Tuamotos, Tahiti and Society Islands

Five days sailing from the Marquesas brought us to the Tuamotos. Where as the Marquesas were high and conspicuous, millions of years of errosion and subsidence have caused the Tuamoto islands to sink leaving only the surrounding coral reefs, which are so low they make a dangerous but wonderful place to visit. There are more sharks than people but in spite of that, the beautifully clear water gave us some of the best snorkelling and diving of the trip so far.

This shark was about five feet below the water and you can see him and the bottom, some ten metres down. Fortunately these black tipped reef sharks are not interested in humans and swimming with them was an amazing experience. I also went diving and wish I had the means to take photos underwater. Looking up from twenty metres down to see 150 sharks swimming above me, silhouetted against the sky is something I can only tell you about but I will never forget.

There are picture postcard views everywhere. The boats often look as if they are suspended in mid air.

Here two blue parrot fish are swimming in the gin clear water.

Stephen and Nick, a friend off another rally boat walking on the island of Raraka where we made friends with some of the locals who had us ashore for a meal and then took us out to the fish trap at six the next morning.

We were given all the fish we wanted and were considered very strange when we refused to take this turtle as they are considered a delicacy in this part of the world.

Then it was another couple of days sail on to Tahiti, where we were welcomed with floral 'leis' (necklace of flowers) and a magnificent display of dancing

After a few days in the bustle of Papeete it was nice to move to Moorea and drop anchor in the magnificence of Cook's Bay.

Once again we were invited to a dancing display, this time there was an opportunity to join in...................

.............And to put on our party clothes!

After all the long distances of the last few months there is now a peiod of 'free' sailing in the Society Islands and we soon moved on to Huahini, a gem and a real highlight, off the beaten track and so peaceful..............................

......................Until we arrived. Here it is 17th May, 'Norwegian Day' and we had to help the Norwegian crew of 'Blackbird' celebrate their national day in the traditional fashion

A local duo of musicians were booked, but some extra assistance with a tambourine and spoons all helped to make a great night out. (No prizes for identifying the proffessional musicians)

As I write this we are experiencing some heavy rain and wind, with thunder and lightening thrown in, but the memories we will bring back will be of sunsets and clear water in a tropical paradise. By the time this is up on the web we will be underway towards Tonga and Fiji and the 'longitude' will be East and reducing as we pass the 'date line' and start our journey home.......

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