an action research experiment

Pete's blog

Latest episode of Solodamu Street

Posted Sun, 07/24/2011 - 23:45 by Pete

Hibiscus III, Bay of Islands, Fiji 23 July 2011

messing about on boats

Posted Tue, 11/09/2010 - 22:53 by Pete

Hibiscus III, Bay of Islands, Fiji 9 November 2010

Time for another blog – back in Suva with supercrew Ben and Sisi onboard for intensive training about what’s involved in messing about with boats. Sisi on the wheelSisi on the wheelWe’ve left Wayne in Solodamu in capable hands although he reports little progress on his mast repairs as he’s spending too much time eating and hanging out on land (he had a lucky escape on his way to Solodamu and nearly lost his foremast but no injuries and all fixable).

October 2010

Posted Wed, 10/06/2010 - 22:21 by Pete

Bula – Pete here.

Back in Suva, anchored in Lacala Bay behind the breakwater, windy wet wild night – first real rain we’ve seen this season. Fiji needs it. Just back from Solodamu, even Kadavu is dry although near as bad as it is the west and north. Forecast is for a wet week.

sailfish steaks anyone?

Posted Mon, 08/16/2010 - 23:00 by Pete

Hibiscus III, Bay of Islands, Fiji 16 August 2010
Finally in Fiji after having watched Ratbag, Wayne and Schelmi and Isobel sail off to Tonga in June. Stinking hot day in Suva and the boys have gone off to Mosquito Island for a swim and time for an update!

Lars you embarassed me into blogging

Posted Thu, 04/15/2010 - 00:59 by Pete

Hibiscus III, Town Basin, Whangarei - 14 April 2010

moce Fiji

Posted Mon, 11/30/2009 - 11:53 by Pete

Well, all good things have to come to an end. Two days until the end of November and the ships are all heading for home. Ratbag left a couple of days ago, sounds like Chris and Ina had a fantastic jump from Suva – 240 miles in their first 36 hours and a fat mahi mahi off Cape Washington. Hibiscus will clear tomorrow night with Ali in command and me, Sammy, Jack and Spike as crew.

Hans Klaar sails into Solodamu on new Ontong Java

Posted Tue, 10/20/2009 - 10:51 by Pete

This is Hibiscus III, Zulu Mike Alpha 3356 are you receiving?
Anchored off the university in Lacala Bay, with a busy week ahead. Everyone is looking forward to Peter Horsley arriving in a week; Big Ben asked to meet Pete’s “Big Chief” so Peter H is in for a good reception in the village (hope he’s prepared for the grog bowl and tsunamis – hopefully only the ones in a bilo).

Project Update 10 OCTOBER 2009

Posted Mon, 10/12/2009 - 09:47 by Pete

THE DRUA PROJECT
Sailing for Sustainability in Solodamu

Progress Report August 2009
It is October already, Fiji Day 2009. Hibiscus and Ratbag are in Suva, Lia Fal at anchor in Solodamu and the project is gaining a healthy momentum of its own. A lot has happened since August, marred tragically by the loss of our friend and mentor Alifereti Bogiva. Sometimes storms just blow up out of nowhere and they just have to be weathered the best way possible. As can be seen in the blogs from our c-wwoofers, the crew is in fine fettle.

Ina's Blog

Posted Sat, 10/10/2009 - 16:52 by Pete

“okay think about that, an interesting question for you: Why are we/you here?” Pete, in one hand his cigarette, in the other a half full cup of coffee, on his face this amused questioning smile. Automatically my eyes, head and mind make a checking searching turn for an answer. We/ you here: Chris, Sam, Lars, Rolli, Alli, Pete, me sitting, laying in Hibiscus 3’s cockpit. A sunny warm early Fiji winter afternoon. Behind Pete the straight line between Pacific Ocean and sky.

Roli November 09 The project

Posted Fri, 10/09/2009 - 20:42 by Pete

Way more complex than anyone imagined except maybe for Pete, however I know even Pete has been surprised by some of the twists and turns, particularly the sudden and tragic death of Alifreti Bogiva( a key player on the Fijian side of the project) a great loss for every one. Attending a traditional Fijian funeral was amazing all be it very sad. As we are moving along the path which dose change direction without notice we have all felt a stronger and stronger sense of ownership.