We been moving every day or two, but spent the last two days back in Taiohae the main anchorage in Nuku Hiva. The Round the World Oyster fleet started arriving Sunday and there are about 15 of the 25 boats anchored around Gray Matter. We are still the only trawler / powerboat among the 30 some boats anchored here.
Yesterday on the Taiohae dock we met Alan and Jean De Toit who double-handed their Oyster 575 from the Galapagos arriving here two days ago. The asked which boat we were on – we are always a little shy about admitting it’s “THE trawler”. They were immediately curious. We had them over yesterday for a tour and chat – they are are on their second circumnavigation, having done the first on a 34 foot sailboat. They liked the space and simplicity of Gray Matter. Their blog: http://yachtlegend.blogspot.
One our first day here we chatted with a couple on a 40′ Catamaran Litespeed – Dave and Cathy. Dave has been “touring” the South Pacific for 8 years, and Cathy joined in New Zealand in 2007. They gave us a huge download on what to see in the Marquesas as well as the highlights between here in Australia. They also referenced a couple of other sailing blogs which we will pass on if they prove helpful. When we talked to them a week ago, they were heading back to the US to re-enter the working world. Last night they told us they are heading to Darwin Australia to join a rally through Indonesia for 3 months, and they need to be in Darwin by July. We asked when they’re leaving – “maybe tomorrow”.
After our afternoon with fellow cruisers, our 5000 miles and 3 months cruising seems like a scratch on the surface. So many places to go and I wonder if someday we can contemplate one week going east and the next going west.
You probably already know but… “Dirona”Nordhavn 52#63 with James and Jennifer Hamilton are tracking your direction…coming in from Hawaii. Sounds like they are four or five days out.
Love the updates…..keep them going.