Dec 18 – Sail to Taha’A: Vanilla Plantation and Sharks
Boat trip to vanilla plantation and sharksSmall family vanilla farm. They also process the vanilla for other small farms.The vast majority of vanilla comes from Madagascar but vanilla production does exist here as well.Good presentation on how it’s grown, produced, and used.Lovely German Shepherd (and a couple of other dogs) who live on the farm.Coconut husks are used for mulch.Onto the sharks – a theatrical calling of the black tip reef sharks.Yes – The water is really clear so you can see exactly where they are.I think there were maybe 30 or 40 circling the boat.Naturally, it was time to get into the water. This is Jamie. The water was about 3 1/2 feet deep. I got in as well – it was a bit bizarre. I did watch Jaws after all. It turned out to be easier to just stand up and let them swim around you.We were told they’re like puppies who don’t want to be petted.After the sharks, we went to a private motu (island) for a beach afternoon.Our new friend, Tom, who was glad to play paparazzi for members of our group.Mary, Jan, and AddenI volunteered to be paparazzi for the paparazzi.Then there were 5 – Chris at the end.And, the paparazzi get into the picture as well!A great end to a great day.
This looks like a lot of fun. Being on a sailing ship before, the cabins tend to be small. Pretty much just enough for the bunk and to standup along one side. Did you find that this sailing boat had small cabins? Were you or could you assist in raising the sail? It doesn’t look like it because of the huge mechanical arms but thought I’d ask.
Cabins were bigger than we anticipated and very well laid out. Since we only had to worry about warm weather clothing, there was plenty of space. I expect they kept the passengers clear during the raising of the sails. I didn’t hear them ask for volunteers….
I’d say that was a great day!
Looks like quite the playground
Ah the memories you are making
Nothing to complain about!
This looks like a lot of fun. Being on a sailing ship before, the cabins tend to be small. Pretty much just enough for the bunk and to standup along one side. Did you find that this sailing boat had small cabins? Were you or could you assist in raising the sail? It doesn’t look like it because of the huge mechanical arms but thought I’d ask.
Cabins were bigger than we anticipated and very well laid out. Since we only had to worry about warm weather clothing, there was plenty of space. I expect they kept the passengers clear during the raising of the sails. I didn’t hear them ask for volunteers….