We went to Taravai and had a wonderful time, anchoring between Taravai and Agakavitai Island. We went into uncharted waters; the electronic charts and guidebooks don't show any details of the areas we enjoy exploring. So, we go slowly in good light, and keep a lookout for coral heads. (And, we went behind our friends, who had obtained some 'local knowledge' from a boat who had previously visited!) We snorkeled some beautiful reefs, didn't catch any fish on a fishing expedition (9 of us aboard Soggy Paws outside the reef), and got to explore some back trails where the Cave of the Buried Kings was. Few people inhabit these areas. Taravai once was home to over 2000 people, but war, slaving, and the ministrations of the mad priest Laval decimated the population, and now six people live on island. The remains of old homes, stone walls, and an old church can be seen. The people living there are homesteading, and are gracious company. We were told that the three American boats anchored there were the first American visitors they could remember, having lived there over five years. Most visitors are French or European. We dug for potatoes, and were given pamplemousse, squash, and bananas. Before returning to Rikitea, we went out to the pass just south of the airport at Motu Totegegie, and Sue enjoyed a snorkeling trip while Dave, Sherry, Gram and Johanna scuba dived. We returned to Rikitea in the late afternoon, and enjoyed getting a decent internet connection as well as picking up baguettes this morning.
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