First thing this morning we had a police boat pull alongside. Police and Bio Security came onboard to do a spot check. First time we have had this after we have already been through entry formalities, but in a way reassuring that they do keep an eye out on who is coming and going in the harbour. I should point out they went to all the boats so it wasn’t just us looking suspect! Today after Andrew climbed up the mast, we went to get the halyard replaced. The rigging place was in a town 2km away called Lami. Of cause we had to take the bus. An air conditioned island style bus (no glass in the windows).
The bus driver we had from Labasa to Savusavu drove fast but did stop for passengers. The one we had today didn’t stop for passengers! There were roadworks some kilometres ahead and there was no way the bus driver was going to get out of the line of traffic to stop at bus stops. He did slow down but he was not going to stop. Luckily at our stop the traffic had come to a stand still for a moment and we ran into the traffic and got on. Others had to run alongside and jump on. Any stops where there was women with babies or any older people he just didn’t bother even slowing. Again luckily our stop to get off was just past the road works and he stopped to let people off.
This afternoon we were flagged down by one of the neighbouring yachts. He wondered if we could help. He couldn’t start the boat motor. Andrew went across to have a look and took our start battery and multimeter. His batteries were low from trying to start it. With our battery connected smoke started pouring out of the starter motor. He then said it had been smoking in Samoa and he had someone look at it and say it was ok. So Andrew left him pondering how to get the starter motor replaced as there was nothing further we could do. He is being towed across to the Royal Suva Yacht Club tomorrow where he can tie up to one of the pontoons and hopefully will be able to get some help.