July 4th in Tahanea
We spent July 4th in Tahanea. We made a lot of American food
and did lots of beach activities. Some fellow Americans had sparkler fireworks
and shot off old flares during our beach bonfire.
After we left Tahanea, we spent 2 nights anchored off
Faaite. Gary was so excited due to the major surf. I didn't enjoy the rolly
anchorage, but going in the atoll wasn't an option, since the pass narrows to
45 feet and there is always current ripping out.
Aussie guy getting surf in front of Nirvana at Faaite.
We have spent over a week at the south end of the island of
Fakarava, as it is incredibly beautiful and has amazing water activities. We
have been diving, snorkeling, kayaking, standup paddle boarding and Gary has
been spear fishing. We dove the Tetamanu pass 2 times with the kids, then Gary
and I went for a deeper dive, while Harrison and a friend, Jacques, snorkeled
above. We were in 70 feet of water and they could easily see us. The water is an
incredible aquamarine, just like in a swimming pool.
The first dive we did with the local dive operation and the
other 2 on our own. Below are pictures of the dive place. It a is pretty
incredible place. We got dropped off by boat, dove the reef, then swam into
their dive hut, and finished with a beer at the restaurant that is at the end
of the dock on stilts over the water. They have ton of sharks that inhabit
their lagoon, as they feed them kitchen scraps, and other incredible animals,
including the giant wrasse shown below.
We are now anchored off the village of Rotoava at the north
end of Fakarava. We have been able to buy more food, which is really good as we
were getting low. Unfortunately the vegetable situation is quite limited. We
are planning to head to Apataki tomorrow. After Apataki we head off to the big
city of Papeete.
Cheers,
Julie
Napoleon Wrasse
Black tip reef shark
There were soooo many sharks
that hung around near the kitchen waiting for scraps.
Gigi and Axel hung out with the kids that live at this
hotel/restaurant. The dining area is at sea level, so when it is high tide,
your feet are in water.
Love the photos of the sharks! Sharks are endangered because of people cutting off their fins for soup. Horrible practice for a silly tradition that does not even really do much for the soup. Then they toss them overboard to die on the bottom unable to move. Give them lots of love...most sharks will not attack people without provocation or by accident. Although some do, it's true. But you are not likely to encounter any of those until you get to Australia...and there most everything will kill you if you are not vigilant!!
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