Newsletter – May 2007, Hiva Oa, Marquesas

Hi Everyone,

WAAAHHHOOOO!!! Panama to French Polynesia 4000 miles (6 weeks @ sea)!

Since my last newsletter I’ve sailed a sixth of the way around the world. I crossed the equator at a longitude of 86 degrees 48 minutes west, visited The Galapagos, and made landfall on the island of Hiva Oa in the Marquesas archipelago (French Polynesia). I now reside in the southern hemisphere, a salty shellback.

My trip from Panama to Hiva Oa took 6 weeks. I stopped at Isla San Cristobal in the Galapagos for 2 days to purchase diesel, then 30 more days at sea. My experience at sea was superb and terrible. At times I prayed for land, and at others I never wanted to return. When I arrived on Hiva Oa I was burned, battered, bruised and utterly exhausted. I’ve dreamed of doing this for the majority of my life. I feel that I have accomplished something truly extraordinary. I had all kids of sea conditions and my solitude was an inspiring event. I’ve explored the deep corners of my psyche as well as the Pacific Ocean. The only way to get an idea of my crossing is to read my daily logs on the site. Make sure to check out the new pictures in the photo gallery as well.

My current plan is to spend another 3-4 weeks in the Marquesas then sail to the Tuamoto archipelago. After spending a few weeks spear fishing the crystal clear lagoons of the atolls I plan on sailing for Tahiti. I want to be in Tahiti for my birthday. My birthday falls on French Independence Day (July 14). I was in Paris years ago for my birthday and had a blast; it was like being born on the 4 th of July.

After Tahiti I’ll visit Bora Bora, the Cook Islands, the kingdom of Tonga, and Fiji. I have until November to make a decision of where to spend Pacific cyclone season. My options are New Zealand, Australia, or the Solomon Islands.

The Polynesian culture is incredibly warm and inviting. The islands of the Marquesas are volcanic and stand on the horizon with royal posture. Waterfalls descend thousands of feet from the cloud covered mountain tops and cut through the deep green backdrop. I’ve never been to a place so beautiful and friendly. The scents of flowers fill the air, and every tree and bush is covered with flora and fruit. The streets are amazingly clean despite the chickens, pigs, and horses which roam freely. The local smiles are true. The people stop you in the street, not to ask for money, but to shake your hand and wish you a warm welcome. I’m learning to communicate. I am studying a bit of the Marquesan language while learning French.

I’ll never forget seeing Hiva Oa on the horizon for the first time. Its majestic stance will remain in my mind’s eye for eternity. I’ve learned something about paradise, “you can’t fly there”. Paradise is earned and known to those who dream of it hard enough! My landfall in paradise was the result of nearly 5 years of hard work, and it tastes “oh so sweet”.

I really have to thank the guys at Agiosat for my satellite phone, and making my logs at sea possible, thanks Tom. I also want to thank the donating and subscribingmembers of Project BlueSphere. You guys make it happen for me and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. If you would like to become a paid subscriber please click here.