Log Date: April 22, 2005

Location: Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands

Land Ho!!!!

Bali Hai called. We answered after 23 days 4 hours at sea, we found the island of Hiva Oa.

Greeted by a few dolphins and a beautiful verdant island with lots of high peaks.  People tell us this anchorage is rolly but nothing like the roll we experienced during our passage. So, right now it is downright comfortable.  We are listening to our CD of the musical South Pacific and enjoying a few cocktails, which we rightly deserve!

We saw land about 28 miles away - just barely - looked like it could have been a cloud - but no - it was a solid mass.  As we approached - it was verdant - mountains - spires - azure water - and smelled of dirt.  When all you smell for 24 days is salt air, dirt has a distinct smell.

We arrived after a casual 23 days sail. 3050 nautical miles - the last 300 miles we had to rig a temporary autopilot (self-steering) because our below deck unit died. We lost 1 watch and 2 buckets to Neptune. We caught 2 mahi mahi and the big one that got away was a 30 lbs plus yellow fin tuna. We had pretty good weather. Only a few days did the wind blow over 25 knots and the seas were over 12 feet. For the most part, the wind was right behind us (aka Dead Down Wind) and pushed us here rocking and rolling the entire way. Fortunately, nobody was seasick!

We like boring stories because nothing major broke to make our life or story more exciting.  The autopilot is not really a big deal because we have a smaller spare one to hook up on deck.  The bigger pain in the neck is trying to get through to Raymarine via our satellite phone and trying to talk to a human being to get the part shipped here quickly. Though in the end, they pulled through for us.

Tomorrow we will attempt to clear in.  The office is only open from 9-11am so we may deal with clearing in on Monday so we can sleep in.  Not a big deal from what we understand.  Very laid back here.

Very tired. Happy to be here. Proud of our accomplishment.

Enjoying Life Onboard.

Laura and Susan

SV Mystic Traveler