During their final days in Tahiti, the crew of the HMS Resolution experienced a remarkable deepening of relationships with the island’s people and rulers. Trust, once fragile, began to grow.
In Episode 23, the HMS Resolution’s crew experiences a day rich in contrast and reflection.
During their extended stay on Tahiti’s southern peninsula, the crew of the HMS Resolution made meaningful efforts to mend relations with the islanders after a tense confrontation. Their peace offering—returning two captured canoes—gradually restored trust and allowed trade to resume. Georg Forster and several officers explored the surrounding landscape, collecting plants and observing local customs.
A tranquil Tahitian valley reveals its hidden paradise—lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and the gentle rhythm of island life welcome the explorers ashore – Click on the image to listen to this episode on YouTube.
They encountered a group of women crafting traditional bark cloth from mulberry trees using wooden hammers and hibiscus-based glue. Later, they were warmly welcomed by a Tahitian man who offered them a meal of breadfruit, coconuts, and Spondias apples—an act of hospitality that deeply impressed the visitors.
The group continued their walk into a secluded valley and discovered a breathtaking waterfall nestled among fragrant bushes and bright tropical flowers. Resting in the cool shade, they sketched and examined their botanical finds, surrounded by birdcalls and gentle breezes.
Later, they reunited with Mr. Hodges and Mr. Grindall, who were welcomed with joy by the local community. A young islander proudly carried Hodges' sketch portfolio, a symbol of trust. In a peaceful village hut, Georg witnessed a touching scene of Tahitian family life—marked by dignity, joy, and connection across generations. The locals affectionately renamed him "Teori."
A map of the locations of this episode
My YouTube VIDEO channel, Voyage to Go, where I visit the places from this travel narrative
More Episodes of Voyage 2 Go History:
S1-E1: England: Departure around the world
S1-E5: Cape Colony: Ocean on Fire
S1-E9: Southern Ocean: Lost in the Ice
In Episode 21 of the Pacific voyage, the HMS Resolution runs aground off the coast of Tahiti, leading to a dramatic rescue—and an unforgettable series of encounters.
In Episode 20 of the voyage, Georg Forster and the crew of the HMS Resolution sail through the remote northern Tuamotu Archipelago, catching sight of flat, palm-dotted atolls after weeks of open ocean.