Blue Book of Boats

Land at last! We came in to Nuku Hiva, with spectacular views along the coast, and anchored in the main harbor. The Amsterdam pretty much fills the anchorage, no room for another big ship. There are about a dozen yachts here,mainly Beneteau types about 40 feet long. There is a small boat yard with a crane and a couple of boats  hauled out for repairs.  The town of Taiohae is spread along the shore. I spotted only one car on the road, not too busy. Quite pretty in a quiet way.

After waiting for customs clearance, we were finally able to go ashore.  It was great to go ashore after a week at sea. However the land behaved just like the ships deck, it heaved up and down.

Nuku Hiva is a lovely but steep island. The ships passengers, although numerous did not overwhelm the place as many stayed on board.

By noon, most people had gone back to the ship, apparently not trusting the local food or not wanting to pay the fairly high prices.

I walled as far as possible to the west, the road ends at a fancy hotel,and as far east as possible, where there is a boat repair yard and freighter landing.

I thought it was a one horse town but I saw three horses and an equal number of phone booths. Chickens and roosters were everywhere, and the cockerels just keep crowing, apparently promoting the fried chicken lunch.

The heat got to me and I made the mistake of having a mid morning cold beer. An hour later, after more walking, I suddenly felt faint, and had to sit down for a while.

I had lunch a a local cafe, mango juice (fresh and good) and a Croque M’sieu. 600 francs, about $5. Beer earlier was 350. Prices seem reasonable as long as you stay out of the tourist hotels.Easy since there is only one real hotel here, plus a couple of pensions.

I saw a large lady lying in a pose right out of a Gauguin painting,pareu and all, and asked if I could take her photo. She declined, but these two popped up with a loud “yes” and I couldn’t disappoint them. Note tattoo on hand.

Our first South Pacific landfall is approaching. We crossed the equator about 10 PM last night, and I found an “Equator crossing Certificate” on my bed after dinner. Pretty silly.

We are now at 3 38 S and steaming at 18 knots.

The wind is strong today, on the port beam, probably close to 30 knots. We have never had less than 6 or more than 30 knots so far, and never dead on the nose, so I guess a small boat could sail out here pretty safely at this time of year. Mike Mcgrath, who is on this list, has done it, more than once.

I just got back from a presentation in the ship’s show lounge, where details of Moorea, Bora Bora and Raiatea were given. All three sound like great places. We will be in Bora Bora on Sunday and Monday so I hope to hear some of that great Tahitian singing.