April 11th.
Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago. The atoll is roughly rectangular and its length is 37 miles and its width 13 miles. Fakarava has a wide and deep lagoon with a surface of 429 square miles and two passes. The main pass to enter the lagoon, located in its north-western end, is known as Passe Garuae and it is the largest pass in French Polynesia; the southern pass is called Tumakohua. It has a land area of 9 square miles. Fakarava has 837 inhabitants; the main village is called Rotoava.
Up early and ashore by 7.20, then straight on to a 40 seater truck to the beach area. Silversea had not ordered enough of these lorries, and we wer pretty well srdine packed inside our lorry. But the reward was that this beach was just what we had been expecting for the previous two beach stops. Wandered along it as far as we could in both directions, watched laid back demonstrations of plant plaiting and lei, the garlands they make to go round our necks. Then had a coconut drink before
I escorted Chris into the sea. Some coral underneath still frightened her!, She chatted to a group of 3 ladie and learnt that Jamie and Marieka were getting married on May 21st!. Once back on land there was a very genuine dance display. We had to leave by 10.10, but we would have liked a little longer.
Back on board one suitcase was packed before lunch, and the second one after lunch before having a coffee and watching the 1985 film of Mutiny on the Bounty. Then a walk round a deserted deck before going to the cruise overview, watching the cruise video and then enjoying the crew farewell. Final canapés in the bar followed by a last supper with Ian and Christine. click on a thumbnail to get a bigger photo
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And its goodbye from the Expedition Staff