Endeavors

A whiskey bottle carrying a heartfelt letter travels 4,400 miles, forging an unexpected bond between a Fijian foreman and a sailing crew.

ROXY PODLOGAR, SONJA STORAASLI

The MAGIC of a MESSAGE In October 2022, my husband, Carl, and I were exploring the island of Vanua Balavu in the Lau Group of Fiji. We had anchored our 38-foot Seawind, Sky Pond, in Nabavatu Harbor and were climbing the steep staircase leading to Nabavatu Plantation, where we’d hoped to meet the local villagers. Our only goal that day was to wander the plantation’s rolling fields, edged with perfectly built rock walls. Small herds of cows, sheep and horses roamed freely over the lush green grass. As we climbed the stairs, the turquoise-painted cabins with fresh white trim flashed in the sunlight, and the lively chatter of voices grew louder. At the top, several people relaxing on their stoops waved us over. In keeping with Fijian custom, we sought…

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Cruising World (Digital) - 1 Issue, April 2025

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