Tuamotu : the tranquillity and enchantment of the landscape
The archipelago of Tuamotu islands located in the North West of the Gambier has about 76 atolls. The majority of the atolls is little or not all inhabited are dreaming over a, including us... So which one to choose? A North wind of 10 to 15 nodes being announced, We aim Amanu to 450 miles of Gambier.
6 April 2018: Gambier, Patito
Before leaving the Gambier Islands, last visit to Patito (Taravai island) to maintain the garden of Edouard and Denise during their absence.
It's under a blazing sun that Philippe mows the lawn part...
and seeing the result he has not lost the helping hand!!
7 April 2018: Departure for the Tuamotu
We raise anchor in the morning and now the lines are in the water. After 4 days of sailing we arrived at the pass of Amanu. According to tide it is the right time to go. But before committing we are scanning the twins the surface of the water to assess the outward current. Philippe puts drivers at high rpm, the current a little more of 3 nodes takes us in a few minutes inside the quiet lagoon. Anchor to the South of the village, we visit the next day to distribute to residents the fruits that we bring a Gambier.
Quickly we cross the lagoon to the coast East of the atoll. It's a Rosary of motus and we choose one behind which ask the anchor.
It, We love... we, and nature.
Our schedule is organized between ballads on the reef (equipped with good shoes)
where, In addition to the harvest of shellfish and crabs for lunch, We always encounter something new. Here a nest of Moray we watch from afar.
Each morning we connect to recover our mails and files weather. The signal is low and slow, We must do our incantations to Vini, the local God of the mobile network, and hope that the spread is good.
26 April 2018: On the road to Raroia
In 24 h we arrive at destination, but it is too early to enter the lagoon. Birds are here interested in our so the fish lures, can be a little smarter, do not have... result not a touch since the day before our departure
We cross the lagoon to the South is. To zigzag between the potatoes (reefs) and fortunately the visibility is excellent.
Along the reef, some motus are a little bare
while others are rather dense coconut trees and this is where we decide to get wet for a few days
We are not far from the famous island Tahuna Maru where landed the raft Norwegian Kontiki in August 1947. A visit to the site.
The motu is tiny it is inhabited by many birds a bit surprised to see visitors.
6 May 2018: Cap on Tahiti
At sea we pass along the island Meetia... would be that an ancient volcano?
Finally we arrive in the Bay of Phaeton where Taravao. We are greeted by clouds and rain a little surprising for Taravao ! We find great pleasure Patrick and Melanie with whom we share good times around a good table.