After a couple of unbelievably dull days in Suva I booked a trip to Beachcomber Island for Wednesday and Thursday evening. Wednesday was Pete's last night so we agreed to meet here. On Tuesday evening I arrived back in Nadi to a facebook message from Pete telling me that they were now going to Mantaray Island instead. Talk about leaving it to the last minute!!!

Wednesday morning I got up and ready for 7am and asked/begged the tour woman to change islands. Clearly I still have the old Josh charm. Island changed and off I set to surprise the others. I spotted Louise on the boat so went and found Pete too. Surprise!!! I even got a hug from Pete!!! Definitely knew it was going to be a good day now. The three of us arrived at Mantaray Island to welcome songs from the locals followed by a welcome chat.

After being shown to our room, a 32 bed dorm, we headed back down to the beach to meet up with Jack and Amy. An afternoon of the standard sunbathing and sitting in the sea on a beautiful beach was followed by burying Jack in the sand. One of the locals came over and helped with a shovel. We gave him a cracking pair of t*** and flattered him with a 4 inch penis. As the sun started to set we walked 2 minutes through to the other side of the island to watch. Some beautiful views and great photos. Little bit romantic for Pete and I last mohr together.

That evening after showers and dinner we played probably the messiest games of ring of fire I've ever played. About 152.5 things just can't be repeated, and after the game we headed down to the bar. Couple more beers and a bit of hammock time before bed.

7am and the drums go. This was almost as annoying as Dans wake up techniques from Oz/NZ other than the fact it meant we could go snorkelling with mantarays. Everyone jumped out of bed and within 10 minutes we were on the boat. When we got there I backwards rolled off the boat. Not a great idea because I back-flopped right on my sun burn. Not a completely smooth James Bond style entry to be totally honest but I don't think that many people noticed. Once in the water I kept my eye on the guide thinking he will know how to spot them and I was right. We continuously saw 2/3 mantarays with the biggest having of a wingspan of about 2.5 metres.

After about an hour of snorkelling we headed back to the resort for breakfast. This was Petes last day in paradise as he was flying home that evening. He came down from the room with his bag all packed at about midday. He still had about 6/7 shots of 58% Fijian Bounty rum in his bottle and refused to drink them. I thought we should send him off in a nice Fijian way so whilst he was sunbathing three of us pinned him down and forced him to drink it. Given the choice "open your mouth or I'll just pour it on your face" he opened his mouth and took the drink. I would have taken it over the face personally.

Pete and I said our emotional goodbyes and off he set on the boat back to the mainland. As he left we were joined by three English girls studying for a year in Sydney. They were Lizzy, Lindsey, Jem (aka Smiles). That afternoon Amy, an American guy called Trevor and I went snorkelling off the beach and it was probably the best snorkelling I have done all trip. Clown fish, angel fish, parrot fish, and to top things off an octopus. Great end to the afternoon that also helped me to get over the loss of Pete. Another tame game of Ring of Fire after dinner and again down to the bar for some chilled beers and an earlier night in bed.

Next morning when the drums went I made a quick decision to go snorkelling again with mantarays. At first it didn't seem like a great idea as I only saw a mantaray twice in 45 minutes. Last minute we all went back in for one last dive. I followed around five mantarays all in one group and then they stopped and started doing barrel roles. It was incredible and apparently some of the best views they had got all season. The guide borrowed someones camera and dived down to get some great shots too (will upload them shortly).

That afternoon was a relaxing one which included making a coconut bracelet and sunbathing before catching the boat back to the mainland. I have just arrived back in Nadi with Louise for a night before we head back out to Bounty Island to meet Jack and Amy.

Hope everyone is good

Josh x