This morning we arrived at the island of Ua Huka. The bay is very narrow so the captain has to do this cool maneuver where he drops the anchor, pivots the ship around 180 degrees, and then two motor boats tie us up to either side. We come within about 60 feet of the rocks on either side as we turn. The bay is rather rough so getting onto the barges is quite the adventure. The staff is fabulous. We walked down the gangway, which is a cross between a ladder and a staircase, and stood on the small platform at the bottom waiting for the moving ship and barge to be in sync. A staff member on the platform has you around the waist and two on board are there to grab your hands and pull you on when the time is right. Not for the faint of heart. We drove in trucks again to an archeological site for the dedication of a new museum. Dignitaries spoke for a while and then there was a Catholic mass on the grounds. We decided soon that it was a high mass because they sang all the prayers in Marquesan and it went on for 1-1/2 hours. We were sitting on rocks in the shade, not comfortable, but relatively cool when the breeze blew. There are several thousand sheep on this island and we watched a large flock wander the hillsides. Then off to a village for the craft stop where we bought a nice carved wood bowl. After a quick stop at a maritime museum (being generous withe term "museum") it was off to lunch at another local restaurant. We were each given 1/2 lobster along with the usual island lunch. I overheard one of the passengers say she can't eat coconut and doesn't like fish. She's come to the wrong part of the world!
After lunch Michael joined the group going to the botanical gardens and I took a truck back to the dock to return to the ship. Getting back on board was almost as exciting as getting off. Just happy not to lose my bowl.
Tonight was a lovely Polynesian night with a wonderful buffet on the pool deck. All the dignitaries were there. It started poring rain just as people got their food so we all grabbed our plates and ran for cover. It passed quickly and so on with the show. The rain came a few more times which was a shame. One of the dances included some of the passengers and 3 of our friends participated. They also called down all the birthdays and anniversaries and sang again to us.
Tomorrow is back to Nuku Hiva and Ua Poa, both of which have internet so I'm hoping I can publish a few days' worth of posts and catch up on email. Then no Internet until Thursday.
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