|
The North Face Pitcairn Island, Sail and Climb Expedition - Live Dispatches |
Paradise lost?
11 Jul, 05 - 16:28
|
French Polynesia is quite the contrast to Pitcairn, back in the realm of pearl farming instead of a subsistence existence. The journey was free of seasickness entirely pleasant compared to the outbound.
Truly an incredible journey, specially for a gaggle of Alpinists completely out of their environment. Without our able Captain it would have been insane for us to undertake such a venture.
The Pitcairners are commendable for their commitment to the island. From the point their ancestors stood on the shore and watched His Majesty's Armed Vessel "Bounty" burn to the water line, continuing through present day isolation. A group of less than fifty enjoying a slice of utopia and cooperating to sustain the vision.
Pitcairn remains firmly beyond the physical network of the planet, perhaps a scheduled stop from a cruise ship, weather permitting but equally as likely not.
I'd be surprised if it became a future climbing destination, we enjoyed fine steep adventure but it could only be described as limited. Certainly a qualifier in most unattainable locations, once arrived abundant fruit and fishing could sustain?
Next year plans for a breakwater could draw a better link to the outside world but I feel Pitcairn will remain free from crowds. Neighbouring British Polynesian islands are uninhabited, Oeno, Ducie and Henderson; the latter (world heritage site) hosts a group of scientists part of the year.
No fresh water springs exist other than Pitcairn's and it remains a hard earned island paradise.
The Gambiars group, southernmost in French Polynesia granted a fine exit to the region a chance to snorkel the reef and swim in the warm southern ocean.
The Marquesa group or Bora Bora look to offer fine cliffs without the seafaring commitment of British Polynesia, perhaps next year?
|
| Previous Dispatches |
High Seas manana
7 Jul, 05 - 11:16
During our stay on Pitcairn construction has been moving along on a quay. Constant swells have pounded the existing jetty almost to break point and revision is necessary. Ironically the construction c
|
Surf, sun n' seastacks
3 Jul, 05 - 01:08
Pitcairn Island is a wonderfully unique place, rich in history and adventure. Inhabitants are warm and friendly to we outsiders and one another, they operate as a large cooperative. Public meetings di
|
Pitcairn!
2 Jul, 05 - 01:14
We made it to Pitcairn!
Arriving to the island at first light it wasn't certain that we could land even after such journeying. Heavy swell was pounding the rocky shore on all sides so much so it wa
|
|
| |
View more dispatches
|
|
|
Powered by CONTACT 3 expedition software
|
|
)
)
)
