Well, here we are on our way to Raiatea, one of the Leeward Islands of The Society Islands. Specifically, we will be docking portside around 7am in the town of Uturoa, the administrative center of the Leeward Islands. There is a total of 12,250 inhabitants that speak French, and some English. The highest point on the island is Mt. Tefatoaiti at 3,336 feet in elevation. This island has it all such as mountains, a lagoon, maraes, and a unique navigable river. It is also the base for yachties and boaters as it shares a mighty pretty lagoon with its sister island, Taha'a.
Raiatea is the first island to be settled by Polynesians over 1000 years ago. There is a history of war between the chiefs of Bora Bora and other nearby islands. Long story short, the French arrived and won over all of the islands.
Not to be missed are sailing in the shared lagoon with neighboring Taha'a snorkeling, scuba diving, and a visit to their botanical gardens. The nearby two-story marketplace with fresh produce and flowers with handicrafts, jewelry, and island clothing on the second level is well worth a visit. The largest marae or sacred rock platform called Taputapuatea is located here and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017. And the famous Hawaiki Nui Va'a International Outrigger Canoe Race was held here at the end of October. We just missed it.
There were some excursions here such as a drive in Le Truck for 3.5 hours and $90. A boat ride up the Faaroa River with a beach break and picnic was 3.5 hours for $170. A land and sea 4x4 drive in Taha'a was $150 for 3.5 hours, while a visit to the Anapa Pearl Farm with a snorkel break was $160 for 3.5 hours. Drift snorkel at Taha'a was 3.5 hours for $180 and the highlights tour was $130 for 3.5 hours.
The Zaandam arrived to temperatures of 77 degrees with 84% humidity. The winds were 19.6 mph and the ship's speed getting here was 7.5 knots. We arrived at the opening in the reef near Taha'a around 6:30am, or so I was told. And it was raining. No sense for both of us to get up so early. The one that wanted to stay warm in bed was able to watch our sail-in on the TV's bow channel.
Every morning at breakfast, we have been sharing port news with our President's Club buddies about what we did and saw in the previous port. All of us have different experiences. Good info is always appreciated .
One of the first things we noticed upon docking was that the pier area was cordoned off with two exits only. And more important, the group of huts that have been deteriorating over the years were also fenced off and work was in progress with re-building. These souvenir tents have needed major repairs for several years now and it is nice to see it happening. We think a major storm recently blew through here and completed the destruction.
We left the ship after doing some computer work by 10:30am. We figured the rain had let up or gone away by then. No such luck, as shortly after we began our walk, the rain returned. It was still fairly light, and we did remember to bring umbrellas. Along the small boat harbor closest to the ship, we found that work was being done on the wooden boardwalk. This also has been a long time coming. We went as far as the marina and beyond to where the canoe race was held a week ago. There are huge tents there and kayaks and canoes stored nearby. There is also what the locals call a swimming pool, which really is a concrete wall with steps and a ladder down into the water. Restrooms are nearby as well as some picnic tables and benches.
We had made our way to one of those benches when the rain began blowing sideways and heavier. The umbrellas did not help a lot, so we decided to start walking back. About the same time that we arrived, a whole congregation of school kids from 1st grade to maybe 8th grade was led from across the road to here. The younger kids went under a tented area, but the older kids went for a swim or played soccer at the far end. The rain did not slow them down one bit. It was still warm and very humid outside.
We went under one of the metal-roofed areas near the kids and watched as tubs of food were driven to them, obviously a lunch break. But before their picnic, they had brought music and an exercise class began. It was fun to watch them having fun, especially on a dreary school day. Eventually the rain eased up, and we continued our walk back.
We made it to Saint Andre' Church in town and took refuge inside until the rain stopped. We were not the only ones doing this. We made a sweep through the handicraft table outside the marketplace checking out the seashell creations. I think it best to hold out for Moorea and Fakarava where the same items are a fraction of the cost.
We had intended to have a beer and lunch at La Raie Gate cafe across from the ship, but it was full of customers. The few empty tables were not cleaned, and there did not see to be a waitress. Looking for a menu, we happened to spot a counter where they sell mini pizzas for $3. These were not covered and were exposed to flies. Seeing this, we changed our minds about eating here and went right back onboard. It was already 2pm, and we knew a room service lunch of salad, soup, and a shared sandwich was in order.
Captain Thomas came on with his talk around 4:30pm, which was all aboard time. He said that the winds were a factor today, and we would have to gain speed to get away from the dock. We would then take the lagoon to the opening where we came in this morning. Good thing, one of us was up this morning, because the island of Taha'a was on the starboard side all the way out. All we had was a view of the reef and open ocean from our veranda. Then the Captain added that we will be doing a speed of 7.5 knots since we are so close to Bora Bora. The ride will take 130 nautical miles even though, the distance is far less. In addition, he will be able to use the stabilizers to keep us all comfortable. He anticipated a 6:30am sailing into the reef of Bora Bora around 7am, and drop anchor at 8am. It continued to rain off and on as we finally left the lagoon surrounding Taha'a.
Dinner had a few choices such as salads and a chicken tikka starter. Mains were chicken and one veggie quesadilla. We did save a bit of room for the boshe bal, a Dutch dessert we have grown to like. This is the first time it appeared on the menu since September 2nd.
Showtime was the comedy of Jeff Burghart who also did impressions. Wish we could stay up that late, but it is getting harder to burn the candle at both ends.
Tomorrow's port will be Bora Bora, a very special one.
Bill & Mary Ann
