Left Nadi on the mainland to catch ferry to Ysawas early, 7.30 start. Planned to spend 2 nights on Octopus Resort, Waya Isand then head to Oarsman Beach Resort at the top of the group for another 2 nights then head back down again for last 2 nights on one of the more party islands before heading back to mainland. It was raining heavy in Nadi when I embarked on the trip and the ferry journey was beginning to worry me. Arrived at the ferry port on a coach at the same time as about 3 other coach loads of people. At this port we are all to select our resort of choice on the islands then be allocated the relevant catamaran to get us there. Eventually, I got my self sorted and was allocated the big yellow one and off we went rocking and rolling in the waves. We stopped of at various islands allowing people to get their smaller transfer boats to their respective resorts - in the rain! After nearly 3 hours I reached my destination and was taken ashore along with 7 others to Octopus Resort. It was quite hairy getting ashore as there was no quay, the boats just get as near to the beach as they can, and given the heavy swell and large waves, this was quite an experience. Once ashore the porters they try and get your baggage on the beach - I found it hard to watch as they formed a human chain and literally chucked the bags. My bag is still ridiculously heavy but it joined me safely much to my relief. As we arrived we were greeted by a traditional Fijian song sang by staff members and then handed a soft cocktail. I had decided to take a Bure (boorey) rather then take a dorm as it is so hot at night and there was no airconditioning in the dorms. Bure 8 was lovely with outside en-suite.

After lunch, I took part in basket weaving on the beach and made a beautiful basket from palm leaves (with a lot of input from my instructor) then fortunately the weather began to clear and it seemed that it was going to get better over the next few days.

This was a nice resort with mainly couples (only about 60 people in total). This is the first time I felt a bit lonely as I wasn't part of a group and no backpackers. Then I met Kylie, from london :) .... everything always turns out good.