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Move over Gates Foundation; Lunacy on Vunisei and Vunisea

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One crazy trip- Annapolis to Fiji in 13 years (LORIENT in the distance) L'ORIENTals- we didn't forget you. We've been busy, busy, busy completing another 100 days off the grid. After bidding farewell to Jessie James, the James Gang (his family), and the other lovely residents of Matuku it was time to refuel and re-provision. Nine weeks in the "way off the grid" Lau group has a way of consuming all of your supplies. We pointed L'ORIENT towards Suva, the capital and major port of Fiji. At the risk of discouraging tourism in Suva, I'll just say it's an abrupt transition. The desolate beauty of Fulaga and Matuku vs. a working fishing and industrial port with hundreds of Chinese fishing boats, rusted sunken freighters recalling cyclones of years past, and a diesel fuel sheen on the water. Yuck. We enjoyed a few restaurants, did some shopping, and resolved to get out as fast as we could. We needed everything. Fuel, fruit, vegetables, you name it.  Cyclone &q
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Fulaga, Matuku, and the outlaw Jessie James

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Jessie James and family When was the last time you went to the supermarket? Yesterday or over the weekend perhaps? For us it was nine weeks ago. Having found arguably the most beautiful place in the South Pacific in Fulaga, we did what sets L'ORIENTals apart from all other cruisers........we lingered. Why do an island in five days when you can do it in six weeks? With plenty of food and fuel, we probably set the record for inaction.  One of our private beaches Weird volcanic "mushrooms" everywhere Not sure I understand the physics of this How do palm trees grow here? Good for shade; but hope it doesn't fall on me First class swimming hole Along the way though, we really got to know the people of Fulaga. Just an amazing group of people that live differently than anyone we've ever met. No running water, no electricity, no roads, cars, limited solar, etc.  The path to the village - we walked it many times The other side of the island Lali- used for summoning villager
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