A perfect day in paradise. Captain was up early and in the water scraping the boot stripe on the boat. He had a colourful entourage of fish accompanying his efforts, and three large black tip sharks watched from below with mild curiosity! When the morning chores were done, we packed a lunch and kayaked across the lagoon to another motu. We found a sweet little empty beach where we set up camp and amused ourselves watching small black tip sharks squirm through the shallow water along the shore. We wondered if they were scratching stuff off their tummies, as they scraped along in the ankle deep water where we had just landed our kayaks. After lunch and a brave relaxation in the water off the beach, we kayaked back across the purple coral to the big boat, had a nice shower in the warm rain, then turned in for a nap. In the late afternoon we sat in the cockpit watching the surreal colours of the water in the sun and shadow. Nickitoo came in and we were able to direct them to the mooring ball that Skye had vacated earlier. Pia and Marcel from Nickitoo swam over for a chat and the most generous offer to allow us to borrow the external watermaker. Everyone has been so helpful and kind. Chao Lay offered us water, Skye offered us water, and now Nickitoo, as well. We had stocked up on drinking water in Fakarava, and are determined to use up the salty water left in our tanks by the dying watermaker. So, we declined all the offers of water, but really appreciate the kindness extended to us. All three of our tanks have been compromised because we ran the watermaker all day from Nuku Hiva on our first day out of Daniel’s bay, to fill all the tanks. Now we need to empty them, and flush out the tanks and lines. Since we have a total capacity of 350 gallons, it’s going to take ALOT of water to clean everything out. Best done shoreside, we think. So, at 16:45 we let go the mooring, and set off into curtains of rain making a lovely frame for the stage set of sundown, heading for Tahiti. As I write this approaching midnight, the moon is high overhead, almost full, and with an astonishing double rainbow completely surrounding it! Very appropriate, as the moon and I were holding a small karaoke party, belting out the silly “Jolly Mon sing “.(BTW, moon is a MUCH better singer than I ) haha! Magical moments on the Sweet Dream
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