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 About Us > Why Pitcairn? Pitcairn, The bounty islands |
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A visit to Pitcairn Island immerses the traveller in both the fascinating
history of the Bounty and the special every day activities that make up island life. HMAV Bounty Remains. Burned on 23 January 1790, the remains  of Bounty lie three metres below the surface of Bounty Bay. Sadly, over the years, Bounty relics have disappeared from the site and today there is very little left. Ballast bars, copper sheathing and nails are some of the items that may still be seen.An archaeological team from the James Cook University in Australia, which visited Pitcairn during 1998 and1999, heightened an awareness among Pitcairners of the value of these cultural treasures of theirs, and the need for them to be protected and for those illegally removed to be tracked down and returned. During January 1999, the James Cook University archaeology team and a number of Pitcairners successfully recovered what is possibly the last remaining cannon. As the cannon was raised, a chunk of concretion broke away, to reveal a section of the cannon in almost perfect condition. Taken to Australia, together with other artefacts recovered during the expedition, the cannon, after undergoing a preservation process will be returned and displayed in the Pitcairn Island Museum. The Pitcairn Island Museum. The Pitcairn Island museum displays a number of artefacts and items, some of which have been donated and loaned by people from all over the world. Artefacts such as  the stone tools, which were made by Polynesians prior to the arrival of the mutineers, are on display. Other artefacts include Bounty relics (salvaged
from the wreck), a well used traditional wheelbarrow and more. The books and articles, written about the mutiny and Pitcairn Island, have kept readers occupied for hours.A new museum was opened in August 2005 and efforts are being made to collect items, including those illegally taken off the island in the past and return them to be displayed on Pitcairn. Eco trails. Work is currently underway to develop eco-trails that allow the visitor to walk amongst and see the unique flora of Pitcairn. The natural forest observed by Carteret at the time of Pitcairn’s discovery in 1767 has almost vanished and the island is now covered with secondary bush and grassland. The bush consists of small trees, burau (Hibiscus tiliaceus), tapau (Homalium taypau), rose apple (Syzygium jambos), guava (Psidium guajava) and tall weeds such as lantana (Lantana camara). Small remnants of less-disturbed native forest remain, particularly at higher altitudes. These are dominated by rata (Metrosideros collina) and contain a wide variety of native fern species, including the tree fern (Cyathea medullaris). About nine plant species are thought to occur only on Pitcairn. These include tapau, formerly an important timber resource, and the giant nehe fern (Angiopteris chauliodonta). Events on Pitcairn. Bounty Day Every year, on 23rd January, the islanders celebrate the burning of Bounty. The morning is spent constructing a Bounty replica, using cardboard for the sails and empty drums, or sometimes an old boat for the hull. Once this task has been completed, a longboat is launched and a fishing trip is made to catch fish for a public dinner. Those remaining ashore, gradually make their way down to the Landing and spend the afternoon swimming, weaving baskets, sanding curios, chatting and eating watermelon, pineapple and breadsticks.  In the evening, as it begins to get dark, the replica is launched into the harbour and, if sea conditions permit, towed to the site where the original Bounty was burnt in 1790. Like the event that took place over 200 years ago, the replica is set alight while the people ashore watch, perhaps reflecting upon the past, until like the original, the replica has burned to the waterline. Supply Ship Day There are at least three supply ships each year. By the time supply ship day arrives, fuel may be running low, the General Store may have run out of a number of items and it is likely that it has been four months since the islanders received any mail. Unless conditions or other circumstances arise, supply ships usually arrive at daybreak. Five rings on the bell announce the sighting of the ship. Alongside the ship, one longboat will work from amidships, taking groceries and other goods that have been taken  out of the containers on deck and lowered over the side. The second longboat sits off the stern of the ship, taking heavy building materials and other items that the ship’s crew lower with the aft-deck crane. Working in the longboats
is dangerous. If a bundle of timber or a drum of diesel slips, someone may be hurt or worse. The men in the longboats are very skilled and experienced, however there have been occasions when someone has been injured and a number of times when someone has had to leap into the sea to avoid being hit by swinging cargo.Everyone is involved on this day. Even first time visitors to the island, arriving on the ship, are seen carrying goods from containers. Those ashore, including the children, carry supplies from the jetty to private piles or to the shed. There is great relief at the end of the day and even more so if there have been no injuries or complications. It is always a long, exhausting and often hot day although the hard work is worth it. Parcels and letters from family and friends are a real treat and goods, which may have been ordered three months ago, are received. |
