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). 

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. 

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 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.

 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.