However we were in luck. We'd get a day ashore though with the wind building from the SE it would be difficult to anchor. As we arrived, Kristian on the trimaran Aldebaran hailed us in the VHF and pointed out the spots with sand. We anchored outside of him and a little back and got the anchor into sand on the second attempt. Lots of chain out as the anchorage was already a bit bouncy, bridle on, job done. Kristian also kindly offered us a lift ashore which we readily accepted. We'd use the Pitcairn boat to get back aboard later as Aldebaran would have moved to another anchorage,Tedside, by the time we would be returning.
Logistics organised, we hailed Pitcairn and Charlene the harbour master got back to us. She'd meet us with the other officials on the shore around 8:30am. The paperwork was simple - just passports required and there was a US$50 charge per person. A bit steep but totally worth it. We are the 14th yacht to visit this year.
Formalities and introductions complete, we were quizzed about our plans for the day and how they could help. Lunch was swiftly organised - apparently a roster of those willing so the task and reward gets shared around. Next we faced the hill. Some of us opted to walk, having been onboard for a month, but 1 took the ride up on the ubiquitous quad bikes. They arrived in the 80s and have transformed things for the locals.
First stop at the top of the hill was the hardware store. Surprisingly well stocked and priced. At this point you have to get your head around how things work. Adamstown is open for business on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays (being a Seventh Day adventist community). Additionally, the shops are then only open certain hours as everyone has at least a couple of jobs on the island. As the hardware store was about to close, the crew from Aldebaran stopped to get some supplies.
We then ambled on to the very well stocked general store where we stocked up in a number of essentials at a very good price. Quickly identified as a British boat due to the Branson Pickle and HP sauce in the basket. Reputedly cheaper than French Polynesia, we spent quite a bit. Olive offered to store it all for us at her place because the shop was about to close. She was cooking lunch for us anyway, so it was a good plan and typical of how things just fall into place. Any problems and a quick call on VHF channel 16 gets a response, as every house has a radio.
Next up was souvenirs - beautiful wood from nearby Henderson carved into sharks or turtles, some t-shirts, coins and the essential trip to the post office to send postcards. Post can only leave the island when the supply ship comes from NZ, which only happens ? times a year. The ship comes out, via Mangareva, then is unloaded. It's possible to visit Pitcairn as a tourist at this time, as you the ship shuttles back and forth to Mangareva a couple of times before returning to New Zealand. We were in luck - the next ship is due in a few weeks, so our postcards shouldn't take too long.
There is no souvenir shop though. Talking to the locals will help you discover who has what for sale. It's worth asking around if there is something particular you want.
All spent out, we headed to the "eco trail" for a look at the local plants, then back to Olive's for lunch.