A few days ago we arrived at the Marquesas islands after 3 weeks at sea. We headed for the island of Hiva Oa and anchored in Atuona Bay. We had little choice where our first land fall was as, like when you arrive in a new country by plane, you have to pass through immigration, there are only 2 places this can happen. So, that afternoon, we went ashore and walked the 2 or 3 km into town to present our passports and the ships papers to the local Gendarmerie. It was admittedly rather hot but 3km should not realy be an issue, we all felt we had walked for miles though.
The sailing community are a friendly bunch, we were lucky to have arrived on a Friday when there was a pop up restaurant on the quayside. After cooking from tins for a while the draw of steak frits with a group of people who we last saw in Galapagos and had all completed the same passage was to much so we gave in. A very pleasant evening with huge portions of food and friendly people was enjoyed by all.
Immigration proved easy once we had actually managed to get into the building, we had all the correct information and delt with a very friendly Gendarme. After a quick visit to the shop we headed back, feeling as if we had worked hard all day. I suppose sitting still for 3 weeks has that affect on your legs.
The sailing community are a friendly bunch, we were lucky to have arrived on a Friday when there was a pop up restaurant on the quayside. After cooking from tins for a while the draw of steak frits with a group of people who we last saw in Galapagos and had all completed the same passage was to much so we gave in. A very pleasant evening with huge portions of food and friendly people was enjoyed by all.
The following day we spent just wandering the local town, we sat and drank fruit juice and coffee with a couple from another boat and watched the world go by. They mentioned that they were planning a hike the next day to a beach and invited us to join them. It was only 5 km each way, how hard could it be?!!.
We packed a very sad lunch, none of the shops were open so it was chewie bars and dried fruit, carried 5 litres of water between the 2 of us and put shoes on for the first time in ages.
The trail was beautiful, high above the sea round headlands with views in every direction, our legs decided they did remember how to walk but only slowly, we put that down to the 32 degrees temperature and the steep slopes. The beach, when we first saw it as we rounded a corner, was out of this world, clear blue waters, white sands backed by coconut palms. Every inch a tropical paradise. We swam, sat in the shade of the palms, swam some more and finally, reluctantly set out to walk back. We decided 10 km was enough for one day. On the way back we stopped of at the only open hotel we could find, here they served a cold beer with stunning views , the perfect way to end a good day out. Even the legs forgave us.
After 3 days of eating ashore, different company and exploring we are moveing on. The anchorage was, unfortunately very open to the Pacific swells and so poor old Shimshal was rolling mightily each night, using the dingy was an adventure in its self and the nights were far from peacefully. We have gone in search of calm, sheltered bays and smooth, still nights.
Tim