06/20/2007, En Route from Moorea to Huahine, French Polynesia
This morning Bob, Dana and I joined the crew of another boat and traveled by dinghy to an area in the lagoon where local dive boats feed sting rays and black tip reef sharks for the tourists. We stood in the water while dozens of large, harmless rays swam around us and into us looking for food. At the same time there were about a dozen sharks also looking for a handout. It was quite amazing and we never felt threatened.
Sand Dollar weighed anchor at 2:20 PM for the 90 mile overnight passage from Moorea to Huahine, an island not frequented by tourists but very popular among cruisers. We have had 10-12 knots of wind on the starboard quarter making for a fairly comfortable trip. We expect to make landfall by 8 AM. All else is well onboard.
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06/19/2007, Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia
Today was another day of snorkeling and land exploration. There are 10 boats in the anchorage, all of which gathered for an impromptu beach party at sunset. Old friends and new got together to discuss the day's activities and future cruising plans. All else is well onboard Sand Dollar.
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06/18/2007, Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia
The crew of Sand Dollar, minus the captain who had to attend to maintenance duties, rented bicycles and toured the Opunohu Valley. They discovered a French bakery, some charming restaurants and a grocery store. Moorea is a far cry from the isolated Tuamotus. It is very touristy but somewhat upscale. There are large hotel resorts and small bungalows over the water but no cruise ships, thank God.
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06/17/2007, Opunohu Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia
Today Sand Dollar and crew sailed around to the northwest side of Moorea to Opunohu Bay made famous as the location of many Hollywood films including South Pacific. The scenery is quite dramatic and the anchorage is peaceful. We will probably stay here for a couple of days hiking, biking, and snorkeling.
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06/16/2007, Moorea, French Polynesia
There was a swap meet at the marina this morning where I was able to find a replacement anchor for the one I lost in the Tuamotus. Although it is not exactly what I want, it will be fine as a back-up heavy anchor. These swap meets are great for socializing and getting rid of excess baggage.
Sand Dollar weighed anchor at 3 PM, filled the water and fuel tanks, and departed Tahiti for Moorea which is 12 miles to the west. We anchored at Vaiere Bay just before dark and enjoyed a fine dinner in the cockpit. Tomorrow we will sail around to the north and put in at Opunohu Bay. All else is well onboard.
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06/15/2007, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Today my friend Bob Mcfadden and his girlfriend Dana arrived to join Sand Dollar for 10 days of cruising around the Society Islands. They generously brought loads of boating and fishing supplies and four month's worth of my mail from Seattle. Tomorrow we plan to sail 10- miles to Moorea and spend a few days there before heading west to the Leeward Islands.
All else is fine onboard and we are very well-provisioned for the next couple of weeks.
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