As predicted, there was a considerable change in the weather after we had departed Nuku Hiva. Stronger winds, a higher swell and clouds, at times dark and leaden, as they were as we approached Papeete.

It is a natural harbour, approached through a gap in the reef, as are many of these islands.  The swell had been running for days here and was breaking quite dramatically on the reef as we approached.

Having boarded our (very competent) pilot and discussed our approach and docking, we made a run for the entrance.  The wind was pushing us sideways, the swell was making us roll, (our stabilisers were in at this stage) and to add to the mix, the entrance is narrow and, because of the swell, had a current across it.  All-in-all quite a concoction  😕

We made the ‘run’ towards the entrance at 12 knots, fast I know, however, in these situations ‘speed is your friend’ and one is less susceptible to the vagaries of all the influences I mention.

As soon as we were through the narrow gap I could afford the luxury of reducing speed, only wind to worry about now and that could be accounted for.

Up near the berth and then a swing, we had to ‘back’ into it, with another ship on the other side of the pier, the logistics of loading our stores, taking our bunkers and all that was planned necessitated the manoeuvre.   Even once we were alongside, we weren’t quite out of it; the swell was reaching the end of the harbour and we were ‘ranging’ up and down the pier.  Additional lines were put out and a careful watch kept on them, they can ‘chafe’ under stress and eventually ‘part’ or break.  The broken lines on the ship next to us only attested to this.

I spent most of the day on board, however seized an opportunity during some drier spells, to take a jaunt ashore and some photos.  Who should I bump into on my way back than the ‘ladies’, who had left the ship when we docked and had been making stall-holders joyous ever since.

The Seafront road                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The stores closed at 12 p.m., just a few of the stalls remained open; strange, one would think that with 3 cruise ships docked, they would welcome the trade.  However, the fact that most of the goods are 5 x the prices in Paris, (the island is a French Protectorate), it may be easier to comprehend.

I leave you with a lovely photo of my granddaughter Violet, Liz’s little one; they grow up far too fast.  Until tomorrow!