Moorea, Society Islands, French Polynesia
Monday, February 15, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010: We set sail out of Papeete Harbor, Tahiti after a late busload of 30 passengers arrived at 12:20 AM and boarded. Excited, I did not get much sleep in my new cabin. I was up early on deck, coffee in hand. Moorea appeared magically beyond the bow of the ship. It's many volcanic peaks were reminiscent of "Mutiny On the Bounty" in the early morning mist, sans Mel Gibson (darn). Beautiful Cook’s Bay would be our anchorage. Wondrous Mount Tearai (2,525'), iconic Mount Mouaputa (2,722', mountain peak with a hole in it ), Mount Mouaroa (2,886') & highest Mount Rotui (2,949', which divides Cook's & Opunohu Bays) majestically stood before us. Five of us (Gail, Ineke, Ed, Sue & I) hired a taxi in Paopao and rode around the two bays (Cook's & Opunohu) to the Intercontinental Resort & Spa in Papetoai. With Gail leading the pack, we walked to their beach and used their lounge chairs, acting like we were guests. We all had a blast swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon scattered with over-water bungalows. Beyond a barrier we saw a mother and baby dolphin playing with tourists. Moorea was now my favorite island, surprisingly surpassing Dominica & Tahiti. Absolutely magnificent. I could live there. I did not want to leave. Parfait (perfect)!
Comments
unbelieveably beautiful