There is no reason for us to be surprised. Saturday we had a delightful sail for about five hours in 20 kts of wind. It was great finally being out of the boatyard and back in the ocean. Boatyards are generally not very nice places to be, they are usually noisy and busy during daylight and quirt, deserted and locked up at night. Even in the beautiful surroundings of French Polynesia the one we were in was the same as all the others. All of them are unlike marinas with swimming pools, restaurants and nicely kept grounds. Mostly I do not want to be in a boatyard for the reasons mentioned and also because it invariably means some work needs to be done on the boat. But the transmission was done, the minor oil leak found when the new transmission was going in was repaired, the bill was paid and off we went.

Bora Bora is the end of French Polynesia for us. That is not to say we have seen all there is or even most of it, as this French territory is larger than all of Europe. Since arriving in Nuku Hiva on June 26th we have sailed a bit over 1217 NM, generally in a southwesterly direction, spending time in three groups of the islands; the Marquesas, the Tuamotus and the Society Islands. This part of the ocean is vast and could easily occupy years just visiting all the inhabited islands and atolls. It would be worth the effort to sail back this way to see more of these beautiful islands, inhabited by some of the friendliest and nicest people one could want to meet.

Anyway, we arrived in Bora Bora yesterday, picked up a mooring off the Bora Bora Yacht Club and since it was approaching 1700 by the time we were settled down and squared away called it a night. Today, we got the dingy in the water and headed for town to do some exploring. Town is closed on Sunday. Most of French Polynesia is more or less closed on Sunday, however in most of the other islands we have at least been able to find a local food place to get lunch. Not here. Nothing was open except a small grocery store and the ferry terminal which only has seats under a thatched roof and no concessions; I do not think they even sell tickets, you buy those on the boat. First impressions are generally lasting ones, so here is my first impression.

Bora Bora is reputed to be the most beautiful island in French Polynesia, representing everyone's idea of a South Pacific Island. Not by a country mile. It is quite stunning to look at from afar, not so beautiful from where we landed the dingy. Maybe it was because everything was closed, which often means the proprietor has pulled down the steel, roll up door. Or maybe it was the distraction of the young people driving their scooters and motorbikes like they were in a grand prix race down the main street of town. Or perhaps it was simply because there is not really much of a town, it is more like a long strip mall bordering both sides of the street. I have read the island has changed over the years, as it's primary tourism revenue is derived from a number of high end hotel/resorts. Those tend to be self contained, providing their guests with everything they want on the hotels grounds, which if true would explain the lack of much of a downtown area. In all fairness we have not seen the rest of the island and as today was cloudy and rainy we did not venture far in the dingy. My first impression could be wrong; if so I will let you know.

Since we spent about three weeks waiting on parts to fix the transmission we will only stay here a few days at most, weather permitting we will most likely leave Tuesday or Wednesday headed for Nuie. More later..........