We had to be in the main town of Nuka Hiva called Taiohae by 2pm for the Marquesas welcome reception and then the Arc prize giving party at 6pm. We were rather sad to leave our gorgeous Daniel’s bay but it wasn’t quite the same with the 4 other boats there. Coming out the bay we got a good look at the cliffs and pounding waves we had passed in the dark, in awe of our night time anchoring..
After less than an hour of motoring into the wind we were amazed to see about 50 boats anchored in Taiohae, about 18 boats from the Arc. It is a well protected large bay with plenty of space which made anchoring a lot easier. We got in mid morning and headed straight into town to take Ginger Spice, our Parasail in for repairs where the seams were ripping, it is going to take 5 days, so we needed to get it in quickly. Rowan hopes that we will use this the whole way to the Tuamotu Atolls.
At 2pm we were at the tourist office and our welcome celebrations were started, with us getting gorgeous leis as we arrived, some very fragrant frangipani ones that did not last too well as they go brown quickly, mine was made of pink and white bougainvillea and herbs, which I intend to dry. We were then shown some of the handicrafts of the island, copra making from coconuts, wood carvings and jewelery making from seed pods. Han spotted some beautifully carved Opinel French knives, we managed to buy the whole lot (5) between us, which we were chuffed about.
Back to the boat for a quick afternoon siesta and scrub up before returning to the village hall for the party and prize giving. We managed to come 2nd in the multihull division which was a big surprise, and got awarded some lovely carved key rings. We were surprised again to get called up for being on the winning team of the Beach Olympics in Las Perlas, if only Jonny, Widge and Edmund were here to share the delicious chocolate prize!
The food was then carried out of the earthen fire pit by some locals in traditional gear, who then performed and danced for us. The body tattoos were quite something! The funniest was when the Arc men had to take off their tops and join in, getting right into the spirit. The woman’s dancing was a bit more sedate.There was dancing and drinking afterwards but Rowan and I were so knackered we headed back to the boat, knowing that the Argentinian lads would bring Han and Megan back. They had a great evening by all accounts.
Leaving the breathtaking scenery of Daniel’s bay
Leaving behind the 4 boats in the bay
Soft carved cliffs
Can’t believe we came through here in pitch dark!
Amazing scenery along the way to Taiohae, the biggest town on the island
Lots of boat masts appear, must have been nearly 50 boats anchored
Colourful fish at the market
5 African Sausage trees lining the street
Bizarre shapes on the sunset horizon
Locals dancing
Strong guys getting the food out of the earth pit
Dancing In the village hall
The woman joined in
Couldn’t resist the amazing but tatoos
Just like the NZ haka
The Arc men stripped of their shirts join in, looks like Rowan and John are eye balling each other!
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