Pitcairn, famous for its connection with the mutineers from HMS “Bounty” was eagerly anticipated by all on board. Due to the geography of the island, Cruise ship passengers don’t normally land, the small harbour is difficult for tenders and besides, negotiating the steep tracks would be nigh on impossible. Instead the Islanders come to us, bringing with them souvenirs and trinkets (and a stamp for passports, for those guests who wanted a unique souvenir in them).
Landfall and guests eager to take photos
Fresh-baked doughnuts were available too!
As we stopped off Bounty Bay, (the wreck is lying on the bottom, the mutineers having burnt it for fear of detection), the longboat, with 23 Islanders left the small harbour and came alongside.
Bounty Bay, the boathouse and harbour in the foreground
They boarded by pilot ladder, deftly handling the sea and swell with ease and once they were on board we started loading their “shopping list” into the longboat, while the others prepared their tables on the Lido deck. The list consisted of potatoes, onions, eggs, ice-cream, soda and wine amongst others. We then slowly made our way along the north and west side of the island while the Lido ‘market’ got into full swing.
The west end of the island
The charts of the island are of ‘questionable’ accuracy, particularly the south and east side. The depths are not to be trusted, hence us sticking to what we did know and staying clear of what we didn’t.
I am grateful to Karen, who, risking life and limb, ventured onto the Lido deck and the melee that was taking place there. Everyone was trying to buy anything; local honey was being snapped up, as were T-shirts and caps. A long line of guests waited patiently to get their passport stamp while others queued for items near to hand.
The calm before the storm, preparing a stall……
Eventually, after almost 3 hours, we were off Bounty Bay once more and time to bid the island farewell. Once more, the longboat came alongside, the islanders embarked and, with whistles blowing, we departed for our next port of call, Papeete, Tahiti.
Hey Jonathan!
Thanks so much for your time to write your blog. Obviously all of us arm -chair voyeurs are truly enjoying your efforts! Can’t wait to see your next several posts of some of my favorite places!
Hugs to K1 and H1 🙂
We love reading your blog. You bring back great memories for us, and make us feel like we are there with you once again. Karen is doing a great job with lots of pictures
Captain Jonathan, we sailed with you for 2018 World, and SO enjoyed reading your postings as we sailed along with you. I wasn’t sure if I would still enjoy reading them when I wasn’t there personally. But I am finding that I am enjoying them just as much. I truly appreciate all the time and effort that you and Karen put into continuing to share your adventures with everyone with you, and (sadly) not with you. Hopefully we will be joining you again in 2020!! Safe travels and Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thanks so much for the continued fun of watching this voyage progress through your eyes. It is wonderful.
Wow! What an unforgettable experience!
Did Pirate Paul make it to the Ship? He was fun
You are about to arrive at one of my favourite places, Papeete. We were enthralled with the market by the harbour as well as our time spent at Bora Bora and Moorea. We did a Windstar cruise in 1991 when Windstar was owned by HAL. The Wind Song as you know, was scuttled several years ago due to a fire that damaged it beyond repair. Going between islands at full sail was a wonderful experience.