After hearing about a storm heading this we way we left Tahaa and decided to see the coral gardens later. We are now here in Bora Bora enjoying this magical island with Omi. This was her dream island and she is in heaven to finally be here. There is a big storm blowing outside right now and it has been a bit stressful for her. At one point this morning dad left in the dingy to drop Frederick off at the motu islet where the airport is located and we began to drag anchor. I hate it when this happens when dad and Jaeden are not here. Dailin did an awesome job of piloting us out of the bay in 35 knot winds. Alyssa and Orin pulled up the anchor and we were in the next bay by the time Norm caught up with us. We checked a few more bays and even tried anchoring again in the same bay but our anchor did not hold. It was a deep bay and a mud bottom. Several other boats trying to find safe anchorage from the storm came into the same bay and tried to anchor but all of them had the same problem as us and soon left. As the storm was raging Omi invited us to dinner at a famous restaurant here called “Bloody Mary’s”. The perks of making a dinner reservation there is that there are free mooring buoys for those that eat there. I know it is pretty expensive because we ate there last time we were here but she really wants to treat everyone.
We are now tied to a mooring buoy and hopefully this block under us that we are now tied on to will hold fast. I fell asleep with Zack and Norm and the kids and Omi were all gone when I awoke. I keep watching and praying we will be safe. It is way calmer inside this protected bay but I can still see huge waves breaking over the reef and the winds are howling through the mountains above. I know we all need storms in different forms to teach us sailing skills or life skills but today I am grateful there are always calm bays and safe harbors to come for rest and safety.
It’s so interesting that when we are exposed to the vagaries of the ocean (storms, reefs, etc.), the parallels to the Gospel are so close to mind.
Nothing is better than being securely moored in a storm. Avoiding a storm is the way to go. Sure enjoy following your adventures.
Not long ago Gerry and I had a very similar experience in a nice harbour on Hardy Island on our BC coast and I have to tell you that was the most frightened I had been for a long time. The wind came up and was so strong that we had practically no control and I thought we were going to smash into the rocks or possibly capsize while our anchor just dragged around without finding any purchase. Amazing that we found an abandoned float across the bay when we were heading for a lone sail boat apparently moored. The other boats were watching us as we tied up and and came over to share our little bit of dock security for the night.
Having had this happen I have to tell you I am so very impressed with the handling of your situation and Dailin’s piloting you to safe moorage. Wow, he can tell that story to his children! You are so brave and I am so glad you always find calm bays.
Wow!! Loved your “story” Sure put some spice into your life as well as mine. Rita’s story was equally riveting. What incredible adventures you are having. I can’t wait to question Omi on her thoughts on the whole adventure. I can just imagine her expressions. Be well and safe harbors. Dad