We left Raiatea! We didn’t go far, just to Tahaa, the island next door in the same lagoon. But it feels great to leave Uturoa. We checked out with at very handsome Gendarme at the local station, got fuel, baguettes and sailed for a while. Then we had to motor the rest of the way. We’re currently anchored off motu Atara on the north east side of Tahaa. Steve and I tried his air hookah and found we needed weights. After donning weights it was much easier. The skies were cloudy so the colors weren’t bright, but there are lots of baby fish around the boat in the coral. There are plenty of adults too.

All three of us are relieved to be on our way. Tomorrow we head on. We may try to stop in Maupiti or Mopelia, the later of which is a turtle sancutary. Both have difficult entrances to their lagoons with strong currents in them. South West winds continued today, which is where we want to go, so until that changes much is up in the air. Bora Bora is still possible too. It’s where the wind takes us.