Hanamoenoa Bay, Tahuata
Scott-Free’s blog
Steve & Chris
Fri 7 Jun 2013 01:08
09:54.508S 139:06.233W
Friday 7th June 2013
Distance run: 12 nmiles
We stayed another day in Hanamenu Bay, but it was a
wet, blowy, miserable day, and we were glad to lift the anchors and leave on
Wednesday morning for the 12 nmile trip to the island of Tahuata, which lies
just south of Hiva Oa. The anchorage in Hananoenoa Bay was quite crowded
when we arrived, but we were relieved to see that all the boats were swinging on
one anchor. We edged our way in and dropped the anchor in water so clear
that we could see the bottom 7 metres down. This is our first clear water
anchorage in French Polynesia and we were not about to waste it, so, cossies on
and in the water in no time at all. We were able to snorkel over the
anchor to check it was well set - it was - and then to enjoy our first swim in
light blue water. What a treat!
Light blue, clear, clean water - what a
treat!
There was a light swell running into the anchorage
and it was rolly from time to time if the boat turned side on to it, but
otherwise it was very comfortable, and we enjoyed our afternoon and evening in
this first taste of the paradise we were expecting but which had so far eluded
us.
During the night, however, a big unpleasant swell
started to come into the anchorage and gave us quite an uncomfortable
night. We thought it was too good to be true! With the light, boats
started to leave, and by the time the torrential rain had stopped and the swell
died down, the anchorage was half empty. We decided to wait and see how it
would settle down, as the sun was beginning to shine and the swell much less
now. It was a good call, as by lunchtime the weather had cleared and the
swell returned to the gentle low one we had when we arrived.
That was yesterday, and today we have woken to a
beautiful sunny day and calm sea. Rod helped us to unwrap the anchor chain
from the rocks we had unwittingly draped it over during the lumpy night, and we
moved to a new spot. I have baked bread and done some laundry and Steve is
in the water cleaning the hull of the rather obstinate black stuff that we
picked up on the crossing and which has proved quite difficult to get
off. If these conditions hold, we could be here
some time.....
Steve scrubbing the muck off the
waterline.