We decided not to make other stops within The Marquesas group and headed north to Nuku Hiva. Mike, from Water Sprite, took a ride with us as he was leaving WS and need to get to Nuku Hiva earlier. Here we met up again with Brian and Lyn and took a tour with them that Mike organised over some of the island. We were lucky to have a beautifully clear day (it can be misty and rainy – that’s volcanic islands for you) and had some great views from the heights.
The anchorage in Nuku Hiva
It’s all very much and green - which tells you all you need to know about the rainfall here!
There was an episode of Survivor filmed here.
There’s always an”aunty” selling trinkets
Peter, Brian and Lyn. Behind you can see the outside back seats attached to the old Hill they use for tours.
A little shrine. Most of the churches are Mormon so not sure where this fits in.
Our guide’s grandmother used to be the Mayor and guardian of some sacred sites so it was interesting. She explained to us that the early inhabitants had lost the art of fishing at some point and became almost exclusively cannibal! This was so up until as recently as the last century. In fact, there was a report about 6 or so years ago of a man being reported missing and eaten, by his wife – I mean she reported him missing not ate him! Apparently a local offered to take him on a trip or tour or something and took him up the mountain and ate him. The locals have a different theory and probably the truth will never be known.
An almost magical spot
Our tour lady explaining the hut system - you cannot have a bigger hut than the chief!
A typical hut
Not so magical - this is the stone where you cut up your enemy captives for eating.
The ARC organised a good evening with some local singing and dancing followed by a Hangi (don’t know what it’s called here) the usual fatty but delicious pork. After a few days here we took off to the Tuamotos Islands – a four day trip with good sea and weather. I had hurt my weak knee in the dinghy so a few days basically off my feet eating Voltaren was handy.,
The big, tough local guys…..
Then they brought on the skinny, white ARC guys!
