November 3, 2008 - Fatu Hiva, Marquesas
Today was amazing. I finally got a chance to explore some of the interior of the islands on foot. I have fallen in love with Fatu Hiva because of the amazing scenery and the friendly people. Fatu Hiva is the most remote, southern, wettest and greenest of the Marquesas. We went ashore at Hanavave, which is also called the “Bay of Virgins”.
Here is a view of the bay from the ship – as you can see it is incredibly striking.
Bay of Virgins
When we landed at the village, it seemed like all of the residents were there to greet us. Instead of just having fruit tasting and crafts like the other islands, they had set up demonstration stations so we could see how some of the things are done. I got to watch some carvers in action as well as people making tapa cloth. Of course, they danced for us, which is always one of my favorite parts.
After this, I got to go on the waterfall hike with the passengers. It was a fairly challenging hike, especially because it had been raining in the early morning. The path up was single track and very slippery with rocks and fallen trees. Luckily the passengers did ok with the hike – there were only two minor injuries. The waterfall at the end was spectacular. It wasn’t rushing down heavy, but the drop was very high, making it extremely striking. It felt great to get in the water and take a swim after sweating the entire way up the hill. Here are some photos of the hike and the waterfall.
View from the hike
On the trail
Waterfall
In the afternoon, we weighed anchor and started our sail back across the Pacific to the Tuamotu Islands. There are only a few more days of this cruise. Like all of them, it has gone quickly.
Here is a view of the bay from the ship – as you can see it is incredibly striking.
Bay of Virgins
When we landed at the village, it seemed like all of the residents were there to greet us. Instead of just having fruit tasting and crafts like the other islands, they had set up demonstration stations so we could see how some of the things are done. I got to watch some carvers in action as well as people making tapa cloth. Of course, they danced for us, which is always one of my favorite parts.
After this, I got to go on the waterfall hike with the passengers. It was a fairly challenging hike, especially because it had been raining in the early morning. The path up was single track and very slippery with rocks and fallen trees. Luckily the passengers did ok with the hike – there were only two minor injuries. The waterfall at the end was spectacular. It wasn’t rushing down heavy, but the drop was very high, making it extremely striking. It felt great to get in the water and take a swim after sweating the entire way up the hill. Here are some photos of the hike and the waterfall.
View from the hike
On the trail
Waterfall
In the afternoon, we weighed anchor and started our sail back across the Pacific to the Tuamotu Islands. There are only a few more days of this cruise. Like all of them, it has gone quickly.
posted by Lori @ 4:44 PM
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