There are a few stores in the near-by town of Atuona where I checked in with the Gendarme yesterday. I was able to buy eggs, some vegetables, apples, cheese and baguettes. The baguettes were cheap but everything else was extremely expensive. Fortunately, I am still well-provisioned with staples from Mexico. Not far from the anchorage there is a fresh water spigot and a petrol station with diesel. The only internet service I can find is at the post office and it is very slow, busy, and US$26/hour!

The check-in process went very well, mostly because I used the services of an agent who charged me US$360 (ouch!). The process involves customs clearance (everything onboard is "ship's stores"), visa extension from the normal 30 days to 90 days, and bond exemption which means the agent guarantees that I will leave the country within 90 days. They are very sensitive to foreigners out-staying their welcome. Now I can go to the Tuamotus without worrying about being in Papeete, Tahiti within 30 days to renew my visa.

There is no good reason to stay here beyond the time it takes to buy supplies and check in with the Gendarme. The bay is not extremely attractive and it is noisy. Tomorrow I will leave for the neighboring Island of Tahuata where there is reported to be an excellent anchorage offering very good snorkeling with 100 ft visibility. We will see.