May 8, Rangiroa

People who went snorkeling and diving in the lagoon of Rangiroa came back ecstatic. There was an abundance of fish, sharks included, and a trench with a current that swept scuba divers along. A National Geographic dive boat was anchored not far from our ship.

A tiny motu with dive boats nearby — We could see the snorkel and dive spot from the shore

The entrance to the lagoon, Passe Tiputa, is very narrow, and we’re told it’s tricky to navigate because of the currents.

Patrons of Relais de Josephine, a local bistro nestled among the trees, gathered there in the early morning to watch us sail through.

ink and wash of restaurant nestled in jungle — Josephine’s patrons showed up to watch our arrival

Rangiroa is one of the largest atolls in the world. The entire island of Tahiti could fit in it. Its population numbers about 2500. In addition to being a major diving destination, Rangiroa is the center of black pearl cultivation, and uniquely, the only island of its kind to have a vineyard, founded in 1992. Back on Moorea, Mary and I shared a bottle of Domaine Dominique Auroy, and it was quite good!

group of people in bikes — Some local people riding along the main road

As Mary and I walked around, we found the island to be much more congenial than Fakarava. The vegetation is thicker, more lush. Pretty.

a palm-tree lined avenue — Palm trees lined the walkway leading to Josephine’s

Tonight there will be an on-deck barbecue. The ship’s crew gave a line-dancing performance on deck to music provided by the ship’s one-man band, Jeffrey Spence. Yes he played along with backup recordings, computerized drums, etc., but you gotta give credit where credit is due. That night we had not only a beautiful sunset but a “blood moon” lunar eclipse.

Tomorrow will be another day at sea. I plan to make the best of the day, seeing how well I can manage to draw and paint with my finger in a splint.