Saturday 2 April 2016

Galapagos to Marquesas...

On 29th February we left Galapagos for our journey to Marquesas,
taking exactly 21 days and 3095 nautical miles...



We needed to motor for 3 days only during the trip.
A week in and our beautiful screecher sail blew out – damn!
Richard had to do repairs on both the generator and watermaker while underway, 
however all in all it was a wonderful uneventful trip.

The dolphins came out to meet us as we approach Marquesas...


Our first sight of land was amazing and what a spectacular anchorage – Fatu Hiva - purported to be one of the most beautiful anchorages in the world



We presented Dean with this certificate while having a well deserved drink
After 21 days of no alcohol it was like nectar to the gods!


and we got into some guitar lessons with a few drinks...


We met Daniel – a Frenchman who arrived here six months ago 
and hasn’t left (we can understand why)…


Daniel is a true gentleman, taking us ashore to meet the locals
and organizing the most amazing fruit


Which was given to us by Poi (in photo below)


Poi is also an amazing bone carver – we bought a beautiful  piece from him
for my hair

We went on a wonderful walk to a local waterfall



After a couple of days of enjoying being at anchorage
we headed to Viatehu, Tahuata
The church here is magnificent which overlooks the anchorage


Inside, the pulpit is hand carved


Easter was again upon us, so I baked
Chicken Pies, Mince and Cheese Pies and of course Hot Cross Buns...



We finally headed to Hiva Oa to check into French Polynesia

We then headed to Hanamenu on Hiva Oa
The casting was great off the back of Our Rose


However this shark was returned to live another day



While heading to Ua Pou we came across birds working
Great schools of tuna – needless to say it was Sashimi and Sesame Seared Tuna Medallions for dinner!..


We anchored at "Daniels Bay" a gorgeous spot... 
the yacht next to us - a young french couple had a chicken aboard
they thought it would lay eggs for them (they collected it in Galapagos)
Needless to say - no eggs
However was a visual feast for the boys as she wore NOTHING!

Went for a long walk to the third highest waterfall in the world
AMAZING


We are now at Niku Hiva, with the first internet since we arrived, 
and leaving for the Tuamotos tomorrow…

This amazing mural is on the wall of a snack place here,
showing the full body tattoos of the Marquesan ancestors