Sunday, March 27, 2011

Nuka Hiva - March 27th

Nuka Hiva, Marquesas Islands....March 27th....Our last stop in the South Pacific.   Such an odd but beautiful island.....  It’s fairly large with medium sized peaks, very rocky cliffs with small beach areas dotted here and there along the coast line we can see from our side of the ship......  The mountains are covered with trees but very few coconut trees compared to the other islands we have visited.    


Approaching Nuka Hiva

Coming into the Pier on the tender

A close up of the "flat top" a sacred mound on the island






It’s inhabitants are mostly locals who speak very little English but were so nice.  There has been a lot of archeological work done on  this island with many discoveries of it’s first visitors and a lot of the old traditions are still practiced here.   There has also been several important herbicidal medicines found here.    We had no scheduled tours here, the only one available was a 4wd 2 hour ride up the hill and back and I didn’t think my back could take it......  Instead, we slept late, walked around the promenade deck, then took the tender to shore about 1:00.  There were a few shops selling hand made items but everything was very expensive.....  Jim purchased one item, we chose a rock that was carved out from one of the peaks.   Beautiful and healing......


Inside one of the market shops

a pretty shot of the Rotterdam from the Pier



It was very hot and extremely humid so we were back to the ship by 2:30.....While on the ship we were fortunate enough to have seen one of the "sea shepard" vessels anchored off shore.... the "Gojira".  You can read more about the sea shepard fleet at http://www.seashepherd.org/  They do an amazing job of protecting our seas all over the world.


The Gojira

Sea Shepard anchored off Nuka Hiva

Last night was a formal  night and we ate at the Pinnacle Grill then went to the casino for a while.   Tonight is regular dining at 7:00 and we have no plans for the evening
The ship will leave Nuka Hiva at 5:00 p.m. and we will start our way back to San Diego, coming back into harbor on April 3rd.....   Our journey is coming to an end much too soon.......


The Island of Nuka Hiva at dusk

Jim on the Veranda

As we were pulling away from the islands of Nuka Hiva

One of our last views of the South Pacific Islands



I have very little time remaining on my internet package so I may not be able to post much on our remaining 6 days at sea. If there is not much to read in a few days, be assured that I will catch you all up and post some pictures when we get back home........  It's been fun sharing all of this with you but I promise to make it more complete when I have better internet connections at home.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

We have enjoyed every minute of your trip. Thanks
Love...F&J

Anonymous said...

I am sorry your trip is coming to a end, we have enjoyed every minute with you. Love Kay & Carl

Unknown said...

It's the next best thing to being on the boat! I have looked forward to your island updates, so glad you are having a great time!