Last Hike in the Marquesas

(Received Monday morning.) 
Had a great day today, hiking up the valley through a marvelous little village of mellow, very beautiful, friendly people who are surrounded by lush natural abundance; trees ladened with pomplamoose, limes, papayas, bananas, mangoes, and breadfruit line the road which turns into a well beaten path along the river. Bambi, Jeff, Robert, Kelita, Jodie, Mike, and I meandered our way through the rich land for about two and a half hours, crossing the stream and river three times, and ended by entering a mystical canyon of high cliffs and a silky stream leading to two beautiful pools, a very high waterfall and cave you can glide into. Several huge friendly freshwater eels live in the pools, and I was very happy not to see them until I got out. 


After returning to the boat, I went for a swim with the two resident Manta rays; what a special thrill that was! David spent the day on Sidewinder and was very productive rearranging stuff on the bow and was very happy to have had the time to stay behind on his own. One of the cruisers arranged to have a luau tomorrow, and we look forward to working with and enjoying some time with some of the locals; we will have the opportunity to feast, play some music, listen to some Marquesan songs, and maybe even dance. We are all hoping to leave for the Tuamotus on Tuesday, but still do not know which atoll we will go to first. Hope all is well with everyone. Sounds like the Obrand party will be a doozy! YAHOO. Bye


(Also received Monday morning in response to my questions about their next destination.) 
We have studied our wonderful Guide to Navigation in French Polynesia, looked at the many charts we have of all the Tuamotus for hours on our own and with others, talked to those who have been there, done that, and we do have a list of those which are supposed to be the best as far as entry, anchorages, snorkeling, surfing, staying, and enjoying.  We listen to the Tuamotus SSB net most mornings, which are all the boats we know who are already there and get thorough weather reports and detailed discussions. It depends upon how many we want to visit and how much time we want to stay. I think we will visit Manihi, Toau, perhaps Fakarava, and a maybe Rangiroa (but probably not). Even on Rangiroa internet access is very iffy. Oh well. Look forward to skyping you someday again.