Day 18 Bora Bora

Well we had quite an eventful day which places Bora Bora at the top of our list so far on this adventure. The day started with a taxi ride around the island, which is only about 35 miles around. But before I dive into the day let me say that the island of Bora Bora was considered to be of strategic importance to the U.S. and its allies during WWII. A great amount of work went into making the island serviceable for the war effort. A large channel was blasted in the reef surrounding the island so large ships could enter the protected lagoon. Gun emplacements were erected around the island to protect the harbor. A number of the gun emplacements are still to be seen today. A large landing strip (now an airport) was constructed as a refueling station and base of operations. After all of that, the island was never the scene of any combat. Surely, the service men and women who were stationed here were a lucky bunch.
Now back to the taxi ride. Our driver took us around the island stopping to let us out on a beach where we snorkeled for about 2 hours. He returned and picked us up and dropped us off where we could pick up the tender to return to the ship. All along the way it was easy to see the signs of destruction that typhoon Ollie inflicted. Many trees were broken in two and there was debris throughout. We passed about 10 to 15 homes where the roofs had been completely torn off by the storm. Our captain calls these storms cyclones whereas the locals call them typhoons. There are reports of another typhoon that may cause us some trouble but it is too far away to know if it will affect us.
Upon returning to the ship we lunched and then settled in to watch the Super Bowl. During this time the captain had made arrangements to open the stern of the ship and deploy the water activities center. This facility contains its own dock and from there they deploy water ski boats which are used to pull various water toys such as the "banana boat." They also had kayaks, sail boats, paddle boats and ski boats. At about halftime in the game I actually tried the water skiing on the lagoon which looked rather tranquil, until you were up on the skis. It was actually quite rough. I managed to get up but the ride was so bumpy that after a couple go rounds I gave up. It was great fun. I returned and was able to watch the last 20 minutes of the game.
As you know it was a great game that wasn't decided until near the end. It is all very decedent to be sitting in the lagoon of Bora Bora watching the super bowl then hopping up to go water skiing and then back to see the end of the game. Can you say " I'd like another glass of wine"? The day ended with another beautiful sunset and then dinner on the deck as we departed from this beautiful island. Both Chris and I agreed this is a place that we liked alot.
Tomorrow, another sea day on our way to Rarotonga.

Chris - Superbowl...Superday! As Paul stated it was a terrific day with lots of fun. The water here is crystal clear and about 6 different shades of blue. The snorkeling was great as we saw very vibrant fish close to the beach. It's very easy to snorkel as the ship gives us equipment and a bag to carry it in. The Water Activities Center out the back of the boat is amazing. It's neat how they open the back of the boat and erect this big area where they launch a variety of water sports. I went on the "banana boat" with the Captain driving the speed boat ...what fun he is! He dumped us, but I suspect that's part of HIS fun as he dumped every group he took. I loved it as the water is about 90 degrees! I then went tubing and had a blast. I didn't fall off but it wasn't from lack of their trying. It certainly wasn't as wild as Louise used to take me on Kahshe Lake!! Throw in the Super Bowl with 5 star food reflective of stadium food (including chips and salsa!!!!!!!) and you have a memorable day.