We arrived yesterday (Tue June 13) on Tahiti from Ua Huka in three flights: Uu Huka to Nuku Hiva with one stop on the way on Ua Pou, in the same Twin Otter we had on our way in, and Nuku Hiva to Papeete on an ATR-72.

We were on time (14:50) at the Faa airport. We left Eric in Papeete, who went back to his family and his work after these 9 days in the Marquesas. Philippe continued with me and Claude, also from the Société Astronomique de Tahiti, who joined us for the Moorea visit.

We rushed through baggage and freight claims to arrive in time at the Papeete harbor to catch the 4pm ferry to Moorea. Just enough time to set up our belonging in our quarters at the UC Berkeley  Gump station and to get ready for an evening conference I gave in a nice outdoor amphitheater of the  Association Te Pu Atitia. A great location under the stars, with many people and plenty of interesting question! Stargazing was the appetizer before a nice himaa dinner.

Early start this morning as classes from various Moorea schools started to arrive at 7:30. Many workshops were organized so classes moved in reasonably good order from one to another. We were all very busy, up to lunch time when students went back home. This afternoon is quiet, as it is only for the general public and there are only few people at this time of the day.  More  will come later for tonight’s conference and stargazing session.

I am using this quiet time to update the log. The radio station is also set up and ready to transmit later today.  We are on the west side of Cook’s Bay, and we should be able to have a good propagation. If the internet behaves, I will upload some pictures from Ua Huka and Moorea.