After 80 days we have reached Mo’orea, the “Magical Island” but we are calling it paradise. This is pure tropical bliss as we tender to shore to the village of Papeotai in Opunohu Bay.
Mo’orea is part of the Society Islands archipelago, part of the 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia, or as it’s more commonly called, The Islands of Tahiti. These are scattered across the Pacific in an area roughly the size of Western Europe.
Mo’orea is only 16 mi (26 km) long and 11 mi (18 km) wide. The island formed as a volcano somewhere between 1.5-2.5 million years ago, as did the rest of this chain, over a volcanic hot spot. The Polynesians established themselves on the island around 800 AD and had their Eden to themselves until the first known Europeans, Captain Samuel Wallis and his crew, arrived in 1767.
In 1769 it was James Cook who named this archipelago the Society Islands, after the Royal Society who had helped sponsor his scientific expedition. The story of how France took control of the islands in 1842 is too convoluted to write about but take control they did, calling it a protectorate, then later an overseas territory, and now they call it an overseas collectivity, definite government speak there.
During WW2 a military base was created here on this beautiful island that has rainforests and pineapple plantations on the mountain slopes next to gorgeous beaches and lagoons.
Today tourism runs the economy of the island, which made for a real struggle during the pandemic, along with the very small industries of growing pineapple, bananas, and vanilla, as well as fishing.
Beautiful coral reef surrounds the island and makes for excellent snorkeling and diving. Since we don’t do either, we are living vicariously through our friends that do. I’m working on getting some videos to post later.
Our trek today included a safari type vehicle with 4-6 people in the back of a Chinese made truck. We had 3 trucks and very glad they were these off road vehicles because we climbed up the mountain into areas I don’t believe a bus would have made it to.
We saw some beautiful sights at Belvedere Lookout. With excellent views of the Opunohu Valley, plus the Cook and Opunohu Bays. From this vantage point we were able to see how those two inlets give Mo’orea its trident shape. See the map below.
On our way to the top we stopped for some delicious smoothies made with tropical ingredients. Papaya, pineapple banana and a purple edible flower called Clitoria. We had it in our drinks and our guide actually ate one. Turned his mouth dark purple. We didn’t try it.
While at the stop for shopping, I found some beautiful black pearl earrings and a necklace. Tahiti is known for its black pearls.
Back in the vehicle, it started to rain. Not enough to get drenched but a little wet. Then as fast as it started, it quit leaving us with some horrible humidity. The temperatures today were in the mid 80s but this close to the equator it was scorching hot. Lots of sunscreen was needed.
The stop at the pineapple farm was full of prickly pineapples growing in weeds and vine. We believe it was easier to let it grow that way instead of trying to cut it away and it kept some of the scorching heat away. We were supposed to visit the factory today but being a Sunday it was closed so we didn’t get to taste any delicious pineapple. Our other two stops were closed as well. Not sure why we were shortchanged on this excursion.
We did enjoy our day and all the beautiful scenery was amazing to just gaze upon. And our friends went on to snorkel so not all was lost.
It was a great day and it was hard to leave this small island, one that’s been compared with the Bali Ha’i of South Pacific fame.
It will be a quick trip to go the 28 mi (45 km) to get to Papeete overnight, we may be circling the seas a bit while we sleep.
May God bless you always!
Chuck and Lea Ann
WorldTravelReynolds 