After breakfast and coffee, we got on the VHF radio and called the local customs & immigration agent representing Tahiti Crew, whom we had contracted with earlier. Sandra responded cheerfully that she was on the breakwater, could we be there in 10 minutes. Ugh...we"ll try I replied, "but we need to launch the dinghy first". Okay, she says, see you then. Ten seconds pass, then the radio goes off "Huzzah, Huzzah, this is Athanor calling". Huzzah here I replied. "Sounds like you could use a lift to the pier, could I come with my dinghy". Wow, that's awesome! So, once again, the cruising community is there for us, ready to help in any way they can!! So Rob takes us to shore, we meet Sandra, climb into a Land Rover and off we go down small, well paved concrete roads to the gendarmerie's office in town to clear into the Country. Twenty minutes later, two boats were fully checked-in without cost, hassle or delay. What a contrast to the six hours, four stops and $50 it took me just to check out of Mexico. Okay, so now that we're legally in FP we decide to walk through the town of Atuona. What a delight! So many contrasts to our last ports of call in Mexico, it's hard to describe. The streets, houses, yards and even vacant property here are clean, orderly and well maintained. The vehicles are all newer models, and in good condition. The place looks like it could be on a post card. Everything here is green, lush and fertile. Very picturesque, and attractive. Another contrast to Mexico (La Paz), is the fact the stores here are sparsely stocked and the prices are double that of groceries in Mexico (which in 15% less than he US). And the vegetables here are expensive IF you can find them. We paid $8 for a small head of romaine lettuce today, and were happy to do so! But the fresh tuna is $5 per kilo, so it depends what you want. Like Mexico - the people are amazing! Friendly, helpful, kind, patient. Not much English spoken here (Mexico was easy) but we will get better with the French phrases.
Tomorrow, we're doing a driving tour of the entire island, so we should have a more complete picture after that.


More to come!