazing day. With the sea conditions still rough Paul took us down the Wainunu River and we visited a local village. As we were unannounced we took Kava for a Sevusevu and the villagers showed us to the hot fresh water pools then kindly invited us to stay for a Kava session. This included lots of Kava, music and sober dancing. We then went back to a nice spot along the river bank for lunch and swimming.
Farewell from the villagers as we set off for a picnic on the Wainunu River
Saturday night Jade made us chilli and garlic bread. What a treat! Then as always party night commenced with a pub quiz. Sunday we went to Navatu for church. In the afternoon there was Kava and cake to celebrate the rugby and Ben presented the prize money to the church. Monday morning was camp clean and then in the afternoon a fun dive at Lovers. That night the ration run returned with all our goodies which was the perfect end to a great week.
Dani
The week started with surveys but due to rough weather conditions dives were cancelled. This gave us time to relax in the sun and play some volleyball. Thursday and Friday we all went to the Kubalau 7’s Rugby Tournament, which was two exciting days watching rugby teams from all over Vanua Levu including our very own volunteer Ben playing for the Navatu 3rd team. There was a lot of nice food and of course Kava. A particular highlight was bread and jam. Lots of new friends were made, especially with the North Fijian army who friendly invited us to sit in their tent on day two. Sadly Navatu didn’t win but came second taking away $500, which was donated to the church.
Afternoon nap in the Fijian Army’s tent Navatu 1st’s vs. Natokalau in the semi final
Saturday was another amazing day. With the sea conditions still rough Paul took us down the Wainunu River and we visited a local village. As we were unannounced we took Kava for a Sevusevu and the villagers showed us to the hot fresh water pools then kindly invited us to stay for a Kava session. This included lots of Kava, music and sober dancing. We then went back to a nice spot along the river bank for lunch and swimming.
Farewell from the villagers as we set off for a picnic on the Wainunu River
Saturday night Jade made us chilli and garlic bread. What a treat! Then as always party night commenced with a pub quiz. Sunday we went to Navatu for church. In the afternoon there was Kava and cake to celebrate the rugby and Ben presented the prize money to the church. Monday morning was camp clean and then in the afternoon a fun dive at Lovers. That night the ration run returned with all our goodies which was the perfect end to a great week.
Dani
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