Friday, June 8, 2018

Moorea

When we woke we were at anchor in Cooks Bay. There was still time for a breakfast at leisure with friends prior to catching the tender ashore. It was a beautiful place to step off. Other than a few stalls there was not much so we soon negotiated a private van for the two of us to explore the coast and interior.
We were soon looking out over Cooks or Pao Pao Bay with the Wind Spirit at anchor and on our way to the other large bay, Oponohu Bay. Yes there was a pineapple juice and distillery on the way. We imbibed even without police protection! The Bays are very scenic with a coastline that you could easily settle down for the next decade or two!


                                          Behind the silhouettes is one of the bays!

We headed up into the rugged interior to the Belvedere. Soon we were looking one way down onto the bays and scenic coast and the other way to the ridges of mountains.


                               What peak is this? Clue  " South Pacific "


                                 The two of us with the two great bays in the background.

From most of our stopping places in the mountains we could see the famous peak of Bali Hai. Been singing that song ever since! Wake up at night with it still there!


Not sure why this panorama came out like a miniature! It was a great scene.

On the way down the mountain we had a few stops. The best was an important Marae that was hidden under the trees.




                                                                  Local wildlife.

We decided against the jam tasting at the Agricultural High School..had had lots of fruit at the distillery! We were still getting great views of Bali Hai.


                                                   Seen through the hibiscus flowers!

The island is the main producer of pineapples and tourism is very important. They are mainly tucked away in resorts and even on ships where they don't do too much harm.

Our final stop was the Toatea View Point with views across to Tahiti and over the Sofitel and its beach bungalows. This is where we stayed many years ago.



Did shopping at the pier then over to the ship for a late lunch and cool drinks. We started our packing but still had time for a swim off the water sports platform before afternoon drinks.
That night we dined with special new friends at Candles Restaurant with great service from the Bar Manager and Hotel Manager. This was a night to remember.

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