Arrival in Hiva Oa, Marquesas, French Polynesia
After 22 days of sailing (with only 4 hours of motoring!), we arrived at the island of Hiva Oa, part of the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia! The island is incredibly green and rugged, with an impressive volcanic stone plug peak almost always covered in cloud. Pictures to follow once we get strong internet.
The anchorage in Atuona was a bit crowded and as we were not prepared to set our stern anchor (we had just re-attached our bow anchor after the crossing), we anchored outside the breakwater with two other boats. Then, after 22 days, we both went to sleep, at the same time, in the same bed, and for longer than 4 hours!
In the morning we went into town and officially checked into French Polynesia. We had a wonderful breakfast of eggs, cheese, and fresh baguette. As we walked back to the marina we noticed the majority of vehicles are Defenders, one of Dina's favourite vehicles. We also noticed there were many horses and they all trotted over to be petted.
We started to meet other cruisers. Many American boats whose voices we heard on the Pacific Puddle Jump radio net, but also French, Norwegian, Dutch, British, Austrian, and German boats.
We visited the Paul Gaughin museum and walked up the hill to the local cementary where he is buried. We also tried some great local pizza, a couple of local beers, and some delicious local ice cream!
After about 5 days, we left Hiva Oa and went south to the island of Tahuata.
The anchorage in Atuona was a bit crowded and as we were not prepared to set our stern anchor (we had just re-attached our bow anchor after the crossing), we anchored outside the breakwater with two other boats. Then, after 22 days, we both went to sleep, at the same time, in the same bed, and for longer than 4 hours!
In the morning we went into town and officially checked into French Polynesia. We had a wonderful breakfast of eggs, cheese, and fresh baguette. As we walked back to the marina we noticed the majority of vehicles are Defenders, one of Dina's favourite vehicles. We also noticed there were many horses and they all trotted over to be petted.
We started to meet other cruisers. Many American boats whose voices we heard on the Pacific Puddle Jump radio net, but also French, Norwegian, Dutch, British, Austrian, and German boats.
We visited the Paul Gaughin museum and walked up the hill to the local cementary where he is buried. We also tried some great local pizza, a couple of local beers, and some delicious local ice cream!
After about 5 days, we left Hiva Oa and went south to the island of Tahuata.