Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Eels of Vaimato


Our friends Steve and Lili, from Liward, had heard us telling the story of a place some locals had taken us to. Vaimato is a natural spring. They had a rental car, so we all drove down island to see if we could find the place again. On the way we stopped by a beach where Steve has gone surfing to get a view. Here we are looking South East toward Tahiti-iti, the other smaller half of Tahiti.


Some dancers were on the beach practicing their moves.


But the surfers were out in the line up, waiting for the waves.


Here is a good one with lots of people trying to catch it.


One guy gets a really nice ride.


This guy too is shredding it up.


The surfer dudes salute each other on the black sand beach.


A view to the North looking at where we had come from by land.


The restaurant was not open, but it had some fun murals painted on it. Here is one of a Tane dancer.


Another is of the surf break.


And I really liked these two turtles.


We finally found the spring. This is the pool for the royals.


You can see the water coming strait out of the rocks behind it.


Mike and I take a dip.


Lili and Steve are surprised at how cold the water is, but refreshing!


In another spot the water is literally boiling up out of the ground, but it too is not hot, but darn cool in temperature. The sacred red ginger flowers mark the spot on the rock.


We got a young couple to take a photo of all four of us by the spring.


So this young red ginger flower decided to test the waters. Whoo! Feels interesting having water bubble up under you!


We noticed the young couple with some lunch meat. What are they doing??


He was looking in the water and something was taking the lunch meat!!


He lifts one to show us the eels he is feeding!!


Lucky I had my underwater camera with me, so I went to see what was happening. Hey there are fish in here too!


The eels swim right up to him to see if he has anymore to eat, allowing him to pet and rub them as the swim by.


He holds out another piece of meat to see who is hungry.


I am amazed at how many eels there really are!!


They are very gentle and swim right up to me too.


I love the look on this one's face: Man, Charlie took that piece of meat right away from me!! (pout, pout)


This guy is coming right to me!


More swim through and under my legs, rubbing their silky smooth bodies on me as they go by.


You can see the light in his eyes!


The little fishies try to pick up any left overs from the eels.


This one looks happy! Thanks for the meal friends!




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