Niku Hiva

Ua Pou was just fantastic and we had a great time there. On the Tuesday the ship arrived and some yachts got five hoots to get them to move out of the way. The ship only just fits. We booked the day before at a restaurant that is only open when the ship arrives. They have a buffet of Polynesian food laid out for you to feast on. Before the meal they had traditional music and then dances. It cost a fair bit but it was really worth it. Unfortunately all our cruiser friends that went up there to book just after us did not get in. They did come and watch all the dancing.
We chatted to another boat in the anchorage and they said that the anchorages on the western side of the island were not that good as there was a large swell rolling in. We could feel the effects of that where we were. So instead of heading there we came over to Niku Hiva. We are now anchored in Daniels Bay where the mountains fold in around you. It is absolutely stunning!!!! We took a walk up the valley through some ruins and stone work from early settlements in the area. The rock walls and house platforms that they built are amazing. With only a few people living here now and the forest having reclaimed most of the valley one can only just imagine what was here once before. As you go up the valley you enter a vertical chasm that has been eroded over time by the water. At the head of this valley/chasm you have the world's third highest waterfall. As one stands at the bottom you look up 390m/950ft to the head of the fall. You actually have to swim to reach the base of the fall as the narrow gorge that has been cut by the water folds around. The whole valley is surrounded by these massive cliffs and many form massive pinnacles as the water has worn the rock away around them. The rest form these deep vertical chasms and overhangs and then... halfway up you will see some white specs moving... Goats! They are everywhere and when you got to the fall you get a hard hat to put on as the goats dislodge ... hopefully ... small rocks. When it rains it is too dangerous to go up the valley as the water will also send rocks down from the top. Overall we are very pleased to be here and be able to experience these beautiful islands.
We have had some stormy weather so have not moved from Daniels Bay as it is quiet and very well sheltered. Last night all the cruisers went ashore and had sundowners on the beach with a massive fire and food to share. What a great time we had and even getting off the beach again was exciting as the waves were up a little. We all made it out some wetter than others. From here we will go along the coast six miles to the town to get some fresh supplies before heading off to the Tuamota's maybe on Tuesday or Wednesday or whenever we get going. Till then...

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