Raitia

Karinya
Tim And Vicki Schofield, Captain Cal 7 and Jess 4
Fri 5 Aug 2011 03:11
16.41s  151.29w
 
We decided to skip Huahine and go to Raiatea and Ta,aa, as our friends were there.  This turned out to be a regret, as we hear that all who went there snorkeled with the mantas...lots.  I am so mad with myself, so I am now on a quest to see the Mantas.  Now being in Bora Bora, we hear too that you can see them, so let the hunt begin.  for those of you who don't know my luck, it is not good.  It took me 5 visits to the Kruger Park in SA before I saw a lion, I turn my back when the eagle rays swam past.  I am praying this time.
Anyway, Raiatea as a town was good, but not much in the island to see.  We did rent a car and went the island.  This was the only day that it rained ...lots...Better than being on the boat though.  We did see some local activity, so we pitched up to see what was going on.  Cock fighting.  Not my style, but the care they gave these animals before and after the fight, stroking them, petting them, very odd if you ask me. 
We re anchored in Ta,a where we snorkeled a beautiful coral garden, lots of fish and very shallow too. 
Bora Boar next, and although we were told it was very Americanized and not so good with too many jet skis, I actually am looking forward to it.  We are now here, but will elaborate on next blog.
 
saw more dancing, this time singing too.
 
The winners of the recent festival - on tour.
 
more traditional dress
 
 
Real Captain Cook stuff!!
 
on our drive, we passed though vegetable plantations - lettuce.  Note the scarecrow...obviously!
 
clearly they knew Tim was coming and wanted to make him feel at home!
 
Our monkey up another tree, picking me star fruit.  (sorry to squint your necks)
 
Ready Steady....
 
NO they are not kissing!
 
sort of a field in Derbyshire apart from the palms.
 
Beautiful
 
Also beautiful!
 
Dudes
 
WOW
 
Bora Bora from Raiatea
 
Almost
 
The anchorage at the base of the Bora Bora mountain that we hope to climb to the top of.