In the Marquessa's

We made it.....We dropped the hook exactly 17 days and 22 hours after leaving the Galapagos, which means our average travel time was 6.6 knots. Since the average time to get here is between 23 and 25 days, we are certainly happy to arrive so far ahead of schedule. We were lucky to be able to sail the entire way - what a treat!

Once here in Fata Hiva we immediately jumped in the water, then got organized, pumped up the dinghy and headed for shore. Shelby was our awesome translator as we wandered through town. We had a bit of an eye-opener with our minor purchase of flour, eggs, two pops and a bag of chips for about $28.00 U.S. dollars. We were hoping to get bread, fresh fruit and vegetables, but they only get a delivery once a week on Monday's when we will be gone. The good news is that we were able to pick fresh limes off one of the zillion lime trees and also pick up a couple of coconuts along the roadside. There was one little store that sold hand-made carvings, at a cost of about $240 U.S., although they only accept French francs. That got us off the hook, but then they asked if we would trade some shotgun bullets for one of the carvings. We explained as Canadians that we didn't have a gun on board. While walking back we were also asked to "trade" for alcohol and a couple of kids asked us for "bon-bons" (candy). Since it was Saturday the whole town was out at the waterside cleaning the fish that they caught today. Shelby was a little grossed out with the dogs gnawing on the discarded fish heads.

We are looking forward to a full night sleep tonight and then we'll get up early to get to church at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow. I"m really looking forward to this as the whole community attends and the kids play the ukuleles and sing. We will then carry on for a hike to the 300 foot waterfall which takes about an hour and a half each way.

We'll have another relaxing afternoon and then head out on Monday at dawn to Hiva Oua (about 8 hours sail), which is the major island here in the Marquessa's.

We are so grateful and excited to be here in the South Pacific!!!!!!

Will update the blog again next Friday......Hugs to everyone.
P.S. It is now Monday and we are an hour outside of Hiva Oao. We enjoyed the church service..lots of singing and cheerful. We spent 4 hours wandering in the mountains, but never found the waterfall. Great views anyway. We were unable to send emails while at anchor and unable to use the phone, since it required a phone card which we couldn't buy on the weekend. We will head in to town tomorrow on this main island and Doug and Shelby will make their phone calls from there.