1200 position 16-40S 151-13W. Between Huahine and Tahaa
The anchorage in the lee of Motu Muri Mahora on Huahine's east coast is
one of Lori and my favorites. Being on the windward coast of the windward
most of the leeward island group, it is hard to get to unless you are
coming from Tahiti or Moorea, so there usually aren't very many boats
there. The anchorage is totally protected, could easily accommodate 100
boats, has a sand bottom 15 feet deep, and excellent snorkeling just swimming
distance away. We went there twice on the 2011 cruise so it was the third
time there for Moku pe'a. This time we arrived just after sunrise on
Saturday, and the anchor was down at 750AM. As we were getting settled a
local named Paul paddled his kayak out from the motu for a visit bringing
us two husked coconuts. Communications with the locals is often a
challenge unless they speak English. Communication with Paul was
particularly tough as he was deaf and mute, so it was sign language at
which he was pretty adept. He had a log book that he asked visiting
yachts to write something in, so we signed his book and gave him our boat
card and some Hawaiian macadamia nuts. Interesting guy.
We spent the next two days relaxing, snorkeling, and enjoying the
tranquillity of Huahine's beautiful eastern lagoon. A couple of other
cruisers came and went, but all were anchored far enough away that we all
had total privacy. It was lovely.
This morning after breakfast we set off for Tahaa. The forecast for light
northeasterly winds looked perfect for the crossing. Once again, the seas
are flat which makes Lori Lloyd very happy. We are screaming along under
spinnaker and full main right on course for Tahaa's Toahotu Pass, which
will lead us into Haamene Bay, our favorite spot in the Society Islands.
As we passed Huahine's northernmost point a mother and baby humpback put
on a show for us breaching, spy hopping, and tail slapping. I think mama
was teaching the youngster how to goof off. We've got the fishing lines
out in hopes of a mahi mahi dinner. I can't believe that we've sailed
more than 5000 miles without catching a mahi mahi. Perhaps today is the day?
Bill, this is one of my favorite posts :) I can just picture your trip in my mind with your vivid descriptions. The swimming, snorkeling, and dolphin and whale shows you and Lori are enjoying sound wonderful. Your adventure is one that very few get to experience! Well done!
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