NUKU HIVA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

                                                                  Are we lost??

         Huku Hiva is the largest of the fifteen Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.  These islands were formed by volcanoes millions of years ago.  Samoans came here over 2000 years ago to inhabit the islands.  There are only 9300 people living on the 15 islands with 2660 living on Nuku Hiva.  Back in the 1700’s 78,000 lived here but when Westerners came they brought with them diseases and the population has dwindled over the years to 9300.  The French have controlled the Marquesas since 1870.  The Marquesas Islands are the most remote in the world.  The nearest continent is 3000 miles away, west Mexico.  Tahiti is 852 miles further southwest.

        As you can see from my photos while sailing in the terrain is mountainous.  The highest peak is 4,000 feet.  There is a valley on the east side called Taipivai Valley where Herman Melville wrote "Typee" based on his experiences in the valley.  There is only one excursion offered today and it is to this valley.  We did not take the tour but I did go ashore for a few minutes for some photos.  We are anchored today in Taioha'e Bay on the south side of the island.  

        Rebecca and I were here in January of 2010 as the first stop on our 119 day world cruise.  Back then we were entertained by locals dancing and chanting followed by a lunch.  Not so this time. Some things never change however.  It is still hot and humid here.  85F and 52% humidity

                                                        Nope!  Nuka Hiva ahead.

                                           Sailing along the southern coast of Nuku Hiva

                                                       Hope they are friendly natives!

                                                            Pretty rough terrain.

                  Lowering the life boats as they will once again serve as our tenders to take is ashore.

                                         On the tender going ashore for about an hour.

                       Greeted by locals beating drums, chanting, and passing our flowers.

                                                  Volcanic black sand beach

                                               View from our balcony this afternoon

        This afternoon I am going to sit out on our balcony and enjoy the scenery.  We are not sailing until 7:00 pm.  There will be a pre-dinner production show at 6:00 pm featuring the Jean Ann Ryan singers and dancers in "Cirque Rock n Roll".  The ocean has been too rough for the show while at sea so doing it right before we sail.  Don't want any of the performers injured.  After dinner there will be a movie, "Jersey Boys", shown in the showroom.  Tomorrow will be another day at sea.