Nuku Hiva Part 2

We entered into the bay and felt like sailors when a rugged old salt from New Zealand deemed us heroes for anchoring under sail. We immediately broke out the fishing gear and took some albacore tuna to share with fellow sailors. Hammerhead sharks have provided quality fishing competition. On one occasion, an eight footer circled in between a tuna and our inflatable boat, hoping to catch an easy dinner off the end of our line. Going head to head, we hooked up with two five footers, which both won effortlessly taking our hooks, 40lb test line, and sinkers. On shore we’ve been playing tennis, volleyball, and soccer. There are two other boats with younger crews, and friendly international challenges happen daily. The locals comprised of 1700 making up the second largest town in French Polynesia are also extremely friendly and athletic. Two days ago, the outboard started acting up. First the fuel injector hose clamp slipped off pumping fuel into the engine head and water. On the third pull, we had ignition. Fire exploded from every orifice extending to surrounding water. Quick moves turned a barbeque into another lesson. Clamped and loaded, we took off for a hike 2 miles ride with a couple of Norwegian friends. Apparently the engine had second thoughts because 1.75 miles off, she kicked off her new propeller. Paddling back, our buddy Topie was stung in the heel by a jellyfish. Stopping to complete the hike, an allergic reaction set in leaving him nearly paralyzed and struggling to speak. We accepted a tow from a nearby Catamaran. Shade, water and rest promoted a rapid recovery. We chalked the day up to one for the books in Captain Murphy’s Law and ended another day in paradise among good friends toasting rum and cokes.
Tomorrow we depart for a 5 day voyage to the island of Manihi in the Tumotus. It is a little off the grid with no internet, but world class surfing, diving and fishing. We plan to arrive in Tahiti for the American independence day.