Tag Archives: sting rays

Me amazed at my shadow

Nao Nao: A day of relaxing

We headed to a new bay called Nao Nao (pronounced “na-o-na-o”) which is a big sandy islet that is covered with coconut palm trees and a very small hotel.  It provided an unobstructed view of the reef with a light breeze.  We anchored in 2 meters of crystal clear, turquoise water and had a lovely day of relaxing.

What does a day of relaxing consist of when you are unemployed?  Well, let me tell you!  We dropped the hook and ensured we had good holding on the sandy bottom.  Matt blew up the paddle boards and went for a stroll to the islet while I made toffee, banana, rum bread.  It was a new recipe and a strange combination of ingredients, but it was tasty.

Tasty rum, banana bread

Tasty rum, banana bread

As the bread was cooling, Wayne and I jumped in the water and enjoyed a cold beverage on the noodles.  Somewhere in between relaxing and drinking I cleaned the water line – because why not I was already wet.

A few curious visitors came to say hello.  I took these photos from the deck, through the water.  Pretty spectacular!

Friendly visitors under Sugar Shack

Friendly visitors under Sugar Shack

Super fun photo of my shadow dancing on the water in front of Nao nao.

Me amazed at my shadow

Me amazed at my shadow

Evening provided a pretty pink sunset at dinner time

Islet near Raiatea

Islet near Raiatea

We made a note to come back to Nao nao because this was a quick stop (this time).

Swimming with the Rays

This anchorage is so beautiful that we decided to stay an additional day before moving onward. Matt and I would probably stay here for a week or more, but we need to get Wayne back to the Eastern Lemon Cays to catch his flight back to the states.  Cruising allows us to stay or leave on a whim.

We enjoyed a lazy morning, with Matt working on a few small projects. By mid-afternoon we were hot, so Matt and I hopped on the SUPs and wandered around the reef. We saw our spotted ray again and another sting ray. Much different perspective from above water than in the water, but breathtaking none the less. Matt is so much better SUPing than I am, but I did my best to keep up with him while on my knees. He dutifully stood the entire way and didn’t get his toes wet. Good exercise! Afterward, I hopped into the water with the hopes of seeing more rays, but I got side tracked with the huge sand dollars.

More sea treasures - check out this huge sand dollar.

More sea treasures – check out this huge sand dollar.

Wayne decided he wanted more sugar cookies, so I baked up a batch of ducks, fish, hearts and stars. I love to bake and having guests gives me a good excuse. We have already gone through a batch of brownies, one batch of sugar cookies, and half a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

Nice pulled pork pizza for dinner, and out to the bow with a drink, our bean bags and the sunset.

Matt and Wayne enjoying sun downers on the lido deck.

Matt and Wayne enjoying sun downers on the lido deck.

Cruising allows you to change your neighbors and your view at a moments notice:

Morning sun coming in through a starboard hatch.

Morning sun coming in through a starboard hatch.

Cruising gives you access to countless sunsets that take your breath away:

Beautiful sunset.

Beautiful sunset.