Part I
Yesterday I found myself lounging under the shade of a tin and driftwood shack, a Penrhyn ‘weekender’, the steady breeze rustling the coconut palms and taking the edge off another warm, tropical noon. I had just woken from a rather pleasant nap when all of a sudden I was met with a roaring appetite. I looked out over the azure lagoon. ‘Well’, I though to myself ‘I could really go for one of those fried ava’. A second later, one of the women walked into the shack with a basket full of fresh ava (milk fish). The men had just come back from fishing. “Mahuta,” she said to me, “would you like your fish raw or fried?” Such is the warmth and hospitality of the Penrhyn Islanders.
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Scott Lundin says:
” it wasn’t luck at all that set me ashore on Penrhyn Island”
Wayne McCallum says:
Well done, Tom.
Thank you for being such a great ambassador for Australia and treating these people with respect and kindness. Well done again.
Wayne
Dave - SeaStorm Marine Australia says:
Mahuta, Maaaaate,
you write so beautifully.
Thanks for the glimpse into a wonderful place and your experience there.
May the Lord’s big hands and attention to detail continue to watch over you.
Blessings,
Dave
Wolfgang Doughty says:
NEAT
Al Wehren says:
Myself and two shipmates visited Togareva in1999 on our way from Morea to Hawaii. we entered through the western chanel and found the same friendly place that Tom is now enjoying. This was at the peak of the pearl industry. My two buddies traded their bicycles for pearls while I used American cash. We were invited to a great dinner with a family and though we only were able to stay few days, we had great time. Most interesting was a Flicka sailboat (20 feet or less) that someone had sailed there form the US mainland. That’s as far as that boat went, though, to my knowledge. Amazing place.
Hugh (Jock) Beebe says:
Wonderful to have your description of life on Penrhyn now. I lay off the SW coast of Penrhyn in 1983 hove too for about 48 hours in a high pressure gale, clear sky but wind at 50 knots +, afraid to try an entry through the pass on the north side. We finally bore off down to American Samoa in gigantic waves going too fast even under bare poles.for almost 4 days. Luckily about a year later we sailed into Rarotonga and found the warmly, welcoming Cook islanders you describe. Back then there were no formal entry officials, just a boat load of happy people.
Peter Hendrickson says:
No greater calling than welcoming the stranger or the stranger returning the kindness with profound good grace. Clearly you complete the pairing. I’m reminded that over 50 years ago we were welcomed as immigrants to Australia and extended every kindness living in Sydney and Lightning Ridge.
Jerry McIntire says:
Thank you Tom. Experiencing other cultures gives us a welcome perspective on our own. It sounds like gratitude is a prominent part of life for your new friends. I look forward to hearing more about Penrhyn and your further travels.
Dennis King says:
A remarkable tale, lived by a remarkable individual. Truly a Mahuta!
Wishing you smooth seas and following breezes.
ron godwin says:
Well Tom it was not luck that set you down on Penrhyn Island but fate may have had a say.
I hope your wonderful description does not cause an influx of visitors (a bit like Brisbane being discovered and invaded by the Southerners in the 70s!
Do you get the chance to use your boat building skills or adaptation to houses?
Stay well,not too much food,although it sounds healthy.
All my wishes go to you for the rest of your journey.
Ron Bne
charles flanagan says:
Tom is actually quite fortunate to have missed the Society Islands. Although some day I’m sure he’ll get to visit them with their comforts and modern conveniences, at this point he is experiencing the true Polynesian people and culture which will have been ever more rewarding.
Michael Ryan says:
An incredible journey. You are an inspiration and thanks for sharing your adventure. Peace and safe travels.
Peter Anderson says:
How breathtakingly beautiful. That such a place and people still exist in this world gives me a glimpse of hope. My heart swells. How difficult it wil be for Mahutahoehoeasanga to head out to sea when that time comes.