Arrival in Hiva Oa

First view of Hiva Oa, Marquesas

MAGGIE at anchor (blue hull)

Our daily track across the Pacific

It is a good Friday for us as we arrived safely in the Marquesas. The last overnight was as good as the day, with fair winds, a full moon, and even a caught tuna. Bob took the first watch and filleted the tuna. Rob and I probably didn't sleep much during our turns off watch as we needed to pay attention to the route and sails to get a good time to arrive. Admittedly we were probably just too excited. We landed up arriving about 11 am, after 25 days at sea.

After getting a bow and stern anchor set, with only a few glitches, we got the dinghy ready for the trip to shore to check in. Luc and Jackie had some welcoming treats for us-a bag of baguettes, local grapefruit and bananas and leis. They knew what we had been missing so had a great lunch.

The check in project has been much delayed. You need a dinghy anchor at the dock because of the swell. Rob threw it over before noticing that the line had come undone between it and the chain to the anchor. After diving several times for the lost anchor and chain he gave up. We found a large rock and tied a line to it and that worked well enough.

By the time we got to town everything was closed for the holiday including the gendarmerie who do check ins. But the process has been started with Luc finding us an agent who will work on the bond issue for a fee.

We spent the afternoon just walking around to stretch those legs. It is so beautiful here! The peaks are high and cloud covered and the hillsides covered in lush growth. We hiked up a steep road to a town cemetery where there were great views of the sea. I don't think I have ever been in a cemetery that was this dramatic looking-with the plots being added as you go up the cliff. The artist, Paul Gauguin, is buried there. He spent the last years of his life living and painting here in the town of Atuona. Jacques Brel also lived and was buried here. I can see why it would appeal to an artist as a home.

Rob promised to treat the crew to a dinner ashore when we arrived. We passed a nice looking spot on the walk back to the harbour. The owner's son gave us a ride back to the dock which was much appreciated as it was raining by then. He also picked us up for dinner and returned us afterwards. It is an hour's walk to town so any ride is appreciated. The crew of Windwalker was also there so it was fun to swap stories of the passage as their SSB had not been working.

We passed the local Catholic church in town where the Good Friday service was on. We listened for awhile as the music and harmonies were beautiful. The language was Marquesan, however. We may have understood a bit if it had been French. We hope to return for services Easter Sunday morning