|
16.30 S 151.45 W
We hired
a car in Papeete and followed the coast road around Tahiti and as far
as we could on Tahiti Iti. This included a visit to Teahupoo, one of the top
surfing locations in the world - however the best surf of the year had been on
thursday (always the way!), so we were told by an Australian! The Mara'amu (SE)
winds meant big swells were pounding the reef, but no good for surfing. We tried
to navigate a pot-holed track inland to the volcano crater floor, but with
four of us in a Peugot 206 this was a challenge we couldn't meet! Kate and Dave
enjoyed a swim on a black sand beach with all the locals. The island is very
high and there were many waterfalls cascading from the cliffs, particularly in
the north.
We caught up again with several Australians in the
marina whom we have met over the last 12 months - good fun.
On
tuesday morning we eventually, joyfully left the Marina Taina and motor sailed
into a NW to Baie de Opunohu on Moorea. Crystal clear water over a sandy
bottom and we were all in the water within minutes, snorkeling to the nearest
"bombie" to check out the fish. The following morning we dinghied along the
lagoon and swam with the stingrays and reef sharks. The rays thought they
were going to be fed as we motored to the buoy and by the time we had tied up
the dinghy was surrounded. Dickie and Dave were first into the water, Kate and I
then followed - extraordinary - one ray in particular took a fancy to Richard,
caressing his body again and again!!
At 3pm we regretfully left Moorea
to sail the 137 miles to Bora Bora, arriving after a night of gusty conditions,
but making good boat speed.
Sues, Robbie, Olivia and James welcomed us into
the anchorage! Kate and Dave
scrubbed the waterline (10 days in the marina
and a lot of grime and growth) before we enjoyed a late lunch and Olivia and
James showed us their new found skills in the water.
The engine head has now
been ordered by the engineers in Papeete - coming
out to the boat at Moorea
to confirm the order and re-assure us it was all
underway. Thank you all
for your offers of help and support. Hopefully it will be in Papeete next
week. Kate and Dave need to be in Papeete on the 14th, but may fly from here
if the conditions are against us returning by then.
Yesterday we snorkeled again in the "gin -
clear" lagoon water with thousands of fish - so many colourful
species - eating bread out of our hands (and bitng several fingers).
We are anchored off the Sheraton Resort - bures over the water (two huge ones
where the rich and famous stay apparently - we could have seen them in the
bath!).
Winds continue to gust and some showers this
morning, but mostly beautiful and so good to be sharing with Kate and Dave and
Robbie, Sues, Olivia and James. Also good kite boarding for Robbie
yesterday!
|
