The Way the World Should Be

December 1995 - January 1996

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

A video by Ptarmigan Tours/Lightworks, 1995

This 20 minute video looks at paddling in the Yasawas, the leeward group of the Fijian islands, an 80 kilometre chain of 16 volcanic islands, 40 kilometers off the west coast of Viti Levu, Fiji's largest island.

The Yasawas offer excellent protected kayaking with short hops between islands. They are a tropical paradise with isolated white sand beaches, graceful palms, sea cliffs, superb reefs, and traditional Fijian villages and a fun loving people who open not only their homes to you but their lives and culture as well.

The video follows a group of paddlers on a trip by Ptarmigan Tours led by Marjie Jamieson and Art Twomey of Kimberley, BC, as they encounter the people and culture of Fiji.

In sail-rigged double kayaks, the tour travels to the north east end of Vanua Levu, the second largest island in the Fiji group, to Undu Point, the most remarkable and untouched spot in the area which offers excellent protected kayaking behind the Great Sea Reef, one of the largest barrier reefs in the world.

Undu's special attractions are the native rainforests and coastal rivers. Flocks of noisy red-breasted musk parrot and collared lories are only upstaged by the improbably brilliant orange dove.

Unlike other islands groups to the west, Fiji supports no crocodiles, malaria, or leeches.

The video documents the assertion found in the South Pacific Handbook, that "in Fiji the smiles are always genuine and hospitality comes from the heart."

or further information on Fiji, contact Ptarmigan Tours, Box 11, Kimberley, BC, Canada V1A 2Y5 Ph. 604-422-3270.