Category Archives: Locations

Places around the world

Sunset at Point Venus

Tahiti Tour with Wayne

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Wayne met me in LA and we flew back to Tahiti together.  We arrived with 5 large bags and 2 backpacks weighing in at almost 300lbs.  Yep, we brought back a lot of boat parts, spares, replacements, and other necessities.  You see, it is far cheaper to purchase items in the States and bring them over then it is to purchase locally at 3x the price.  Or purchase in the U.S. and have it shipped to Tahiti.  So, as visitors come in to visit us they will be our “pack mules.”  After spending a full day unpacking the bags and putting items away we decided it was time to tour the island.

Tour of Tahiti

We grabbed a rental car at the airport and spent half the day provisioning.  I’m sure it was loads of fun for Wayne, but it is a necessity.  And really he wasn’t about to complain as we purchased 10 cases of Hinano beer.  The next day we took Wayne to see our favorite Grotto where we enjoyed a tasty French breakfast.  See Tahiti Excursion for details on the Grotto.

We circled back past Marina Taina, through downtown Papeete, to the other side of the island where Tres Cascades is located.  You can read about these beautiful falls in the “Tahiti Excursion” blog and at Tahiti Heritage.  This beautiful site never disappoints – with its raging falls, running rivers, green foliage and colorful rainbows.

Tres Cascades in Tahiti

Tres Cascades in Tahiti

Fun little MOAI located downtown Papeete and in front of the Papette Marina.

MOAI in downtown Papeete Tahiti

MOAI in downtown Papeete Tahiti

We returned the rental car, hopped back on Sugar Shack and headed the 5 miles to Point Venus. See our blog “Point Venus” for historical details and lots of fabulous photos.  We took a water tour around the point, showed Wayne the striking lighthouse and walked the black sand beach.

Point Venus Lighthouse

Point Venus Lighthouse

We were gifted with an glorious and unobstructed view of the sunset.

Sunset at Point Venus

Sunset at Point Venus

Since we only have Wayne on-board for a short stint, we wanted to get a move on.  Matt checked the weather and to our disappointment, there was a “maramu” heading our way.  A maramu is a very strong southerly wind which only occurs in this area in the winter.  It can cause some serious havoc while underway.  So, we decided it was best to make our way to Moorea to wait out the maramu.

Family in LA

Stateside Whirlwind Visit

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Will spare you from the boring details of my stateside visit, but wanted to post a few of the highlights.

I flew non-stop from Papeete, Tahiti to Los Angeles on Air Tahiti Nui.  It was a lovely flight on their new dreamliner.  They offered me a super soft, pretty turquise blanket and pillow. In addition, I had a small pack with ear plugs, socks and an eye mask.  They served dinner and breakfast in addition to offering entertainment.  No bad for a coach seat.

I landed in LA, but didn’t stay long.  Two hours later I was on a flight to Austin. The next day many of my amazing friends showed up for happy hour at Abel’s on the Lake.  For some reason, I did not manage to take a single photo.

I stayed at the exclusive resort of Michelle and Jeremy Martin and enjoyed super special visits with all my friends.  Especially, Jamie who flew in from Sedona.  Top photo Sharon, Sidney, and I, then Deborah and I and Jamie and I.

My amazing friends.

My amazing friends.

After a week in Austin, I flew back to Los Angeles to visit with my family.  My dad is pretty sick as he battles with cancer, but he is fights on.  I was able to spend many days with him which is just what we both needed!

Disneyland & California Adventure

My sister spoiled me with a rare day off at Disneyland.  I had not been to the park in over 30 years and had never seen California Adventures.  It was a true treat to spend the day with her, Cole, and Cameron (my nephews).

Cole, Cameron, Kimberly and I at Disneyland

Cole, Cameron, Kimberly and I at Disneyland

A few of the rides like to capture a look of pure terror on your face – but we fooled them!

Konis Klan and I At Disneyland

Konis Klan and I At Disneyland

On the new Indiana Jones ride it broke down just as we were finishing the ride…got to see the behind the scenes of the adventure.

Indiana Jones Behind the Scene

Indiana Jones Behind the Scene

My family came over for a tasty BBQ at my sister’s house.

My loving and crazy family

My loving and crazy family

Somehow I convinced Kathryn and Gene to join the craziness.

Kathryn and Gene visit

Kathryn and Gene visit

My fabulous sister, Kimberly and brother law, Troy

Kimberly, Troy and I

Kimberly, Troy and I

 

My sister and I spent a lot of time at my dad’s house.  He is very ill but was having a god day below.  This is my sister and I, my dad and two uncles.

Dad, and 2 Uncles

Dad, and 2 Uncles

 

Sugar Shack anchored in front of Intercontinental Hotel

Boat Tasks in Tahiti

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We did not stay long in Point Venus as we had many boat tasks to do before my flight back to the states.  So, we headed to Marina Taina after our brief exploration of Point Venus.  It was a short 5-mile journey to the North Pass.  We hailed the Port Captain to alert them of our arrival and received permission to enter the pass.  It’s not a particularly pretty island, especially coming from the North Pass.  There is a huge industrial area to the left and the downtown Papeete Marina.  Then you pass rows and rows of houses and building on shore.  So much for the majestic beauty of the Tahitian Islands.

Entering the South Pass in Tahiti

Entering the North Pass in Tahiti

We had a little less than 5-miles from the entrance, past the airport, to the Marina Taina anchorage.  We took it slow and easy as we checked out the view.  Somewhere around mile 2, we were joined by two very strong and energetic Polynesian outriggers.  One stayed on our port while the other paddled in our wake.  They stayed with us for well over 3 miles and maintained our 5kt speed!  They were working hard!

Polynesia Outriggers Keeping Up With Sugar Shack

Polynesia Outriggers Keeping Up With Sugar Shack

MARINA TAINA ANCHORAGE

We had hoped to hop on one of the 186 mooring balls offered by Marina Taina.  However, when we stopped by to inquire about availability in April, the manager said they were first come first serve (no reservations taken).  Hurumph. So, when Matt and I arrived, we passed several empty mooring balls on the north side of the anchorage.  We wanted to see if there was anything closer to the marina and found a sweet spot in shallow, turquoise water.  After finding a mooring, we fed our bridle and a back up line through, swam on the mooring and called it a good day.

We were directly across from the Intercontinental Tahiti hotel which boasts of huts over the water.  Unfortunately for them, they are surrounded by boats.

Intercontinental Hotel Tahiti Surrounded by Cruisers

Intercontinental Hotel Tahiti Surrounded by Cruisers

TASKS, CHORES AND PROJECTS

We had lots boat tasks, chores and projects to do.  Of course, it was self-imposed and not totally necessary to get done, but I wanted to complete them before Wayne came aboard.

Fist things first, we went to the marina office to let them know we picked up a mooring ball.  Unfortunately for us we were on a private ball and had to go back to the boat to move her to the “anchorage.”  We are still in gorgeous water, but now far from the marina.

Since we were technically in the marina’s anchorage, they wrote us a letter stating we had a “residence” here so we could get an annual contract with the local internet/phone provider, Vini.  So we headed over to Vini to sign up for our hot spot box, pay for the year of service up front and connect it all up.  At $50 per month for 10 gigs it added up fast.  Plus, we had to put 2 months deposit down.  But we should have internet access in “most” islands throughout French Polynesia.

We checked in with Tahiti Crew to see if they had an update on our long-stay visa.  Nothing yet.  Then researched local canvas shops.  We needed to find someone who could repair our small spinnaker (remember we tore the clew off) and our sail bag.  Success, Ocean Sails Tahiti could repair it before our deadline of 24 June!

I managed to get a lot of boat tasks done:

  • Ospho all of the interior/exterior stainless steel
  • Oiled/stained all of the interior/exterior wood/teak.
  • Bleached all ceilings
  • Deep clean both heads and all cabins
  • Complete food inventory in preparation of our shopping spree when I get back

More Beautiful Photos from Tahiti:

The photo below was taken from the boat looking at Morea.  Beautiful little island hiding the sun.

Sunset behind Moorea

Sunset behind Moorea

Sugar Shack anchored in front of Intercontinental Hotel

Sugar Shack anchored in front of Intercontinental Hotel