Nuku Hiva

We've had our first good night's sleep in 3 weeks and life is looking a bit better. Amazing what some rest will do to your outlook. We're having to readjust our time and schedule. We figured out what time it is locally and it's several hours earlier than we were used to. Also, the sun is well up by 6 a.m. and it's nice and cool until about 8:30. Then it's so incredibly hot that we just drip. The hills are high so the sun goes behind the mountain about 5 p.m. and then it gets cool again. I was worried that it would be too hot to sleep but it's just great at night and we slept like babies. So our theory is that if we want to hike or do chores we have to do that in the cool and just swim and read in the daytime. The locals seem to do that. If you want groceries you have to show up at 7-8 a.m. to get your fresh baguettes and vegies. Only a few things are grown on the island and they are not too expensive. Anything imported is outrageous and I'm glad I stocked up in Mexico so well. Peter got lettuce, a cuke and some tomatoes this morning for about $5. We're all anxious to have a salad and fresh bread for lunch.

There is another kid boat here for the moment. They waved us down immediately and the kids are really enjoying the company. There is a 7 year old boy and a 5 year old girl. The boys are having a squirt gun war on deck and the girls are playing Barbie. Doesn't matter where the kids are, some things are just universal. They are on their way to San Francisco delivering a boat. Part of cruising life is all the hi's and goodbye's.

It's absolutely beautiful here. It's so nice and green compared to Mexico. We found Mexico quite cluttered compared to what we're used to at home. Here it's absolutely clean and manicured. There is grass and nice trails and no garbage. The trees are all flowering. Ellie collected plumeria and made a necklace. It smells glorious

We're still working on the clearing in process. We have to put down a bond of $1200 each to guarantee that we leave. The trouble is getting the money. Cash machines don't give our that kind of money and apparently the bank can only run visa cards. Different people are having different experiences depending on their bank policy. After we finish that we can get a 90 visa for $30 each. When we leave the country we get our bond back minus or plus the difference in exchange rate when we leave. Every country has their hoops to jump through. There may be a way around it if we use an agent, but we haven't found out how much he charges yet.

No one is real anxious to weigh anchor again. We have a bit of rest to catch up on and are anxious to get acquainted with the boats that are here. We are hearing about great places to go though. Our next stop will be around the corner in Daniel's Bay. That is where Survivor was apparently filmed. Some other cruisers saw a hammerhead shark there and some huge sea turtles. The adventure continues.

love and greetings to you all, Kellie