June 29, 2025

CATALINA, CALIFORNIA, USA

Above is a bronze statue of Old Ben that stands in Avalon Bay Harbor on Catalina Island. He was a large and friendly seal that was well loved in the town, from 1898 until the 1920's. What you can't tell from this picture is, that my first pose with Bill was to sit on his backside, not thinking that even in cool 60 degree morning heat this metal would be toasty warm and burn my butt cheeks and back of my thighs! I quickly dismounted to the amusement of my friends! And will retain that lesson learned for the future!! Look I converted Sherrie to being an OOFOS fan too! Sherrie, Sarah & I strolled the sunshine streets of Catalina taking it all in. We spent the morning wandering into the shops and tried on a few outfits. After a quick lunch on the Ship, we went back into town and rented a golf cart to tour the upper hills surrounding the town and port. 

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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!