Still in Bora Bora

It is Monday and we are still in Bora Bora, enjoying the security of being on the mooring in front of the Bora Bora Yacht Club. The exhaust system on Sidewinder is temporarily fixed with David's expert finesse, most all of the soot has finally been cleaned from everywhere, and our berth finally was ours again last night. 

I was able to slip away yesterday morning and take a wonderful hike with Steve, who is Casey's age, and his dad, Tony, both from England. Steve cuts hair professionally with a flair and has befriended all locals on his way through the Pacific. In exchange for haircuts, he usually is ladened with fresh fruit and special tours, including dives, hikes, and fishing. We have benefitted greatly because we have taxied them often to the docks since they lost their dinghy in a blow a few weeks ago. Our hike took us out of Kees' backyard, up through the jungle to a four wheel drive dirt road and up the ridge, close to the famous mountain of Bora Bora. We were able to look down over the bay where Sidewinder is moored and see beyond over to where we are moving sometime today. 

Last night we enjoyed the ambience of the yacht club run by Jessica (from Newport Beach) and her husband and daughter, both born here. The wind is still gusting, and we do hope to tour the island in the next couple of days as the weather clears. Lots of boats are leaving and heading to Tonga, and we are truly soaking in the last of the French Polynesian friendly warm ways. We will certainly miss the flowers and smiles. 
Love you, Suzi


(This was sent later today. The photo at the bottom is of the Taravana Yacht Club in Tahaa.)
Our first full day in Bora Bora we went to the main grocery store in town and ran into Kehai, Francois, and Keoni, Richard's oldest son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, whom we met in Tahaa at the Taravana Yacht Club. They walked up to us, gave us hugs and double kisses and once again, we were treated like family, here in Bora Bora. We hope to take the dinghy around the island and visit them at their home, as well as explore all the diving areas Richard designated on our chart. Our experiences on a daily basis make us realize that our travels are more the chance of visiting the world and discovering life in such a new way.