The big island of Mangareva in the Gambiers is where the majority of people live. The big industry here is pearl farming, so there are many workers and many different pearl farms.
As we approach the “channel” to get close to the village of Rikitea this is what the bottom looks like! When the water is this clear those rocks look like they are right under the boat! Thank God we have several depth sounders!
Our folding aluminum Dahon bikes are great for exploring and for transportation on many island (the one's with roads ;-) Quite a few boats anchored here in the village.
The roads here are not spectacular, mostly dirt and right along the water side.
One of the big pearl farm houses built out over the water. Not sure how many people actually live out there, but at least a dozen.
We found an over water swing hanging from a tree, so you know I had to test it out!!
Several smaller pearl farms out over the water behind a shore side assistance facuility. They use a 55 gallon barrel to make cement weights for the bottom of the nets which hold the oysters.
They use ponga like fiberglass boats to schlep their equipment around. And beyond the ponga in the water is a flat bottom boat which they have several strands of nets and buoys on the deck.
As we are cruising around we meet up with a lady and her son having trouble with their battery, so Mike offers assistance. They were very sweet and grateful.
This part of the road is paved cement. Not much traffic!
A tired old palm tree is hanging out over the water making an idyllic photo opportunity.
Because of the pearls, people are quite wealthy here. They have very nice houses!
You can barely see that sailboat in the distance, except that it is in front of an island.
Another big house with a nicely groomed yard, not to mention the view!!
As the island curves around, I get a nice view looking back along the island where we just road. The village is in the far distance.
Another view of all those pearl farms.
A view from above of those two houses we passed. Notice the solar panels and the solar water heater on the roof, plus a wind generator in the yard.
We hike out a trail to the point at the end of the island and stop for a snack.
The village of Rikitea in the distance.
Some beautiful tiny purple flowers with that gorgeous turquoise water in the background!
There is a boat headed out toward the motu on the NE side where the airport is located.
This plant has the strangest orange bumps on it!
Some workers in a ponga taking nets out to a pearl farm close to shore, while a sailboat is headed toward the village in the distance. You can also see the buildings on Robert Wan's private island over there.
The road passes some big cliff rocks.
And lots of banana trees too! Hola Miguel!!
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