Nuku Hiva................tikis and majestic mountains

Anchored in Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva, where we were told we'd be able to get our torn mainsail repaired

 Scott-Free leaving Hana Moe Noa en route to Nuku Hiva. We left sadly as this was the best anchorage we had found in the Marquesas thus far

           Just before sunset we caught a couple of Skipjack    Tuna............makes delicious ceviche!

Our priority was to get the mainsail repaired. This was done in a manner of speaking with a bit of help from Rod and his sail repair kit. He handstitched all the bits and pieces missed by the machinist.

We discovered that the whole problem was caused by the luff rope pulling out of the headboard which put undue strain on the leach. The machinist didn't secure this rope so Rod stitched in the yellow webbing and we are hoping that it'll all hold together until we get to Tahiti.

 This 18 inch section of the tear was also just left unstitched!!! Someone was having a bad day at our expense. More handstitching required. Not beautiful but hopefully strong enough.

We needed a calm flat anchorage for a few days and found it in Daniel's Bay (Taioa Bay), just a few miles from Taiohae Bay, the main anchorage. It was not only calm but breathtakingly beautiful. The bay is the crater of a volcano with a small hidden entrance.

The entrance to the bay.......well hidden behing the rocky outcrop in the foreground.

                                    Just beautiful!

        Leaving to return to Taiohae Bay with our mainsail up! 

With the worry of the mainsail repair over, we were able to enjoy and explore a bit of the village and the culture of Taiohae.

The island of Ua Pou in the distance........we won't be going there, we'll be leaving from  Nuku Hiva for the Tuomotus quite shortly.

Hiva Oa..............June 2013

Arriving in Hiva Oa to check in

The Paul Gauguin Museum in Attuona........filled with painted reproduction of all his works 

A replica of Gauguin's "House of Pleasures"

 

The Administration Centre of Hiva Oa

Even the cashiers wear these lovely crowns of flowers

 

Anchorage at Taahuku, Hiva Oa

 Hanamenu...........on the north coast of Hiva Oa

 Ashore on a fruit gathering mission

 Pae Pae..........ancient stone foundations for dwellings

Returning with bags of mangoes

Fresh water spring pool created by a local landowner

 A huge lump of coral picked up on our anchor at Hana Moe Noa

 Scott-Free at anchor in paradise!

Swimming with manta rays...........a unique and exciting experience

Fatu Hiva................. an island not visited by many folk................

Our first look at the Bay of Virgins.............the yacht in the foreground is "Frieda" which later dragged anchor and hit us as well as two other boats. She had a smashing time!!

This is what Sheer Tenacity's waterline looked like after her 3000+ mile voyage! A fast passage does not stop the weed and gooseneck barnacles from growing.

This small waterfall longside us became a raging muddy torrent after the heavy rains that welcomed us.

French customs were also anchored in the bay. We were boarded shortly after dropping the hook. Cruising yachts are really supposed to make landfall at Hiva Oa as there is no check in facilities here. Nevertheless the boarding party were courteous and friendly and had "no problem" with us. Our ripped mainsail was our excuse if they had made a fuss.

A group of local people performed for the Arranui which visits regularly with supplies and a few paying passengers. We were ashore for the show. The dancers decorate their hair with leaves and flowers.

Showing off her "tatts" and she could really move those hips!!

 The church is dwarfed by the magnificent backdrop.

A roadside shrine made from leaves and flowers.

A quaint little house tucked away in lush vegetation with woven walls.

When the sun finally appeared days later, we could see why Hanavave is considered one of the most beautiful anchorages in the world.

A walk up to the waterfall, but we didn't make it the whole way..........hot, humid and lots of biting things!

  

 A petroglyph spotted on our way back to the village

The tiki overlooking the little harbour.

Leaving Fatu Hiva en route to Hiva Oato check in