On the way from the Galapagos to the Marquesas, there were some
days with light winds, so we put up the genaker for downwind sailing.

Calm seas on the South Pacific.  Had to motor to keep moving, 
but slow winds gave time to take a few pictures.

This is a huge swell coming up behind us.  Looks as though it will 
splash into the cockpit, but the Larabeck stayed on top of it.

After three weeks at sea, sailing 24/7, we finally sight land,
early in the morning on July 22.

The island of Fatu Hiva is a welcome and majestic sight.

Southeast shore/cliff of Fatu Hiva.

 Ocean swells crashing into the island.

View of the Hanavave Bay, Fatu Hiva. As we approach we recognize
Helena on the far left and soon identify North Fork, center, and 
Albatross on the right.

One of the volcanic spires in the Hanavave Bay has "face" on it.

Larabeck anchored with Hanavave village in sight with the soccer field
to the far right.

Larabeck with the "face" in the upper left corner of the photo.

View of the anchorage from Hanavave (Albatross and Larabeck are
in sight).  Near the center of the photo St. Michel's Church is in view, 
and the long white roof in front of the church is the village school.

Michael (left in the dinghy) visits with the French Caledonian family
on the Quic en grogne.  We met up with them again in Hiva Oa.

The Aranui 3, 1/2 cargo ship and 1/2 passenger cruise ship, drops
anchor directly behind the Larabeck in Hanavave Bay, Fatu Hiva.

Hanavave village celebration.

After the traditional dance ended, the disco was fired up in the small
enclosure at the end of the soccer field. The early set was a hit with
the kids. Sharon joins them. The older folks took over the dance later,
and disc-jockied music continued through the night (we heard it from 
the Larabeck). 

Artisan items displayed for sale when the Aranui 3 passengers
came on shore.

Wood carvings and tapas cloth for sale.

Leaving Fatu Hiva.

Arriving at Hiva Oa after a 7 hour sail.

 
This is a view of the Larabeck in the Taahuku Bay at Atuona, Hiva
Oa. We had to hike around the bay to get into town (Atuona), and
we took this picture on the way. The building furthest right behind 
the breakwater is a Mobil gas station. It's the only fuel station on 
the island, so there is a lot of traffic on the road, and sometimes a
kind soul would give us a ride.

String musicians entertain at the Hoata O Te Ui Hou Soiree 
Spectacle in Atuona, Hiva Oa.

Dancers were the main feature of the Hoata O Te Ui Hou, accompanied
by the tall drums, as seen in the next four pictures.

The next generation of dancers

On the road to Puama'u Bay.

Breathtaking views on the northern shore of Hiva Oa.

More views from the northern shore...

More views from the northern shore...

Puama'u Bay, site of the Ma'ae Te i'i pona archaeological site. 

Ma'ae Te i'i pona.  This site and the one we saw at Ta'a'oa date
from AD 1600-1700.

Statue of the priestess Tau'a Pepe, who died giving birth to a 
male child (who survived). 

Taka'i'i, the largest stone statue west of Easter island (c. 7 feet tall).

Michael, Sharon and Taka'i'i.

On the way back to Atuona.

Large tree at the Ta'a'oa archaeological site.  Somewhere in
the photo is Sharon...

Ta'a'oa -- huge tohua (ceremonial complex) of the Tiu tribe.