August 4, 2023
The day started when I heard the engines turn on at 5:00 am to start our trip from Papeete to Moorea. This is a really short trip (only 30 minutes on the ferry) but we went really slow and it took three hours. I went on deck for the trip and the balmy weather and the beautiful sunrise was the perfect way to start the day.
At 8:00 we were on the first tender to shore and proceeded to walk about two miles to view the beautiful Cooks bay. I love the pictures of the shadows of the palm trees in the water and in one I even got my own shadow…lol!! It is called Cooks bay but James Cook never really landed there he was one bay over and the original mapmaker made a mistake…oops!
We then walked another 2 miles in the other direction to the commercial area where we encountered the feral chickens that roam everywhere. Interesting that they do not eat these chickens because they are too tough and instead import all of their chicken from the US! Yes, if you have chicken in Tahiti it is Tyson chicken. Harvey the hippo is the logo for one of the shirt shacks.
By the time we got back to the ship we were really hot and sweaty so we went to the top deck to cool off. As we sipped (ok really guzzled) our sparkling water it started to rain and we just sat in the rain and cooled off.
After a quick lunch we headed off for our dolphin tour. The boat was a speedboat, which I totally love. As we bounced around in the water with the spray hitting my face looking for dolphins we spotted a humpback whale in the far distance and raced off to try to get closer. As we approached it was actually two whales and we got to experience both breaching. Sorry no pictures as I made the hard decision not to bring my big camera this trip…..drat!! We did see a few spinner dolphins but as I said to ML we have become really jaded because we have seen schools of hundreds in our travels. It was nice being able to see the coastline and did I mention I really love bouncing around in the waves???
Back on ship we went on deck for the sail away at sunset. I so love when they hoist the sails and play the music. I really do feel like a pirate!! My new favorite drink is a blackberry mojito!!
Next was the captain’s welcome party. We are blessed to have a female caption who is super funny!!!
Dinner was at Candles which is outside the weather was spectacular and I could hear the sails flapping as we gently rolled. Windstar has adopted a menu that always includes a plant-based option so I am really happy with my food choices including deserts.
When I returned to my cabin I had a towel crab wearing my sunglasses to greet me.
The perfect end to another fun filled day!
Gorgeous views
Stephanie McMillen recommend I follow your blog. I loved reading about your around the world, and am now enjoying a preview of what will be stops for us in November on a standard cruise (although a bit longer at 56 days). I really enjoy your insights and love of all things travel!!
Thanks for following!
Your new haircut is indeed adorable, even in the wind and rain❤️.
Its all about product!!
I agree! Mary, you have all the fun.