Tuesday we took a long hike (ok, only about six miles) to "Le Belvedere". It seems every island with a mountain, has a "Belvedere". Basically a nice lookout point from half way up the mountain. It was a good walk (though not in good walking shoes as my blisters attest), through beautiful vegetation which included pine trees. Then from above we could look down onto both Cook's Bay and Opunohu bay. I promise a picture soon.
Today was snorkeling and boat chores. We took the dingy for a long trip, about 4 miles each way, outside the bay, but inside the reef, and to the north west corner of Moorea where there are several resorts. There is also a spot nicknamed Stingray World. We pulled up in the dingy, clipped on to a mooring buoy in about four feet of water and were instantly surrounded by 10-15 sting rays. These were pretty large with wing spans of 3' - 4' and tails/stingers to match. We put our legs over the side and they immediately swam up to us and even ran their wings across our feet. The tour boats bring tourists from the resorts and they toss squid into the water for the rays. They've learned to expect food when they see a boat, hence our warm welcome! A few 4' - 5' black tip reef sharks also came around to check us out, but soon departed. And some lovely trigger fish rounded out the welcoming party.
I think Opunohu may be our best anchorage yet!
