Leap Year - Reefs of Bora Bora
Trip Start
Feb 25, 2012
1
2
15
Trip End
Dec 31, 2012
Where I stayed
Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
A beautiful place to await the ship! Off the plane and walk right onto a boat to take us through atoll lagoon to hotel of Bungalows. This is "heaven on earth", the bluest water we have ever seen. From the original Bora Bora Hotel of 1961, there are now 12 hotels and some 700 over-water bungalows. Very fun and private. No roads..Also very empty -- this is low season, and about 20% full only. Also, rainy season - but we have spectacular weather.
We have been swimming with rays and sharks - the manta rays have their stingers removed, thank goodness so they are safe. In the coral were shimmering purple and green clam lips! We saw a huge moray eel, four feet long jaws open for fish. Swam above Lemon Sharks and also Black tip sharks (small and friendly; well fed, hah).. Two crazy guys took us out all around reef, Cheech and Chong. They egged on all these critters with bloody fish heads.
Only one ship is here, the famous Paul Gaughan, beautifully restored in Australia 3 weeks ago and built specially for these islands and Cook Islands. Artwork is amazing on board; original 1800's maps, charts and artifacts. We were invited on with captain and owner, who just bought Le Levant, the ship we were married on!! Has great plans for her, under a new name Terra Moana in 2013. He owns 4 hotels here; very caring to environs/culture; doing interesting deep seawater technology - first of its kind in World for environmental option to air condition buildings using freezing seawater, aquifer style; with no use of fuel, electricity. Fascinating. Pete liked engineering feat of this, we spent hours there. Also will open new Marlon Brando Resort - Leeds certified- 2013 on remote Tetiaroa, 35 miles to north. This was King's Refuge in Captains Cook era, 1769. Soon, you too can go here, 235 years later. For about $1500 a night, fit for a king.
In Moorea, we will visit their Sea Turtle Sanctuary; they have found ways to stop poaching of turtles. Nice to meet such good people here - beyond tourist track.
We have another 48 hours to see Le Austral, sailing in. No sign of Captain LeMaire, who may be here early. Have learned all about great reefs of Tuamotus, the string of islands called Australs and the Marquesas, they say most beautiful of all. Small ships now include these on 14-day trips from Papeete. Can't wait!!
The stars are incredibly prolific, so still at night with few lights... Very, very quiet.
So long from our bungalow on the blue lagoon. Hope you like the blog update
Pete and Robin
Comments
It looks gorgeous. Wish I was there too
On a gloomy New England day these shots look even more amazing. You might not want to leave!
Robin...It looks spectacular....Have a great time....The world is filled with such great beauty....It's awesome that you are having the opportunity to experience it as you do....God Bless. Safe Journey
I should have jumped in your suitcase while I had the chance!! It looks like you're at the begining of an AWESOME adventure!! Love the Picts!!
Robin,..it looks amazing.!! Enjoy.... Sorry that Peter won't be able to share the rest of your voyage..
Amazing. Remember it well from trip in 05. Why do we live in CT! Looking forward to more updates.
We spent part of our honeymoon their in '03!! Loved it! So beautiful. I was delighted to read about your time on the Paul Gauguin and their hopes and plans for the Moana!
Looks beautiful! Wish we were there with you. We will live through your amazing photos. Hugs and safe travels
GIRL . . . YOU NEED A REALITY CHECK!
Reality on the Quacky at MRG today is 42 and raining with icy-backed moguls and some soaked leftover powder in the trees. About a 28 min wait on the Single Chair - even in the rain. Yes, the world here is basically many shades of grey with the occasional Bora Bora Lagoon Blue parka . . . BUT, there is hope . . . the burgers and Long Trail Ale in the Basebox are still divine!! Bet you don't wish you were here!
Have a wonderful trip . . . the blog is great !