I am amazed to see that it has been over a month since I updated the blog. It shows that for the first time we have begun to stay a bit longer in anchorages and not feel we always have to be on the move. We left Marina Taina in Papeete, Tahiti on June 4th. All our repairs were completed, new sail on, vang cylinder replaced, etc. We were happy to get out of the marina. It was hot and crowded, but convenient for shopping and had a laundry. Good social time with other cruisers, especially pot lucks organized by Irene of Kiapa.

We headed to Mo'orea. I remember this as being my favorite island when we traveled here with Mahina Tiare. Most people go to Cooks Bay. We decided to go a little farther to Opunohu Bay, and were pleased with our choice. It is more rural, with a lovely white sand beach (with shade) just across from the anchorage and a spectacular hike that commences at the head of the bay. The weather was mild and we really enjoyed ourselves. There were nice folks in the anchorage and fresh water and an outdoor shower in the little park. All the comforts of home. On Father's Day, we walked to Cook's Bay in the rain and found a little French outdoor restaurant open. It was a nice day in a special place. We took the dinghy to shallow water to see the sharks and rays.

We arrived in Huahine on the 11th. What a beautiful little island. We hadn't spent much time here before. It's actually two island connected by a little bridge, Huanine Nui and Huahine Iti. We anchored off the little town of Fare at the entrance of the bay. Once again we were opposite a little white sand beach where we could swim safely and relax. Fare had a wonderful grocery store with many Chinese items that helped upgrade the pantry choices. We rented a scooter and circumnavigated the two islands. Great views but sore bottoms resulted. You have to see me in a man's large black helmet...really a sight! We spent 10 days at that anchorage. Our portlights were showing the effects of the saltwater and I brought them back to "like new" condition. It is great to see them shine again. Both of us did little chores and also relaxed and read. So nice to have a kindle again. Thanks Charlotte.

On the 22nd we left for Raiatea, a short 4 hour passage (I like those). We anchored in Faaroa Bay in 91' of water. We prayed that our windless would be able to pull the anchor back up for us from that depth. This is the bay with the head of the longest navigable river in French Polynesia. We inflated the kayak and headed up the river. What a beautiful place, green, pastoral, los of flowers. We met a young man along the way and traded batteries and polishing cloths for bananas. I've just made my last banana bread (he gave us a lot). Thanks for the recipe to Laura on Pacific Highway. While in that bay, I started to wax the hull. It really needed some protection, but strong wind and waves brought me back into the boat and required a change of anchorage. We went to the town of Uturoa and were fortunate (in the strong winds) to get a place at the city concrete wharf. We stayed there until July 2nd. The location was great. We were right across the way from a restaurant, a grocery store and a gas station. Who could ask for more? Bob was looking for more cleaning products for the boat and an impeller for the water maker pump. We waited out the weather and then headed for Bora Bora, skipping Tahaa this time.

Now our plans for the future needed to be cemented. Bob devised an excel spreadsheet with each of our possible destinations and our required date for cyclone season. That way when we spend too much time someplace it will show us what we need to make up to meet our goal. Here in Bora Bora, we took a mooring ball outside of the old Bora Bora Yacht Club. The winds have been high and we had some protection. I was able to take Bob out for his birthday and we had a nice dinner. Then we hunkered down to finish the waxing, etc. We saw quite a bit of Bora Bora last time, but weather has kept us here again. We have wanted to go to Maupiti and Mopelia before heading further west towards New Zealand, but these winds and waves may make getting through those passes impossible. We are working with a weather router and he gives us only a small window for the next leg to Suwarrow. We are waiting for our mail and a wench handle to be delivered to us here and that has been a real hassle. As soon as it arrives we will leave. All is in readiness. We moved anchorages nearer to town. Most of our friends are leaving today. We will leave no later than tomorrow morning.

We have made the decision to sell the boat in New Zealand. She is a wonderful boat and has done very well by us. She has been our home and we have cared for her accordingly. It will be difficult to part with her. John Neal gave us a broker referral and Bob has been communicating with him and sending him pertinent information to get the process rolling. We meant to spend 2-3 years and that will be about what we do. This is a wonderful adventure, but it is challenging at our ages. We always want to do a lot of traveling, but maybe in a little less stressful environment. We talked about how this will always have been a great accomplishment for us. We will have done something not too many others have done. Cruising, certainly, will provides us with wonderful memories, terrific friends and stories to share for the rest of our lives. However, we might opt for a few less aches, pains and bruises, and to be nearer our friends and family. As a friend reminded me, isn't there a mid point between end-of-life decision making and hull waxing. Well said, Linda! We hope to find it.