July 06, 2012
After our white-water rafting adventure, we went to Toau. It’s a small atoll just northwest of Fakarava. Instead of going in the pass and inside the atoll, we used the mooring balls provided in a little bay outside on the northeast corner of the atoll. The bay is called Anse Amyot.
There’s not much here – just a couple of families that make this atoll their home.
It has some nice snorkeling and it was a pleasure to just pick up a mooring, rather than finding space to anchor. Speaking of snorkeling, it was here that Cyndi was charged by about a five foot black reef shark. It arched its back, lowered its pectoral fins and in a classic “I’m going to eat you” posture, charged right at her. When it was about 5 feet away, she screamed through her snorkel, scaring both me and the shark. He turned and darted away. We got in the dingy and motored to another spot in the atoll to snorkel without the extra company.
And as usual, the sunrises and sunsets were wonderful.
The families that live on the atoll, particularly Gaston and Valentine, invite cruisers in for a dinner they prepare with wonderful fresh seafood and even lobster. -Rich
