Fiji Time

After a month exploring some of New Zealand's most amazing places and spaces I flew onwards to Fiji!
A little island time, a little sunshine and well maybe a stroll along the beach?

So much blue...

My flight from Auckland to Nadi, Fiji only took about 4 hours and I spent my first night on the main island of Viti Levu at a nice little place called Aquarius. It had it's own pool, hammocks and ocean view - I could already tell that I was going to enjoy my time here! After watching the sun set into the sea I chatted to some fellow travellers before attempting to get a few hours sleep.

First night in Fiji.. No complaints!

Early the following morning I took the bus to the port and boarded the Yasawa Flyer, (a bright yellow catamaran) which cruised its way through the sparkling blue waters towards the Yasawas, one of Fiji's most stunning regions, consisting of a chain of 20 ancient volcanic islands.

I was going to stay on two of the islands, so appreciated the others as we cruised by them!
My first stop was Barefoot Island Lodge on Naviti, 3 hours from Nadi. We transfered from the Flyer to smaller boats which sped  us to the resort, we were warmly welcomed by the staff - they were standing just on shore singing a Fijian welcome to us!

Barefoot Island Lodge was amazing, I was staying in a little hut a stones throw from the beach with a little hammock just outside the door (in case I needed a rest on the way to the shore!) The days were lazy, and  consisted of catching a few rays, chatting with my neighbours and munching on fresh coconut!

Home

There were a few creatures sharing our space, a few black tipped reef sharks swimming amongst the coral and a cast of crabs scurrying along the seashore.

One of four baby sharks I got to hang out with!

Except that is, at night... When the cheeky and overly confident monsters began scaling the wall of my hut. The slightly scratchy sound of the claws gripping to the outside gradually making their way towards the open window. I ventured outside and helped the little fella to a new location.. feeling satisfied that my mission was complete, I opted for sleep. Around 2am, the door of the hut began to squeak its way open, undeterred by my efforts the crab was back..Mission failed, univited guest to stay!

A little island welcome :)

To reach Nacula Island, took a few more hours on the the Yasawa Flyer. My new home was to be at Nabua Lodge, this was a more basic, quieter place - quite different to Barefoot.  

Whilst here I was able to visit a local village, meet the chief and buy a few souvenirs from the ladies who live there. It was really good to be able to spend time talking with them and learning a little bit more about their lives. There was even a place to get tea and cake - sadly however it was closed... I may pop back?!

Me and the Chief and his daughter!

Whilst everything seems to move a lot slower on the islands, time continued to race on...Disappointing.  Somehow I managed to climb (not fall, as was an initial and rather unfortunate moment!) out of my hammock and cruise my way back through the Yasawa's. After purchasing my first real coffee in days at the port, I took the bus to the airport... time to fly to my final country before home...next stop America.
                                                     
But...before I get there, here are a few more pictures of my Island life!

Volcanic wanderings...

After all the jumping out of a plane malarkey I thought I should make the most of being back on solid ground! I was also very pleased to find that the Tongariro crossing had been reopened and could again be adventured on. Due to an eruption late last year the crossing is only half open, but as this half still takes you passed active volcanoes, ash plains and to the Emerald lakes I wasn't going to complain, even if I was going to get picked up at 5.30 am. (Another day, another early start.)
I had met a cool Italian girl at the hostel who was also planning the 5am get up and so it was that Simona and I set out to find Mount Doom!

Mount Tongariro National Park is home to 3 volcanoes and there is currently no shortage of activity.
It is a fair way from Taupo, so we didn't arrive at the starting point, Mangatepopo car park until about 7.15am, this gave me plenty of time to drink my coffee and for the sun to come up. I added an extra couple of layers, hat and of course gloves before we set out on the start of the track. It was busy, but had that kind of quiet you get when it's too early for conversation!
The first part of the walk was along a board walk to Soda Springs, not too challenging and made quite atmospheric as the sun peaked between the volcanoes.
From Soda Springs (or Soda Stream as the bus driver kept referring to it.. completely oblivious to his mistake!) we took on the Devil's staircase...it was hard work, but having climbed Mount Hua Shan earlier in my travels I was confident I would not be defeated by these stairs of the Devil!

Mt Ngauruhoe...otherwise known as Mount Doom!

From here we had some pretty good views down the valley, the air was clear and the sky bright. At this point we had the choice, climb Mount Doom ... or continue onwards to the Emerald Lakes?

The path from the South Crater to the Red Crater...

Mt Doom - Mt Ngauruhoe was very striking, initially appearing almost black with the bright blus sky behind it. I was tempted to climb it, but having the left the One Ring at home I figured I would leave it for my next adventure! It was also a choice between climbing to the top here, or visiting the Emerald Lakes and climbing to the top of Mt Tongariro..so we set off leaving the South Crater and following the path across the ash plain and upwards to the Red Crater. Another climb, this time without stairs, just a lot of ash and scree and maybe a little slipping downwards.

The Red Crater would you believe?

The Red Crater and Emerald Lakes were clearly named by one of those good at stating the obvious type people! They were very striking and warranted about 200 photos! The steam was from an array of vents and made things look even more volcanic.. and smell terrible.

Having taken in the sites and smells of this strange world it was time for lunch.. and at 11.15am who could argue! We still had Mt Tongariro to climb ...

Me at the Emerald Lakes

Mount Tongariro is 1,978 metres (6,490 ft) high, it is not a very difficult climb although a few sections of the path slide away as you put your feet down! It took about 45mins-1hr to find our way to the top and when we arrived we were met with an impressive panorama. We found a suitable place to take in the vista and obviously a few more photos and celebrated our achievement with a little piece of chocolate :) ...and second lunch!
We noticed a few clouds had started to roll in and decided that it was possibly a good idea to get going in case the weather changed.

Simona and Me!

It was fairly tricky sticking to the path and in fact staying on your feet climbing down, I was thankful I had my trusting trekking pole with me and was saved by it on several occasions. The Devil's staircase was no problem on the way down, but the final boardwalk section seemed to go on forever!
Finally we rounded the last corner and had timed it perfectly...we climbed aboard the bus and enjoyed the journey back to Taupo.

Another great day, another great adventure... did I tell you I enjoy this traveling thing?

Just kinda liked this...