After the storms, heavy swell, incessant chop and
unfathomable current of the last two weeks, relative peace has returned in the
reef anchorage of Vaiara, Moorea. We can appreciate the clear shallow water,
the gorgeous view of Tahiti and the mountainous backdrop of Moorea again,
without having to hold on for our dear lives. Eagle rays, sharks and “normal”
stingrays pass by our boat, while dolphins occasionally stroll the drop-off
area, only twenty feet away. At least once a day, we still get tossed around
heavily, trying to save sliding glasses of liquid and other “top heavy” items
from crashing onto the floor. Sometimes those acrobatic moves are more
successful than others. Easter holiday has started in French Polynesia and boat
traffic – and thus the inconsiderate wake - has increased.
One day, Mark and I finally took our dinghy to a snorkel
area other cruisers had told us about. On the southern motu (motu Ahi), we found the Lagoonarium
of Moorea. Here, a series of floats is connected with ropes, so snorkelers can
enjoy the underwater world in safety - by holding onto the lines - when the
current is too strong. A lot of coral was in great shape and the colorful fish
were plentiful. We saw some rays and black tips, and even a white tip reef
shark. The snorkeling here was definitely worthwhile and on shore visitors can
rent a shady shed for the day or the night, or buy lunch in the little
restaurant. It is a neat little place with a lot of character… and tourists.
A surprise visit to the anchorage from our friends Marie and
JP on MV Domino enhanced that already fun Sunday. They invited us to stay for a
healthy lunch and we caught up with each other after a month apart. The view from
their motor yacht is more spectacular than from our little Irie, so we always enjoy
our visits to their floating home (one could almost say “floating palace”). The
following day, we made dinner and brought it over to their big cockpit for a
last evening together. They will soon head west, while we are remaining in
French Polynesia until Irie sells.
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| Va'a competition through the anchorage |
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| Two competing va'a teams passing close to Irie |
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| Sunrise above Tahiti; yes, I am getting up early, these days! |
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| Massive waves breaking over the reef and causing strong surges and current underneath Irie |
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| Taking a breather while cleaning the fore peak with bleach in the early hours - much cooler that time of the day |
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| Spotted eagle ray near Irie |
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| White-spotted puffer fish hanging out with our anchor chain |
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| Irie's well-buried and trustworthy anchor - the holding is great in the reef anchorage of South Vaiare |
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| Motu Ahi |
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| Group of tourists snorkeling the Lagoonarium |
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| The original establishment on motu Ahi |
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| Mark holding on while snorkeling |
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| Colorful and healthy coral |
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| Big school of fish |
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| White tip reef shark |
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| View of Tahiti from motu Ahi |
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| Marie under her Wirie pro with Irie in the background |
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