Aug. 28, 2010 Daniel's Bay, (Baie de Taioa)



We returned to Daniels Bay along with our friends on Soggy Paws. What a wonderful 5 days we had. A crew of workers had been busy and cleared the already good trail to the village of Hakaui even better. The flowers and plants were in bloom, as there's been more rain. Hence the hike to Vaipo Waterfalls was much wetter, the falls themselves a gushing thunderous roar now...not a weak stream. The rocks we sat on in the cave alcove at the base of the falls before were now underwater, and the windy mist was very strong. We saw the eels in the pond this time....coming up to eat scraps from our packed lunches. The next day we were guests of Ma'i and Maria for a Marquesan meal. Breadfruit prepared two ways, goat in coconut milk, and fish (that Matt helped spear fish earlier in the day with them)...A good time was had by all.
Our hike up to the southwest ridge with Maria as our guide was a highlight for me. As Michael doesn't enjoy playing like a billy goat, he stayed aboard and passed on the 1600ft. steep climb. We really did see a lot of wild goats....there were plenty of them around! The view was incredible, with the pastures on the opposite side so different from where we came. Matt has a pair of 'five fingers' foot wear that is very unusual for us, let alone the Marquesan's here. There was one casuality; a loosened rock that was careening down hit the back leg of Maria's dog, and put a nasty gash in her foot. After being carried by Maria for awhile, she was able to hobble back down with her now wrapped up foot. What a reminder of what can happen in the outback...we're hoping she heals without any problems!
FYI- Matt has his own website ....www.kitingadventures.com
We're both having trouble posting pictures, as the internet is painfully slow when we do have it......
Can you see Infini and Soggy Paws in the middle bay? An incredible view from the top!

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