This morning found the National Geographic Orion sailing further afield, in the far southeastern part of the Tuamotu atoll cluster. With a few extra hours in our pocket, our Expedition Leader, Tim, had hoped to make an expedition stop in the isolated and very rarely visited Acteon Group. These four small atolls — Matureivavao, Tenararo, Tenarunga and Vahanga — are not inhabited, and access to the shore or inner lagoon areas is close to impossible in these seas. Our goal had been a platform snorkel and dive outings along the outer reef, yet the day presented us with the challenges of wind and waves wrapping around the atolls. As the sun shimmered across the water we watched the surf crashing against the reef beyond, the wind carrying the spray in powerful brushstrokes, the turquoise waters of the inner lagoons beyond. We sadly had to relinquish our plans to the ultimate power of nature.
And so we had a lovely day at sea exploring various subjects of interest. First up was smartphone photography with the Photo Team, which turned into a lively exchange of tips, tricks, ideas, add-ons and apps. We learned more about the origins of the Rapa Nui population and culture with Claudio’s presentation, “On the Road of the Ancestors.” Chris Rainier regaled us with another fascinating presentation, “From Divinity to Dante’s Inferno: The Role of a Photographer.” Beginning with Ansel Adams, he proceeded through his experiences as a photographer, from the extremes of deeply spiritual subjects to reporting from areas of extreme conflict and war.
Parlez-vous Français? This evening the hotel and galley teams treated us to a special French dinner to commemorate our last evening in French Polynesia. The food was fantastic and the restaurant was brilliantly decorated leaving us happy and satisfied as another wonderful day draws to a close.
