THREE MONTHS ON THE ROAD.....PAPEETE TAHITI

Bonjour,

I am now in Tahiti! I got off the boat in Mangareva after the completion of my last expedition, the second expedition of six expeditions to the Pitcairn island group.

I am just getting used to being off the boat which is odd. It was an amazing experience, like no other but with its stresses that is for sure.

Since i last wrote we sailed to Ducie island via Henderson island. A leg of the expedition that only three out of the five passengers were prepared to continue with. This part of the trip was made much more enjoyable by having Pawl and Sue from Pitcairn as island guides and also as crew members too.

Henderson island was not really suitable to land on, and accidentally there was the capsizing of the tender over the reef. Thankfully know one was hurt and 2 of our passengers made it ashore. Unfortunately I did not make it ashore but Sue me and the other passenger how to reel in fish!

When we arrived at Ducie island the conditions were much calmer. We all made it ashore, which was an incredible privilege. Out of Pitcairn's small population of 53 people only a couple have been to Ducie island so it really is off the beaten track being 300 miles east of Pitcairn and Easter island the next stop a further 700 miles east. The bird life was untouched, unafraid Noddys, Petrels, frigate birds will fly or calmly pause right near you. The Coral too was pristine, amazing snorkeling!

Back on Pitcairn island I had the privilege of spending a last bit of time doing the things i wanted to do. I thanked everyone on Pitcairn for making me feel so at home. Thank you for your hospitality and wonderful food! I am so happy i did manage to achieve something in particular before i left and that's climbing into Fletcher's Cave!

Now i am off the boat i am enjoying things that it is so easy for one to take for granted in the safe haven comfort zone of home. An un-rocked toilet, space to breath and think (you don't get that on a boat) cool (un-tainted) bottled water, little subtle things.

I am contemplating Tahiti iti with Moorea for the next few days, to relax and enjoy the paradise of Polynesia. On Tuesday 2nd March i fly to Rarotonga in the Cook islands and hope to also visit Atiu.

Au revoir,

Felix