Goodbye Marquesas

Rhumbrunner
Thu 19 May 2016 05:53
So, we had 10 days in the Marquesas... That went quick. We started in Hiva Oa where we checked into French Polynesia (Marquesas is part of FP). We sailed over to Tahuata to swim in crystal clear water then back to the northern part of Hiva Oa to hike up to the plateau overlooking Hanamenu. We anchored in the bay and went ashore in the dinghy but the waves were bigger than expected and we almost capsized on the way in. 3 of us went under water! Then a local man guided us up the hill & proceeded to give us lots of local fruit. Really friendly.

We were going to sail further around Hiva Oa but the wind was against us, so we sailed over to Ua Huka. No I'm not making the names up. We couldn't get ashore there as the waves & swell were too big, so off to Nuku Hiva. We visited a few bays, hicked up to a waterfall that meant wading across a flooded river in waist deep water, and relaxed a bit. All around Nuku Hiva we saw Manta Rays. I was snorkeling with one for a while until it became a bit too interested in me.

Finally we provision with food, diesel & gas & set off on Sunday to Ua Poa. This was another stunning island with 2 pointy peaks that dominated the island. We walked over to deserted bay with breaking waves. The water was clear & warm and the bay reminded me of the Gower coast near Swansea. Great fun body surfing before heading back to the boat to set off for the Tuamoto's & Fakarava, some 500 miles away.

Since then we have sailed about 1/2 day and have motored for 2.5 days.

Fakarava is meant to have great diving with sharks. More in the next blog.



Position on 19/05/16 06.30GMT 13:43.8S 143:40.5W

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