Kauehi Atoll, Tuamotu's

South East anchorage

Kauehi Atoll, in the Tuamotu's is one of the smaller atolls, but it still took us a good few hours to head from the entrance pass to the South East anchorage on the inside of the lagoon.  This is not an official anchorage and of course we were on the look out for coral heads with Chris up on the spreader and me at the helm dodging coral heads.

Rourke exploring

found these hermit crabs all huddled together on one spot on the beach

coral spiral

this little piece of paradise was deserted 

black coral and clam shells

empty beach shack

The atolls consist of Motu's, little islands on the reef with palm trees dotted along the circle of the atoll, the widest section of these Motu's is usually a little village is situated (in this case the NE side) with one street running through it.  We enjoyed the South anchorage for a few days and then sailed up to the North East side in search of pearls…

 church in the North East village

some locals having their sunset swim

this village had quite a few friendly, happy children who accompanied us, girls giggling all the way behind Rourke, up and down the only road in search of pearls

we found some pearls….

and some lovely hand shell made jewelry 

Rourke showing us the size of the coconut crabs...

I was not going to pick that thing up, apparently good eating, I'll take their word for it!

Skyla hitching a ride

me enjoying the coconut milk... it does quench your thirst.
Also nice with a dash of rum for a sundowner :)

anchored off the village, loved the sky this day, such a great contrast

So now off to one of the largest atolls in the Tuamotu's, Fakarava, for some incredible diving...