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nikki wynn jumping for joy as she heads into a seaplane for a tour over fiji islands

We Finally ESCAPE ISOLATION!!!

We arrived in Fiji almost three months ago and never in our wildest dreams did we think we would be stuck, much less in isolation for this long.

With Covid-19 there has been no hiking, diving or exploration of any sort.  Just ever-growing restrictions, and an unhealthy addiction to the news.  Each day I tidy my suitcase as if there might be some sort of break or last-minute opportunity to go home…or anywhere.

Like so many people around the world, I’ve felt my spirit sinking and mood turning somber with the passing of each week.

But, today brought change and a much-needed refill of optimism as we finally escape isolation.  Fiji is officially Coronavirus free.  Restrictions are easing, the airport has reopened and we’re on the move!  In a seaplane no less!

A huge thanks once again to our friend Ted and his family for the big break out, the friendship during these unsettling times, and the epic seaplane adventure!

jason and nikki wynn with friends on asea plane adventures in fiji

Funny how easily we can take the comfort of home and freedom for granted. We’re keenly aware that our country of birth and chosen nomadic lifestyle affords us a form of freedom few experience.

We cling to our free-range lifestyle like life support, never once considering it could be taken away so quickly.
We consider ourselves citizens of the world, but that doesn’t count in these unprecedented times.  We’re citizens of the USA but that isn’t where our home is.  Our residence and everything we own is sitting in a boatyard in the neighboring country of Tonga, but we have no right to get to it.  A tough pill to swallow at the moment and a scenario we never once considered.

We’re stuck waiting for borders to open with no sense of when that will be.  But, at least with the easing of local restrictions, we can pull ourselves out of our funk and into the world of Fiji!

And that is worth getting excited about.  Look out Fiji, ready or not, here we come!

nikki wynn at anchor on a seaplane in fiji islands

COVID-19 UPDATE IN FIJI

Fiji had a total of 18 coronavirus cases and ZERO deaths.  There haven’t been any new cases of COVID-19 since April 21st.  Fiji is officially COVID free!  However, borders are still closed until further notice.

 

Enter To Win The Airstream

For your chance to win an Airstream Caravel and support a great cause, go to omaze.com/gwtw

 

🙏Thank You!

Ups, downs and all around, we share it all.  We’re able to do so because people like you show up each week, read, watch, comment, share, shop our gear store, and toss a tip in our production jar.  If you like what you see, there are lots of FREE ways you can show your support.

 

🎥CAMERA GEAR USED TO FILM THIS VIDEO📷

🎶MUSIC IN THIS VIDEO:

Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (50)

  • Tom

    I have enjoyed following your sailing journey and the pretty cool experiences you have had. I love the sea plane hat…do they sell them?

    reply
  • Louis Miller

    What’s the figure 4 stance for ????😇

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  • Dennis

    „ …don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I’ll HAVE to do it!“

    Bet You can’t fly a Waterplane.
    😉

    reply
  • Luke Rokovada

    Bula Ms. Nikki,

    Hope you enjoy your stay in Fiji and the Fijian water is treating you well and praying that travel would be open soon for you to continue you adventures.

    reply
  • Nick

    Hi Jason & Nikki,

    Love the videos, and it’s made me want to try it myself. i was looking at catamarans to spend a week on on this website https://yacht.vacations/list/?destination=caribbean-virgin-islands but I dont know what a standard price is for taking a vacation on a boat like yours? Part of me feels these prices are very cheap, but another part of me thinks maybe they’re quite expensive if you guys are living on $3k a month. Any advice for a newbie?

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    • Curious Minion

      Well Nikki and Jason have never chartered so don’t have experience in this area. But remember that the rental company has all sorts of additional costs: dock fees for the boat (the probably pay a monthly rate somewhere, regardless of how often the boat is rented), hiring someone to clean the boat after each trip, repairing all the small things that get broken by newbies and/or renters, staff to coordinate bookings, maintain the website, answer the phone etc. etc. Your best bet is to check out several charter companies and see what an average cost is.
      Curious Minion

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  • Colleen

    Oh no!! Why did it post twice?? Not trying to spam you, honestly! Lol

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  • Colleen

    Aww, so glad you got out on an adventure! I feel for you! I see people at work but haven’t hugged another human being in 105 days and counting. Can’t wait for this to be over!! Hang in there!

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  • Colleen

    Aww, so glad you got out on an adventure! I feel for you guys and kinda get it. I’ve been isolating by myself for 105 days. I see people at work but haven’t hugged another human being in all that time. Can’t wait for this to be over!! Hang in there!

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  • Michael

    I’m confused. Why can’t you go thru some official channels between countries to get your shipment released to the boat yard? Can’t the local consulate help? There must be some way to get your authorization recognized.

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  • Dennis

    Great!!! Without lockdown You would possibly never ever have been on a Waterplane. Love Waterplanes since i had a Cessna model Waterplane as a child.
    Nikki, how about learning for Your PPL?
    All the best.

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  • Deborah Kerr

    That was fun! Hang in there and keep smiling 🙂

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  • Trish Elkins

    Last year we were in Tonga, in fact our catamaran Lumiel was next to yours in the boatyard there!
    My best friend in Brisbane alerted me to this fact – she’s a big fan of your channel – I always tell her that I’m too busy living the sailing life to watch other peoples’ videos about theirs! I also asked her if she was only talking to me because we were next to Curiosity in Vava’u!

    After some maintenance/sailing dramas we made it to Fiji, from where we came back to Australia for a family visit. Just a brief one we thought……
    Yes, you guessed it! We got here just in time for lockdown!
    We are in Queensland, our boat is in Fiji!! While it sits on the hard in the marina at Vuda, we are ‘commuting’ between Brisbane and Fraser island. Let’s not go into the matter of expenses etc…..

    We are hoping for border opening, but not holding our breath just yet!
    So I enjoyed your talk on ‘what we’ve learned while sailing’ and I agree with all of it!

    Keep your chins up! Fiji is a beautiful place to be stranded – but if you come across any Aussie sailors who fancy sailing someone else’s boat back to Aus……

    Regards Trish

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  • knoughton Canuck

    After the heart-wrenching of returning Pip, AND making such a HUGE difference in so many lives, this was a very well deserved escape!!

    And Ted is right, that’ a pretty sweet Canadian product, Anyone remember the beachcraft 99?

    Jason, was separate software used to blur the tail number or was that an extension?

    I predict you guys will be back on Curiosity in a couple of weeks.

    Where will you go next?

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  • Lauren

    Yet another testament to the strength and power of your dynamic GWTW duo!! I will add my voice to the “just hang in there” voices that have chorused here in Comments. I do feel your pain if you’ve been thinking your “downtime” could have gone towards your boat projects if stuck in Tonga. But you two always occupy yourselves in wonderful ways. I know I loved your exploration of Tepache pineapple beer and once my THOW kitchen is finally fully functional, I do plan to give it a try! We all benefit from your honesty, smiles, daring seaplane wing jumps and sharing of your adventures- so thanks so much for that! 🙂

    PS – donated to Omaze via GWTW
    PPS – if still time in Fiji & ever inclined, a video on how you create your amazing videos (highlevel w/app names) would be awesome. Apologies if you’ve already done so – I know you list your equipment (& thanks!)
    vinaka vaka levu!!

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  • Martine

    Got a email today that said Bahamas are opening July 1st. So Tonga can’t be too far behind. Hang in there. Love seaplanes also.
    We got to ride one in Canada. It was amazing.

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  • Beth Piette

    So happy for you all that you were able to get out into deeper water for a while! You both seem to have renewed energy! Let that light continue to shine and thanks for sharing your adventures with the world.

    Beth

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  • Steve Nicholls

    I love your guys posts very much. Don’t stop, even when you reach Tonga (doubt you will, mind…) … appreciated! You and My Self Reliance are my favourite channels! Two different takes on independence….

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  • Alan Solomon

    That was awesome. It was great to see you both laughing and smiling. That was a beautiful plane too. Oh my gosh. Fiji is just gorgeous. What a place to be stuck!!
    I was thinking, it is a tough pill to swallow being stuck like you are but on the other hand, if you were both on Curiosity and the pandemic happened. Could you come in to a town or city anywhere, from anchor? Wouldn’t it be likely that a town would not let you come on land? How would you guys get provisions? I hate to say it but, it may be a blessing in disguise.
    However, jumping off that plane wing into the Ocean must have been an excellent thrill for you both. Not to mention washing away all that stress. Stay safe and Be Well.

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  • Steve Scianna

    Beautiful video. I am sure it was difficult to show your vulnerable side but that is why I love your videos… Honesty. Hang in there. Before you know it you will be back in your home again… It may be difficult to stay positive right now but I believe you guys are affecting so many lives in a positive way in a time of uncertainty. I know you have affected my life. You present videos of Hope… Thank you and again, hang in there. Love your videos.

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  • Pat Parker

    Looked absolutely wonderful and glad you got to do a few new firsts…..lol. Soon you will be back on Tonga and like all of us free again….

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  • Glenda

    Simply awe-inspiring. I’m so happy for you!

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  • Jim Shook

    Good to see you 2 having fun. 😎

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  • Roger B

    Your freeeee. Beautiful drone videos.

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  • Mary

    I was so hoping that you guys were headed to Tonga when I saw you get on that plane! My heart Was thumping wildly for you both! You know I keep saying it’s going to happen on your birthday Jason. I sure hope it does!

    I’m glad you got out there in the ocean again! I can’t imagine being away from your home for so long!

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    • Michael

      Yep, us too. Aw well. At least there was some fun.

      reply
  • Glenn Adams

    Awesome !!!!

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  • Jeanette Brennan

    Wow! Thank you – I felt like we all escaped for a short time – Oh my did that feel good! So glad to see you both happy and exuberant once again – it’s contagious – definitely feeling it too! Not long no and you’ll be home – hard part’s over! Good luck!! Onward and upward! Hooray! 💓⛵️🌊🏖🌈💓

    reply
  • Olivia Ryan-Hill

    So relieved for you, we are on around episode 100 I think (you’re about to leave Panama) and watching around 5 a day! Supported you on PayPal at last today too on a monthly thingy as what you have shared woth is is worth so much – I hope we can give more when we’re back in work. We hope to follow in your footsteps and to meet you en route somewhere! Anyway, what I actually wanted to post is that I am thrilled that you are out of lockdown and able to get back out there. As active people I am sure it’s been hard but yay to now being able to explore! X Oli

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  • Michael Larkin

    Fantastic. felt like I was there. Thank you

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  • Stephen

    What an amazing play day. Sounds like you needed it. During this pandemic my wife and I have spent more time together than ever. Twenty-four 7 for weeks and months. It is stressful. We all love you and want to see you happy. Believe me, you’re not alone. Most of us are feeling claustrophobic, depressed and unsure of what tomorrow brings. Your work opens a window to the places we can’t go right now. Thank you for letting us join you.
    I miss Pip. Can you guys make a tee-shirt with Pip’s face in that crazy little cone?

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  • Melissa Clark

    I am absolutely so thrilled for you both!! I can’t imagine how agonizing it is to be kept from your home. You two have persevered so positively and even helped out others like little Pipp in the mean time!! Kuddos and positive vibes!! Hopefully onto the sea and Curiosity soon!!!💕

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  • Kay Peterson

    Wishing you a quick and soon arrival back at your home…It’s great to see you free for at least a few hours. Keep us posted and hope it’s soon for more good news. Cheers from Palm Desert, California

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  • Jill Parker

    We are so happy that you were able to enjoy some freedom . We are hoping you can return home soon . We are waiting to share new adventures with you !

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  • Donna and brad

    Woohoo 🙌!! Free at last!
    I’m so happy for y’all!
    We would like an update for n traveling Mary too please 😍
    Love you guys!
    Sail on!!

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    • Curious Minion

      Mary’s good! You can keep up with her on Instagram @marys_van
      Curious Minion

      reply
    • Mary

      Update on Mary… Her van is back in the shop and her kayak is busted. I ordered a fold up Kayak recently but the seats are made in New York so my new kayak has been back ordered for at least six weeks. LOL! Traveling in Arkansas in a car, not quite the same! Can’t wait to get to the mountains. Thanks for asking.

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      • Lindsey

        We’re in Arkansas, Mary!!! What are you up to here? We’ve got 5 wooded acres in the country so we’re peacefully riding out this pandemic. 🙂

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  • Melissa Clark

    I am absolutely so thrilled for you both!! I can’t imagine how agonizing it is to be kept from your home. You two have persevered so positively and even helped out others like little Pipp in the mean time!! Kuddos and positive vibes!! On to the sea and Curiosity!!!💕

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  • Leigh Sirvent

    I’m so glad to see you got to go out and adventure. It’s a hard pill to swallow being stuck, but it’s a worldwide problem right now, so let’s make the best of it! (We leaving this week on our self-contained Winnebago View for a trip to Idaho from Arizona. You were talking to the pilot about them helping children with rare diseases-which organization is that? Many wishes for a return to Tonga. We enjoy your adventures so much.

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  • Annette Marriott

    OMG that was amazing, so pleased you got to go on an adventure and see the world (part of it anyway) again. I was so hoping that it meant you could go home to Curiosity, but I’m sure it won’t be too much longer. Lovely to see you both so happy….sending hugs 🤗 xxx

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  • JOHN SCHRETLEN

    (Darn, for got to do the shift return again)

    Also, thanks for pointing out Monuriki Island. That was neat.

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  • JOHN SCHRETLEN

    Great to see you getting out for some fun, even if only for a few hours. I started my career flying Twin Otters on the west coast of British Columbia and thought of two things: 1. the instrumentation looks amazing compared to what we had back in the day and 2. when I went in the water it was not as blue or nearly as warm as Fiji.

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  • Marge Nehlsen

    Great adventure. It is so good to see you both smiling, laughing, and having fun. Enjoy life. Keep the happy mood going.

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  • Rob Ward

    Further to my comment my Olde Brain has forgotten that the DHC-6 is now back in production since 2008 so the one you flew on most likely was one of those newer ones
    Oh well
    They are still wonderful aircraft and even better dive platforms
    See you again next week

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  • Rob Ward

    Thank you so much for this video
    All of them are great but this one reminded me of two very important men in my life
    Two of my instructors in college actually were part of the assembly and test teams where that aircraft was assembled…in my home town of Toronto
    Since I graduated in late 1973 and they worked on those aircraft in and around those days, to see it still flying and being used for such a wonderful mission in Fiji is a testament to all those who built it and the wonderful P&WC engines and those who maintain them and fly them so well
    Keep the faith you two
    Tonga awaits in the near future

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