NOTE; This may seem disjointed since it was written yesterday. We actually departed Rangiora this afternoon at 1730. The passage to Tahiti/Moorea should take about 36 hours.

We could not see Rangiora until we were about 4 NM from the entrance to the pass. With the wind behind us blowing less than 10kts and the engine on, as we approached the pass with the tide ebbing we were making better than 8kts over the bottom. That quickly started to change as we got closer. For a brief moment, I thought "this is easy"; then the influence of the tide suggested it may not be quite as easy as I thought. In under a mile our speed dropped steadily from 8kts to less than 2. About a half mile of slow going before our speed started to improve and we were safely in the lagoon. That is when we could see what the inside of this lagoon looked like. Stunning does not adequately express what we saw. From outside we had seen what looked to be sandy beach and palm trees. Inside, I first noticed that in about 50 feet of water the bottom was clearly visible and the water was flat calm. For the first time in more than two months and over 4000NM of ocean the boat was not rolling. We could actually put a cup down and be confident the contents would still be in the cup when you picked it up for your next sip. I knew this would take some time getting used to. When looking at the shoreline there were white sandy beaches crowded with palm trees and few buildings visible. Those that were visible for the most part are hotels. No high-rise in sight. Round bungalows with palm thatched roofs are built on stilts over the water; each, on closer inspection, having a deck with stairs leading to a swim platform at sea level. Just like every picture you have seen or imagined of the South Pacific. Other than diving, snorkeling or visiting the pearl farms and market there are few attractions. Thus, it appears we will be leaving tomorrow (Tuesday, July 11) for Moorea with a fuel stop in Tahiti. About 210NM, we will take about 36 hours for that passage. Charlene and her friend Mary did the famous Rangiora drift dive through the Tiputa pass, sharks and all, yesterday. I am not that experienced a diver to ride a swift current underwater, especially after experiencing driving a 40,000-pound boat through the same pass. We all did the snorkel ride through the pass in the afternoon and a dive in what is known as the aquarium this morning. Much more my speed. More later�...�...�...