Impressions of this journey so far....Nothing can effectively convey the stunning beauty of Ua Poa in the glow of sunset. It looked like an mediaeval castle floating in the clouds, with the diadem of spires shining in the last light of day. Ua Poa is hauntingly enchanting, and we were so lucky to see her with her crown clear of clouds. But, alas, we are not visiting that gorgeous island this time around. We plow on with sails up and motor running. Chai Lay a half mile to Starboard, also motor sailing. Dolphins came at dusk, first we could hear their snorting and blowing, then their forms were visible cutting through the steel grey water as they cavorted around the bow wake. Such a delight! The night brought fantastic star gazing after moon tucked in early, and morning brought clouds but no wind. Today was the flattest day imaginable. The sea looked like a sheet of tinfoil, the sky, although displaying a vast array of cloud shapes throughout the day, never breathed a puff of wind. This scenario, while expensive in the fuel department, bodes well for entering the pass at Fakarava, as currents tend to be milder after flat days at sea. Captain accepted a fishing challenge from Mike in Chao Lay, and we spent the day reading, eating tropical fruit from the trees at Teato and Kua’s farm at Daniel’s bay, and I even strung a hammock up on the foredeck and took a nap as we were motoring sedately along in our Sweet day Dream!
image1.