When we departed Huahine we took a short day sail to Raiatea. We had a beautiful anchorage and then sailed inside the reef to Tahaa which is known for its beauty and its vanilla plantations.
Random Act of Kindness
We were in Tahaa and approached a small restaurant that actually was not open on Monday. Maria said come back at 7, made us dinner family style, we were the only ones there, and it was a very special evening on Tahaa with plenty of leftovers that we had for lunch the next day.
Heading to Bali Hai (Bora Bora)
Harry got a great drone shot at anchorage right before we left for Bora Bora. Bora Bora has always been special to our family as my dad was there in 1942 as part of operation Bobcat. 4,000 US soldiers arrived to build an air strip and refueling and provisioning station for the ships as they headed west. Dad was there for 2 years. It was great to see the tribute to the soldiers as they built the air strip in 75 days and established 4 gun placements. Dad always said while many think of it as a paradise he didn’t swim, hated fish, and just missed our mom.
We attended mass on Sunday. My sister Kay and her husband Chuck attended was here 31 years ago.The church was stunning. There were clear pieces of glass along with the stained glass behind the altar so you could see the beautiful mountain peak in the background.
Headed to Fiji
We have spent a wonderful 6 weeks in French Polynesia but it is time to move on. We leave tomorrow for a 10 day passage for Fiji. Cullen and I were talking about the things we miss at home and some of the things we take for granted. Prime example: we were provisioning yesterday and learned the island has had no eggs for the last 30 days. A supply ship arrived and the line to get into the store was a wee bit long. Thank God for Harry and Issy who got us 2 dozen for our passage. We will post again when we get to Fiji. John, Mike, and Cullen.
I tried to leave a comment several posts ago but it didn’t work so I’ll try again. John, these pictures are beautiful – and your stories are so amazing. Thank you for sharing your adventure of a lifetime with us, and I am especially appreciating the history of your dad being stationed there (and LOVE seeing his picture, Cullen is a mini me!) and you and Vanessa honeymooning … safe travels, friend! Annette
Thanks you for sharing this amazing journey with all of us! What an experience you are all having ❤️❤️
These posts are beautiful, I love the story about your dad, I have to have one of sibs show my dad this, he’ll love it.
Hi guys!!! That is so neat you got to Bora Bora and got to see your dad’s work. I have goose bumps! Great seeing you in your videos. Looking good!! Stay safe my friends!
John,
I remember your dad told me he never thought of Bora Bora as a paradise. Just a jungle in the Pacific. It’s nice that you and Cullen were able to see it. I was there in the early 1990’s it’s a beautiful place.
I thought that picture of your dad was Cullen! It is so cool that you got to see the work your dad did 80 years ago! Safe passage, can’t wait for your next post!
JOHN,
I’M ENJOYING CONNECTING WITH YOU VIA YOUR BLOG. I’M “LIVING YOUR DREAM”, WITH YOU. STAY SAFE, MY FRIEND. Leo Crowley
John, amazing that your dad was on Bora Bora 80 years before you. I know that evoked some strong memories for you. Love keeping up with this remarkable trip you are leading.