After a late evening the morning just seemed to come too soon, and we were under way just after 6am for a motor sail into the wind back towards Mo’orea. The 100 or so mile journey was a long day for some, as we had not yet experienced a choppy sea, Tom and Marcy, proved very efficient they were so eager to learn the art of rolling Nori Rolls and had no problem with the rolling sea, thanks guys! Watches continued through the night and by 0730 we had dropped the anchor in Baie d’Opunohu just in time for breakfast. We spent the day in the picturesque anchorage, venturing around the corner to go snorkeling off a very lush beach and enjoyed swimming off the ship before dinner!
After heading around to Cook’s Bay the troops headed ashore for self-guided island tours, which included a stop at the pineapple factory where free samples of rum are handed out, but you must pay 100 francs for the juice, haha! Many returned to the ship with their fill of retail therapy, bringing back local made pottery, sarongs and hinano embroidered clothing.

We made the crossing back to Venus Point just in time to prepare for our Hoe Down fancy dress party! With a great rum punch, delicious tuna steaks and country music blaring on the radio, the evening was a boot stompin success. We were blessed with good weather the entire trip, but unfortunately the last morning we were hit with torrential down pour and the trip into Papeete was a wet one! Now that we are back alongside the last group photo taken, and the bar book closed, voyage crew went on their way while we began the process of cleaning the ship. In four days we will begin our 17-day journey towards the Cook Islands and look forward to getting to know the next group of adventurers!