July 23, 2015 2000
on mooring off off Isle Haio, south side of Raiatea
Aloha Everyone, yesterday I'm sure Karin described our excitement about coming into the pass with large breakers on either side and a significant current heading out against us. Our dinghy was thrown around and I feared it would capsize. It knocked our ensign off and I could see it laying on the side of the dinghy could not worry about it until we got inside. Amazingly enough, the staff was in the water, and the wet flag was draped across the side and it stayed there! Looking at the route on the Ipad later, it was clear that there were times when we were loosing the headway battle. The engine overheat alarm came on so we slowed done a bit. It probably took us 30-40 minutes to make the last half mile. Once we got inside, we still had plenty current and some breeze. The place we planned on anchoring would have kept us in both and with the low sun, I was not comfortable going there. So I bit the deep anchorage bullet and creeped in as close as comfortable and dropped hook in 70'. We had a pleasant evening from there on.
This morning, which dawned beautiful, I had the piper to pay with 250' of chain to haul up in a narrow area. Karin did a great job at the wheel, and we got the job done. Good thing I had been working out! We then continued our journey inside the lagoon to the southern tip of Raiatea and anchored at S tip of NaoNao Island. There was already a boat in there, but we were told anchorage could hold three. Sure enough, a catamaran pulled in to the tight space. This area is known for nice snorkeling and we were anxious to give it a try. However, there was a significant current, due to the continued large surf, which gave me some concern. I put my snorkeling gear on and told Karin to wait. The water was clear and warm with great coral just 20-30' from the stern. I then tried to get back and had to swim and hard as possible to make it back. I told Karin to wait and I would try the shore. As current is normally faster in deeper water, and the shore was only 50 yards away, I figured no problem! Boy was I wrong, I almost lost a fin, my bathing suit, and, again, I had to swim like hell to reach the shallows. I yelled to Karin to not come and I figured, I could walk up the beach and swim back to boat as long as I swam hard. I forgot to mention that Karin saw a bit of panic in me in my awim to shore and was quite concerned. After reviewing my situation, I let go of some pride(I guess my age is sinking in) and ask a local young man, entertaining two lovely young ladies, if he could take me back in his small motor boat. He very kindly agreed, and with tail between my legs, I made it back. After a bit, we upped anchor and headed a mile across the lagoon and picked up a mooring. This is wonderfully quiet, no current or breeze! We had some steak on the barbie and a most pleasant evening, topped off with some ice cream. Karin and I played our first game of cribbage and she skunked me! BTW, I must mention, after 43 years of marriage, she is the most delightful of companions. I feel very lucky (even if she did skunk me). We will be up early tomorrow to go to Faaroa Bay and take a dinghy ride up the river. All for now, hope you all are fine and enjoying life as we are. Aloha, David and Karin
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