Landing at Bounty Bay

We anchored in the landing at Bounty Bay around 9pm after 51 hours sailing into a brisk headwind. It was dark, eerie and I had no idea what was happening. It was tremendously exciting. We saw the quad bikes by their headlights coming down the ‘Hill of Difficulty’ to the landing where soon the boats would come to meet our yacht. I felt like a little kid, I was so excited. I couldn’t believe I was about to set foot on Pitcairn Island.

There were two small wooden motorboats that came up to the SV Xplore, not one of the famous long boats because we were a small group. One was for the luggage. The other was for the 8 passengers; including three Pitcairn residents and myself. There was a big swell in the water and the step down from the Xplore into the wooden boats below was treacherous and slippery.

I was worried for some of the less able passengers but everyone made it down OK and dry for the most part. We then headed onto the Pitcairn landing dock where the entire island came down to meet our boats and welcome us with open arms. It was an incredible experience that is hard to put into words properly.

It was a tremendous rush of adrenaline. If that sounds weird, it’s because it’s one of those experiences that cannot be explained-it has to be experienced. I am not overstating this point.

Perhaps some of the build up for years of knowing that I would come to this special place. Possibly the 51 hours of sailing with half the passengers throwing up and the long days and nights in the hot bunks. Maybe it’s the history here, the almost mythological legends and mystery surrounding the mutiny on the bounty, its survivors and their current descendants still living here. Likely all contributes to the thrill. But believe me, when they come to the boat and everything happens so fast, it’s a whirlwind of excitement-especially in the dark.

Then to be welcomed into their world with open arms, leis, hugs and handshakes from all these amazing people; it’s enough to make you shout out like you just jumped out of a plane. I have been here two hours now and I still haven’t stopped smiling but I wanted to capture my initial thoughts before I go to bed.

I got to the home of my gracious hosts, Tom and Betty Christian; the direct descendants of Fletcher Christian, the original Bounty mutineer at about 9:30pm. They made me dinner, we chatted briefly then the power goes off at 10pm every night.

They have battery-powered lights in my room and bathroom so I was able to take a cold shower. I was so thrilled after being on that hot boat for the last 2+ days. It feels so good to be clean and cooled off finally. Now laying here in their guest room, and listening to the crickets outside; looking out the window and seeing the darkest night sky I’ve ever seen with the most stars; I still cannot believe where I am. I am on Pitcairn Island. Wow. I can’t wait to go exploring in the morning!

NOTE I am obviously a few days behind if you’ve been following my trip on Facebook or Twitter and I will be posting several stories about my Pitcairn trip. This was my initial feelings on arrival that I wanted to capture. This is the first time I’ve had a chance to be online where I could upload pictures in 8 days. I am back in the US tomorrow and will be posting more soon. Also look for pictures on Facebook to come!