Day One in the Marquesas

We arrived yesterday around 6:30 PST after having the time of our lives reaching with the spinnaker; suddenly the gust became major wind, and we pulled the chute down just in time. Big wind happens rapidly around here! This is a whole new adventure in sailing. It is very gusty here in the anchorage this morning, with 25 knots roaring out of the canyon, letting us know who is really in charge here. We do feel comfortable and secure now, after anchoring three times with the help of some other longtime cruiser people we met last night. We had a chance to get to know Dave and Joanna on Mintaka II, along with Jeff and Bambi from Alexis. Great cold beer, ice and tequila for David, champagne and wonderful sushi awaited our arrival to celebrate our crossing. We are the novice sailors of the bunch, and it was inspiring to hear of all the fabulous places there are in the world to find. Robert and Kelita from Freedom brought us some special fruit from the island this morning and readied us for the bartering system the locals prefer to use, and Dave and Joanna brought us a warm baguette on their way back from the little downtown market. We are going to shore for an exploration hike this afternoon with Freedom (Robert and Kelita), along with a few yoga postures on the grassy shore, and are staying into the evening for a local community barbecue. I look forward to someone else's cooking! We are elated to be here. The water is calling to me, so I must say nana (good-bye) and manui (cheers to your health). Wish you were with us to help us speak French and enjoy the magic of our first Polynesian island. Life is good! Our congratulations to Jesse Obrand and FAMILY. What a wonderful accomplishment!!!!! EEEHHAAA!  Major euphoria for all!!!!!