Two happy children of Tahiti. September 2016.

The sun shines through the stained glass windows of a local church as parishioners enter (not pictured) and prepare for service. The singing was absolutely spectacular. Tahaa, French Polynesia. September 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Our friend of 40 years, Richard, looking right at home aboard his fishing boat Tara Viti. We are so fortunate to be able to catch up with old and dear friends during our journey. Tahaa, French Polynesia. September 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Just beneath clear water, this coral garden shows off some of its beautiful purple colors. Tahaa, French Polynesia. September 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Looking back on a small motu in the Tahaa atoll as we depart on the Double X. It’s a reminder of just how vulnerable low-lying islands are to changes in the sea level and erosion. September 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

A French sign proclaiming “The House of Vanilla,” marks the entrance of this small family-run operation where visitors can see the preparation and drying of the vanilla bean. September 2016. Tahaa, French Polynesia. Photo: F. Rehnborg

From behind a table filled with vanilla bean pods stacked in neat rows, Richard explains the vanilla bean drying process to me. The smell of the vanilla beans lingers in the air, much like our acerola concentrate back home. Tahaa, French Polynesia. September 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

The owner of La Maison de la Vanille joins me as I inspect vanilla pods while visiting Tahaa. The island is known as the "Vanilla Island” as it produces most of the vanilla in the region. Tahaa, French Polynesia. September 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Examining vanilla pods as they cling to a vine, I see firsthand how high humidity and sunny skies help this crop thrive on the island Tahaa, French Polynesia. September 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

Lush green vegetation surrounds a breadbox. With its long, narrow design, the box is perfectly shaped to hold the freshly baked baguettes that are delivered directly to homes. These can be seen throughout the islands. Tahaa, French Polynesia. September 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

A spectacular sunset signals the end of an equally spectacular day on Tahaa. Our trip to the island was pure joy, especially with an old friend as our guide, sharing his deep knowledge about his island home and community commuted to protecting it. October 2016. Photo: F. Rehnborg

A glorious night at anchor in Tahaa. The island today is much like Hawaii in the 1950s or Moorea in the 1970s. It’s a great example of what is still possible when people are committed to the environment. October 2016, Photo: F. Rehnborg