Raiatea

7/4/2015 0730
Moored off of Apooiti Marina

Aloha Everyone, will make a short post today, as not much happening. We arose early yesterday in Hurepiti Bay to head for Raiatea. As both islands share the same fringing reef, it normally is not of much concern. But since 1) we had to get there as Fred leaves next day, 2) it was predicted to blow 20-25 out of SE and that was the direction we were going, 3) it was raining/squally with reduced visibility, and 4) we had to a circuitous route around reefs we had to follow, it was not a relaxing day of sailing! Thank goodness for my ipad with the detailed charts! We made it to the area in a few hours and picked up a mooring. Adam Sutton,of KYC, was at the guest dock in his Anamanda(sp?), just about ready to head back to Hawaii via Raratonga. We decided to rent a car for some sight seeing (it was still raining,) plus to help get brother to airport and to provision. Adam was just heading to rental car place so he took us and then we brought him back. He gave us some helpful suggestions for the area and then departed. We went on into Uturoa and had a delightful lunch out on the pier. This place has really changed since we were last here. It used to be somewhat quiet, even though it is second largest city in Tahiti. They have since built a huge, upscale wharf area able to handle large cruise ships. After lunch. we walked around a bit and picked up some provisions. Back at the boat we relaxed a bit before heading back into marina for a delightful dinner, bittersweet, as Fred and Linda will be leaving tomorrow. Even though my brother and I spent about ten days together in New Zealand (with our wives and Ellis/Cathy from KYC), this is the longest (almost six weeks) we've spent together since a trip we took when I was in High School. As he is over three years older, and has been living in San Antonio since I have been in Hawaii, We have not spent much time together since we both left home. He is Psychiatrist, partly retired, so we are both entering a new stage of life. It was great being able to spend some quality time with him and to get along well so well. Today, the fourth of July, is his birthday, and I must say I feel very sad to see him go. After they depart, Karin and I will spend some time relaxing and getting the boat ready for our next set of guest from the seattle area. They spend some time with us last time we were here, and Dick was part of my return crew. Will be good to see them. All for now, Aloha, David




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