June 30 - Sigatoka Sand Dunes

We sadly left our wonderful accommodations at Naviti and headed to the sand dunes. I prayed that the weather would be favorable and not too hot. It turned out to be a perfect day for us.

Our hike began in the forest. Parts of it have been lost to fires or logging,  so we assisted in a reforestation project. We encountered an entire area of trees that were planted by People to People groups. We did our part today by planting a line of candlenut seedlings.

We could choose to hike up the dunes,  or around them. I had no desire to get stuck in the sand, like I did in Tangalooma, so I went with the group that choose to go around. That path took us along beautiful views of the ocean, until we ended up on the shore. The sand was black and rich- looking, and I learned it was volcanic sand. The ash from volcanoes in neighboring islands mixed with the sand over the years to create a very dark sand .

On our way back to the station,  we constructed a "tree-hugger" our of driftwood, vines, weeds, and a coconut. It was to commemorate the women who fought for environmental protection.

After lunch, we split into two groups. While one group played volleyball, the other painted tapas, in Fijian style.

The trip to the new hotel in Nadi again took us along some very scenic road. But we noticed much more burning of the sugar cane.  It has a wonderful smell, but it sure produces dark smoke.

Tomorrow we're off to our private island.












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