Glassy seas and a beautiful sunrise greeted National Geographic Orion as she steamed her way west in the South Pacific. After leaving Pitcairn Island the previous evening and sailing through the night, we were ahead of schedule and making excellent time on our way towards Mangareva in the Gambier Islands, French Polynesia. We were regaled with lectures by the staff and treated to wonderful meals and a surprise fresh fruit teatime treat by the hotel team. By evening, we entered the protected lagoon of Mangareva and were officially cleared into French Polynesia by local authorities. A peaceful night at anchor is ahead, and adventure awaits us tomorrow.