Polynesian Adventure, Day 19

March 18, Monday - Sunny and clear, a touch cooler maybe, but it may the result of spending time in the pool and sitting in the shade with a breeze.

Today in the morning was spent on a driving excursion from the hotel, back to Papeete, and around the northwest coast going clockwise.  We made three stops - at the Arahoho Blowhole, the Faarumai Waterfalls (one of three called the Viamahuta), and Point Venus.

But first here are some record photos of our hotel, the Te Moana Tahiti Resort:

The lobby.

Front Entrance.

Statue in the lobby -- larger than life size.

EP on the walkway from rooms to lobby.

Our two-room suite is on the top floor with the double wide balcony.

The "rotunda" in the middle of the guest room buildings.

The pool and lounge area.

The bar, partially bordering the 'infinity' pool.

A motu with seating in the shade and a second bar.

A lagoon.

The bar.  

 I just found out that the resort has a fitness room.  Might need to try it out tomorrow.

We passed along some breaks in the reef where surfing is on display, specifically at Papeeno.  The waves were bigger and closer to shore than other areas protected by the reef.

The Arahoho Blowhole, not a lot of water, more like a mist, but something of a loud boom.

Up close look at blowhole.

Waves crashing into the rocks and seawall.

A picturesque wave or "curl."

ET at the waterfall.

We went right to the nearby waterfall;  the "20 mn" trail to the other waterfalls was closed.

The entire main falls.

Group shot.

A massive tree fern fiddlehead.

Photo by ET - for perspective.

An outrigger canoe for fishing - called a pirogue. 

At Venus Point, (1) the site of Captain Cook's observatory where he attempted (and failed) to track the passing of Venus in 1769, (2) where the first missionaries arrived, (3) where the only lighthouse on Tahiti is sited, and (4) where the HMS Bounty landed.  A co-author of the Mutiny on the Bounty (James Norman Hall) had a home nearby.  The monument is commemorative of the Bounty.

The Lighthouse at Venus Point.

Our lunch spot.

A surprisingly good tasting drink, called Mix.  Made with oranges, apples and carrots.

We returned to the resort and spent the afternoon in or near the pool.  Dinner was leftovers from previous night's dining and a few additions.