Mo’orea – by Vicki

 The nearby peaks of Mo’orea captured our attention while in Tahiti. We made only one short stop at this amazing island, in Paopao Baie (aka Cook’s Bay). Arriving in the late afternoon the sun casts a soft light over the peaks and created deep shadows in the valleys.

Approaching Cook’s Bay

Another set of peaks viewed from inside the lagoon

The following day of rain squalls alternately hides and then reveals dramatic scenery.

The scene endlessly changing - peaks as shadows in the mist and mountain tops shrouded with clouds.

After rain comes calm.

Development in the bay is low key, though there is a continual flow of traffic along the coast road. Our time is limited but early one morning we ventured on foot up the Paopao Valley or Pineapple Road into the foothills. Along this winding road another set of vistas revealed themselves at each turn.

The pineapple fields flow up and around the foothills creating interesting patterns.

Agriculture does not detract from the natural beauty – tranquil waters, verdant hills, sawtooth ridgelines, clouds racing over mountain tops – many superlatives are required to capture the ambience.

The foothills are densely covered where there is no agriculture

Clouds racing over mountain tops.

If you are wondering, yes we did buy some pineapples! A bundle of 7 very tasty pineapples cost 550 Francs or ~$7AUD.

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