Amandla at Nabavatu Plantaiton
We arrived at the Nabavatu Plantation on July 2nd and were welcomed by our friends Karen and Cheryl of SY Interlude who invited us to join them for an afternoon hike.
We had a quick lunch (homemade Pesto courtesy The Captain) and then we were off.
Entrance to Nabavatu Plantation
Our first stop was at the Corpra Shed where Coconut Oil production was underway. It takes 11 coconuts to make 1 liter of coconut oil and the team here produces 30 liters a day.
So how is coconut oil produced?
Splitting Coconuts
First, the coconuts are split in two. Then, a machine is used to extract and chop the coconut meat.
Extracting and Chopping
The coconut meat is then dried on a large stove to remove excess water.
Removing Excess Water / Filling The Cylinder
Once dried, the coconut is put in a cylinder.
Pressman
Muscle is then used to extract the coconut oil.
Freshly Pressed
There is little time for rest.
Biu and Josefata
After our education in coconut oil creation, we headed uphill through town to a beautiful look-out of the Bay of Islands.
The end of day lighting did not prove optimal for photographs, so Karen and Cheryl kindly agreed to accompany me for a second trip to the view point.
View of The Bay of Islands
We retraced our steps the next morning and enjoyed a beautiful, sunlit view.
For a change of pace, we decided to return to the dinghy dock via another route, the 271 steps!
271 Steps
According to signage, the record for ascending these steps is 56 seconds set in 2010 by Alex Locke. We chose to descend the stairs at a more moderate pace.
In the afternoon, much needed rain set after a two month absence here. In between showers, we delighted in rainbows, explored the anchorage by dinghy, and snorkeled for lobsters (who successfully evaded detection).
Rainbow On SY Exit Strategy
On the 4th of July (the 5th here in Fiji), there was a break in the rain long enough for the boats (Canadians, French, German, Italian and US) to celebrate on land with a Potluck at the Royal Exploring Isles Yacht Squadron.
Happy 4th of July From Fiji
We lifted anchor on July 7th after the rains fully subsided and headed northward from Vanua Balavu to Wailagilala …and beyond.
Submitted for Jo’s Monday Walk
restlessjo July 10, 2015
Too beautiful for words, Lisa! 🙂 I especially love the photo with the little boy squatted down. Thank you so much for sharing your world with me.
Lisa Dorenfest July 11, 2015 — Post Author
I thought of you the minute I started off on the walk Jo! Thank you so much for your kind words. The photo with the little boy squatted down is my favorite too! He was angelic! Sorry I’ve been a bit absent from your world. We were without internet for a bit and I am playing catch-up now. Will be by for a visit shortly.
restlessjo July 11, 2015
No worries Lisa! You can’t be sailing the 7 seas and natter away online too. You have my permission to be absent whenever you need 🙂
desleyjane July 10, 2015
How wonderful, you are having a great adventure. The photos are gorgeous.
Lisa Dorenfest July 11, 2015 — Post Author
It means a lot to me to hear you say that. You know I love your images!
desleyjane July 11, 2015
Oh thanks Lisa
ledrakenoir July 11, 2015
Agree with Jo – much too fascinating to put on words, Lisa… 🙂
Inspiring – excellent… 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest July 11, 2015 — Post Author
I am delighted you think so Drake! Thank you so much for your compliments. Greatly appreciated ☺️
Michelle Hill July 11, 2015
Thanks Lisa. Your photos are fantastic. I especially love the one with the old man and the little boy squatting behind him. I was also fascinated to see how coconut oil is made.
Lisa Dorenfest July 11, 2015 — Post Author
You are so welcome Michelle! So pleased you enjoyed the post. The photo of the little boy squatting was my favorite too. He was angelic.
oopsjohn July 11, 2015
I like the way you take the time to get to know the people and document their stories.
Lisa Dorenfest July 11, 2015 — Post Author
Well thank you John. Often my photography is taken in the moment, on the streets without interaction but Vanua Balavu provided great opportunities to get to know people which I enjoyed.
Latitude Adjustment: Two Wanderers in Panama July 11, 2015
Really great photo’s and a great lesson in Coconut oil production. 11 coconuts for 1 liter that’s interesting.
Lisa Dorenfest July 11, 2015 — Post Author
So pleased you liked the images and the narrative
themofman July 11, 2015
I hope Biu and Josefata get the sleep they need.
Lisa Dorenfest July 11, 2015 — Post Author
…a well earned rest
liferedesign101 July 11, 2015
I had no idea how coconut oil was made. That explains why it is so expensive. I love it that you get to meet so many people from so many different countries. You get a great “world view” in more ways that one!
Lisa Dorenfest July 11, 2015 — Post Author
It is a wonderful way to get an education Michele! How lucky am I! Surprisingly, especially for all the effort that goes into it, coconut oil is very inexpensive here. I guess it’s all the ‘middle-men’ involved in importing to the U.S. that cause the increase in price at home.
lexklein July 11, 2015
Of course I loved the little boy like everyone else, but that entrance path was what really called out to my hiker soul! The water scenes are pretty darn inviting also!
Lisa Dorenfest July 12, 2015 — Post Author
When I was walked through the plantation entrance my first thought was ‘heaven’. It was such an inviting path! And the view from the top was so great that I was going to hike the path a third time, but then boat chores beckoned :-(. Anyhow, thank you for stopping by Lexie. I enjoy your visits!
Gallivanta July 12, 2015
Lovely, lovely photos. And, my oh my, those steps are steep.
Lisa Dorenfest July 13, 2015 — Post Author
Lucky for us we ascended along a gently sloping path and left the stairs for the way down. Am so pleased that you found the photos lovely ☺️
Gallivanta July 13, 2015
🙂
Janice July 12, 2015
Hi Lisa. I always read your posts, but don’t often check in with a reply. Still, I’m here, enjoying your adventure vicariously and enviously. I owe you a long email to catch up, and shall. For now, know I think of you often, speak of you often as a kindred spirit, and look so very much forward to seeing you soon. In the meantime, I shall see you here. Wishing you continued safe sailing in fair winds.
Lisa Dorenfest July 13, 2015 — Post Author
Wonderful to hear from you Janice! I wish you were here living the cruising life with us. I look forward to your mail to learn the latest goings on. Wishing you a great summer, enjoyable sailing in New York Harbor and beyond, short working hours and a quick replenishment of your cruising kitty. ⛵️
badfish July 13, 2015
OK…new place to visit on my To Visit list: Bay of Islands.
Lisa Dorenfest July 13, 2015 — Post Author
I’m telling you Mr Badfish, Bay of Islands, and really, all of Fiji is a place you’ll never want to leave. We’ve been meeting so many cruisers who’ve been sailing it for years and can’t manage to leave. Like The ‘Hotel California’ but in a good way
Frankie Beane July 13, 2015
Love the rainbow–I am such a sucker for rainbows. I didn’t realize they were still had the copra sheds, etc. This is a step back in time. The image of the trail reminds me of Maui about 40+ years ago–my dad worked for a sugar plantation.
Lisa Dorenfest July 14, 2015 — Post Author
Well you’d love Fiji because we seem to get at least a hint of a rainbow somewhere everyday….but the so does Maui…..a place which has changed significantly in 40 years! Fiji’s change has been at a MUCH slower pace. Sugar is still here ( https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji_Sugar_Corporation)…but I think it is a trouble spot.
Heyjude July 13, 2015
What an adventure you are on! And like others, the photo of the little boy squatting is a beauty!
Lisa Dorenfest July 14, 2015 — Post Author
So pleased you liked the image Jude! Thank you. ‘Tis a wonderful adventure indeed
VioletSky July 13, 2015
One of my favourite tv shows to watch is ‘How It’s Made’, but they never show how things are made from unindustrialized countries, so this was fascinating to see. I suspect you’re right in that the middle men get all the excess profits from the coconut oil products.
Lisa Dorenfest July 14, 2015 — Post Author
Ooo, that sounds like a good show. They should come to the islands. Glad you enjoyed the post! Thank you
Faraday's Candle July 15, 2015
The photo with the little boy squatting down is amazing. The place looks like paradise and proves that you are really living!
Lisa Dorenfest July 17, 2015 — Post Author
Paradise indeed :-). Thank you so much for your compliment!
Hacky July 16, 2015
great photos!
Lisa Dorenfest July 17, 2015 — Post Author
I am so glad you like them Joe! Hope you and the family are doing well and enjoying a lovely summer!
kirsten July 17, 2015
I could definitely get my cardio done on those stairs. The rainbow is beautiful. And knew it took so many coconuts and such effort! I love reading your posts
Lisa Dorenfest July 17, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you Kirsten! I am delighted to know
rosemaylily2014 July 18, 2015
Fascinating Lisa – so interested to read how coconut oil is extracted. Your photos are wonderful as ever! 🙂
Lisa Dorenfest July 19, 2015 — Post Author
Thank you so very much Rosemary. Glad you think so!
dunelight August 4, 2015
Thank you for another excellent photo essay. Growing up in the midwest I tend to think of crop harvesting as a process that involves large combines and even larger storage silos. This is really interesting.
Lisa Dorenfest August 4, 2015 — Post Author
You are lovely to say so Kim. Thank you! And your blog is making me miss my midwestern roots (sailing the Great Lakes). My dream is to finish my circumnavigation on Lake Michigan (Chicago), but right now, I’ll be happy if I can make it to South Africa.