–By Alma
We sailed from Ua Pou, to Fatu Hiva in early July. Like other Marquesans, the locals in Fatu Hiva were very kind — selling us fruit, inviting us over for dinner, etc. Like we did on other Marquesan islands, we hiked to a water fall on Fatu Hiva. It was buggy like the rest, but still really beautiful.
After about a week in Fatu Hiva, we left for the Tuamotu, an archipelago of 78 low-lying coral atolls. Sailing away from the Marquesas, we were greeted by two huge (maybe blue?) whales, who sent us on our way. The passage was good except for one day with lots of squalls. Arlo and I took an extra watch each afternoon, because my parents split the night between just the two of them. The passage took about four and a half days, and today we came to an atoll called Tahanea. Some other cruising families who we met earlier on our trip are here as well. We will celebrate Arlo’s birthday on the 16th here in paradise!
Leaving the Marquesas meant leaving plenty of fresh water, too much fruit (almost), and great hikes, but definitely not coconuts, which there are a lot of in the Tuamotu.
In fact, when we arrived in the Tuamotu, the first things we could see of the island were the palm trees, because the islands are so low, only about five feet above sea level. We entered the atoll’s lagoon through the pass and crossed the lagoon to our first anchorage. We could see the bottom 77 feet down! I am exited for our time in the Tuamotu, but also a little scared. I am exited for white sand beaches, and clear water, and lots of good snorkeling (which we have seen that there is a lot of here). I am scared because in 60 feet of water, there could be a coral head sticking up just below the surface. If the person in the ratlines (a ladder that goes up the mast) does not see it, then you could hit it.
We will miss the bounty of the Marquesas, but we are looking forward to what lies ahead (and I am scared, but just a little). In the photo below you can see the beautiful view from our boat. [end]
