Matt and I spent several days exploring the motus all around our anchorage. We found little passageways between the reefs that allowed us to bring Sweetie closer to the motu. The first day was really blind ambition. We had set out with no water, no money and a curiosity to see the small spits of land that make up the ring around Amanu.
On our first adventure netted lots of sea treasures. We only collect shells from the beach and always make sure they are uninhabited. The strange thing is that most of the really beautiful shells are occupied. We gently put them back where we found them and walk away with a pout.
The water is still warm, but not as warm as in Tikehau. We explore all the way out to the reef (can you find Matt in the photo)?
We walk across dead coral, shards of coral, and broken shells. Some areas are shallow water where you have to avoid the millions (not exaggerating) of sea cucumbers. I swear Amanu is the breeding ground for all of the world’s sea cucumbers. Ick!
Walking across shallow water proves to be more challenging then you’d think. Between trying not to step on the sea cucumbers, walking around the coral and avoiding the holes.
We found a road that looked like it would lead to town. But we had already walked a few miles with no water and since we had no money, we decided to walk to town another day.
The Town of Amanu
The next day, we headed out more prepared. We had water, money, Band-Aids, and a burning desire to see the town of Amanu.
We decided to take the road into town and walk the beach on the way back. It did not take nearly as long to get town as we thought but then again, we went straight there instead of exploring the motus (since we did that the day before). The walk around town and round trip ended up being about 4.6miles.
The town is super small and consists of the following:
- Magasin (market) with only basic dry goods (no fresh)
- Le Maire (mayor’s office)
- Clinic
- OPT (post office)
- Two cemeteries
- Church
- Many abandoned relics
There are a few roads, but we walked all of them and around the entire town in about 10 minutes. Very small with loads of friendly people.
We came across several cemeteries. I know it is morbid but I am always fascinated with cemeteries. Here we found several amazingly gorgeous, hand carved crosses, with lots of shellac.
There were lots of abandoned buildings dating back to the 1800s! I sure wish we had the history on these buildings.
The church is right by the pass. It is an old building, but behind it you will see modern technology at its best (solar panels).
The Pass at Amanu
We hung out by the pass leading into the Amanu lagoon and watched a few boats come in during slack tide. The top two photos show the entrance to the pass. The bottom photo is the center of the pass.
Amanu Pass
We walked along the wall that follows the pass.
Matt along the pass
Toward the entrance is a surf break where the water was so clear you could see the reef through the waves.
By sheer luck, we ran into the mayor, Francois. He is the youngest mayor in all of French Polynesia and France! I believe he is in his late 20’s and he was marvelous. He also happens to be the nurse on island!
Me and Francois, the Mayor of Amanu
Amanu Fun Photos
Can you see Sugar Shack across the reef and lagoon in the background?
Can you see Sugar Shack?
Matt taking a break on our walk back to the boat on day 2
Sugar Shack is anchored in the middle of a “C” shaped reef. It is amazing to see the reef appear during low tide and disappear in high tide.
INSERT 2 COLLAGE OF REEF NEAR ANCHORAGE
Events from this blog post occurred around the 4th week of November, 2020. Our blog posts run 8 weeks behind our adventures.