Hiva Oa

We made it!

…here:

We departed Panama 26 March and arrived Hiva Oa 26 April, 31 days, 4014 miles! Box checked, mic dropped, (slow clap while we exit stage left). LOL!

We had a few days of very light winds as we approached the equator:

Approaching the equator in the middle of the night:

We sailed at least 2000 miles with mizzen and headsail switching to wing on wing for the last 1000 miles:

The last three days of the passage were very uncomfortable with light winds and converging northeast and southeast swells. Our last sunrise on passage:

Whoa:

Whoa again:

Hiva Oa in the distance, what a sight after a month at sea!!!! OMG!!!

Dea Latis anchored in the distance:

Welcome!

View of the far shore from the boat:

Really pretty here:

Black sand beach:

By the time we got anchored it was late so we celebrated, slept and checked in the next morning. We launched the dinghy and caught a ride to town. Checking in with the Gendarmerie (French Police) was super easy.

We did a bit of shopping, walked around a bit and headed back to the boat. We are venturing out tomorrow and will take lots of pics. Tourism office, and Culture and Arts Pavilion:

It’s clean here, the scenery is epic, and the Polynesian people are super nice! Wearing tropical flowers in your hair is not just a thing from the movies!

Internet is super expensive and our Google Fi data is worthless here so we will update when we have opportunity.

Renting a car and touring the island tomorrow. There is a two day celebration Friday and Saturday so that will be nice. We’ll take pics.

I know we have to move on soon but this place is amazing…the anchor feels like it’s digging-in deep….