Exploring the Village of Hanavave

At the Bay of Virgins is one of the nicest, most friendly villages we have ever been to. The village of Hanavave.

Up from the launch ramp is the communications satellite dish and cell phone tower, with a large 6 man va'a propped up on big tractor tires.

One of the first people we met found out we had just arrived and gave me a flower crown to welcome us. It smelled heavenly.

After 4 months in the Tuamotus with only flat atolls, we were in awe of the lush tropical greenness of the island.

This pinnacle stands guard, like a sentry over the whole village.

The tropical plants are thick and form privacy walls without cement or blocks.

The river has quite a bit of water running though it and it divides the two sides of the village.

Kids were out playing, riding their bikes and this man was walking his goat!

We spot a tropic bird doing aerobatics above our heads.

This is the town hall or mayor's office for the village. Mike is checking the schedule for the shuttle boat that takes people to Hiva Oa island and another schedule which lets people know when the supply ship Aranui will arrive.

Mike points to the pinnacle from the mayor's office.

It looks different every time I see it, depending on the light. Now I see a Marquesan man resting his head on the rock as he climbs up for a better view.

This copra shed had a sliding roof. Just wind the handle and the line pulls the roof off when it is not raining, so the sun can dry the coconut.

This copra shed has recently been emptied. Interesting how they weave bamboo to make the table to set the coconuts on.

The road follows the river up through the cut and into the next valley.

Me with my flower crown by some Spanish moss growing in a tree limb.

The road is paved (or cemented) and has almost no traffic as it cuts along the cliff.

Looking back down the road toward the village and bay.

Now we are in the back valley which we could see from the boat through the opening in the rocks.

Looking back down the hill toward the ocean.

We see this huge rock, which appears to be very precariously placed by God above the road.

Must have fallen down from this big cliff behind it.

This palm tree has moss growing up the side of it! You think they might get some rain here?!? 

As we follow the road, we get higher and higher above sea level.

This is a very interesting tree which grows horizontal limbs with big blobs hanging from it. We found out later it is called Kapok tree.

Here is a typical Marquesan man walking his many puppies on leashes, while mamma dog is up ahead. Notice he is carrying his machete on his belt. Everyone has one.

These gorgeous red orchid like flowers were growing in someone's yard.

The sentinel rock is visible from everywhere. The big leaf tree on the right is a breadfruit tree.

Heading back toward the village, we see the river comes quite close to the road. Not to mention a piece of the road appears to be missing!

This is copra drying, but some baby chicks have found some food to eat!! Can you see them? They blend in well with the copra!

Mamma chicken leads the way for the chicks.

This copra shed is pretty full.

These Easter Lilies were so lovely in this yard.

We heard a squabble going on in this yard and spotted two roosters dukeing it out.

Cock fights, but no one watching or betting on this one. Just another day in the Marquesas.

A beautiful Hibiscus flower in a brilliant orange color. (usually they are red)

Back on the boat, Mike cuts up a leg of goat which we were given by some new friends.

Not much meat left on that bone!

The Bay of Virgins guarding Hanavave village, is very, very impressive!!

We spot our boat neighbors up on the cliff to watch the sunset. Wonder how they got up there?!?!

The sun is setting on another glorious day.