17:29S 149:52W

 

Given that we’ve dived, snorkelled and swum with sharks and stingrays for a few weeks now, we’ve become fairly used to them.   But for David’s daughter Charlotte and her husband Colin it’s been a whole new experience.   Charlotte admitted to being slightly nervous about the thought of sharing the sea with marine animals considered killers by so many (Jaws has a lot to answer for) but after swimming with black tipped reef sharks in Moorea she changed her mind.   Near our anchorage was a spot where tourists gather to feed stingrays and sharks in reasonably shallow water so it was a great spot for Charlotte and Colin to “start” with sharks.   They were enthralled at what they saw.

 

We were anchored in a mere 3m of turquoise water near ancient tikis and close to the reef so we spent hours in the water checking out the coral (sadly, much of it was bleached and dead) and just enjoying the balmy temperatures.

 

Weather has been a bit unseasonal the past few days with the normal trade winds replaced by gusty winds that get up about midday.  Our beautiful anchorage became rather unpleasant once that happened so we moved to a spot near the shore with more protection.  It was a tender ride away from the Hilton so we went ashore to check out how the rich and famous holiday and, have to report, it is in sheer luxury.  However, with sandwiches $20, cocktails $15 and a beer $10 we won’t be rushing there.   We didn’t bother asking what the over water bungalows cost – we’ve got our very own!