Worrall Wind Update - Winds have died down - Up a Lazy River

UTC/Local Time: August 3 0630/August 2, 2030


The winds that have been howling for three days settled down today in the bay where we have anchored. We will make a final decision tomorrow morning whether we are leaving and venturing up to the north end of Raiatea.

Yesterday, our friends Gene and Gloria on Pincoya anchored next to us after coming across the channel in 35 knot winds and 14 foot seas, trying to set anchor in a bay south of us only to find themselves on a reef with howling winds and 3 foot windwaves. They were fortunate to get off of fringed reef with help from their sail and motor. Better yet, it doesn't appear that they are taking on any water or the boat is any worse for the grounding. The were happy to join us in the bay we are in where there is good holding, even though it got pretty windy and rainy.

Today, the four of us in our respective dinghies, ventured up the only navigable river in French Polynesia.

We were able to go into the jungle for several miles before it got too shallow for us to motor or paddle.

Unlike the jungles in Mexico, these waters were devoid of any visible wild life...turtles, alligators, birds, etc. We could hear some birds, but did not see them.

The beautiful flowers, palms, and foliage made up for the lack of wildlife. Despite the winds near the ocean, the inland water was quite calm. We came across a woman and three teenage girls in chest high water collecting shrimp and small bait fish in the foliage near the river bank.

They weren't having a lot of success, but looked like they were enjoying themselves. They may have gotten enough for evening appetizers.

Shrimp Catch

At one point, we were able to dock the boats and take a walk through an abandoned plantation with a variety of beautiful plants, butterflies, spiders, and yellow striped lizards.

There is a gentle breeze this evening and the stars are twinkling in a pitch black sky.

All is well on Worrall Wind.