We spent several days on the fringes of the channel between the islands of Tahuata and Hiva Oa. Tahuata fulfilled the postcard image that kept us motivated during the 3 week crossing.
We spent two days collecting green c-nuts, limes, pamplemoose and pictures. There was a very nice low reef in 30 ft of water where anchors had not done their devilish work
and interesting lava walls bracketing the bay.
We saw many beautiful things, some of which we were able to get good photos of.
There were blacktip sharks large and small. The small ones lurked in the ankle biting zone. K thought they were super-cute. S feared they might bite her ankles.
The more arid west coast of Hiva Oa reminded us of Baja.
This side of the island is in a rain shadow and only the valleys are well watered.
We met up with our friends on Paikea Mist (who we met in Sausalito) and shared an uncomfortable night of rare 20 kt west wind. The 3-point anchor spread went out and held us off the lee shore rocks 200 ft astern.
We missed all the good stuff the guide books mention about this bay but found a cool hermit crab the size of a baseball.
Tags: French Polynesia, Marquesas