For us non-geologists, this motu phenomenon is really something to behold.  In layman’s terms, when the island sank and left the tropical reef surrounding the lagoon, certain pieces of the remaining coral managed to grow some palm trees (wikipedia has a much more better description).  Given the weather at Makemo we decided to run across the lagoon and anchor directly in the lee of a small motu.  Imagine sitting behind this little tiny island in calm waters watching the surf break outside the reef and lagoon – not a boat or person in sight.