We enjoyed our few days in Opunohu Bay, which is a very pretty anchorage & thus very popular amongst the cruisers. I recall our last time here in 2009 on Vagabond Heart, towards the end of our circumnavigation. I had the brilliant idea that the family should walk up to the Belvedere, (magnificent view & not to be missed), and take the scenic route home via Cook’s Bay. Well, it ended up being a hike not for the faint-hearted. After 4 hours of walking all the way up to the lookout & down again, we arrived at Cook’s Bay – the kids hanging onto the promise of ice cream. It was then another hour & a half before we arrived tired & exhausted back to the boat – 25km in total!
I think I was essentially forbidden by my family to plan any more hikes for the rest of the journey home. So, with those fond memories hovering at the back of my mind, I suggested to Bill that we took a short stroll to the Moorea Tropical Gardens – not far at all & with a good view over the lagoon & ultra delicious tropical fruit sorbet as an additional enticement.
Following that successful epicurean outing, I managed to encourage Bill to walk to the Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery. Admittedly his interest was piqued by the suggestion of the distillation process involving alcoholic beverages. It was an interesting visit – you sort of do a self-guided tour & then go to the gift shop for free tastings. We got there early to beat the crowds, which we did successfully & I must say that the 5 (small) shots at about 10 in the morning did indeed lift your spirits for the walk home.
We relocated to Cook’s Bay for a few provisions – not far, but the sea state was still very confused & bouncy. A combination of a week or so of strong trade winds augmented by a long SSW swell. I think I have forgotten that the trade winds can blow relentlessly, perfect for downwind sailing but not when you want to go in the opposite direction. Certainly not the variability of weather that you experience in Sydney summers.
Having said that, we are now very comfortably anchored in the Maharepa anchorage on the eastern side of Cook’s Bay enjoying lots of time in the water & doing some boat chores. We are heading back to Tahiti in the next few days – our starboard engine is overheating & needs looking at. Bill thinks it is a heat exchanger issue which is a bit of a bore, but an essential piece of kit! As I previously said, cruising involves fixing up your boat in exotic places! Must add though, these exotic places are pretty special.