What You Want After 25 Days at Sea

–by Alma

After 25 days of rolling down the seas of the Pacific there are a few things that you want, and we got all of them. The first thing that we got was to see something other than horizon when you looked around. We got that one even before we arrived at the island. Seeing the silhouette of Hiva Oa was amazing.

So much to see besides the sea

The second thing that we got was fruit. When we were anchoring, some other cruisers thought that we had put our stern anchor on their bow anchor, so my mom rowed over to their boat and talked with them in French, and when they looked at it again they decided that it was OK. Then, when we were getting ready to go ashore for our showers, they offered us some bananas and grapefruits. That was really nice.

When we first got to Hiva Oa, we needed and wanted showers. The shower was outdoors, by the dumpsters, the floor was covered in mud, and the water was cold, but there was a lot of it, all streaming down. It felt like the best shower in my life.

Another thing that you really want after 25 days at sea is to be able to sleep through the night. At sea, every night you have to get up at a certain time for watch, but at anchor, you can sleep through the night. Also, there’s no roll. No roll makes cooking, and just living easier. Both of those were awesome.

In Hiva Oa there are two ways to get your laundry done. One of them is to send your laundry with a person who lives there who helps cruisers, which you have to pay for, but the other way is free. There’s a tiled counter with a spout and you bring your laundry, soap, and buckets, do your laundry, and then hang it up on your boat to dry. We did both ways, and doing the laundry on our own was surprisingly fun.

Later we got more fruit.

The last thing we were craving was walking and running. We didn’t hike at all on the first island that we went to, but there was a walk into town that took about thirty minutes. At the second island that we went to, we didn’t hike much, but here Nuka Hiva, Arlo and my dad have gone on a few runs. Tomorrow we will all go on a hike.

Those are the things that you really want after 25 days at sea, and we got all of them. We certainly aren’t rolling down seas anymore!

12 thoughts on “What You Want After 25 Days at Sea”

  1. There are some good woodcarvers in Nuku Hiva. I got a nice bowl made from local rosewood from the carver who lives near the soccer field. He was the size of a sumo wrestler.

  2. Alma, we’re so happy for you. Walking and running, a cold shower, and fruits are the treasures we take for granted here but mean a lot when you don’t have easy access to them – at all and for so long! I wrote a longer email to send to you all, which I will do soon. We live vicariously through your adventures here. Will you be drawing or painting during your trip? Do you miss playing the piano? Can’t wait to hear more…
    School will be over in two days here. It seems that everyone under 18 looks unusually happy 🙂
    A bientôt!

  3. Good on you, may your adventure continue to be amazing and rewarding. Phyllis and I send our best wishes your way.

  4. Hi Alma and everyone! I woke up in the middle of the night last night — couldn’t sleep — checked my emails (of course) and there was your brilliant description of your newly refound creature comforts. I felt so warm and cozy knowing about your comfiness that I thought. “hmmm maybe i can go back to sleep now.” And i did. Thanks! So happy you guys are walking and showering and enjoying yourselves. Well done travellers!!!!!!!!!!!! xxc

  5. Hi Caitlin and family,

    I loved reading Alma’s post – cold shower, fruits and walking/running. All of those sound wonderful after being on the boat for so long. Hope you also got to sleep a full night. Love reading the posts. Would make a great book! Nancy

  6. Beautiful pictures, we can only imagine what fun you’re having! Each day brings a new adventure! Alma, you are such a good story teller! Love Tam And Den

    1. Hi Dennis and Tammy!
      Thank you guys so much! We will miss coming to the farm this summer. We miss you.
      Love Alma

  7. I’m so glad you’re all getting a respite— refueling in lots of different ways. Thank you, Alma, for the beautiful narration! We’ve been spending a lot of time on the beach in LA, and we think of you as we gaze out across the Pacific in your direction! Xox

    1. Hi Meg,
      Thank you so much! The beach sounds like fun! We miss you guys a lot!
      Love Alma

  8. Hello all! I’m following you around the island! LLove the picture of fruit that you have found on the island.it sounds pretty rustic that you have a hagreat d Love the picture of fruit that you have found on the island. It sounds pretty rustic time finding a “hiking trail,” but must be beautiful! We moved into our new house in the country of Algonquin. Only six minutes from all the grandkids and it’s so great not to have to drive an hour to go see them. We have a summer of fun to look forward to. It’s very peaceful at our new house lots of trees and a stream that runs the length of our property Because it is on a hill and ground water trickles from the top of our yard. We also have many new bugs to deal with but I’ll take the bugs anytime. because it is on a hill and ground water trickles from the top of our yard. We also have many new bugs to deal with but I’ll take the bugs anytime. We have DR. there at graze in our backyard and chipmunks and chipmunks that looks vevthe overflow of birdseed from our feeders. Sending love to all!

    1. Oh my comment was convoluted due to bad internet here. Sorry. I was trying to say we have deer in our back yard! Lol! 💕💕💕

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