10:30 PM Monday night Cyclone Mick skirted the north side of the Kadavu group bringing strong winds to the north and east side of the Astrolabe Reef. By tracking the storm for 2 days prior, we were able to make preparations to protect ourselves, the guests, and staff. Although it sounds serious, the storm only brought strong winds and heavy rains. Our sea wall worked like a charm and cleaning the ground of any loose items helped in getting through it all.
5-10 trees now rest on the ground. Numerous palm trees saw their last days. Sand and water was thrown onto the lawn. But thankfully, no bungalows and no boats were damaged so business can continue as usual. The winds are dying down dramatically and most are from the south to southeast around 15 knots. By the end of the week, winds should be back to normal around the 3 to 4 knot range with plenty of sunshine. Now all that is left is to gather palm tree leaves and rake the grounds to get back to normal.
After the storm passed today, Jason and I took two guests, Peter and Susan, out to Yabu Island to see the birds and have couple of drinks. I’m sure they were happy the storm was gone and are now ready to go diving on the Astrolabe Reef. Tomorrow, 6 more guests are coming to the Resort after traveling around Fiji trying to avoid Cyclone Mick. Rumor has it that they are coming on a Sea Plane. Should be a crazy sight to see all the way out at Ono Island.
Here are some photos from Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning as Jason and I checking every last little bit, gathering supplies, and trying to battle all that nature can throw at us!
