We returned everything to the boat after our provision run in Uturoa. Mt. Tapioi was uncharted territory for Matt and I, so we decided to hike to the top of Tapioi which overlooked our bay. The peak of the mountain is about 775 meters high and we took a well paved dirt road to get there.
Hiking Mt. Tapioi
We passed lots of wildlife including chickens, cows, horses, pigs, and hogs just hanging out on the trail.
Fun cows and horses hanging out on the road
We made it to the top in 52 minutes with lots of sweat – it was a hot one. Check out Matt hanging from the rock (top left) and jumping over Raiatea (bottom).
Top of Tapioi with Matt, Rocco, and I
The views were breathtaking and clearly showed the lagoon, reef, and Pacific Ocean. On the bottom right corner, you can see Sugar Shack (past the little water hut and before the turquoise water)
Top of Tapioi with Matt, Rocco, and I
Tiparmauo motu
Our last stop in Raiatea is a small motu called Tiparmauo. As we pulled into this anchorage, we passed a little pearl farm called “Perles d’O” and on the other side it said “How Born a Pearl – Free Visit” which was rather humorous considering nobody was home.
Perles d’O at Tiparmauo
Exploring Uncharted Territory
We decided to hunt lobsters on the reef for dinner. But first, we needed to find a way out to the reef without damaging us or the dingy. First, we tried heading to the reef in Sweetie. The waters shallowed up way to fast and left us far away from the reef. So, we tired Sweetie to a tree and went exploring on shore. Rocco made a friend with a little crab. We had to traipse over foliage, palm fronds and tree limbs. It was no easy path.
Hunting crabs on a small motu
It is a pretty island, but the lack of grooming made it a challenge to explore all around. We stuck to the shoreline as we headed back to the dinghy.
Enjoying the beach side of the motu
Foiled by the lack of access to the reef, the boys took the paddle boards out to the reef.
Rocco and Matt Sup’ing
Stay Tuned for more Piazza Adventures
We sail to Huahine, have cheeseburgers in paradise, and see some spectacular underwater spectacles.