Date: October 23-30, 2004
Destination: Bligh Water, Fiji
Returning Passengers: Craig & Evelyn Cook
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| Bill & Kathleen Harrigan. | ||
Bill Harrigan, with wife / underwater model / ”sponge expert” Kathleen,
led fifteen NAI’A newbies and veterans Craig and Evelyn Cook on a seven-day
expedition that was as much a reunion tour as a shoot-out of Fiji’s finest
diving. The JOBO processor didn’t know what hit it as seven old-skoolers
(film lovers) blasted away at anything and everything our dive sites had to offer.
Craig Cook led the final processing tally without breaking a sweat (or blowing
a bubble), while Mike Bond ran a very close second with his trusty Nik V. Mike
also scooped the ‘most improved’ award, thanks largely to the tutelage
of photo guru Bill. Dave and Marie Harrigan showed that photographic flair runs
in the family – even through marriage with their MX10. After having processed
many 1000’s of rolls himself, Mike Waters wasn’t quite ready to cross
the digital bridge… unlike partner Heidi who amassed an impressive number
of instantly gratifying masterpieces.Don Lewis and Donna Knott seemed
to have no problems making the transition from dive resort to live-aboard – but
probably won’t want to go back. Bill and Annabel Weidinger tussled over
who would get the newer of their two digital rigs, and even managed to squeeze
in some business with the onboard couple-to-be. Skip Seger and Jim Feffer survived
pre-trip Fiji highway dramas and liquor store supply problems, Bob Lipinski did
his utmost to stay on for another week, and Gary Ponto added an international
flavour to the whole affair. Sawaieke Village topped off the trip with the best
church choir / meke/ guest powdering session we have seen all year.
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| Craig & Evelyn Cook. | ||
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| Don Lewis | Donna Knott. |
FROM THE GUEST BOOK
This was our first liveaboard experience and it was absolutely wonderful.
The ship was comfortable, the food great, and the diving was absolutely superb.
The whole experience was great! But far and above everything else, the crew
was what made the vacation! Everyone always had a smile and absolutely 'can
do' attitude. We will be back sometime in the future and will pass on to
everyone who listens how great the trip was.
Donna Knott, Kenedy TX
My dive buddies and I had a great time this week. Highly organised
yet extremely comfortable and accommodating, the crew is great, the
food wonderful, and the NAI’A is a splendid ship. The diving
is most spectacular in color, diversity and abundance. Dive masters
were great; I found a wonderful new way to find macro subjects – just
look where Liz’s finger points. Josh and Liz are wonderful. Rui
totoka!
Mike Bond, Clermont FL
Crew was fabulous. See ya next time!
Craig and Evelyn Cook, Severna Park MD
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| Heidi Waters smells the frangipani. | Jim Feffer. |
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| Bill & Annabel Weidinger. | ||
What will live with me from Fiji will be the people….
The trip was wonderful, the food great and the best E-6 south of
Frink photo?
Mike and Heidi, South Riding VA
Everything we expected and so much more! The Caribbean will
never be our first choice again. The color below and the abundance
of fish is outstanding. The crew are wonderful. We will be back – and
I hope again and again.
Annabel & Bill Weidinger, Dublin OH
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| Mr. Bond. | Gary Ponto. |
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| Dave & Marie Harrigan listen to the children's choir at the Sawaieke Village church. |
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| Bob Lipinski. | Mike Waters. |
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| Kids at Sawaieke Village love Skip's camcorder. |