Home and the first Cruise ship since 2020- Written by Meralda Warren and Randy Key- 22 September 2022

It was on a very early morning sunrise when the longboats came to pick us up from the ship Silver Supporter. Mum, Charlene, Andrew and Myself plus 3 tourists.

It was so good to see the longboat alongside and it took a while to figure out how to get my 86-year-old mum from the deck into the longboat.

Finally, it was decided to put her in the stretcher instead of in a harness and lowering her by crane into the boat. Oops Crane died again so it was rigged that she’s strapped in and the head area fasten to heaving straps and the Davy derrick took the weight as they slid her down the side of the ship and our people grabbing ahold of the stretcher pulling her fast onto the longboat deck.

Andrew and Char clambered over the side, and I quickly followed and was soon in the arms of my family and seated on the house of the boat.

Waving goodbye to the crew of the ship we headed for Bounty Bay so we can clear the Landing before Aranui 5 arrives.

Stepping ashore being hugged by family and friends was so great a home coming.

Sitting on the quad bike for the first time in 3 months and finally driving up the hill and home. Wow what a great sight to behold.

No time to doodle. Settling mum in and showing her new room instead of her house outside, I began cleaning the kitchen and putting loads of washing on and refreshing drinks in the fridge.

Jayden used my quad bike to do tours and left his for me to use.

No breaks he said so no tours for me but that’s great.

The VHF Radio announced their arrival on channel 16 and it won’t be long till the island is again bustling with people.

The folks from Aranui 5 started coming to the Town Square next door to us and many made their way up to the museum. Seeing us here on our verandah many came by to say hello and I was happy to show them the Bounty Bell in my front yard with my cabbages show casing what is left of HMS Bounty bell.

Iorana filled the air as my Tahitian friend and her friend came up the hill to our home. She had stayed with us before and visited many times. It was so good to greet my Tahitian friend as I saw her before leaving Tahiti myself and to meet her friend.

Soon another friend turned up with Amateur radio antenna tuner and my call sign he had printed in 3D. Whilst catching up others turned up and dropped into chairs here and quickly, we’re joining the conversations we were having.

A bit of History and bit of present-day talk, and a lot of Pitcairn water was shared around. Instructions how to get to John Adams Grave became the trend as folks came up past our house and headed that way up the valley instead of around the main road and up the steep hill.

Aranui and Pitcairn provided lunch in the square. Tables were set up and food was served by the anchor.

As folks ate a 3-piece Tahitian band was playing guitar, Ukelele and singing.

Heading back home more people had come to visit and my mum was enjoying the attention.

Some were excited about what they had purchased at the stalls set up at Parmai Center outside on the veranda where the Post Office the Treasurer’s office and our one store is situated. Carvings, T shirts, Jewelry and weaving graced the tables the first day. Having a bit of time. After they went out the ship in the afternoon to socialize and have dinner, I was able to stay at home with mum and was able to prepare some USB sticks with our labels. Randy Key album Songs of Pitcairn and Meralda Warren Pitcairn Songs graced the trading table the next day. So happy that they made it.

The second day was time for many to explore more of our Island.

Crew as well as Passengers were enjoying their time here on our little Island.

My friends came back and after gathering some things here at the house they were ready to explore St Pauls so I called Charlene to come take them on the quad. We were having a great time seeing them off and I took mum on the no brake quad to Bounty Bay driving slow and carefully.

Saying goodbye to folks I have just met but also friends I have met for years and some of Aranui Crew who loved being here on our Island.

Aranui have her own barges and was able to transport the passengers safely through Bounty Bay surf out to the ship. Waving goodbye as the final barge left with Tahitian music playing on the Tahitian guys JBL player as they jumped the final wave and was gone.

Thank you for coming and we look forward to seeing the ship back next month and hopefully friends we have met.

Sanks fer ucklan.