GOOD NAUTICAL: Makogai Island Dalice Village, FIJI
GOOD NAUTICAL:
Makogai Island Dalice Village, FIJI
17ยฐ 26.4200' S, 178ยฐ 57.9100' E
Makogai is located in the heart of the Lomaiviti Group in Fji.ย Makogai is not only abundant with biodiversity and beauty, but brimming with South Pacific history. Like many Islands in the South Pacific, approaching the island and navigating to the anchorage requires careful study, preparation, and planning.ย Ideally, once the anchor is set gently in the sand paradise it found.
Recently, Pacific Posse member asked the group whether anyone had a track for entering Makogai.ย Chris on SeaGlub quickly responded:
Haven't been myself but this is a shot from trusted friends:
*NOTE: these tracks are shared friend to friend...a POSSE PERK...verification and a sharp lookout still required.
To read more about Makogai click on this link:
https://www.fijimarinas.com/anchorage-at-makogai-a-significant-south-pacific-treasure/
Makogai Island, located in Fiji's Lomaiviti Group, offers a unique experience for sailors, blending natural beauty with rich historical significance. The island is best known for its past as a leprosy colony from 1911 to 1969, and today, remnants of this history can still be explored, including the old leper colony ruins and a graveyard. The island now serves as a mariculture center focused on the conservation and breeding of giant clams, an effort crucial for maintaining marine biodiversityโ (Two At Sea)โโ (Levuka Town)โ.
For sailors, anchoring at Makogai Island, particularly in Dalice Bay, presents a serene and picturesque spot. The anchorage is protected by surrounding reefs and small islets, offering a calm and enclosed environment. The approach to Dalice Bay can be navigated through two main passes, with the north entrance often preferred for its ease. Once anchored, sailors can engage with the island's caretaker, who also acts as an informal chief, by participating in a traditional sevusevu ceremony, where kava is presented as a gift. In return, the caretaker provides a tour of the island, including the leper colony ruins and the giant clam farmโ (Two At Sea)โโ (Wikipedia)โ.
Makogai Island is also home to a significant marine research station, focusing on the conservation of giant clams and trochus clams. This initiative began in the 1980s and has since played a vital role in repopulating Fiji's reefs with these important species. The island's ecosystem, featuring verdant hills, palm-covered flatlands, and clear teal waters, adds to the allure for visiting sailorsโ (Wikipedia)โโ (Diver Bliss)โ.
WHY STAY HURRICANE SEASON IN PORT WHEN YOU CAN GO NORTH, CREW FOR A FRIEND, & CRUISE THE SAN JUANS?
WHY STAY HURRICANE SEASON IN PORT
WHEN YOU CAN GO NORTH,
CREW FOR A FRIEND,
& CRUISE THE WASHINGTON'S SAN JUANS TO
CANADA'S INSIDE PASSAGE?
Seeking a fun reprive from the humidity in Costa Rica MV MARTINI crew is currently in the San Juan Islands in Washington State helping a friend move their boat.
MV MARTINI crew reports:
It is a definite change of weather and scenery. We love the amount of inlets you can duck in and out of. The currents, and whirlpools are truly epic! Local knowledge is a must have. Weโve seen eagles, humpback whales, grizzly bears, and seals so far. Still keeping our eyes peeled for the orcas! Weโve caught chinook salmon- both red and white as well as pink salmon so weโve been eating really well! Such a fun trip creating lots of memories! โบ๏ธ
MEET THE FLEET: KEKADA II Don & Anja
MEET THE FLEET: KEKADA II
Don & Anja
We are Anja and Don on mv Kekada II, a Leopard 53 power catamaran. Don started sailing over 50 years ago and convinced Anja to undertake a circumnavigation with our children from 1998 - 2003. We have been cruising off and on since then. This is our third pacific crossing, albeit, our first in a power boat. We took delivery in Cape Town in 2022 and decided to take the "short" way home to Australia crossing the south atlantic the same year before joining the Panama Posse in 2023/24 for our cruise up to Mexico. Currently enjoying the unspoilt island of Wallis in the south pacific before continuing our voyage to Fiji and beyond.
(We published in a) recent leopard blog (and) discussed our current voyage in more detail. https://blog.leopardcatamarans.com/circumnavigating-in-a-power-catamaran?utm_campaign=Leopard%20Catamarans%20Blog%20Subscription%20Notification&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-94z0hvSgiS7IqZp090TKR40FV8x6UlS9IaSWl0g_ypaqf68Ed31wSZXI-vMZ8lR9kFcOsKfgpZ3QvexqFMEpB1pUxvKQ&_hsmi=316495289&utm_content=316495289&utm_source=hs_email
EL VALLE DE ANTON ๐ต๐ฆ PANAMA
EL VALLE DE ANTON ๐ต๐ฆ PANAMA
The isthmus we know of as Panama is said to have formed over millions of years with the collision of two tectonic plates in the deep ocean creating a chain of volcanoes that later emerged above the sea surface.ย El Valle de Anton is a village in the crater of one such ancient volcano surrounded by mountains and clouds just north of Vista Mar Marina and Buenadventura Marina.ย For many Panamanians that live and work in Panama City, El Valle is the 'country' where they visit their family, grow and harvest fruits and vegetables, and/or spend time on the weekends in nature.
The town is located in the flat wide caldera of the 6 km wide El Valle volcano that is inactive; there is evidence that it erupted as recently as about 300,000 years ago. Because of its elevation (600 m), it is cooler than the Panamanian lowlands.ย This cooler climate is a welcome respite from the heat at lower elevations.
Natural attractions near El Valle include the Chorro El Macho waterfall, Las Mozas waterfall, the โsquareโ trees behind Hotel Campestre, and a group of small natural thermal pools. There are many developed hiking trails to walk on.ย Birding is phenomenal.ย The area around the town is also known for being one of the last habitats of the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog. Some of the forests around the town are protected areas.
The valley is very fertile and produce grows in abundance.ย There are many people living in and around El valle that sell fresh produce at an open air market in the center of town.ย In July we found a very wide variety of fruits and vegetables.ย Some I had never even seen before like this red spikey fruit sold on a branch or by the bushel.
There are two museums in El Valle de Anton as well.ย Both highlight the history, culture, biodiversity, and uniqueness of this special place in and of itself, and as it relates to Panama at large.ย One museum is older, one is quite new; while both tell the same general story, they tell it in very different ways.
A visit to El Valle de Anton is well worth the trip.
Northbound: Along the Pacific Coast with SV Aeeshah
Northbound:
Along the Pacific Costa Rican Coast
with SV AEESHAH
SVย AEESHAH entered Costa Rica from the south and checked in at Golfito, Costa Ricas southernmost port of entry.ย While awaiting parts they explored the area by dinghy and by car.ย Their photos and descriptions below capture their experience and the natural beauty in abundance in Costa Rica.
We wentย across to the peninsular opposite Banana Bayย had a look aroundย the bay with its amazingly, green, foliage, from the mangroves at the shoreline to the mammoth trees covering the hillsides.
To break the week up and relieve the boredom: we again rented a car.ย
The first destination:
Wilson Botanical Gardens
The Robert and Catherine Wilson Botanical Garden has a rich, internationally recognized collection of tropical plants from around the world. Over 1,000 genera in more than 200 plant families form the unique collection that is an integral part of the Las Cruces Research Station. There are hundreds of bromeliads and orchids; dozens of philodendrons and other aroids of all sizes; scores of heliconias; plus ferns, gingers, marantas, giant bamboo and close 500 species of palms well represented on the 12-hectare (30-acre) site.
The Wilson Botanical Garden is part of โLa Amistad Biosphere Reserveโ that encompasses 472,000 hectares of park land and buffer zones centered in the southern Talamanca mountain range in Costa Ricaโs South Pacific.โ
To continue reading about this road trip inland or other adventures with SVย AEESHAHย visit: https://www.aeeshah.com/2024/06/golfito-area-wilson-botanical-gardens-piedras-blancas-national-park-where-are-you/
Want a photo tour instead?ย Visit: https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMJkD0xR29D02xiu5efL4CyJpGvLZbkdGiRHmTNx8-HDRcI-nHYPP9Iibrw1X6zHQ?key=V3VRRWpoaTJRUkpYVjQ5Zm1rcVoyR0hUNjVzTVNB
SVย AEESHAHย 
ย Jen & John โ Gulfstart Hirsh
THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR ADVENTURE!
Good Nautical: Puerto Refugio in the Northern Sea of Cortez, Mexico
Good Nautical: Puerto Refugio
in the Northern Sea of Cortez, Mexico
29ยฐ 32.3883' Nย 113ยฐ 33.5799' W
Many say that in the Sea of Cortez you can be where the desert meets the sea.ย This is truly the case in Puerto Refugio.
Puerto Refugio is a small cove within the wide bay at the northern tip of Isla Angel de la Guarda. Isla Granito, the 1km long skinny island lying at the entrance to the bay, blocks some of the northerly swell but the anchorage is still very rolly when a norther is blowing. The western cove is very well protected from all other directions.ย In the summer months this bay is a calm place to anchor and spend time exploring.ย There is a sea lion rookery and a pelican rookery in different parts of the bay.ย Many people will visit this bay as their last stop on the way to Puerto Penasco.
Anchorage
Rocks extend from the western point towards the boney finger of rock that juts out from the south side of the cove. Anchor in the northwest corner of the bay in 4.5m on a sandy bottom. The southern part of the bay is scattered with rocks and islets and a lookout on the bow is recommended if trying to enter this part of the cove. Dinghy ashore to the beach and be careful when landing if waves are breaking.
Photos taken in July and contributed by SV ARROWย and crew
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ANCHORAGE
YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE POSSE?
Send photos and description to Maurisa at editor@oceanposse.com
ย
SAFETY ALERT: RAINY SEASON IS DENGUE SEASON
About Dengue:
Mosquitoes Spread Dengue.ย Dengue is caused by any one of four related viruses (dengue virus 1, 2, 3, and 4). The same type of mosquitoes can also spread chikungunya, Zika, and other viruses.ย If a person is infected with different dengue viruses during their life, it increases the chance of severe disease.ย Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Mosquitoes come out to feed around sunrise and sunset, but people can be bitten by an infected mosquito at any time.ย Aedes mosquitoes often like to rest in closets or other indoor locations near humans.ย Aedes mosquitoes typically lay eggs in containers with standing water, like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flowerpots, and vases.ย During the rainy season mosquitoes have many many places to lay eggs and reproduce which is why Rainy season often sees a higher incidence of Dengue.ย Presently, all members in locations experiencing the rainy season are wise to be aware and cautious.ย Avoid mosquito bites by whatever means works for you.
Avoiding Dengue:
- Wear repellent to reduce mosquito bites. Repellents with DEET or picaridin give the longest protection, but there are many less toxic and non toxic effective options available.
- Mosquitos are most active in the morning and in the afternoon/early evening when the sun is on the horizon.ย Be more vigilant during these hours.
- Remove standing water where mosquitos may lay eggs, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Check indoors items that hold water, such as vases or flowerpot saucers.
- Close windows and doors or install screens. Consider using an indoor insecticide if you have mosquitoes in your home.
Dengue Symptoms and Warning Signs
- Infection with dengue virus can result in no symptoms, mild, or severe illness. Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and requires care at a hospital although this is very rare.
- The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following: nausea, vomiting, rash, aches, and pains (including muscle, joint, or bone pain or eye pain, typically behind the eyes).ย There is no specific medicine to treat dengue virus infection.
- About one in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue. Severe dengue can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.ย If you have had dengue in the past, you are more likely to develop severe dengue when re-infected with a different serotype, though severe disease can also occur on the first infection.ย Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe dengue.
- Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs usually begin in the 24-48 hours after your fever has gone away.ย Immediately seek medical evaluation if you have any of the following symptoms:ย belly pain or tenderness, vomiting (at least three times in 24 hours), bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, blood in your stool, or feeling tired, restless, or irritable. Do not delay seeking medical attention.
FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE THIS LINK:ย
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue
MEET THE FLEET: SV BETHANIA Wolfgang & Paulina
SV Bethania coming through the Panama Canal flying their Chilean Flag
We are Wolfgang Schulze & Paulina Troncoso.
Wolfgang began sailing when he was 12-13 years old.ย 5 years later we met and I soon started to sail with him.ย We had our first sailboat after we married: an old wooden 32 ft.ย Our second boat was a Morgan 38ft sloop.ย We sailed from Florida to Chilean Patagonia. We sailed 15 years along the Chilean coast.ย Then we decided to sail out of Chile and started from Valparaiso to Galapagos, through de Canal, Cartagena de Indias, San Andres, Providencia, Roatan, Rio dulce, Riviera Maya Mexico, Guatemala, USA, Bahamas Turcs and Caicos, Dominican Republic and BVI.ย We loved this boat and all the places we went.ย Unfortunately our lovely boat sank in hurricane Irma in St Maarten on 2017.ย We began our new adventure rebuilding a Irwin 54 ft monohull sloop for 18 months in St Peterburg, Florida.
We named this vessel Bethania.
Aboard Bethania, we recently crossed the Panama Canal with our friend, Marco.ย We went out the the Perlas Archipelago to prepare for our ocean Crossing.ย The journey from Isla Contadora to Hiva Oa, in the Marquesan islands of French Polynesia took us 32 days without any problems. We really enjoyed every day; every day was different. The wind , the sea, the sky were different. Not one of us wanted to get to the islands; we were so happy and relaxed.ย We had sailed long before, but never such a long distance.
left to right: Marco, Pauline, & Wolfgang: Their Chilean flag signed and their Pacific Crossing Complete.
FLEET UPDATE 2024-05-01
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