Hey Yawl,
After about three weeks, we've just arrived in another village offering internet access!
We've been poking around, dodging coral reefs in the Tuamotu Atolls for a while as we continue west toward Tahiti... which is now about a two day sail (240 miles) from where we are presently anchored.
The Tuamotus are all very flat, low laying atolls, with coconut trees being the tallest features... a stark contrast from the lush peaks of the Marquesas 500 miles east of here. We've stopped at eight different places in the coral lagoons at Makemo, Tahanea & Fakarava. Most have been by tiny, uninhabited islands surrounded by the healthiest corals and clearest waters I've ever seen. All required navigating thru narrow channels to get in or out of the lagoon and timing them for slack water was essential as tidal rip currents often reached more than 10 knots of dangerous flow! We've run into fellow cruising sailors at nearly every stop and have enjoyed countless fish and beach barbecues at sunset. Diving has been spectacular and has helped Stuart get over his natural fear of sharks. I've never seen so many sharks in my life!
We intend to continue west to Tahiti as soon as the wind becomes favorable and hope to participate in the annual Tahiti Moorea Sailing Rendezvous next weekend (20 June) which is slated to include lots of fun activities. Google it or watch your favorite Bounty movie to get an idea of what this area is about.
Cath's dad is coming from Australia and renting a condo on Tahiti for the month of July. We'll be poking around Bora Bora, Raiatea & Huahine for the month of August and I believe we'll sail back toward the Marquesas before steering north to Hawaii sometime around October.
That's "The Plan" for now, anyway.
Ciao for now,
Kirk, Cath & Stuart ~~~_/) ~~~ s/v Gallivanter
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