Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Archipelago, French Polynesia – Where did the year go?

We have been anchored off the same island for one whole year!

If you asked me, pre Covid pandemic, if we would stay in one place this long, I would have laughed at you. What would we find to amuse ourselves one one island for a whole year?

BACK GROUND

We have stopped cruising before. You will remember we stopped in Panama and worked near the Canal to top up the cruising kitty.

We also stopped cruising during the hurricane seasons when we were exploring the Caribbean. We found sheltered anchorages or boat yards just north or south of the main hurricane tracks and completed annual maintenance and repairs.

Now we are in the Southeastern Pacific, rarely effected by cyclones, we are open to sail all year round. Until the Pandemic hit, that is exactly what we were doing.

But all good things must come to an end?

STUCK

Covid Pandemic hit the world. The movment of yachts in the South Pacific became restricted.

What were we to do?

With no safe options to continue westward we decided it was not that bad being stuck in French Polynesia. Lots of islands and atolls to explore, culture to experience and friendly people.

So where to next? With Covid infection rates highest in the touristy Society Islands, we decided to head up north to the much more isolated Marquesas group. Oh yes, and while we were there we could get a few “long ignored” boat jobs done.

So off we went, with a little side trips along the way, to the Marquesas. First stop, when we got there, was to meet up with old friends at the island groups capital, Taiohae.

And that is where we have remained.

HOW DID A YEAR PASS US BY?

It started with waiting for rigging parts to come in from overseas. Taiohae village is the supply ship port for the island. While we were waiting we got a little “comfortable” and started getting on with a few repairs.

Then you know how it goes? Doing one job, you spot 3 more jobs that need addressing. Then you start making friends ashore and getting distracted having fun and before you know it one month, than two and then three months have slipped by.

Then we just decided, we are not going anywhere in this Pandemic, so let’s get some serious work done on the boat. And that is how a year has slipped us by.

ALL WORK AND NO PLAY

I have to admit, my humans are not the most commited workers. Getting them to put in some hard graft until the afternoon heat sets in is usually their limit. That is when they are not finding excuses to skip out completely.

Nine years of cruising on a forty year old boat means there are always loads of stuff to reseal, repaint and revarnish. Add on top stuff that has worn out or needs maintenance.

But none of us can complain too much. Anchoring is free and well protected. There is a great beach for me, abundant fresh produce, fresh water, good fishing, great hiking, small hospital, pharmacy, bank and good friends.

WHAT NEXT

Well, if the humans get working a little harder, we will have a lot of boat projects done and be free to get off exploring again.

It looks unlikely that the other island nations will open their maritime borders any time soon in the South Pacific, but we have many more islands and atolls to explore here in French Polynesia. We even have islands and bays we have yet to explore in the Marquesas before we head south.

Do not hold your breath, but be assured, my humans will get restless soon enough!

A FEW PICTURES OF WHAT THE HUMANS HAVE BEEN UP TO LATELY.

LETS SEE WHAT THEY GET UP TO NEXT