We have just come back to the boat after a wonderful lunch ashore which was dish of the day shrimps and fish in a lovely sauce with rice, mushrooms and aubergines. several beers to start with to quench the endless thirst in this heat followed by a cold bottle of white wine. The scene is too beautiful to describe, restaurant right by the waters edge white sand. We all had a dip and a snorkel after lunch the water is so clear. We have seen black tip sharks and rays plus numerous coloured fish. The Tuamatos are something special. We have visited Apataki, Taou and now Fakarava. The latter being more inhabited. On arrival at Taou we were greeted by Gaston who showed us to a mooring. I was concerned as to whether it would hold us but he assured me it would be ok as it was chained around a lump of coral. On the Saturday night we booked in for a meal with the family. 1 hour before our arrival we had caught a massive dorado 35lbs over 4 foot long and yes we do have the photos to prove it! We had far too much fish for our needs so we gave half to Gaston. Bit like coals to Newcastle really as we had it as part of our meal on the Saturday. The meal was fantastic with as much lobster as you could eat fried fish marinated raw fish curried chicken. We started with coconut bread with onions and marinated raw fish the equivalent of our garlic bread. We exchanged a bottle of rum for 3 pearls and some dried yeast and bid goodnight. We were advised to leave at 0500 the following morning to get the timing right for the passe at Fakaravi. On arrival at Rotoavu Fakaravi we found another world arc boat Northern Sky there. We invited them for sundowners. Later Lady Kay arrived. To finish the evening we watched Bangkok Hilton on the DVD.
We plan to take a few days going down the atoll and exiting by the southern pass. This gives us a 250 mile trip to Tahiti. More later .....Bob and crew Andante