Day 9: Tui Tai Day 5- Ringgold Atoll

Started the day with a surprise, sunshine. We couldn't believe our eyes- they burned as it had been so long since they had seen the sun. We were beginning to think that the Fiji brochures and website were lying and that there was no green water or sun. We, of course, did a dive in the depths of the Ringgolds, an island group of atolls. The diving was beautiful. The water was a deeper blue and the visibility was better, clearer, here. After hot breakfast we boated over to the shore where we did a beautiful hike up to the top of the rim where the crater caved in. The sun came out just as we hit the top and you could see the entire reef surrounding the crystal clear green waters. As we began our descent we captured a better view of the collapsed crater. We ended on a small jetty of black rock which was gorgeous and snorkeled in the green lagoon. At this point we were hot, so it was quite refreshing. We then took the kayaks around the lagoon and out around the island, all with an exceptional view of the surrounding reef, to a white sandy beach. It was beautiful! A geographic wonderland! We did another great dive, just beautiful and different. The night was fun. We actually had a great sunset and by the time we ended the dive, the others had been drinking for a while. James had his own bar going and it was the first time we bonded with the family groups. We chatted with Oscar about his dream house. Can we say family? We also spent some time with Jude, a 7 year old Aussie. Georgeann had left to get something and he asked me, "is that your wife?" I responded, "yes", surprised that he knew that. He then asked with his thinking cap on, "so you're gay, right?" I said, "yes", of course. He then says, "I've never met your kind before!" I responded with a chuckle, "we're not so bad right?" He said nonchalantly, without skipping a beat, "you guys are gay in both senses of the word!" It was hilarious. I found out when recounting the story to Georgeann later that night that she informed him we were married when he asked her if we were sisters. Who knew our adventures to Fiji would help open Aussie kids eyes to another life. We had fun hanging with the kids and bonding with the adults. We enjoyed a much deserved starlit night on the boat. The temperature was even pleasant!