Day Ten, July 24: Vanilla Tour, Haamene Bay, Tahaa
Our boat, MiriMiri, on the left of photo in Hurepiti Bay
Sunday, July 23rd: After a tumultuous day of sailing the previous day, we enjoyed the peacefulness of Hurepiti Bay and a tour of the island of Tahaa by Noë Plantier of Vanilla Tours. The Plantiers have owned a vanilla farm and have been conducting tours of the island for decades. They built their home in this lovely bay out of the native woods and palm trees they found at hand. some 40 years ago.
Anchorage at Hurepiti Bay
This was a great tour of the island. We were with a family of three who were sailing around the world. They stopped to rest a bit in Hurepiti Bay. I had no idea that vanilla had to be hand-pollinated here, and yet this is one of the largest exporters of vanilla in the world! We also happened upon a Church service on this trip. Their harmony was beautiful...truly heaven on earth. - Cathy
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Shelby broke out his Survival Skills to make us fresh water! - Anna Catherine
^ Imagine boiling gallons of water in a small enclosed space when it's approximately 1000000% humidity outside, and temp is 95F. We were so grateful for the experience....
I'm kidding - it saved us a ton of money.
- Meredith
This was the boat next to us.The crew consisted of a young French couple and mother-in-law. They had already sailed from France, and were in the process of completing a three year circumnavigation. Three years with your mother-in-law on a 34 ft sailboat!
Hymn Singing in Patio,Tahaa
Stopping at a road side stand in Patio, we heard these beautiful voices drifting over the town on this Sunday morning. We would have loved to have joined them, but we were not dressed for the occasion. This is a picture of one of the congregation:
I love this picture. - Cathy
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