Thursday, August 30, 2007

Mora Bora Bora

After our guests departed, we had to start thinking about doing the unthinkable. Leaving! It constantly amazes me that we have been out here sailing and exploring for almost two years. French Polynesia was always so far in the future and now it is time to say goodbye. During our last week in Bora Bora we took time to have a jam session with friends, spend the last of our francs at the supermarche (you can never have enough french fromage on hand) and visit the stingrays whilst they were being fed. This is a phenomena that takes place a few times a days and is not to be missed. The tour boats take snorkelers and fish bits out to a certain part of the lagoon once a day. The stingrays (there can be up to 100) are used to being fed and so they congregate in this spot waiting. They are the most amazing creatures and gentle but not shy about looking for the food they know is coming. I spent 30 minutes or so petting these guys and being a little bit freaked out as they grazed my ankles looking for goodies. The guides literally were crawling with rays. At one point a guide had one on his back and one in the front. They feel like velvet except for their sandpapery tails. This was a highlight for me. The ocean never ceases to blow me away. On the 21st of August (after waiting for wind which never came) we set off for Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. I think it's time to get out the atlas. A bientot for now!!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Were will you be at Christmas? Lee

Anonymous said...

Hey Mark and Liz: Sorry we missed your phone call from Roratonga. Love the posts and pictures. Hope to talk to you soon,

Becky and Chris

Anonymous said...

Hey lil bro! thats it I gotta come visit! I promise to behave really !! Dawn and I would like a suggestion on a good rendezvous. I'll bring french cheese and spam! Looking at those pictures is irresistible.

elvisluva said...

Mark its been to many years, Its good to see that you are doing what you love to do travel,hiking,boating and make friends.A mutual friend eddie castellano told me you retired years ago.Just wanted to drop a note and say hi. if you have time e-mail me. both of you be safe and have lots of fun!!! J,Meranto