Anaho Bay - Nuku Hiva

We sailed around to Anaho Bay on the north side of Nuku Hiva yesterday from Taiohae Bay. We were close hauled until we got the SE corner of the island. We left on port tack and one tack to starboard and we rounded the bottom and sailed up the east side of the island. The waves were pretty confused but once we let out the full headsail we charged along at 6-7 knots so we really didn't care. We had dolphins cavorting around us once we got to the north side of the island and watched slack jawed as they jumped, did flips, barrel roles and generally had fun!! These dolphins are a light brown and quite small. Cats Paw IV followed us around as they wanted to see something on the north side before heading to Papeete. We will leave with them tomorrow morning for the Tuamotus which should take us about 4 days. A couple of days to catch our breath and then on to Papeete. The plan is to arrive in Papeete on Sunday May 18. Just now however, we are enjoying what has been without a doubt the calmest anchorage we have yet experienced. They bill it in the cruising guides as the best anchorage in the Marquesas and its probably pretty close. Stunning scenery, excellent fresh water source on shore, a few locals who are very friendly, an easy beach landing, secure anchorage, and the list goes on. A boat called Scarlet O'Hara arrived just ahead of us and there was only one other boat here (Pax Voviscum). John and Irene on Scarlet were great on the way up here. They left an hour or so ahead of us from Taiohae Bay and kept us up on conditions as they made their way around. Always nice to have an idea what's ahead. The four boats that were here last night are getting together on Scarlet tonight for a few hours, should be fun.

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