Day One, July 15:
Flight to Raiatea and Sail to Motu Mahaea
While eating a hearty breakfast at our Easley home on July 14, when we suprised the kids with Air France tickets to Raiatea, Society Islands for an eleven day cruise through the Leeward Islands, and a five day stay in Moorea and Tahiti. At 6 pm that evening we flew out of Charlotte and arrived the next day, July 15 at 6:30am in Raiatea. Riding by taxi for about a mile from the airport, we arrived at the Moorings Base at Apooti Bay. We were immediately taken to our boat, and after the boat checkout and chart review, we were motoring through the lagoon to the east side of Tahaa for our first anchorage at Motu Mahaea.
Our theme was "Tahiti: Beyond the postcard". I think we succeeded! - Cathy
The anchorage at Motu Mahaea has been described as one of the most beautiful in French Polynesia. Just to the north of the motu lies a large sandy shelf stretching out to the edge of the reef. The depth is about 6 ft. With our draft of 4.5 ft, we were able to motor well onto the sandy shelf and anchor in good holding ground just north of the motu.
The water really is this blue! Amazing. Just like the story books. - Cathy
Once anchored, Huahine is visible directly in front to the east. The beautiful Haamene Bay is directly off your stern across the lagoon.
Shelby and I decided to go explore the Life Aquatic as soon as we moored. It was like swimming in an aquarium! We saw all sorts of reef life, including a highlighter-yellow puffer fish. - Anna Catherine
While doing dishes, we dropped a plate in the ocean and Dad gamely suited up to fetch it for us. After he was safely aboard we realized some blacktip reef sharks were circling the boat in hopes of scraps! - Anna Catherine
Haamene Bay
Dawn over Huahune from motu Mahaea ancorage
