Here we are back on the boat. While Mike and I returned to Colorado for a week to take care of some business and catch up with some family, Gary enjoyed sailing and touring a few more of the Marquesas Islands. He went to Ua Pou, Atuona, Tahuata and Nuku-Hiva. Mike and I flew to the island of Nuku Hiva where Gary was anchored. We had to take a 2 hr. taxi ride from the airport to Baie de Taiohae. It was a beautiful ride over the very mountainous terrain here. Lot’s of narrow roads and hairpin turns to get over the mountains here. There is lots of rain forest and vegetation. We sailed over to another bay only 5 miles from here on Tuesday called Baie de Taioa or Daniel and Antoinette’s Bay, after the friendly Marquisan couple who have lived there for over 60 years. There is not much there but a small bay, Daniel’s house/hut and about 12 houses/huts. There are no stores or electricity at all. The entire French Polynesia is so beautiful but I believe this bay itself is what they mean by Paradise! The harbor there is completely surrounded by lush, green mountains. So much so that we could not get internet but the full moon and stars make up for that. It is so much more beautiful than any postcard I have ever seen! We met up with some friends from London again, Mike and Devala. The five of us ventured on a 5 mile roundtrip hike to the third highest waterfall in the world. There were many ruined paepae and some tikis in the valley. Amazing to see these ancient ruins in the rain forest. Devala and I heard a baby crying in the middle of the forest and setoff to investigate. Low and behold we found a baby lying in a wheel barrow. The mother was not far off picking fruits. I guess it is take your baby to work day everyday here. Except for me, the group swam in the pond at the bottom of the waterfall and found a beautiful cave inside. (I chickened out after seeing too many ‘critters’ on land and in the water.)
The few people on this part of the island like to trade with the boaters as there is no other means to get things. Chocolate seems to be there number one item they like from the outside world. We are hanging on to what we have left for another island. Mike and Devala traded some wine for bananas, pomplemousse (French grapefruit) and some native deep fried banana treats which they happily shared with us. All of these items grow in abundance here. Gary was able to pick some very nice, potent chili peppers from a bush during our hike too. Today we are back at
Baie Taiohae to refuel and provision. We will head to the Atoll Islands sometime next week. The French celebrate Bastille Day July 17th, so we will stick around for that celebration before we take off for new islands. The Atolls are still in the French Polynesia but 500 miles further south, another 3.5 day sail. (can’t wait-not!) We were given permission to stay in French Polynesia until September 24th so we are taking our time to enjoy the islands! Life is Good! Love to All…..