12 June

Callisto still hasn't got a good enough internet connection so here is the latest update:

I've spent the last ten days or so on Moorea having left Papeete on June 1st. On getting to Papeete, I discovered my bowthruster wasn't working and fortunately it was flat calm and lots of room in the marina and I got in stern-to without any mishap. I picked up my nav station chair which had been welded and spent two days in Papeete. Very noisy and expensive so it was off to Moorea about a 3 hour sail. I went to Oponohu Bay first which was almost deserted and very beautiful. Moorea is even more dramatic than Tahiti scenery wise and I spent 5 very quiet days there reading. I tried to fix the bow thruster hoping that the problem was poor contacts due to corrosion but after cleaning all electrical contacts to bare, bright metal it still wouldn't work and the solenoid got smoking hot. I doubt it will go without a new solenoid and a new electronic control box and these have been ordered from the US and will arrive with the admiral on the 15th. After five days in Oponuhu Bay I went over to Cook's Bay, which was a bit more populated but still pleasant. The scenery was a little less impressive but there were a few stores, a gas station and the Bali Hai Club , a bar/restaurant that looked like it had been built in the sixties.

There were quite a few superyachts there and a very impressive newish looking 200 footer called Kokomo that looked incredibly fast even at anchor.
I got back to Marina Taina in Tahiti yesterday afternoon and will do some food shopping at the local Carrefour.

I should be able to get two more novels in before the Admiral and Jennifer arrive. I must admit, I'm looking forward to some company.
After they arrive, we are going to do the Tahiti/Moorea Rendesvous on the 18th with the Latitude 38 crowd, which should be a lot of fun. Internet is still lousy so no photos, I can share right now which is a pity. Otherwise, all is well will update in a few days.