Log of the Mahina: A Tale of Paradise, Paradise Lost, and the Lure of the South Pacific

Log of the Mahina - A Tale of the South Pacific

by Julie Hall

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3564 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	269 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In 1923, Robert Dean Frisbie and his wife, Margaret, set sail from San Francisco aboard their schooner, the Mahina, embarking on a journey that would forever alter the course of their lives. Their destination was the South Pacific, a region steeped in mystery and allure, where pristine beaches, towering volcanoes, and vibrant coral reefs beckoned explorers to its shores.

Frisbie, a talented writer and photographer, meticulously documented their travels in a series of articles and books, including his seminal work, Log of the Mahina. This captivating travelogue provides a vivid account of their adventures, offering a glimpse into the couple's remarkable experiences, the breathtaking landscapes they encountered, and the profound impact their voyage had on their lives.

Into the Heart of Polynesia

From the moment the Mahina entered the turquoise waters of the South Pacific, Robert and Margaret Frisbie were captivated by the region's pristine beauty and exotic allure. They sailed among the lush islands of Polynesia, visiting Tahiti, Bora Bora, Rarotonga, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, marveling at the towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant coral reefs that defined these idyllic landscapes.

The Frisbies eagerly embraced the local cultures they encountered, immersing themselves in the vibrant traditions and customs of each island. They attended traditional feasts, witnessed ceremonial dances, and learned the art of Polynesian navigation, known as wayfinding. Through their interactions with the local people, they gained a deep appreciation for the rich diversity and profound spirituality that permeated Polynesian society.

Paradise Found and Lost

As the months turned into years, the Frisbies found themselves increasingly drawn to the idyllic shores of Bora Bora. This enchanting island, with its crystal-clear lagoon, towering Mount Otemanu, and friendly inhabitants, offered them a sense of paradise on earth. They purchased a small plot of land and built a simple home, where they lived among the local people, immersing themselves in the rhythms of island life.

However, their idyllic existence was not to last. The outbreak of World War II brought an abrupt end to their peaceful sojourn in Bora Bora. Robert Frisbie was forced to leave the island and join the war effort, while Margaret remained behind, enduring the hardships of wartime occupation and the constant fear of invasion.

The war left an indelible mark on both Robert and Margaret Frisbie. The paradise they had found in Bora Bora was forever lost, replaced by the horrors of war and the realization that the idyllic world they had once known could be shattered in an instant.

The Lure of the South Pacific

Despite the challenges they faced, the Frisbies never lost their deep affection for the South Pacific. After the war, they returned to Bora Bora and resumed their life on the island. However, the world had changed, and the paradise they had once known was no more.

In the years that followed, Robert Frisbie continued to write and lecture about his experiences in the South Pacific, sharing his deep love for the region with countless readers and listeners. His writings helped to popularize the South Pacific as a destination for adventure, romance, and escape, inspiring generations of travelers to follow in his footsteps.

Legacy and Impact

Log of the Mahina remains a classic work of travel literature, a timeless account of one couple's extraordinary journey through the South Pacific. Frisbie's vivid prose and evocative photographs transport readers to a world of breathtaking beauty, vibrant cultures, and profound human experiences.

The book has had a lasting impact on the world, inspiring countless people to explore the wonders of the South Pacific and to appreciate the fragility of paradise. It is a testament to the enduring power of travel to transform lives and to connect us with the wider world.

Log of the Mahina is a captivating tale of adventure, exploration, and the transformative power of travel. Robert Dean Frisbie's extraordinary journey through the South Pacific offers a glimpse into a world that is both breathtakingly beautiful and deeply fragile. His writings continue to inspire and enchant readers, reminding us of the allure of paradise, the importance of embracing different cultures, and the preciousness of the world we share.

Log of the Mahina - A Tale of the South Pacific

by Julie Hall

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3564 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	269 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE