Moorea appears out of the mists like a larger more mysterious version of Bora Bora, which it is. More mountain peaks, bigger surf on the reefs, much narrower channel to Opunohu Bay, which is where we anchored crosswise in the channel! On the way in one passes the shuttered Intercontinental Moorea Resort, thatched roof cabins located overwater or crawling up the hillside. Sandy beach, places for kayaks and snorkeling,restaurants and beachfront bars - all shuttered, deteriorating plywood coverings over windows. Asked “Why?” our snorkel leader said that shortly BC the hotel workers went on strike, and then COVID came. Asked “Why did they go on strike?” He gave a Gallic shrug and said “They are French; that’s what they do!” The openings in the reef (see the channel marker) or passes, are created naturally when during the rainy season fresh water floods down the narrow valleys in the mountains and rushes out to sea. The corals don’t like the change in salinity. When we arr...
Merry Christmas, with love from Bob &Katie
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