what could very well be our favorite spot of the trip so far. The
atoll lies 125nm West of BoraBora and there are only two other boats
here with us. It's absolutely beautiful here. The pass is VERY narrow
(about twice our beam, or 50'), with a 5 to 7 knot outgoing current,
but it was well worth the stress getting in here. We've made friends
with one of the 4 resident families and have been living one adventure
after another together. Yesterday they invited the 3 boats ashore for
a feast of lobsters, coconut crab and fish.
Today we moved Océalys from the anchorage in front of their house to a
spot right next to the pass. Sophie and the local Sophie took the kids
ashore (with 7-year-old Tetuanui) to collect tern eggs. Calami, the
McKown Brothers and I went spearfishing in the pass. It was one of the
most memorable dives of my life hunting for 2 hours in a 5 knot
current with a *lot* of sharks about. We lost 2 fish to sharks tearing
them off our spears after they'd been shot, and I had to fend off an
aggressive Gray Reef shark with jabs from the butt of my gun until it
was convinced I didn't have any fish on me. Austin is really getting
the hang of spearfishing and Joel is starting to get the hang of it
quickly.
After fishing we moved Océalys to the other end of the lagoon with
Calami, Sophie, and Tetuanui aboard so we could have a BBQ on the
beach at their "other house". Grilled fish, poisson cru (raw fish in
fresh coconut milk), breadfruit, and coconuts to drink. We ate all
afternoon while the kids played in the water. We're back on board and
the kids are ready for an early bedtime after feeding Jessica, our new
resident coconut crab. We just hope she doesn't get loose at sea as
she could easily take a couple of fingers off with her powerful claws.
We're still debating our next series of stops, but so far the only
decision we've made is not to leave beautiful Mopelia yet. Just a
couple more days...
