We woke up early on the lagoon and had breakfast before packing our bags and heading to Vaitape. We dropped off the car and boarded the ferry to the airport, where we caught our flight to the island of Rangiroa. Rangiroa is the second largest atoll in the world. (What's an atoll? Its a ring-shaped island which includes a coral rim encircling a lagoon).   

from google:

Most of the people on Rangiroa (only about 3000 people) live on 2 of the small islands (motus) at the north end of the atoll. 

Once we landed at the airport, a shuttle from our lodgings at Le Coconut Lodge picked us up. There are no real rental cars on the island and there is no real need. There is only one paved road and it's more practical to get around by bicycle. It's only 9 km from one end of the motu to the other. Kids who live on the other motu take small ferry boats to school instead of school buses. 

Le Coconut Lodge was a very pleasant surprise. We stayed in the beautiful Villa Tropicale which we had all to ourselves, right between the ocean on one side and the lagoon on the other side. The hospitality was amazing.  

We were welcomed at the lodge with chilled coconuts:)

Then we rode bikes down to Tiputa Pass for a lunch of chicken and possion cru at the marina. Watching the sharks and fish off the quai:

We biked back towards the lodge and stopped to look for the dolphins which are known to play in the currents coursing through the pass (which separates the motus of Avatoru anfd Tiputa) and connects the open ocean with the inner lagoon. The beach is covered with beautiful coral and you can see the white sands are made from ancient ground up coral.

After some more relaxing and several games of pool and hearts,

we took in the sunset over the lagoon on the beach and on paddle boards at the lodge.

After the sun went down we biked in the opposite direction towards Avatoru where we stopped at a small grocery for some food and supplies. We passed the airport on our way, and this sign which has directions for every business on the island. Directions are either left, or right.

What a pleasure to be on such a small island in the middle of the pacific ocean, so remote from our everyday lives; to recharge; to feel distinct and distant from the way we define ourselves by our jobs and assets and normal responsibilities back home; to connect as a family and enjoy each other as people, bonding over a shared adventure. Travel can be magical.