Sadly - casting our Leis into the lagoon, on a close reach back to Apooiti Bay to return yacht. Debriefing. Laundry. Packing. And time to pick out Paroa for Kim, search for vanilla & collect sand from Raiatea beach. (Oops, forgot to collect sand on all the other pure white Leeward Society Island beaches we visited). Very kind French taxi driver & his cute daughter helped us on our mission. His story - as were the stories of many others in the Leewards ...

Early departure. Anchor off Hibiscus Turtle Rescue Reserve & Restaurant in Haamene Bay Tahaa. Little local boy caught biggest fish of his life off dock. Tres Jolie! Leo - owner of Hibiscus - 100 years old & speaks as much English as we do French (our bad), but very helpful with ice crisis on boat (ask Kim), plus ride back from store (second time for ride from restaurant owner - first time more exciting). Dinner at Hibiscus.

Morning infinity pool swim. Dinghy to motu & walk beach past Pt. Faroone to Pt. Tupitipiti for drift snorkeling near reef. Yellow & black & white stripped reef fish, bright blue "aquarium fish", schools of white fish & Flounders so much the color of the bottom that you could not see them until they moved. Kim saw a Reef Shark, Will a Mahi Mahi. On one of the giant corals were blue lipped oysters, this is the type of oyster they use to make a blac...

Welcome to the islands!

Try this: Awaken to a cool breeze & spectacular sunrise on a brilliant turquoise lagoon, enclosed by palm fringed motus, & coral reef; a lush, verdant island with a 2000 foot volcanic peak in it's center, & the sound of reef surf break in the distance. Coffee, pancakes & bacon on the boat. A swim in the lagoon - water too clear & perfect in temperature to leave, so that's where you start planning your day. Dinghy over to the Sofitel resort f...