16: 37.181 S

151: 32.70 W

Raiatea Island Marina, French Polyensia

Leaving London early on the 5th of July, in the cab ride to Heathrowhe discussion with the cab driver:  "You going on holiday?" …. "No, we are leaving London for good, and heading to Tahiti to pick up my new home, and start a new life free from the cities and riding the ocean waves….!" It could sound all romantic, but inside me I felt this turmoil spot where the excitiement of adventure and the apprehension of adventuroff were tormenting each other… I did feel alive though, and the cab driver agreed, that we were certainly heading  on a path few get to travel…..

The picture below is from the plane as we flew into Raitea Island, about 160km NW of Tahiti. The photo shows the fringe reefs that chasracterise the French Polynesian islands, and the natural channel through the reef would become familiar as this was the channel that lead to the boatyard where Allone was waiting for us, the new owners, and still out of the water.

Having been out of the water for almost two years, I wondered whether she was beginning to think life on land was her new journey…? I was a bit apprehensive as to what the two years idleness out of the water would have done to her mechanical state for the journey halfway across the Pacific I still had planned….? 

There she goes back in the water, with my first thoughts just hoping she floats! All we OK, and everyone seemed happier to be in and on the water….! 

Before we moved to make Allone our home, we stayed at this delightful B+B a few kilometeres from the boatyard. Roland and Marie our hosts and waking up to a wonderful view of Bora Bora island across  thereef infront of us.

Bernard Mottisier's original yacht is still kept in sailing condition in the boatyard next to where Allone was stored. What an inspiration he has been to many, including myself….. Sailing in thgose days was REAL adventure…With all the modern gadgets these days, we can never really understand what he really took on… I sense his experience was deeper as a result, but in Simply Adventure I'm trying to avoid the traps of technology short cuts which lessen the rawness of the adventure experience.

Two weeks work with the previous owner Bill Campbell helping us get the boat b ack to sailing state was intense, but we did take the occassional holiday, and one was on the day below, where we attended a community sports day. Complete with coconut paring competitions  

and, banana haul races……..

First time back in the Top Climber for 6 years…..Off up the mast to check out all the rigging…..

Aft week of working on the boat we were ready for a maiden sail……..