It has been a bit of a waiting game this last week. Waiting for parts, waiting for technicians, waiting for the boat to be fixed so we can get on with our adventures!
Having said that, there are worse places in the world to sit & wait. We are presently in the ‘airport anchorage’ which is literally adjacent to Papeete airport in Tahiti. Just as well it’s not Heathrow, as airport traffic is minimal & not too intrusive!
The anchorage is large with good holding in sand. There are also multiple moorings nearby managed by Taina marina. It is both convenient to go into the marina to access the nearby Carrefour, as well as a 15minute dinghy ride to central Papeete. Thank goodness Bill fixed the outboard – he replaced the carburetor after it continued to cough & splutter despite being ‘fixed’ by the experts. We now are able to plane with the two of us easily & so it halves the time taken to get anywhere.
We have had a few snorkels in the lagoon, including over a couple of wrecks – both sunken boats & a small Cessna, (presumably placed in a convenient 6 or 7 metres of water). Despite the anchorage being relatively busy, the water remains beautifully clear, although there is not a lot of coral remaining.
Last night we had dinner out at Casa Bianca, (located in the marina complex). Great pizza & fabulous atmosphere with a local Polynesian band, dancing & singing. It is clearly a very popular venue with the locals who certainly know how to enjoy themselves!
Bit short of photos this week as we have been rather stationary, but I include a short video of the boat to give an insight to our home on the ocean!