Boat “work”

Helping the clan from Rafiki and Nelly Rose prep their boats for sale in Whangarei, New Zealand.

Nelly Rose

Crewing aboard Nelly Rose from Vava’u, Tonga to Whangarei, New Zealand.

Whale swim !!

Tim and the crew from Rafiki swim with the whales off the island of Vava’u, Tonga.

Weather to go

The weather is all fun and games here in Bora Bora. It’s been windy as all get out, pretty unpleasant in the anchorage. In spite of this, I’d planned to leave today, but a bit of French bureaucracy thwarted my plans. Oh well, one more happy hour probably won’t kill me. Cheers!

Pretty pretty fish pics

The Coral Gardens off the island of Taha’a in French Polynesia.

   

   

Au Revoir Moorea

11 August –

We say goodbye to the beautiful island of Moorea and to Opanohue Bay. What a wonderful visit it’s been.

It’s……. ALIVE !!!

10 August –

A quick dip in the pool to check out how the anchor was holding unearthed a rare find – an absolutely stunning Spider Conch shell.

Unfortunately, we soon discovered that this latest little treasure was still inhabited… and the occupant was NOT amused.

Kind of makes you believe in sea monsters, what with the eyes on stalks, giant claw, and assorted mysterious appendages. Needless to say, we returned this charming lil’ creature back to the ocean floor from whence it came. The sooner the better.

Shell games

09 August –

Snorkeled the reef outside Opunohu Bay, Moorea. Found a ton of big shells and sea life.

  

  

  

  

Opunohu Bay

08 August –

Awoke in the morning to find a new neighbor – a Windstar cruise ship.

Moved from inside Opunohu Bay to the reef just west of the entrance to the bay. Pretty green-blue waters of the reef were inviting, but the winds had raised an unpleasant chop. Here’s a pic of the bay during one of its calmer moments..

Sail to Moorea

07 August

Pearl shopping with Britta from Desire.

  

Papeete to Moorea, 3 hours and 20 minutes. Arrived after dark so anchored inside Opunohu Bay where there were only a few boats.