April 9, 2012

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We arrived at Rangiroa. This is the largest and most populous atoll in the Tuamotus. Unfortuantely, it has nothing more to offer than Manihi, so could easily have been skipped. There are two passes here and we decide to float the one nearby since Ashleigh missed the float in Manihi. This one was a disappointment. The coral was all covered with sand so it lacked the color. There were fewer fish, though I did see one 7’ and one 6’ black tipped shark. They were down about 30’ so it wasn’t too alarming. Throughout the Galapagos and French Polynesia, the locals insist that the sharks will not harm you. However, a couple days ago we received an email from Ocean Lady which was still in the Marquesas saying a local woman was bitten on her leg and arm by a black tipped shark. Ocean Lady and many other boats were taking this opportunity to leave the Marquesas.

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