Bora Bora - a mix of great experiences
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16 29.5 S 151 45.7 W We have enjoyed almost 3 weeks at Bora Bora; had the chance
to dive and be close up and personal with Lemon Sharks; bicycled around the
island; climbed to the twin summits on the mountain; snorkeled in another “aquarium”
setting....beautiful reef fish in shallow water with superb visibility; found a
couple of great restaurants including the famous BLOODY MARYS; enjoyed
socializing with our fellow Pacific cruisers at the Bora Bora Yacht Club where
some 20 moorings gave all a primary base…..although many other great anchorages
were experienced around the island close to all the thatched roofs, over the
water huts, ritzy resort complexes (Four Seasons; Intercontinental, Hilton,
Sofitel,…..and on and on. Look for Bora Bora photos to be posted soon on
our blog. To expand a little on the climb: John just had to do the
climb twice…seems someone told him that it only counted for Sr Citizens
if you did it twice…..either that or insanity is prevailing…..not
an easy climb at all…can’t be described as “fun”, but
definitely a keen sense of accomplishment is said to be experienced when you
are back down at sea level. The first climb was on a rainy day…4 of us took
3 ½ hours up and 3 ½ hours down…very tough as you had to use roots,
limbs, vines, grass, weeds, rock holds, ropes… anything to carry your
weight, mostly with your upper body, as so steep and no foot traction on the
muddy trail. The 2nd climb a few days later was a dry day and
followed dry days so a totally different experience….5 of us did it - 2 ½
hours up and 2 ½ hours down. Keep tuned to our blog for posting of some photos
of the fantastic views from the top. Today we will again head out on our westward track toward
New Zealand. We may stop at Maupiti….the last French Territory, an atoll
about 30 nm from Bora Bora. It is right on our rhumb line to Niue (1050 nm distant
from Bora Bora) which will be our next significant landfall. We may also stop
at Palmerston Atoll (660 nm distant from Bora Bora)…..also right on our
rhumb line to Niue. The stops will depend on what we hear from others that are
ahead of us. All is well with the 3 of us and Sea Mist continues to serve
us well without any significant service items…I probably should add that
the captain DID NOT LISTEN TO THE ACVICE OF THE CREW….and forced Sea Mist
on to a sand shoal….took 4 hours to get her floating again with the help
of all sails up in 13 knots of wind to lean her over and 2 dinghys pulling
forward and from the top of the mast. A bit embarrassing but otherwise no harm
done…..and did manage to get afloat again just in time to get anchored before
darkness fell. No tides in this part of the world to assist with refloating….only
needed a couple of inches of water to float the 33 tons….but it was tough
to find that slightly extra depth. Will check in “down the road”. Cheers to all
from the Seamisters |