We frolicked in crystal clear springs, with friendly little fresh water crayfish nibbling our toes, and had our own day spas with scubs and face masks while Nick was off chasing big waves. The smoothed volcanic boulders on the bottom of the pools were magnified to hyper real effect under a dappling verdant canopy.

We hiked through jungle trails to a grotto, an underground fresh lake that features in Polynesian mythology. What with the consistently warm and friendly greetings of the locals, Patti’s culinary delights. salmon patties, and for breakfast, cranberry and brandy crepes, the laughter, enjoyable sojourns with other cruisers, walking the isthmus bisecting Tahit, attending a drag racing competition where very macho Tahitians battled it out over an eighth of a mile on the latest jap bikes, gaining a greater understanding of Gauguin and his quest to preserve a plundered culture, visiting the legendary Teahupoo, the heaviest wave in the world and watching Nick master it on his new board, and riding the undulations as Pina Colada forged ahead under sail, every day was beautiful and fun and we are so lucky and privileged to have the opportunity to join in for part of this dream voyage. Thank you both so much, another trip to remember and hoping there may be more spent with you both is very inspiring.