Record Rainfall

It rained in Tahiti, but nothing like this. Makes it even harder to come home from vacation.

The Long Trip Home

After boarding a plane around midnight our time last night, we mostly slept through the 7 plus hour flight. We had a few hour layover in LA, where they tried to scare us and several others in our group that we might not have seats on the plane home, but finally we boarded our flight to Portland and arrived home where the rain had turned icy on the tarmac. Mama wasn't feeling well and fell asleep while Daddy showed CJ some of the photos of the trip.

Thanks to Aunt A for keeping our house in order while we were gone!

Moorea Day 2

Today's we spent the day on a Lagoon Discovery, Snorkel & Lunch excursion. This was not our favorite day, although there were definitely some good parts. Our boat started out having to run an errand - to pick up our captain! I guess he'd slept in. Then we went to swim with sharks and stingrays, which might have been really exciting, if we hadn't already done that on this trip. Plus this time our boat was joined by 2 or 3 other boats and then some other members of our group rode up on jet skis while we were there. There was something a little too commercial about that. And there were a few clouds out so Mama got cold fast, but she did stay in the water this time to meet the stingrays - even though our captain and his crew seemed a bit too excited to have the stingrays swimming right on top of the people.

When we were done with the sharks and stingrays our boat had to head back to shore to pick up our lunch before we could head back out towards the island where we were going to snorkel and eat. Again, the island was filled with several boats and a large group of locals further up. There were a large number of wild chickens running around and quite a few wild cats trying to get a free lunch. Lunch was fairly good with some yummy swordfish, more ceviche, noodles, french bread, etc. But the rum punch was way too strong to drink.

After lunch we snorkeled a bit to the end of the island, past the the sunbathers who were inappropriately dressed. (No pictures of that, thank goodness).

We headed back to land, just in time to watch the coconuts being cracked by members of our group. Fresh coconut is really good. They even shredded a bit for us to eat before we packed up and headed home.

On the way back to the port, Daddy was jealous as we came across a spot where there were some kiteboarders. One even veered right across our boat's path before he crashed to the side of us.

School In Tahiti

Here are the kids, learning to sail as part of school!

Where Chickens Run Wild

We had a few moments after our hike and before dinner so we took the tender boat back to the port and walked the mile into the town to visit some shops. One the way we saw a fruit stand, a local fisherman selling his catch (when we walked back by all the fish were gone except the silver tuna) and, of course, chickens running wild.

Three Coconut Trails of Moorea Hiking Tour

Today's excursion was a long day of hiking. We were paired up with two couples from Canada and our tour guide and headed to our jeep for a drive up to the Belvedere lookout, where the hike would begin. (You can see the big ship in the background)Our tour guide was a native Tahitian, who filled the hike with many stories about the nature around us, camping and pig hunts on the islands. He showed us the mysterious "shampoo" plant that is supposed to make your hair thicker and assist it in resisting the humidity. We all tried some.
We passed plants with huge leaves like turtle shells and many wild hibiscus that has many uses. We wandered through a bamboo forest where we heard tales of how they cut the bamboo down and use it for cooking shrimp or pig.
All the while we were climbing and climbing to the upper viewpoint, described by Expedia as "Stand atop the 1,170-foot viewpoint where the two peaks of Mouaroa and Tohivea soar skyward in the distance.

The views were pretty amazing. And it was great to get some real exercise. Although the steepness gave Mama some sore calves for a few days afterwards.

Moorea Day 1

We received a warm welcome to the island of Moorea. Canoes, music, dancers and even royalty came out to greet us as we came off the big boat.

Bora Bora Views

The spa was housed in bungalows up the hill from the main hotel lobby and the views were pretty great.

Bora Bora Day 2

After yesterday's adventures, today was a pretty quiet day. We headed over to the Hilton Bora Bora for lunch and massages. It was a beautiful place.

Bloody Marys Night

We had a buffet dinner at Bloody Mary's on the island. The restaurant has a sand floor, so you check your shoes upon entering. They also have a waterfall sink in the restroom and a wall full of money people signed and left when visiting. Out front they have panels that list all the famous people who have been by in the past.

We ended the night watching dancing and karaoke in the lounge on the boat. A long day.

Bora Bora Shopping

Beach dogs are funny. They always look really similar to each other and don't have much to do, but to lay in the sun. The straw hats were a big hit with everyone on the tender on the way back to the ship. We were purchasing some souvenirs when Daddy saw them hanging on the ceiling and inquired about them. The vendor told us we could have one. We tried to pay her for it, but she would not have it. Getting it down was a challenge, but they finally succeeded and even gave Mama one to match.

Sharks and Sting Ray Adventure, Part II

There were no sharks or sting rays in the second half of this day. Instead our guides took us to a private island. We were greeted by a man playing a ukulele and treated to a Tahitian dance show while we enjoyed lunch and some sunshine. Not a bad day.

Sharks and Sting Ray Adventure, Part I

This excursion was actually several different snorkeling opportunities. The guide (above with the sting ray) was great. He had us stay behind a line while he fed the black tip sharks. Once they were satisfied, he let us loose so we could swim with them. We moved the boat to another spot and everyone was given a chance to feed and swim with the sting rays. One more stop and we were able to see the beautiful coral and fish and all the colored clams. The color of the water is amazing.

Bora Bora Day 1

As we arrived in Bora Bora, we got some different views of the island as the sun shifted. We also saw the Bora Bora Lagoon's water bungalows. Later we got a closer look and realized that many were damaged in a storm and the resort is closed. What a shame.

The Private Island

We were welcomed to the island with mixed drinks served in coconut shells. Yum! The water was beautiful and clear and we were able to go for a quick snorkel after we did some shopping from The Vanilla Man and a few other locals who had tables set up on the island for us. We were having too much fun in the sun to attend the vanilla seminar or dye pareos, but we did enjoy the great buffet lunch. This was a great day.