Yesterday we took a break from provisioning and trying to find an internet connection to enjoy our first tour. We were so happy that we did because we found out later that a car rental cost the same as the tour for the two of us. We were accompanied by two lovely cruising couples from Michigan U.S. and Holland. The morning was a very rainy and when you are traveling in a four wheel drive truck over a 3000 foot mountain and alongside cliffs with literally a foot from a sheer drop off you wish the rain would just stop. However, Ozanne from Mary Jo and Ozanne Taxi and Tours (87 33 13 48 or 87 20 07 32) handled the trip with care and professionalism got us safely to Puamau, despite the pouring rain, to see the largest tiki in French Polynesia. We stopped at several vistas along the way, but on the way back the rain stopped and we could see for miles; although, Sara looked away because of her new fear of heights. We highly recommend the tour!
Last night was an unbelievable lightening storm for French Polynesia and the boat rolled so hard it was a difficult sleeping. Sara was able to get her taxes done on a the terrible internet connection, but Wade learned he had an amended 1099 so he has to redo his taxes. A friend informed us that Ua Pou has a better connection so we’re hoping to finish there.
In Atuona we met cruisers Michele and Joe off SV Peregrine who are the very first boaters we have met that have and have had lithium batteries for the last three years. We have learned so much about how to setup lithium batteries, we’re going to post later what we learned, and Joe offered himself as a contact for those that are interested. Sara is super happy because this might mean we can run A/C or heat all night long and the batteries don’t blow up or catch on fire.
We left Atuona around noon, the winds were very good and we anchored in Hanamenu Bay. The anchorage is a little bit rolly but nothing compared to last night. Ozanne and Mary Jo’s son lives here so we are hoping to meet him tomorrow and maybe go on a wild pig hunt. Wooo Pig Sooie!
Cheers,
Wade and Sara
Boat Position At Noon: 09 degrees 45.796 minutes south and 139 degrees 08.383 minutes west
