The morning of the 13th started with my going ashore to collect a couple of fresh baguettes for breakfast and lunch. On the way back I learned that the fuel dock was already open. We decided to go and refuel straight after breakfast as we figured there would be less chance of finding someone ahead of us and also having a good chance of finding our convenient anchorage still free. This all turned out to be the case so we were back in our spot within an hour of leaving.
Shortly after we both dinghied over to the Interncontinental Hotel to investigate the possibility of using it as a base for the dinghy to collect Ben from the airport. We quickly realized it wouldn’t be too good but we really enjoyed walking around the grounds. We also learned that around 8:30pm tonight they’ll have professional dancers so we plan on sneaking in for that.
In the afternoon we dinghied over to say hello to Werner and Cathy on Legend II. Perhaps on the most astute blog readers will remember them from our hike up to the top of Mount Diablotin in Dominica – the one where we got thoroughly muddy. Cathy was away in the UK visiting a new grandchild but Werner was there. He remembered Helen in her hiking boots and dress – a rare combination. They’re on their way to NZ via the same route as us so we’re very likely to meet again and will look out for each other. We want to get them aboard one day to learn about the good hiking in NZ.
Shortly before 5pm we went ashore and walked to the airport. We went a little early so we could look at hiring a car for today. In the end we decided against it thinking Ben may be a little tired after traveling from New Jersey.
We ended up having about 45 minutes to wait for Ben to show up. We bought a garland of flowers to welcome him and fortunately he came through quite early. We had our hugs and hellos and quickly caught a cab back to the marina which cost less than I feared.
Helen had cooked up a chili earlier so we ate that along with beers and wine. We stayed up a little late chatting before we all retired.
Today is Bastille Day. There is not a lot on it seems. We had hoped there would be fireworks and dance competitions. There is a military parade in Papeete which doesn’t appeal to us and there is a sports competition on at the museum down the coast. We would have needed the hire car for that but instead we’ll watch the canoe racing planned for the bay here.
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