Napoleon Wrass and White Tip Shark

June 7

Woke at O dark hundred for beautiful reach back to pass for mid-morning in-tide snorkel. Fantastic. Lots of sharks. Slipshod camera work should occasion sacking slovenly operator, but a paucity of good help may make that inexpedient (real word). Time will tell if threat of flogging enhances performance on tomorrow morning's dive. Sanguinity (not a real word) level remains at low ebb.

Fellow named Manihi (same as northern atoll) has, so goes the story, built a resort/restaurant adjacent to anchorage over last ten years. In fact he has supervised cruisers, including four today and tomorrow, who have been inveigled to do preponderance of work. One then feels obliged to patronize his joint for dinner. Can't complain as he is a great guy, food is excellent (equitably priced for location) and after work gathering on "Sea Level" to commiserate and provide an excuse to abuse adult beverages to soothe aches from carrying sand (from beach) and aggregate (broken coral from other side of beach) to concrete a base for his new pizza oven made for a fun and interesting day. Lunch tomorrow accompanies mixing and pouring concrete late morning. Suspect this will provide excuse to infuse circulatory systems with additional mind altering fluids.

Trepidatious glance at calendar reveals meager time to see as much Tuamotus as fancied. To date schedule has hinged on resolution to arrive Papeete before June 18 for Tahiti/Moorea Rendezvous and Pacific Puddle Jumpers Party which should be an absolute hoot. Hoping for diminished time pressure subsequently, but as past is prolog, suspect another triumph of hope over experience. Decisions, decisions. The burden of command weighs heavy.

Jack