Bye Bye Makemo

We went back to the village because we had ordered some things from Tahiti and we knew they would be arriving soon on the ship. When we got to the village, the Nukuhau was already there unloading, but the Mareva Nui was anchored off waiting their turn. The second ship seemed a bit impatient as they brought in their forklifts for the first one to load to the dock for them.

Up it goes off the barge and over the deck and onto the dock.  The flying Walanda act!

A huge pile of copra (dried coconut used for making oil) being loaded onto Nukuhau.

Looks like someone ordered a new bike! It is the big wheel adult trike, with the basket for hauling kids and other stuff.

Cargo ship, Nukuhau finally pulls away from the dock.

These guys are not waiting. They barge in their empty crates for stuff being shipped back to Tahiti. Time is money in the shipping business!

The captain of the Mareva Nui seemed a bit close to us, so not only did we motor away from them to give them room, their barge played tug boat, to make sure it did not get close.

It is like having a portable bow thruster.

One other interesting thing about Makemo, are these deep V hulled speed boats that we saw several of. This green and yellow painted one is up the canal towards the bridge.

The hot pink one was stored under a roof, like a garage.

Then we found where they were being built. The frame is a new one starting to take shape and another one in the back ground.

They are made of plywood with fiberglass over and go really fast!!

The Tiare Tahiti flower is the symbol of the islands. It is the flower on the tail of Air Tahiti Nui planes.

Having received our package on the Mareva Nui, it was about time for us to move on from here, so we went around to say our goodbyes to the friends we had made. This beautiful lady was working at the Boulangerie (Bakery) for her mom who owned the place. She normally lives in Tahiti, but was home covering so her parents could fly to France to visit their son (her brother) and see the new grand baby. Our last baguettes before heading out to sea.

These are Frangipangi flowers, which smell even better than the Tiare Tahiti.

The family who took us in, had taken us out to dinner and then played their ukuleles and guitars on the quay for us until way past cruiser midnight. I did not have my camera that night, but it was a priceless memory. To pay them back, we offered to take them sailing. Because they speak English, they meet many cruisers, but we were the first to ever take them sailing on a boat!

Jerry and Jerry were quite psyched to come along, but the girls bailed out on us.

As the wind hit the sails, and the boat healed a little bit, you should have seen Jerry Sr's eyes get big. Finally after Mike promised the boat would not tip over, they were starting to relax.

Jerry Jr at the helm.

Mike and his dad watching him closely.

On the bow, Jerry Jr was watching for bombies. How deep is the water over there?!?

We even got Jerry Sr to drive the boat!

Then they really got the hang of sailing and started to seriously relax.....

But someone always has to keep a watchful eye out for those bombies!!

Back at the village they invited us to their house for a bon voyage dinner. Jerry Sr tends to some sweet doughnut looking things that were yummy! 

Jerry Jr is grilling the steaks.  I love that the men cook in this family too!

My dear friend Iki, poses with me, Mom and wife of the family. The next day when we were hoisting anchor, she walked out to the end of the quay and waved bye bye to us. We will miss these sweet dear people!!