May 30 Rangiroa

First ever visit to an atoll.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out pretty much the way I had anticipated.  A long, thin island with a single road.  No elevation to speak of.

We anchored in the lagoon, and here's the view of the atoll.

 We tendered to one of the wide spots next to the inlet.  There was the inevitable cluster of canopies for the vendors.  Black pearls are a big thing in this area.

 Snorkeling and diving were the main pursuits at this stop.  Many boats were clustered right at the lagoon side of the inlet where the interesting stuff was to be found.  The current through this area was strong, and several people snorkeling needed assistance in getting back to their boat.

 We walked along the single road through the small village.

 And as it turned to parallel the ocean.

 A view of the inlet from the ocean side.

 Looking across the inlet -- which wasn't very wide.  Just barely enough room for our ship to pass through.

 Lawn ornament

Homes were very open, with the ubiquitous dog.

 A guy working his way through a big pile of coconuts, removing the nut from the husk.

 About a mile down the lagoon was this hotel.

 We set sail and passed through the inlet just after sunset.

Another set of maps.  The enclosed lagoon was large, about 20 to 25 miles across.  We couldn't see the islands on the far side from our position.  And they were so flat that a tsunami or cyclone would just roll right across without pausing.

Here's the small part that we visited.

 And here's the view of the entire atoll.