Though we are having a great time in Japan, the weather has been a bit dreary here lately, and we are missing the tropics, just a little bit. I, in particular, feel like maybe I missed my last snorkel opportunity without realizing it. Just before we left Guam, my mask broke and I’d finally convinced Rob that the spares really didn’t stay on my face, so I got to buy a new one. But it’s sitting, still unused, in a box on the boat. It’s very sad. So I’ve decided to post a tribute to the tropics, with photos I’ve never posted before. Mostly from the Solomons and the Marquesas, where we couldn’t find any cheap internet.
But we are having a great time in Japan, where the spring colors are incredible. And we even saw a monkey. Two monkeys. I’ll post Japan photos next time I manage to find wireless.
Three cheers for the tropics! I hope we get to go back some day…
Raising Fatu Hiva after a squally morningThe anchorage in stunning Fatu Hiva, the MarquesasThe broad leaves of the breadfruit treeCoconuts, copra, the life of the islandsIdyllic. Fatu Hiva. The Marquesas.A last hike on Fatu Hiva. The bees got me here.First stop in the Marquesas, Hiva Oa. Steamy.I never did figure out what these are, but the tropical trees are stunning.Gurgling tropical streamsTikkis hiding in the jungle on Hiva OaThe looming peaks of Hiva Oa in the fogTropical fernsHiking to the top of Hiva Oa, our favorite hike of the trip so far.Overlooking the bay where the boat is anchored in Nuku Hiva.Captain Rob, delirious with the excitement of landfall after 22 days, about to anchor in Hiva Oa, the Marquesas.A rainbow gracing the horizon, just before my night watch on the passage to the Marquesas.The fisher king. Actually,he hates catching fish. Well, he loves catching them, but not killing, cleaning, hurting, or eating them.A stop at the Reef Islands in the Solomons.Flower leis, an arrival giftLeaf on the lagoon, Roderick’s Bay, the SolomonsUnderwaterDamselfish bonanzaRoderick’s Bay is amazing. They brought us mushrooms!
We love Lau Lagoon.
Thirsty? You wanted a whole tree, right?The kids of Mbita’ama Harbor, Malaita, following us to the boatGiant clamVines and epiphytes, and jungleHermit crabs on a coconut.Laundry day, the SolomonsSnorkelling is such hard work.So he’s hanging out in a bowl…the photo was better this way.Sea monsters. These guys are huge.The goana of Tetepare Island.
In high demand for shell collectors, these get shipped to China. Don’t buy them.Snoozing at Tetepare.Funny little clown fish. They’ll try to attack you if you get too close. It’s hilarious.Flower strewn path in the Marquesas.
4 thoughts on “A photo tribute to the tropics”
It’s all so spectacular! Enjoy Japan; I’ve always wanted to go but will, for now, settle on living vicariously through your photojournalism.
Happy belated birthday, in case you didn’t get the message I told that storm to give you.
Rob! Wow! I’m so excited to have found your blog (and Kate’s – hi Kate!) Hannah told me you were sailing around the world, but I thought it was a few years ago. I can’t wait to read about what you guys have been up to! Turns out, I am also planning to sail across the Pacific starting in November…I’d love to hear about any of your favorites and least favorites – great pictures so far!
It’s all so spectacular! Enjoy Japan; I’ve always wanted to go but will, for now, settle on living vicariously through your photojournalism.
Happy belated birthday, in case you didn’t get the message I told that storm to give you.
And thanks so much for the shark!
Rob! Wow! I’m so excited to have found your blog (and Kate’s – hi Kate!) Hannah told me you were sailing around the world, but I thought it was a few years ago. I can’t wait to read about what you guys have been up to! Turns out, I am also planning to sail across the Pacific starting in November…I’d love to hear about any of your favorites and least favorites – great pictures so far!
These are fantastic photos, a great collection of tropical memories. I look forward to the Japlan series.
Papa
Your photography and commentary….amazing….blessed and beautiful… looks like you have found many homes here on Mother Earth