Paul, Els and me with the catch of the day, a record-breaking blue marlin weighing in at 533 kilos. Raiatea, French Polynesia. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

My friends Roland and Richard join me in Roland’s office. On the wall behind us, fishing poles hang with care next to an American flag. It’s an extensive array of fishing gear that would be the envy of any serious fisherman. Raiatea. October 2016.

From a distance, the palm trees on this motu in Raiatea appear to touch the cloudy skies above, yet are only feet from the water’s edge. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Standing at the ancient Marae Taputapuatea site in Raiatea. In 1995, a fleet of Polynesian canoes from Hawaii, the Cook Islands, Easter Island and Tahiti gathered here for celebration and then set off for trips to other parts of French Polynesia and the U.S. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

A recyclable bin sits among the lush foliage on Raiatea. These bins are a typical sight throughout French Polynesia, providing a convenient way for passerbys to recycle aluminum, plastic and paper materials in an effort to protect the land. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

A beautiful clean street of Raiatea. This is a typical sight throughout French Polynesia as islanders take pride in protecting their environment. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Plant cultivation in Opoa Valley. Raiatea is a lush, green island, supplying many of the larger islands fresh fruits and vegetables. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Richard, Charlie and I pose for the camera as I hold a ginger-based herbal drink that Desiree, Charlie's wife and Tahitian herbal practitioner, made from ginger and various greens for cleansing. Opoa Valley, Raiatea, Society Islands. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Francesca and Desiree pose for the camera on Desiree’s farm where she uses many of the herbs grown as a traditional herbal practitioner. Raiatea. October 2016. Photo: S. Rehnborg

Charlie walks toward his home on his farm in the Opoa Valley. It’s simple, but neat as a pin, and surrounded by a clean, organized, productive farm where he and his wife produce fruit, herbs, spices and other foods for the local markets. Raiatea, Society Islands. October 2016. Photo: S. Rehnborg

Charlie’s and Desiree's farm in the Opoa Valley. It is a showcase of fertile soil and hearty plant cultivation, a hallmark of the island. Raiatea, French Polynesia. October 2016. Photo: S. Rehnborg

Pots and pans stack neatly on shelves next to Charlie’s and Desiree's house, ready for use. Despite its primitive look, his farm was clean, organized and very productive. Opoa Valley, Raiatea, Society Islands. October 2016. Photo: S. Rehnborg

Francesca and other guests celebrate the birthday of our friend Frendoo (not featured). In the background, Double X crew member Paul happily shares a friendly “hang loose” sign. Raiatea, October 2016.

With drinks in hand, Francesca and Frendoo smile for the camera. What a great time we had visiting and catching up on all the news about her family and life on the island. Raiatea. October 2016.

With ukuleles in hand, friends gather for a traditional birthday Tahitian celebration for Frendoo. There were at least 10 musicians and they played for 10 hours. It was a day we will always remember. Raiatea, French Polynesia. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg.

Sunset in Raiatea, French Polynesia. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Playful dolphins swim next to the Double X as if to lead our way through the pass at Raiatea. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg