2010-05 Clark & Vincent\’s Gallery / 2010 May Photos, 2010 Photos, 2010 Tahiti - Society Islands - Cook Islands - Tonga to New Zealand Photos, 2010 Tahiti - Society Islands - Cook Islands - Tonga to New Zealand Voyage - Photos, By Date Photos, By Voyage Photos, Photos, Voyages / By Muhammad Delayed by Iceland’s volcanic ash, they finally got a flight from Paris to Los Angeles. Palm trees here are just the beginning of the tropical vacation ahead. Like all good boat visitors, they bring us needed supplies. Los Angeles, California – USA Due to late arrival, they stayed one night at a hotel near the airport. All the photos in this gallery were taken by Clark and Vincent. Cindy chose the photos and captioned them, Scott did some “development” using Adobe’s Lightroom 2. In several cases, the artistic use of their photos is not done justice by the constraints of having them made “web ready”. Papeete, Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia Inter-island flight from Papeete to Huahine Papeete, Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia French Polynesian Skies….. Tahiti Tahiti – Society Islands – French Polynesia Raiatea & Tahaa Raiatea – Tahaa – Society Islands – French Polynesia We’ve been planning this Polynesian rendezvous since Beach House was built in France. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia We take our “car” to where Beach House is anchored. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Vincent enjoying the first of many dinghy rides. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia The excitement of our guests was contagious. Images of Paris rain & cold begin to melt away. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia It is customary to fly the flag of the host nation. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Onboard orientation includes where we are, where we are heading and how to flush the toilet! Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia As our old PC was failng, we recently transferred to a new Apple. With VM Fusion we can run all Windows programs we need for boating. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia The banquette seating easily sits 4 and often serves as Cindy’s office. Her small PC is still functioning, but a mini Mac may be in her future. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Vincent got into the swim right away. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Nothing made Vincent happier than being in the water. Well, maybe ice cream… Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia We loved seeing how much our friends enjoyed our “back yard”. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia We happened upon a church group getting ready for a fundraising festival. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia J.P. Chenet Blanc de Blanc is a welcome refreshment after a day in the sun. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Spectacular sunsets every evening were enhanced by locals in outrigger canoes. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia We enjoyed the moonlight. And as it rose later every night, we also enjoyed the abundance of stars before the moon stole the show. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Clark, Vincent & Cindy enjoyed a tour of the island. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Buildings in the tiki hut style help preserve the island’s ambience. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia These replica wooden sculptures help one imagine the historic marae, the setting for religious and cultural events. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia We missed this tour when here in November. I am happy to have a second chance. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia The small processing area and boutique is built on stilts a short way out in the bay. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia The French proprietor patiently explained the process of growing cultured black pearls. The seeds come from the Mississippi River! Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Clark purchased earrings and a pendant at the request of a friend in Paris. She will be very pleased. Huahine – Society Islands – French PolynesiaClark purchased earrings and a pendant at the request of a friend in Paris. She will be very pleased. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Mother of pearl jewelry is made from the shells. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia The shoreline drive is lovely with many deep bays. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia We took turns taking photos with another group enjoying this spectacular view. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Francois patiently answered all our questions. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia The netting protects the beans from birds. The coconut husks at the base of each plant help retain moisture. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia The fragrance is not from the flower, but the ripened bean. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia One blossom produces one bean. It is a laborious process. Eight beans sold for nearly $10 US dollars. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia This small variety are meaty & more tasty than the classic bananas found in the US. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Sadly we have not been able to find these tropical fruits for sale very often. We love papaya with a squeeze of lime. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Found a bit more often than papayas, these Tahitian pineapples are Delish! Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia I knew this place was a winner from the time Scott & I stopped here. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Fruity cocktails complimented the mahi mahi with vanilla sauce. YUM! Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia This starchy fruit is a staple of the Polynesian diet. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Clark & Vincent took so many lovely flower photos that they should have their own photo gallery. Just one example, I am not sure what it is. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Intending to catch up on some computer projects, instead he discovered a generator oil hose leak. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia It is always a pain for Scott to maneuver his 6 foot 4 inch body into the 3 x 2 1/2 foot generator locker. He is such a good sport with the never ending repairs & maintenance. I am so happy that I am not in charge of the Blue Jobs. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia The photos in this gallery were all taken by Clark and Vincent. With files of one great picture after another, we had a hard time choosing which ones to put on the website. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Every night we were mesmerized by the spectacular displays of color. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia We often found Clark & Vincent on top of the bimini. A wonderful place to view the sky. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia This photogenic photographer adds beauty to paradise. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Over Tahaa Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Not enough wind to sail, we enjoyed a calm motor passage from Huahine to Raiatea. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia When conditons are calm, riding on the bows gives a the best view. Huahine – Society Islands – French Polynesia Don’t they look like they belong there? Raiatea – Tahaa – Society Islands – French Polynesia Despite staying under the bimini, both Clark & I got sunburned. The sun’s rays bounce off the water & reflect off the white boat. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Scott announces his role with the voice of a Super Hero. Originally coined by our friend Karen Blanchard, the monikor has stuck. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia One of the privileges of being Captain is delegating jobs to your able crew. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Clark learned the ropes quickly and looks great at the same time. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia I confess I loved seeing the guys scurry on deck. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Nothing like a few strong men to secure the lines. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Easy passage, great crew, another beautiful island, what’s not to like? Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia after another… Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia The colors and dramatic clouds change minute by minute. You would have thought they stayed with us a month for all the gorgeous sunset photos Clark & Vincent took. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia In it’s full glory Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia We read that this was a good dive site. Tahaa – Society Islands – French Polynesia At one site it was great to able to dive directly off Beach House instead of having to load all the gear into the dinghy. Tahaa – Society Islands – French Polynesia Clark had not been diving in 5 years but he was as relaxed and comfortable as we are. Tahaa – Society Islands – French Polynesia It was a short dinghy ride to a neat site with black tip & grey reef sharks. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Clark enjoys his book after a day of diving. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Diving can wear you out. Being away from the cares of the world can also lead to full relaxation & a well deserved nap. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia It’s pretty much a one woman galley, but our guests did the dishes & were helpful in every way. Raiatea – Tahaa – Society Islands – French Polynesia I like to cook what I like to eat. Simple & mostly healthful. The crew seemed pleased. With a creative presentation, even tuna salad can have visual appeal. My secret recipe is lots of fresh diced onion, mayo and some lemon pepper seasoning. Raiatea – Tahaa – Society Islands – French Polynesia We enjoyed eating outside whenever we were in a bug-free zone. Usually being further away from land and having more breeze helps keep flies, bees & mosquitos away. Raiatea – Tahaa – Society Islands – French Polynesia We rented a car & drove around Raiatea, stopping at many scenic viewpoints. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia We didn’t chance it, but these funghi were pretty to look at. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia The lush foliage on these jagged volcanic peaks really soothe the soul. We just breathed in all that chlorophyll & thank our lucky stars that we are able to be here. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Amazing that this mini motu can sustain so many palm trees. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia I love this shot of Clark out of focus behind the Hinano girl logo, the Tahitian beer. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Read the full story on the Ship’s Log titled: Paris Sun Shines in Polynesia. The man facing out in the upper left corner is Kurt Russell. We all enjoyed a delicious lunch at this lovely fresh air restaurant. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia The proprietors kindly recommened we enjoy lunch by the pool. Lovely! Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia I am in the water AND eating a double order of creme brulee. Am I happy? Oh yeah!!!! Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia There are many aspects of boat life that feel like camping. To be in a resort swimming pool, eating something delicious that I did not have to prepare is a rare & much appreciated luxury. Add the companionship of great friends and I feel like the luckiest girl alive. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Yesserie boys & girls that is Goldie Hawn herself strolling the lawn of the Raiatea Lodge. She dipped her toe in the pool while I was in it. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Playing around in the lodge boutique. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia I have never been much of a shopper, but Clark & Vincent picked up several gorgeous pareos before heading home. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Nothing like a handsome man to enhance one’s yachting experience… Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Clark & Vincent have a long tradition of taking a picture of their feet at various travel destinations. We are so proud that Beach House made the club! Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia Eager to flaunt a tan upon returning home to Paris, I was constantly reminding our guests to not underestimate the intensity of the tropical rays. Clark gladly borrowed a sun shirt from Scott after he got a bit too red. Raiatea – Society Islands – French Polynesia The wind was great for sailing from Tahaa to Bora Bora. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia Heavy with cruising payload, when we get enough breeze our Beach House can still giddy-up. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia Captain Scott kept us hopping as we did 3 tacks in 4 hours. No lollygagging about for this crew! Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia Too fast to focus, Vincent does his part to man the decks. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia there’s nothing to it. These guys are born sailors. Our newest recruits. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia I couldn’t resist playing the South Pacific theme as we approached Bora Bora where the movie was filmed. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia We were all in high spirits as we closed in on Bora Bora. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia We were never out of sight of the previous island, but there is something very exciting about arriving at a new destination. Sharing the experience of crossing the ocean to explore new places was fun for us and fun for them. A passage of four hours instead of 18 days is especially welcome by me! Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia Sunbaked & wind blown, we all enjoyed the trip immensely. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia Vincent’s plunges into the waters of Bora Bora. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia From the bow of Beach House, or blowing bubbles below, we were in the water constantly. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia From Oklahoma (home state for Clark) to Bora Bora there is beauty all around us. Taking the time to notice is the secret. Having our friends aboard “forced” us to be on vacation with them. What a pleasure! Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia Maybe it was the company, maybe the diving, but the overall experience here in Bora Bora has been terrific. We recommend it highly as a vacation destination. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia If you have waded through all 103 of these photos you are a true fan. If you want to hear more about our fun times with Clark & Vincent, read the 2 part Ships Log: Paris Sun Shines in Polynesia. We built this website as our “Notebook”. Something to remind us of our adventures when the memories fade. If you are a regular reader of my diary (the Ships Logs) you will know that this photo gallery documents a high point in our trip. It is not always happy hour on Beach House. But when it’s good, it is very good. And for this special time shared with Clark & Vincent, we say Merci Beaucoup. It was a joy to have you aboard and we look forward to seeing you next perhaps in Australia! We are happy to share the journey with you our subscribers. Thank you for writing us, we want to hear news of your life too. Bora Bora – Society Islands – French Polynesia