ISOLATION in FIJI & Surviving A CYCLONE
You know that expression, when it rains, it pours? I feel like that is our life right now. Figuratively and literally.
We’ve been living aboard our catamaran Curiosity for almost four years. For the first time since we moved aboard, we decided to take a break. After 13,000 plus nautical miles under our newbie sea legs, we hauled the boat out in Tonga. To sit out cyclone season, visit family and stock up on well…EVERYTHING!
We did all of that and so much more. Some of it was gut-wrenching, some bittersweet and some of it was giving back to those who give to us unconditionally. We even crossed over into another continent to see our saltiest of friends (South Africa…beyond incredible).
And then there was this pandemic that started mucking up everything, for everyone. WTF!
Travel, banned. Flights, grounded. Borders, closed. Quarantined. Stranded.
I hate you Covid-19.
In route back to our tiny floating home, we were stopped. The world was shutting down and we weren’t allowed to make the final flight home. It was canceled.
Now here we are, in Fiji for the foreseeable future. Self-isolating…waiting, pining for home.
But, mother nature doesn’t bend to human pandemics, rules or lockdowns. She rages on.
There is a monster category 5 cyclone claiming lives in the Solomon Islands, ripping Vanuatu to shreds and heading straight for us. Then, directly to Tonga…where, our home is parked.
I feel we are being tested, tried, possibly pranked, in a very unfunny way. Whatever the case, here is the story about that time we survived Cyclone Harold, while in isolation in Fiji during a pandemic.
We survived and so did Curiosity! The cyclone was very fast-moving, which was a good thing. Some parts of Fiji were hit harder than others but, people are safe and power was restored to most areas after three days. The cleanup and repairs will slowly carry on for a while here. Especially considering Fiji has now gone into full lockdown.
We’re now under stay at home orders in Fiji too. No more beach clean-ups for a bit.
If you can believe it, Cyclone Harold GAINED strength and was back up to a category 5 when it passed Tonga. The main island of Nuku’alofa took a lashing and we’re not sure of the state of the island (or our crate of supplies). Vava’u (where Curiosity is) fared ok with minimal damage and all our friends are safe and busy cleaning up their homes and the beaches.
One thing is for sure…despite being stuck, or in isolation, we won’t take the fair weather for granted!
We haven’t gotten a beat on relief efforts yet. The unbelievable part of this massive category 5 cyclone: It was almost nonexistent in the news because of the Coronavirus epidemic. If we learn of a good organization helping out, we’ll make sure to share it here.
If you are in the South Pacific or work with an organization providing relief to the pacific islands that we need to know about, please do let us know!
🙏 THANK YOU!
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Dave D.
Glad you are both safe. Watching your videos has been a wonderful way to pass the time during the quarantine. I discovered you when I came upon your “Alaska Bound” series and your Gulkana rafting video. I love rafting and am fortunate to live in Alaska and have been able to raft several of its rivers. I was searching YouTube looking for videos showing Alaska raft trips when I came upon yours. At one time, I was involved with a men’s ministry that provided float trips to men attending local churches. We would float the Gulkana River from the Sourdough campground to the bridge where you took out. Your video brought back memories of learning to row my own raft.
Love your attitude as you travel through life. Hopefully, one day soon you will be reunited with “Curiosity “ and will be able to continue your travels. Stay safe.
Bob S
How does all that sorry trash wind up on the beach…tourists, locals or both?
Nikki Wynn
All the above. Trash can travel thousands and thousands of miles across an ocean. We see little rivers of trash flowing from one continent to another all the time out at sea. Then there is the trash that is increasingly difficult to dispose of on these remote islands. Recycling facilities are either nonexistent or minimal. Some have agreements with a neighboring continent where they ship it off to be processed.
Most islands burn their trash…plastic, batteries and all. Again, because they have no reasonable way to dispose of it or a lack of education (albeit not always because of a lack of effort, we have seen signs all over Fiji trying to educate their citizens). Either way, the world has a serious trash problem (plastic especially) and we need better packaging options for most things we use in our daily lives.
Michael
Wow, ain’t that the truth. I just was in contact with an organic grower in Texas who was right now trying to figure out what to do about their clear plastic containers for tomatoes. It isn’t easy sometimes when we get away from local growers and need to carefully ship produce undamaged to the stores across the nation. At the same time that some commercial growers are plowing under their crops because there is no market for them during the pandemic. We just are not prepared for doing anything correctly.
Thanks for picking up after us.
Annette Marriott
I swapped out plastic straws for reusable silicone one instead and use the chillys bottles instead of plastic and use reusable bags when shopping. I love the ocean but have a healthy fear of it too. I desensitised myself to sharks (I was really scared of them) by keep watching shark week. Thanks for your vlogs can’t sail due to fibromyalgia and vertigo, so thank you for taking us on your travels
Deborah Kerr
Doesn’t it feel like we’re all in some sci-fi movie and we’ll wake up one day back to normal lives????
Love those village dogs – too cute running around free!! Keep smiling 😎
Natasha
Please share your ginger beer recipe! We could use some here too!
Stan
Glad ya’ll are OK and safe. Thanks for helping clean up while out and about. Take care not to get hurt. Maybe get some gloves to protect you from the glass. Care to share the Ginger Beer recipe??
Paul Merideth
Really enjoy sharing in your journey and am delighted you’re safe. I travel to Fiji regularly from TX as an educator. Regarding your pronunciation of Nadi… it should be vocalized like “Nandi” (kinda like the nandy in nandy pandy). It’s one of the flukes of the Fijian written language – perhaps check with a local to confirm this. Best wishes, stay healthy, and safe travels!
Curious Minion
Yes, they know that now but the problem is that they can’t converse much with the locals during lockdown, so it took a while to discover.
Curious Minion
Michael Kiesel
Hi, I was wondering if you might be able to encourage one of the sailboats and its owners based there at Fiji to take you back to Tonga before air transportation opens back up. If you took your time and spent a couple of weeks getting there it could serve as quaranteen time. Also then you’d have another adventure to video.
Curious Minion
Well right now the border is closed, including the ports. I guess it depends on what Tonga decides to do when it does start to open back up. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Curious Minion
Nikki Wynn
Borders are closed to everyone…by land or sea. When borders do open, they are most likely to allow air transportation before allowing Yachts.
David Lopez
Stay safe out there!!! I was looking for a link for your laptop gear and software used for videos.
Thank you!!!
Curious Minion
I don’t think they currently have links up for their laptops. I think Jason has a monster Alienware gaming machine because all of the graphic/video upgrades for a gaming machine are good for video editing. They use Adobe Premier Pro for editing and Lightroom for stills editing. There *are* links for those in the gear store. Just head over & click on the tab for Cameras & Computers. Don’t forget that shopping through those links doesn’t cost you anything extra but it will put a few extra pennies in the sailing kitty! And thanks for being a part of the virtual crew! https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/store
Curious Minion
Michael
Don’t forget the great free software as well. Many professionals do video work on the Linux platform.
Chris Johannessen
Glad you made it that far and weathered the storm. We’ve all got this other storm to make it through, I hope that When we do the world hasn’t changed too much.
In the meantime, after seeing your coffee dilemma, I thought you might benefit from a manual coffee grinder, check this guy’s stuff out.
https://www.fireboxstove.com/Coffee?product_id=259
PS his YouTube videos are pretty entertaining as well, may be good fodder for being holed up as so many of us are.
Best Wishes for the rest of your journey and be open to any new directions you may find yourself drawn towards — I expect a new plan will emerge.
Julie Nalletamby
Unbelievable. Hoping you get back to the boat really soon. Stay safe.
Gary M Curran
Indeed, I’m happy to see that you guys survived the storm, and I’m also happy to hear that Curiosity also survived. I just watched the latest video, so it was nice to see something that was almost near realtime.
It does seem the entire world is being tested, somehow in the coming years, I think things are going to get worse, not better.
Anyway, I hope that you can get back home soon, that the stuff that was sent to you in okay, and gets delivered, and that you can be back on the water again, soon.
Alan Solomon
Wow. Intense video, On Top Of Everything Else that’s going on. Its good to have distractions, besides having each other. I was worried the sliding doors and plate glass might shatter and blow in but then, you showed me that some of the windows are slats and not actual closed windows. That is the Tropical lifestyle.
Great video as always. Glad your both safe. I have been praying about Curiosity as I am sure you both are too. As well as a small percentage of the total American public and other countries too. Keep having FUN is right.
Be well, Safe and Happy,
Jacquelyn Hall
Enjoyed interviews of your recent US visit, plus details of your mother’s new full time RV. We sailed weekends in a 26 foot sloop sailboat, and though every outing was an adventure, the few affordable marinas here are bought up by the shipping ports. Between that and evacuations for hurricanes, we transferred to a Class A diesel motorcoach. Best wishes for safe travel soon.
Tammy
Love your adventures each week. Saying prayers for Tonga and that you will be able to get back to Curiosity soon. Stay safe and healthy. Thank you for picking up litter and helping to keep the beach clean. You guys are awesome!
Paul
Kudos to you for picking up trash and litter. Please get some gloves to protect your hands.
Lewis Barnes
Bula ,
So there are a lot of worst places to be stuck in isolation than the Beautiful Island of Fiji, Although you are in one of the least best parts of Fiji.
There are some wonderful places there, But the People are Very Friendly and there are lot’s of nice Indian Food places to eat !
How is the Boat it has been a big Cyclone through Tonga, Have you been in contact with the Boat yard.
Anyway keep safe you guy’s and yes it has been a Terrible start to 2020 but to have a Cyclone as well.
Next time bring the Boat to Bundaberg in Queensland for the Cyclone season lots of estuaries to moor in very safe.
Jen Swain
Glad you’re safe (and Curiosity too) and you have a place to call home for the time being! We criss-crossed paths! I was in the Peace Corps on Tongatapu (where Nuku’alofa is located) and we were (all PCVs around the world) evacuated back to the States within the past 3 weeks! These are most certainly crazy times. Still no Coronavirus (per my Tongan friends) in Tonga and the Peace Corps Staff and many school children (from what I hear) there are returning to work/school tomorrow (Tues), so who knows when this will end? Stay healthy and safe! Your go with the flow attitude will take you far! I’m now contemplating what’s next for me. God speed and keep those videos a comin’ <3 Jen
Richard Fenters
Glad that is behind you, now let’s get this virus over with
and back to regular programming!! Stay safe and motivated……:)
Tev
Aren’t those palm trees amazing? The only trees it seems that can stand up to the winds of a hurricane or cyclone. We can learn from them. To bend and sway in the storms, stand tall and hold on. I grew up in Florida and went through several hurricanes of varying strengths. Before they had categories for them. I’d still rather be in one of them than the tornadoes we are threatened with here in Texas.
I was wondering where the trash goes after you dump it in the trash bins? Since they don’t have recycling I hope it doesn’t just get dumped back into the ocean. 🙁
Stay safe and thank you for continuing to post your videos. We all look forward to them
OjaiLynda
One thing you’ve shared over the past decade is to roll with the punches. Once again, you’ve come out the other side with positive attitudes. Wishing you all good things along with a dry, and safe, Curiousity!
Bill Brower
Glad you are OK. Hope the islands did not receive too much damage. A friend sent me this link-brings back wonderful memories of our lang ago trip to Fiji, Tonga and Western Samoa. Arranged a trip through Richard Goodman stayed in smal villages, with the people, then a stay at a western sty hotel- Grand Pacific- Not quite grand in the early 80’s but evocative. Naivururvuru village was a great time- stayed in the chief’s house- ate great food and drank kava. Wound up on Toberua. With the coral snakes. Thanks, Stay safe.
Bill
Suzy Shepard
Get some protective gloves. (From a retired ER professional.) Love to you guys.
Lisa Bee
Thank you so much for being stewards of the earth and making lemonade out of lemons! I am officially (all things permitting) hitting the road in a few weeks and these years of watching your journey have big a big part of my inspiration to take the massive life changing steps to do it.
I am so glad you are safe and totally moved by the work you are doing. Crazy how picking up trash on the beach gets me a little teary, but on the heels of Seven Worlds One Planet, it means more now than ever.
Be safe and thanks again for the good vibes!
Sarah
Could you post your ginger beer recipe? Love watching your videos. You guys are inspiring!
Jane Ashman
Seas the Day is taking on a whole new meaning! Here’s hoping that you get “home” and are able to continue your sailing journey. Finding ports of call are becoming more challenging until the brilliant scientists develop treatments and vaccines. Even RV full timers on land are having trouble finding places to park their rig!
Diane
Oh my gosh – I’m so grateful to see you two as I’ve wondered how and where you are these past few weeks/month???- thank you for the update- happy to know you’re safe and sound – love to you both and many blessings!!! 🌈🦋🌈
Graham wright
Hi Guys
Glad you survived the cyclone hope your both keeping healthy, any news on your boat hope there’s no damage we’re on our 3rd week of lockdown in the uk 🇬🇧 things terrible here pandemic spread like wildfire, at least your side of the world it doesn’t seem to bad I’m sure it will hopefully pass and the world can get back to normality, be nice to see you back on the boat filming Mother Nature again , stay safe xx
frans vanleeuwen
May the good Lord keep you guys safe in your travels, currently stranded in Fiji.
Love you sharing your videos and the quality of your spirit in a time such as this ♥️
Happy Easter! He is risen, He is risen indeed!
Robert Dawson
Thank God you are both safe,most people here in the states are being safe.It to shall pass.God bless you both.Stay happy and safe.
Robin
I’m so glad you two and the boat are ok! 🤜🤛⛵️💕
Anita
That is amazing. And you are right. I didn’t even hear about that Cyclone and I’m a big weather watcher. That was just a few days ago. So glad you are safe. And being in the apartment you at least have good internet. I’m glad to see your stories in a more timely update. Were there things in your crate for Curiosity? I assume so. Pray that survived too.
Easter Blessings to you both and to the world for better days to come.
Curious Minion
Yes the crate is full of all kinds of boat “TLC” things like a new anchor chain & I believe a new trampoline for the bow. They knew it had arrived & was in a warehouse waiting for them, but there was a lot of flooding in that part of Tonga with the cyclone. Their local friends have been trying to find out more about it but, as expected, things are still a bit chaotic. Keep your fingers crossed!
Curious Minion
Sandi
That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger! Glad you guys are okay. There are worse places to be stuck than Fiji… Hope Curiosity makes it through unscathed. FYI, it’s pronounced “Nandi” — an invisible n. Stay safe.
Sandra & the 2 Spaniels
The windows in your condo are called Jalousie. It was meant to protect inhabitants from prying eyes. They used to be standard in Southern California as Jalousies are the only window style that can remain open during a rainstorm, allowing fresh washed air to enter your home. I personally love them, because in extreme hot weather, they can be opened for air, but not allow the sun.
That was great filming of the rain washing in! It looked grey like Portland Oregon does sometimes, but it was amazing to see it was horizontal rain. Stay safe and happy.
When will we see Nikki’s cookbook?
Ed Thompson
Thank you for sharing your life with all of us out here. These are trying times and your positive attitude is contagious. I think everyone is stressed, and you certainly help me to keep things in perspective.
I met Jason briefly several years ago while he was on Curiosity in the marina in Ft. Lauderdale. I am so impressed with your video editing skills, because I know how hard that is to do right — and you guys do it very well. I am also very impressed with your computer/internet skills. It is tough getting connectivity and you guys seem to find a way.
Thank you!
Mary Ames Mitchell - Rambling in Ramsey
Wow. I’ve been watching you two since you put out the video on Harvest Hosts from your Class A. What a journey. Better than Netflix. Hope your boat is OK. Glad you are OK. Let us know soon. Did I miss something? Where are the cats?
Curious Minion
The boat is fine. As for the kitties, you must have missed this one: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing-pets-goodbye
Curious Minion
Chris and Claudia Kathke
We are glad to hear from you and learned that you and your catamaran made it through the cyclone. Along with our friends in Vanuatu, we knew cyclone Harold was on your path and the one of your cat.
It took more than 5 days to hear from friends in Espíritu Santo northern part of Vanuatu. They recently finished building a small resort with locals and made it we just few scratches, the locals and nearby islands didn’t know that cyclone was coming their way and our friends took the time to alert all people they knew around nearby locations and islands to grab their most important belongings and shelter in caves.
My husband and I live in Miami Beach and have a 40’ Leopard catamaran. We bought it the same year you bought yours, we sail on weekends and holidays and our dream is to sail away like you do.
Look forward to seeing your videos, it has helped adjust our “sail away” list and hope you can document recovery and flourishing back of the South Pacific Islands 🌴 ⛵️🤗
Jeanette Brennan
Wow!! So glad you guys are safe and sound. Crazy times for sure. Praying all was well after this video – for you and all the other Islanders and Islands – especially Tonga!! Be safe and stay hunkered down – better days are coming! 💜🌈🌈🌈🙏
Lucille
Seems as if you are living on the edge. Hoping that you do not come down with the virus as the care may not be as good
where you are. Wishing you good luck.
Lucille
Seems as if you are living on the edge. Hoping that you do not come down with the virus as the care may not be as good
where you are. Wishing you good luck.
Lucille
Seems as if you are living on the edge. Hoping that you do not come down with the virus as the care may not be as good
where you are.
Yvonne
This is a wonderful video about the hurricane. Glad you are both safe! It has been a crazy year and y’all and handling it with real courage and a great attitude. Question…what are the names of the songs you are playing in this video! I love the music! Stay healthy.
Curious Minion
If you look at the very end of the blog post, Nikki always lists the artists in the order they appear. That’ll at least get you started.
Curious Minion
Jerry & Lynn Cummins
To both of you on this Easter morning, blessings and peace wherever you are this morning . . .
Aberdeen Belfry
Glad you’re safe and Curiosity is safe too. You have given my so much entertainment over the years. Been watching since the RV.
Ian andrew
In this time of isolation it is a bright spot to see you can bring a smile to ones face in time of high stress. Made me laugh over the joy of Nikki smelling the coffee beans.
It also brings back memories of a trip to yoga two days after a cyclone and seeing the destruction and the resilience of the islanders.
Gary D Gottloeb
Glad you guys are safe !
Wishing for the best for you and Curiosity!
Margie Daniels
You guys are such a positive couple. Thank you for all your videos. Your videos have helped me stay grounded in OUR mess. Been watching you for about 6 years. Keep up the great work. Be safe and be strong. And blessings to you both.
Greg Dobbyn
We are currently in the Bahamas at our dock on Green Turtle Cay. The Bahamas is in complete lockdown and no businesses – even grocery stores are allowed to open until Tuesday. No one is allowed to visit another house or boat.
Most troubling however is that the island is not allowing boats trying to head back to the US to call here, or even anchor here, for fear they may bring the “contagion”. Only boats that have been based on the island get fuel, food and water. Transient boats are denied entry by the island police.
I hope this kind of paranoia does not change the way you guys are able to move around the world, but I feel your days of happily island
hopping will be at an end until treatment or a vaccine is available.
Your comments and positive attitude are a welcome relief from the realties of our new normal. Thank you for continuing to post videos that distract us and brighten our day a little in these trying times.
Ember Baker
Thank you for the updates. Glad you are in a relatively safe place. Things in the US are scary as hell. Lockdown is a good thing. Fiji is apparently doing this right. Hope your stuff survives the cyclone as well as you did!
Anne Murphy
It may have been a blessing that you weren’t on your boat! Hope all is well – I think about your situation and anxiously look for updates . Take care!
Louis Miller
Looks like you came through that one 😇 just keep on having fun 😎