Heading south…Austral

Our return from France, the plan was to put the cap on the Marquesas... but the wind is not favourable we decide to go to the South and the Austral Islands.

Stay in France

We spent 6 weeks in France where we have travelled more than 4000kms (All aboard) and visited parts all more beautiful and welcoming each other.

We spent 6 weeks in France where we have travelled more than 4000kms (All aboard) and visited parts all more beautiful and welcoming each other.

It was an opportunity to review the immediate family and a few friends who were on our road .  We also walked a lot between the gueuletons to try to not take pounds... but without success!

Monday 22 October: Back to Tahiti

Here we are back on Tao... We are not really "cool like roaches" with 22 hours of plane and a time difference of 12 h, But if you want to get out as fast of Tahiti, Tao in navigation mode is a priority.

Some repairs, crafts and cleaning of the hull are on the program. 13j of non-stop "work" the boat is ready. Rest the last milestonedo some small shopping at Carrefour! Do not believe that is eaten only canned goods, but it's a basic minimum to have on a boat when we know that the nine months supply will be very limited in our ports of call!

Thursday 08 November: Departure to Tubuai in austral

Small quiet of navigation 2 and a half days until Tubuai story of us men. During the trip we fish a tazar and miss a beautiful yellow tuna that unties He was almost to edge.
We arrive in the morning at Tubuai passing north of Te Ara Moana. Tubuai is the largest of the Austral Islands, the land is rich and sufficiently well watered for the cultivation of fruit and vegetables. It's “the garden of Tahiti”!  The island is approximately 25Kms and making the bike tour is easy the road is flat all the way.
Nathalie goes so fast that the picture is blurred!

Mount Taitaa peaks at 422 m and it's a beautiful track is accessed – She just be became for the race of lychees . We sympathize with a family boat Chaiga Belgian ( Luke, Hélène, Louise, Arthur and Gilles) and decide to go together. We do 3 to 4 KMS on the flute before joining the track. Between pine trees and giant ferns she is wide and winding up gradually. But the closer you get to the Summit over the climb becomes steep and narrow.
 

Then a lunch break is needed,  before you continue climbing for the more courageous (except Nathalie climb too) and check if it is passable to down the other side.
 
A little “case mouth” so we let's turn back enjoying the breathtaking view of the lagoon and guess where we are wet!  After 6 market hours all tired with a few blisters on the feet , We do stop as soon as we reach the road. The only car that passes right wants to take us by 2 back and forth. What kindness!

A few days after this mountain hike, We're going across the island by bicycle join the crew of Chaiga with Hervé and Ina owners the only snack by the lagoon.

We eat delicious and hearty pizza homemade! A great time spent together and an excellent address.

Friday 14 November: Departure to Raivavae

The wind turns to the North and it's just before sunset we decide to go to Raivavae which is another island Austral further East. Need us less than 20 hours for this crossing and are greeted by a mist that quickly turns into a downpour in the past. Wind gusts occur, the rain whips we face and the visibility is very limited. We need to get around the island to shelter from the wind and with caution as we go along in order to avoid the uncharted coral columns that are just above the water. Soaked to the skin, We cast anchor not far from Avatar (Mike & Shelly).