A pleasant change from the weather we encountered when approaching this port last year.  Then we had to abort our entry due to the strong winds and wait for it to die down.  Not so this morning, the normal easterlies, however these are relatively straightforward to cope with.  Having embarked our compulsory pilot and had permission from the tower at the airport, (we cross ‘final approach’ on our way into the harbour) we made our way in.

Tahiti overview

The entrance, the turn and the  approach to the berth.

We usually have an ‘overnight’ stay in Papeete, however this time it was going to be a 10-hour stop.  It was going to be a busy day, provisions to load, bunker fuel to take on and an opportunity to wash off the salt which had accumulated on the superstructure.  The ladies were off, bright and early, my intention was to join them for lunch after I had dealt with matters on board.

Stores, fuel and recycling material…it’s busy

I didn’t take my camera when I eventually walked ashore, however I had used the GoPro for the approach and decided that videos of places we visit can sometimes give you more of an idea and ‘flavour’ of our travels. So here we go….

We are heading for Avatui on the island of Rarotonga, it’s a ‘tender’ port and another of those places which will forever stay in my ‘memory bank’; many of you will remember Tender 9, I’m sure.  Now you’re asking what other places in the World would I recall?  Well, Easter island features highly of course, the island of Yap is another, its narrow entrance marked with bamboo poles, 2 wrecks to pass at the entrance and a rock close to the berth! 🙄

As a postscript to my Pitcairn visit, when I returned to my cabin, to my delight, I found a package.  In it?  Maps of the Island, its history and landmarks.  That in itself was a surprise, however then I found that it was signed by every one of the Islanders!!  OMG, I was dumbfounded and so pleased!  How very kind of them.  On that note I’ll leave you awhile and write after Rarotonga….