Hi
from Clare, Monday 22nd
August 2016
A
TROPICAL ADVENTURE
When
last I wrote we were in the small settlement of Pakokota on the
eastern shore of Fakarava and Matthew, the friendly owner of Pakokota
Yacht Services, was preparing his limousine (a 1984 Jackaroo) to
drive us to the main township of Rotoava for shopping. By preparing
I mean derusting and painting the rims before putting on a new tyre
and hopefully putting some seats in the car. So all aboard the
limousine with doors that only shut from the outside, a rear door
tied up with rope, seats that weren't fastened to the floor and rust
holes in the car floor big enough to put your foot through. But as
Matthew said with a cheeky smile “it's all part of the adventure”.
A supply ship had come into Fakarava the day before so we gleefully
stocked up with fresh produce plus baguettes and croissants from the
French bakery.
 |
| The Limousine - a good thing it has a chassis |
We
took the dinghy and travelled in and around the many little motus and
swam in the warm shallows. We also did a few more drift snorkels
through the pass and snorkelled some quiet outcrops of coral in the
back eddies. A favourite spot in the warm calm water for many
tropical fish and a few lazy sharks to just hang.
 |
| Between the Motus - looking out to the anchorage |
 |
| Snorkeling the South pass |
THERE'S
NO ESCAPE
Unfortunately
our Fakarava Flu hung around for the best part of two weeks and we
were both fairly lethargic. We have been in company with four
American boats and they too have the bug so no wild parties at the
moment. On Andrew's birthday we were happy to just put up the
hammock, listen to music and lie in the sun. However I hope you notice in the photo
that Andrew dressed for the occasion with a bow tie bringing some
class to our deserted tropical island. We will celebrate with a
birthday dinner once we get to Tahiti.
 |
| Birthday Boy dressed for the occasion |
 |
| Hammock Motu |
A
few days ago we sailed up to the main township at the north end of
the atoll for internet and shopping. Matthew from Pakokota Yacht
Services is away and so another adventure in his limousine wasn't
available. I'm not sure if that is good or bad luck but I guess we
will cope with the mundane.
 |
| Another lovely sunset from Hirifa |
SO
WHAT'S NEXT
The
weather has been very changeable with glorious sunny days, lots of
rain and too much wind. We are ready to sail to Tahiti but as usual
we are waiting for the right weather pattern. At this stage it looks
like we will be here for another week or so. Tomorrow we will sail
back to Hirifa on the south east corner as we are expecting strong
south easterly winds and lots of rain in the next few days. Hirifa is
well protected and one of the calmest and most spectacular anchorages
we have been in. So we will just kick back and enjoy, enjoy.
Love
Candy xx
