The weather’s still changeable here, but then it’s weird all over the region with lots of depressions rushing over Tahiti and down the poor Australes just west of us, so we don’t complain about a few rainy days in between. The only thing that’s annoying is that the humid weather’s just what the mushrooms enjoy–not the yummy ones, but the nasty ones that start growing… Continue reading »
2015
21
Jan
2015
15
Jan
The environmental impact of cruising
We always found it very unfair, when we heard that states/islands had restricted anchoring for cruising boats, because we’re convinced that cruise ships, freighters, fishing boats and other big vessels do much more damage, but get away with it due to their financial role. Observing the behaviour of cruising yachts for a few seasons now around French Polynesia, we must unfortunately admit that they do… Continue reading »
2015
15
Jan
Exploring the north
We’ve had northwesterly winds plus sunny, blue skies now for several days, which is very unusual, but ideal for a visit to the northern corner. After the grey weather period we had, we enjoy the summer weather to the fullest. That’s something we’ve really learned in the Gambier: carpe diem–seize the day, you can never be sure how long the sun will be out! In… Continue reading »
2015
11
Jan
Motu Puaumu
The weather here’s still overcast and changeable, which is a bit disappointing as the grib had announced the arrival of summer with fanfares and excitement-building-up-drum rolls–only to call it off last minute. Hmpf. We still used a sunny spell to find our way up to the northernmost motu, Puaumu, navigating through uncharted areas and coral heads and are happy to be in yet another new… Continue reading »
2015
07
Jan
Back to work
Today we dropped off Christian’s sister on the airport island. After two weeks of activity-filled holidays with snorkeling (her first shark encounters!), kayaking and hiking (up Mt. Mokoto) she has to get back to chilly Europe and for us it’s back to daily routine jobs (quite some maintenance jobs are waiting).
2015
06
Jan
Akamaru
On Sunday we visited Akamaru, the third biggest high island of the Gambier, for the first time (unbelievable, but yes, there are still new corners to discover for us around the archipelago ) and were really impressed. Only three houses are still permanently inhabited (10 houses are used on weekends), most of the population left during the 1950s and the school was closed in the… Continue reading »