July 14, 2025

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASHINGTON, USA

Today  I went exploring what life of a resident is like living on Bainbridge Island, off the coast of Seattle. A question I have pondered ever since watching Grey's Anatomy! Today, I am getting insight from a new local resident, Peggy Frisbee, my buddy has recently relocated here from the Philadelphia area.

Phil and Kim Cleary wanted to join me as they had never been there, despite Kim growing up in the area, in her early years. So the three of us got the ferry over from downtown Seattle and took in the fabulous views.The ferry ride takes roughly 35  minutes and the ferry is rarely on time, per Peggy. The cost is $10.25, but you only pay for one way, the return from Bainbridge is free.  Peggy picked us up on the Bainbridge side and gave us a driving tour of the island.

After seeing some of the neighborhood we went to Peggy's rental home to meet her dogs. She is all boxed up to move 7/5/25. Then we went for a hike in the Grand Forest - this lovely oasis is just minutes from Peggy's house, in the middle of the island.

Next we went to see Peggy's new Home! It's lovely, can't believe it was a prefab home. It was just renovated and updated by a local architect and he really enhanced the property. The mature landscaping around it really completes the whole thing. Also above the garage there is a nice one bedroom rental unit that Peggy can put on AIRBNB and have a supplemental income. I think she is going to be very happy here and can't wait to come back and see it after she has settled in with all her unique pieces and touches.

Time was quickly passing for us on this special day. We went to see a local sculpture on our ride into town, then picked up some goodies at the local super market and then had to hurry back on the ferry to make our way back to Ship for our departure from Seattle.

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PORT DEARAU, FIJI - Naidiri Village

By Patricia Patrick • December 4, 2025
Today we went to see the coastal Naidiri Village that has recently won the Top Prize in global restoration, for their ocean reef project. The reef restoration was borne out of necessity to solve their dwindling food/ main protein source for the village, of fish. It was started by 2 of the villages rugby players and today is run by the local teenagers (mostly boys) in the village. It was great seeing how empowered and proud they were of their amazing efforts.

LAUTOKA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
The port agent offered several trips to areas around Lautoka . We chose the trip to Serenity Island Resort which included van and boat transfers and lunch. It was a really nice day enjoying the sun, reef, pool, turtles and amenities!

RIVER TUBING DOWN THE NAVUA, SUVA, FIJI

By Patricia Patrick • December 1, 2025
I organized a group tour for a fun day experience. We had a great day despite the rain that decided to join in. We started with a 45 minute van ride out through the city, into the countryside. Then we got in long boats and went up river to a waterfall, some swam or cheered on the guides to cliff dive. Then back in the boats to visit Sabata Village where 50 family members live as a community existing totally off the land, along the river. Next was a quick boat ride to our BBQ lunch spot. After lunch we got to tube down the river, through light rapids, for just about an hour. We ganged our tubes together with the guide - we had a chain of 14 in my group and the guides totally blew us away singing hymns for a good chunk of the journey. It was truly moving in that place with the rain drizzling and all of us linked together. Loved it!