Left Nuku Hiva around noon yesterday aboard Libeccio heading to Fakarava (say it fast 5 times), thus causing us to leave The Marquesas and head for The Tuamotus. Kevin (aka K-dog) and family have left and we are to pick up Jane's childhood friend and her husband in Fakarava on April 5th.

Well Nuku Hiva was a great place visit - Outside of the city of Taiohae, I walked to Colette Bay. It was just me a a wild horse who owned the beach for the day, black sand and 2 foot waves. There are hundreds of wild horses roaming the island, Thursday I joined the family from Norway and went horse back riding. Friday rented a 4x4 and traveled to the other side of the island some 30 miles away with a lady I meet on the fight from Hiva Oa. She's from Normandy and on the island for 3 months as the pharmacist. We hiked 60 minutes over a ridge after climbing halfway up in the 4x4, then down the other side to Anaho, the most beautiful beach/bay on the island. After which we had lunch at Chez Yvonne and drove over several hills to view at least 4 other bays including Hakuea, Hatiheu and Haatuatua bay. There were small communities in each of the bays, with the larger ones having a diesel generator to bring electricity to the homes and shops. No A/C...it wouldn't do any good since the homes had no windows or screens, just a colorful sheet or cloth hung over the opening. There were 4 archaeological sites, featuring vast tohua, petroglyphs and tiki.

The ARC put on a day of activities on Wednesday, at the docks, there were dancers, a craft making fair and demonstration on peeling a coconut. After the coconuts were peeled everyone was given one with a straw to drink the milk and taste fruits that grow locally. That evening a nice buffet dinner, dancers and awards for the crossing. We were not in the mix as we ran with only one rudder.

The water when the sun shines straight down is an inviting deep blue color. With the full moon (Blue Moon) the sky is lit all night. Last night Now with just three aboard, my watches are now 2-5 am, 11-2 pm and 6-10 pm, allowing plenty of time for reading, napping and eating. I still haven't committed to Mera (told them I'd make a decision in Tahiti), as there may be opportunity to stay with the ARC for better or worst.