Hi Folks!
We arrived safely in the Marquesas Islands three weeks ago and this is the first we've been in an area civilized enough to offer internet access.
The 3085 mile passage from Galapagos to Fatu Hiva took 20 days. We hit a top speed of 13.1 knots (!!!) and bagged a half dozen BIG mahi mahi along the way. We lost many of our best lures bacause the fish in the Pacific are much bigger than their Atlantic cousins. One brute stripped all the line from our biggest reel and Cath even had a shark on the line for a while until the hook snapped!
The Marquesas Islands are very lush and green with lots of waterfalls to splash around in cool jungle pools all to ourselves. Tropical fruits are falling ripe from trees and the locals are very hospitable. This is where Herman Melville jumped ship and inspired to write Typee and Paul Gaugin lived, painted and died here. There are soaring geological masterpieces covered in fragrant flowers illuminated by stunning sunsets... a fine and remote sailors' paradise.
We are presently anchored in Nuku Hiva among about 50 other cruising boats. several of which are crewed by old friends from the Caribbean. Small world. We've even hooked up with people we haven't seen since Bali & the Mediterranean!
We intend to spend a few more days here in the Marquesas and when the winds are favorable, sail south west 500 miles and spend a month or so poking around the dangerous reefs in Tuamotu Atols enroute to Tahiti and Bora Bora.
That's "the plan" anyway...
All is well.
Peace & Love,
Kirk, Cath & Stuart ~~~_/) ~~~ the Gallivanters
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