Jacaranda Journey

Six inhabited islands. Atuona is the southern group's administrative capital located on Hiva Oa.

Approaching Hiva Oa from Tahuata at daybreak

View of Taaoa Bay (Traitors' Bay) from the Pearl Lodge Hotel

The port of Hiva Oa where the cruisers anchor and the supply ships, the Aranui and Taporo, dock.

Jacaranda anchored in front of Mt. Temetiu

Outrigger canoes glide past the sailboats

This tohua, or ancient ceremonial space, is being reconstructed for the December festival

French bread and pampelmousse ( the sweetest, most delicious tropical grapefruit ever!)

Buying lobsters from the back of a pick-up truck

One of three grocery stores

Good shopping in the three grocery stores

Buying fresh baguettes by the bagful

Reconstruction of his two-story thatched Maison du Jouir (“House of Pleasure”) where he lived the last two years of his life.

This was authentic; an archeological dig uncovered some china, wine bottles and a jar with 4 teeth

Belgian born Brel (1929-78) is a singer/musician who is a legend in France.

Imported to reduce the wasp population, this bird is an invasive species that is common in Atunona

Wild goats roam all the Marquesas Islands and hunting is a popular activity

Bananas are dried and sold as little bundles like fat sausages. Delicious!

On the dry northern side of Hiva Oa

Of the Hanaiapa Yacht Club

This was our pick but the woman in the background won

There was no swimsuit event; here the contestant is modeling street clothes.

Daniel, our French cruiser friend, was an enthusiastic judge

The French Navy at the raising of the flag

The Navy men dancing

Beautiful Marquesan woman was the organizer of the dancers

This man was the organizer of all the festivities