The Marquesas
A Week Alone

For the first time in a long time ( a year) I went to church, to thank the forces to be for a great week and a safe one. Of course I did not understand anything and could not sing as it was all in French. But the Islanders singing was beautiful.

I left Fatu Hiva (Bay of Virgins) last Monday Or did they kick me out cause I tried to convert some of them? I can’t remember. Anyways the winds were great all week long blowing 20-25 knots which is a lot of wind, but it was behind me most of the way (pushing me). My first trip was about 40 miles (6 hours) to the Island of Tahuata to a little bay called Hanatefau. I had it all to myself and it was a very pretty bay. High hills all around with lots of vegetation and palm trees.

The next day I went to another bay on the same Island called Hanamoenoa Bay. There were 5 other boats and nothing else. It was rated as one of the most beautiful bays in Polynesia. It had a beautiful beach that I took a walk on. I also put on my dive gear and saw a lot of reef fish and beautiful coral right off the boat.

On Wednesday I left at 5 am for the Island called Ua Pou. It w as 70 miles away and it was going to take 10 hours. Again it was a great trip lots of wind, and of course as a sailor that is what we want. My first stop was Vaiehu Bay. Again I had it all to myself and it was really pretty and remote. High cliffs surrounding the bay.
The next morning I sailed up the coast to another bay called Hakehetau. There is a little settlement there so I walked around, bought some mangos and grapefruit right off the tree. Since there was not much else to do I set sail for Nuku Hiva Island, Taiohae Bay.This is the main town in the Marquesas with supplies and even someone to do laundry. This is also were I am going to pick up Mike and Marnie on Monday.

So on Friday I gathered all the laundry, dropped it off and came back to the boat. I cleaned a little, but pretty much took it easy. On Saturday I took the bike ashore and checked the town out. Found three small grocery stores to provision at and walked around a park with old Tiki statues. I Then came back to the boat cleaned some more. Had some wine at sunset (6 pm) made dinner (lamb chops), some more wine and watched a movie.

So until next week, you all enjoy the summer, your friends and family and be safe.
Love Gary

The Marquesas Islands
WE MADE IT, open sea voyage of 3000 miles, 18 days.

The last 4 days of our trip were uneventful. We stopped fishing after catching the 30 lb tuna as we had plenty of frozen fish. The winds blew very nice sometimes for short gusts hitting 30 knots, one of those times we had the spinnaker up, but we survived it. So overall we made great time.

The timing of the land fall could not have been planned better, even if we planned it. We were within 20 miles just before daybreak. So when the sun rose in the east the Islands rose from the sea in the west. It was absolutely beautiful. After being at sea for 18 days it was fantastic to see land again “even for me”.

Our first stop was the Island Hiva Oa, the town Atuona Latitude 9 48’ S, Long. 139 2’ W
We stopped here for two reasons 1) we could check into customs and immigration here and they have a airport. Mike had to fly back to Denver for business and Marnie went with. They will be back on July 6. We rented a car for a couple of days and drove around the Island. What a beautiful lush place. Mountain peaks (4000ft) all over the place. We stopped at a little farm enroute and bought a stalk of bananas right off the tree.

I am now by myself for the next week and will visit a number of Marquesas Islands. On Saturday20I sailed to Fatu Hiva lat. 10 28’S, long. 138 40’ W and stayed in the Hanavave Bay (Bay of Virgins). Today I am going ashore to see if it is true. What a beautiful bay. It is like the Fiords, but there are lush green mountains surrounding the bay.

Many of you know my daughter Nicole. Well if you remember 6 years ago she was on The TV show Fear Factor. She will once again be on TV. This time the season premier of LA Ink July 9 at 10pm eastern time. She received an awesome Tattoo from them, which you will see.

So until next week, when I will update you on the Bay of Virgins (reality or myth) and some of the other Marquesas Islands. As you can see I did get access to the internet but the two year schedule is on Mikes computer, so I will send next week.

Love Gary