Location: Nuka Hiva
YOU GUYS, WE ARE IN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE ON EARTH!! Lol… whats up, everyone! How are we doin? Today we had an amazing little day over here in Nuka Hiva, so buckle up and grab yourself a snack while I yap to you all about it.
We started our day bright and early by lifting the anchor and moving to a new spot just down the coast in a bay called Daniels Bay. Ok we all knew Nuka Hiva was beautiful, but when we pulled around the bend into this new bay, I think every single one of our jaws hit the deck. On our way over, we had a yummy pancake sheet bake and fresh fruit made by Jay, and we also saw loads of dolphins! Breakfast and clean up took the perfect amount of time since we seemed to pull up to our new spot right when we were done. There is absolutely no cell service where we are now, so if youre wondering why nobody texted or called you today, that would be why. It was honestly the biggest blessing, though, as it allowed us all to take even more time to soak in just how beautiful this spot is and how lucky we are to be here.
This morning, those who are participating in the rescue diver course did a lecture with Ben on the different types of oxygen to give to people with various breathing impairments. They took turns going through scenarios in which they had to know what to do on the spot. After that, everyone swam around the boat and enjoyed the views.
For lunch, Jay made a yummy Caesar salad bowl meal loaded with chicken, veggies, couscous, and Jays famous coleslaw (to Jays family I dont know if hes ever made this before, but hes really good at it, so you should have him make lots of it when he comes home haha!)
This afternoon, we all loaded up into dinghies and went to the beach on shore to go on a hike to a waterfall! The dinghy ride in was very entertaining because we had to ride the waves like we were surfing in order to get close enough to the beach to get dropped off. Once we all got to the beach, we began our hike. Right away, Jake found a horse that was all stuck in some roots, and of course, being the cowboy that he is, he got it out! The hike started by us walking through this town (that word is a stretch for it). Lets say a dirt road with lots of fruit trees, some horses, pigs, and dogs, a few small houses, and the most incredible view you have ever seen in your whole life. Its rainy season here, so the trails were a bit muddy, but very quickly we all learned to embrace that. We went from trying to step on stones and search for ways around the mud in water to straight-up running through it. It was epic, but we were all disgusting by the end of it (lol). The hike was a down-and-back style with a stunning view of this massive waterfall towards the end. Sam and Mac did the hike this morning to scope it out, and Sams biggest piece of advice was to not forget to look up. That sort of became our motto on the hike because everyone loves to stare at their feet while they hike, so you end up missing so much of whats around you, and this hike was all about the views. The cliffs and peaks are full of lush green trees and meadows. Rock formations out of some movie (it was giving that island in Moana for sure). It was mind-blowing every time I shifted my glance up at the scenery around me.
By some trace of luck, nobody slipped in the mud (yup even Harry!!!) and we all made it out and back to the boat safe and sound, where we were welcomed by dinner made by Morgan C, Caro, and Mac. We had an awesome meal of pesto pasta, chicken wings, and TONS of roasted veggies. It was delicious and much needed after that hike.
The squeeze question tonight was What is one thing that you admire about each person on either side of you? You gotta love a wholesome squeeze question that puts everyone in their feels.
All right, thats all for today! Tomorrow we are headed underway to the Tuamotus via our student-led passage! Theyve all been working really hard to prepare for this, and I think everyone is really excited to get underway and get this thing going!
To ALLLLLLLL the families back home. We are sending you all the hugs and love from beautiful French Polynesia.
Mom, Dad, Will, PUPPY!! I love the four of you endlessly, and I miss you so, so much. You guys have got to come see this place someday. Its flipping spectacular. I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU I LOVE YOU!!
ALL THE LOVE,
EG