AND ON TO THE SOCIETY ISLANDS

An overnight sail took us across to the next and largest archipelago of French Polynesia, the Society Islands which include Tahiti.  We arrived in Bora Bora, the pearl of the South Seas, on 1^st August and sailed through the Te Ava Nui pass marvelling at the luminously turquoise waters of the island’s famous lagoon which even gave a remarkable blue hue to the clouds above.  The spectacular colours and dramatic scenery here are a testament to Bora Bora’s popularity.

Our first stop was at Vaitape, the main “town”, not the heaving tourist centre we expected although much busier than anything we have seen in the Marquesas or Tuamotus.  We anchored for the night off Toopua Motu in what can only be described as “cruisers’ corner” but a gorgeous spot with a view of the striking Otemanu summit and perfectly situated to watch sunset across the reef.

On Wednesday we departed Spiip and will spend the next couple of weeks island hopping down to Tahiti.  We couldn’t have been more fortunate with our first pension, Chez Nono on beautiful Matira beach.  We have a lovely thatched hut built out over the water, incredibly romantic and the perfect place to celebrate our 14^th wedding anniversary.   Our champagne lunch of a delicious baguette, cheeses and salamis overlooking the white sand beach will be one to remember

Today we rented bicycles and made the 32km circuit of the island.  The road is pretty flat and well-paved and winds its way around the jagged shoreline.  Once again we were impressed with the effort the Polynesians put into their beautiful gardens; they have a wonderful sense of the aesthetic.  Flowers are everywhere and even the woman at the check out in little supermarket in town was wearing a fresh flower wreath in her hair.

Tomorrow we are hoping to take the cargo ship, Taporo, to a neighbouring Huahine.  Somewhat different to a super yacht but it should be fun as it’s the local mode of transport between islands.  It’s not possible to buy a ticket in advance so we have to be there when it arrives to secure one of the 12 places available for passengers.