These photos will give you some idea of what Pitcairn and the Pitcairners are like. Many thanks to:

Peter McHugh, a longtime friend of Pitcairn from Tasmania,
Eric Huffey, another former visitor to the Island from Western Canada,
Dave Miller, a radio ham and Pitcairn visitor from Illinois, USA,
Meralda Warren, a Pitcairner living on the Island today,
Ina Koys, from Germany, who visited the Island in 1997,
Andrew Randall-Christian, of Pitcairn.
From other donors.

who have provided the spectacular color pictures below, and quite a few pictures elsewhere on this website.
In addition, special thanks to Peter McHugh (above) who scanned his own pictures, and those of Eric,
and to Peter Andersen, webmaster of the Sierra Leone Web Site, who scanned Dave's
and Meralda's photos.

If you are using a slow modem or computer, you may not want to wait
for these large pictures to load. The size is given for the larger pictures.
Click on the title to see the full-size pictures.

Photographs

...of the Sea and Coastline

Pitcairn from about 5 miles offshore. (66K)

This is probably the view that the mutineers saw when they decided that Pitcairn would be a perfect hide-out. Imagine the formidable challenge that rugged coastline presented to the sailors in the days of tall ships and comparatively fragile wooden hulls.

Approaching from a Different Side. (71K)

Pitcairn from the air. (85K)

Taken from the cockpit of a New Zealand Royal Air Force reconnaisance planes just prior to making one of the very few air drops on the island. Pitcairn only receives "air mail" when an NZRAF plane going out on long distance maneuvers offers to take along mail bags and use them for "practice bombing runs".

View of Bounty Bay from The Edge (above) (51K)

Another View of Bounty Bay (156K)

Looking from the other direction, it is clearer just how difficult the Hill of Difficulty really is.

Surf at the Landing (11K)

When a A Cruise Ship Stops, it's a Big Day! (104K)

Longboat Going to Meet a Visiting Ship (79K)

Longboat alongside visiting sailing ship (20K)

Longboat going off on a Mission (71K)

Some of our Island Sailors (70K)

Packages for Pitcairn (30K)

Whenever a friendly ship is planning on stopping at Pitcairn, it's a chance for a delivery of supplies and packages that have been awaiting shipment...this is only a small part of what was on board this vessel.

Getting Closer (119K)

A couple taken from the large semi inflatable Avon dinghy on approach to the landing. Steve Christian was in control and I was very happy to leave it to him. The ride was rough, hence the rather blurred nature of the photos.

The longboat filled with tourists from a cruise ship. (110K)

The Boatshed and Launching Winches (92K)

Another more recent photo (2004) (124K)

The Northern Coast at Adamstown (159K)

We had just recovered our lost anchor and hoisted one small sail. The easterly gale then blasted us out of Bounty Bay and rapidly along the north coast of the island. Within half an hour heavy rain came in and blotted out the island and we were stuck in 3 days of strong gales.

The Northern Coast Looking NW Toward Christian's Cave from Bounty Bay (66K)

It was up high in those lonely hills where Fletcher Christian increasingly isolated himself from the others, whether because of guilt, sadness or fear of capture, and spent most of his days looking out over the horizon.

The Northern Coast Looking looking down from the top of "Ship's Lookout" (previous picture) (56K)

It's said that the mutineers would take turns keeping watch for passing ships from this point in days of old, warning the others on Pitcairn should a British Naval vessel be spotted seeking to take them back to British justice for their mutinous deed.

The Northern Coast Looking SE Toward St Paul's Point from Bounty Bay (58K)

Approaching Pitcairn from the South (84K)

Approaching Bounty Bay Around the Eastern End (99K)

Departing Pitcairn (109K)

After experiencing the warmth of the Pitcairners' hospitality, the departure cannot help but bring a tear to the eye, and amazement at the ferocity of nature surrounding this unique haven of peace.

...of the Sea and Coastline
Pitcairn from about 5 miles offshore. (66K)
This is probably the view that the mutineers saw when they decided that Pitcairn would be a perfect hide-out. Imagine the formidable challenge that rugged coastline presented to the sailors in the days of tall ships and comparatively fragile wooden hulls.
Approaching from a Different Side. (71K)
Pitcairn from the air. (85K)
Taken from the cockpit of a New Zealand Royal Air Force reconnaisance planes just prior to making one of the very few air drops on the island. Pitcairn only receives "air mail" when an NZRAF plane going out on long distance maneuvers offers to take along mail bags and use them for "practice bombing runs".
View of Bounty Bay from The Edge (above) (51K)
Another View of Bounty Bay (156K)
Looking from the other direction, it is clearer just how difficult the Hill of Difficulty really is.
Surf at the Landing (11K)
When a A Cruise Ship Stops, it's a Big Day! (104K)
Longboat Going to Meet a Visiting Ship (79K)
Longboat alongside visiting sailing ship (20K)
Longboat going off on a Mission (71K)
Some of our Island Sailors (70K)
Packages for Pitcairn (30K)
Whenever a friendly ship is planning on stopping at Pitcairn, it's a chance for a delivery of supplies and packages that have been awaiting shipment...this is only a small part of what was on board this vessel.
Getting Closer (119K)
A couple taken from the large semi inflatable Avon dinghy on approach to the landing. Steve Christian was in control and I was very happy to leave it to him. The ride was rough, hence the rather blurred nature of the photos.
The longboat filled with tourists from a cruise ship. (110K)
The Boatshed and Launching Winches (92K)
Another more recent photo (2004) (124K)
The Northern Coast at Adamstown (159K)
We had just recovered our lost anchor and hoisted one small sail. The easterly gale then blasted us out of Bounty Bay and rapidly along the north coast of the island. Within half an hour heavy rain came in and blotted out the island and we were stuck in 3 days of strong gales.
The Northern Coast Looking NW Toward Christian's Cave from Bounty Bay (66K)
It was up high in those lonely hills where Fletcher Christian increasingly isolated himself from the others, whether because of guilt, sadness or fear of capture, and spent most of his days looking out over the horizon.
The Northern Coast Looking looking down from the top of "Ship's Lookout" (previous picture) (56K)
It's said that the mutineers would take turns keeping watch for passing ships from this point in days of old, warning the others on Pitcairn should a British Naval vessel be spotted seeking to take them back to British justice for their mutinous deed.
The Northern Coast Looking SE Toward St Paul's Point from Bounty Bay (58K)
Approaching Pitcairn from the South (84K)
Approaching Bounty Bay Around the Eastern End (99K)
Departing Pitcairn (109K)
After experiencing the warmth of the Pitcairners' hospitality, the departure cannot help but bring a tear to the eye, and amazement at the ferocity of nature surrounding this unique haven of peace.

...of Life on the Island

The sea is Pitcairn's lifeline. (21K)

Loading and unloading cargo. (93K)

Transferring cargo between ships and longboats is seldom easy, although perhaps less treacherous on a calm day, and when the ship is smaller. Imagine doing this during even minimal waves, and via a rope ladder that is the only link to a ship's deck 10 feet above the longboat!

Steve Christian Caught a Whopper! (93K)

Fishing on Pitcairn can be exciting. Steve displays one "medium sized" grouper caught on a community fishing expedition. The people of Pitcairn depend upon the bounty of the sea for a large portion of their fresh protein. Some fresh meat is imported from the "outside world", and some chickens and wild goats are raised on the Island, but by and large, seafood is preferred.

The Day's Catch (11K)

A day's catch being sorted and cleaned, and soon to be shared out to the Islanders using a method based on 18th century British Navy tradition. Many fish varieties abound in waters around the island. Caught from canoes and long boats or from the rocks, they provide an essential part of the Pitcairn diet.

Grinding Sugar Cane at the Pitcairn Cane Press (42K)

Belt-Driven Sugar Cane Crusher (137K)

The juice is used to make molasses. A good deal of co-operation is evident in the community when it is time to grind the sugar cane. Newer belt-driven machinery makes the process easier than the old equipment that required people to operate a capstan.

Children on the Playground at the School (142K)

Get-together in Daphne's living room (25K)

Sabbath School on Pitcairn (144K)

Pathfinders Day at the Church (57K)

The Pathfinders are the equivalent of the Boy & Girl Scouts on Pitcairn. Rick Ferret, then Island Pastor, stands in the foreground left, and Irma Christian, foreground right.

Music Time in Sabbath School (118K)

Gathering for a Celebration at the Pitcairn School (168K)

Oeno Island Beach Holiday (69K)

Sunset on Oeno Island (47K)

Oeno Island, 80 miles to the north, is Pitcairn's vacation spot. Trips to Oeno may include half the Island's population, and can last for as long as a week or two.

...of Life on the Island
The sea is Pitcairn's lifeline. (21K)
Loading and unloading cargo. (93K)
Transferring cargo between ships and longboats is seldom easy, although perhaps less treacherous on a calm day, and when the ship is smaller. Imagine doing this during even minimal waves, and via a rope ladder that is the only link to a ship's deck 10 feet above the longboat!
Steve Christian Caught a Whopper! (93K)
Fishing on Pitcairn can be exciting. Steve displays one "medium sized" grouper caught on a community fishing expedition. The people of Pitcairn depend upon the bounty of the sea for a large portion of their fresh protein. Some fresh meat is imported from the "outside world", and some chickens and wild goats are raised on the Island, but by and large, seafood is preferred.
The Day's Catch (11K)
A day's catch being sorted and cleaned, and soon to be shared out to the Islanders using a method based on 18th century British Navy tradition. Many fish varieties abound in waters around the island. Caught from canoes and long boats or from the rocks, they provide an essential part of the Pitcairn diet.
Grinding Sugar Cane at the Pitcairn Cane Press (42K)
Belt-Driven Sugar Cane Crusher (137K)
The juice is used to make molasses. A good deal of co-operation is evident in the community when it is time to grind the sugar cane. Newer belt-driven machinery makes the process easier than the old equipment that required people to operate a capstan.
Children on the Playground at the School (142K)
Get-together in Daphne's living room (25K)
Sabbath School on Pitcairn (144K)
Pathfinders Day at the Church (57K)
The Pathfinders are the equivalent of the Boy & Girl Scouts on Pitcairn. Rick Ferret, then Island Pastor, stands in the foreground left, and Irma Christian, foreground right.
Music Time in Sabbath School (118K)
Gathering for a Celebration at the Pitcairn School (168K)
Oeno Island Beach Holiday (69K)
Sunset on Oeno Island (47K)
Oeno Island, 80 miles to the north, is Pitcairn's vacation spot. Trips to Oeno may include half the Island's population, and can last for as long as a week or two.

...of Island Places

Taro Ground (96K)

Pitcairn's radio center, where the Pitcairners maintain their audio lifeline to the rest of the world. This Government station keeps daily schedules with New Zealand for the transmission of telegrams, weather reports and radio telephone calls.

Taro Ground from Above (139K)

Another view, this one from above. Taro Ground is the largest piece of flat land on the island, and the only viable location (although a bit shorter than safety requires) for any airfield that might be considered.

St. Paul's Pool (166K)

St. Paul's Pool on a calm day (108K)

St. Paul's Pool on a rough day (73K)

A clear, blue tidal pool, also known as the "Pool of Uaru" by some, "Nude Pond" by others, located on the northeast coast, is the favorite swimming place despite its perilous descent. Sometimes the pictures taken on calm days make people forget the fury of the Pacific that surrounds the island.

View Looking East from Lookout Point (26K)

Lookout Point is the highest peak on the Island, and looking east, you can see the white buildings of Adamstown.

Gannets Ridge (10K)

Distantly viewed between Norfolk pines, the church and schoolhouse nestle beneath Gannets Ridge.

Pitcairn's Pulau School (117K)

Inside the Pitcairn Island School (140K)

A view of the classroom, with computers (27K)

A View from the Door of the Pitcairn School (139K)

Flatland house

Where Randy, Nadine and Bradley live. [Nadine Christian]

Flatland house, seen from below

[Nadine Christian]

View from Flatland

[Nadine Christian]

Thursday October Christian's House (125K)

Here and there, a visitor sees the remains of old houses, abandoned as the population decreased. The oldest one, Thursday October Christian's House, was built in the early 1800's, and is now an island historical attraction.

Downrope - Pitcairn's Only Beach (128K)

Downrope's Rock Face and Polynesian Hieroglyphs (center right) (202K)

About a half of the beach was destroyed by a 1995 landslide, which fortunately avoided the hieroglyphs.

Christian's Cave (141K)

Located high on a hill facing out over the sea, Christian spent many days alone here scanning the horizon for signs of ships seeking to bring them to justice.

The Pitcairn Graveyard (170K)

John Adams' Grave (178K)

Adams, because he died later and after the concept of Christian burial was established, is the only mutineer whose grave is known. In all likelihood, the others were buried at sea.

...of Island Places
Taro Ground (96K)
Pitcairn's radio center, where the Pitcairners maintain their audio lifeline to the rest of the world. This Government station keeps daily schedules with New Zealand for the transmission of telegrams, weather reports and radio telephone calls.
Taro Ground from Above (139K)
Another view, this one from above. Taro Ground is the largest piece of flat land on the island, and the only viable location (although a bit shorter than safety requires) for any airfield that might be considered.
St. Paul's Pool (166K)
St. Paul's Pool on a calm day (108K)
St. Paul's Pool on a rough day (73K)
A clear, blue tidal pool, also known as the "Pool of Uaru" by some, "Nude Pond" by others, located on the northeast coast, is the favorite swimming place despite its perilous descent. Sometimes the pictures taken on calm days make people forget the fury of the Pacific that surrounds the island.
View Looking East from Lookout Point (26K)
Lookout Point is the highest peak on the Island, and looking east, you can see the white buildings of Adamstown.
Gannets Ridge (10K)
Distantly viewed between Norfolk pines, the church and schoolhouse nestle beneath Gannets Ridge.
Pitcairn's Pulau School (117K)
Inside the Pitcairn Island School (140K)
A view of the classroom, with computers (27K)
A View from the Door of the Pitcairn School (139K)
Flatland house
Where Randy, Nadine and Bradley live. [Nadine Christian]
Flatland house, seen from below
[Nadine Christian]
View from Flatland
[Nadine Christian]
Thursday October Christian's House (125K)
Here and there, a visitor sees the remains of old houses, abandoned as the population decreased. The oldest one, Thursday October Christian's House, was built in the early 1800's, and is now an island historical attraction.
Downrope - Pitcairn's Only Beach (128K)
Downrope's Rock Face and Polynesian Hieroglyphs (center right) (202K)
About a half of the beach was destroyed by a 1995 landslide, which fortunately avoided the hieroglyphs.
Christian's Cave (141K)
Located high on a hill facing out over the sea, Christian spent many days alone here scanning the horizon for signs of ships seeking to bring them to justice.
The Pitcairn Graveyard (170K)
John Adams' Grave (178K)
Adams, because he died later and after the concept of Christian burial was established, is the only mutineer whose grave is known. In all likelihood, the others were buried at sea.

...of Adamstown

Adamstown Public Square (76K)

The Square, centre of public life. In these buildings are housed the Dispensary, Library, Post Office, Island Secretary's Office and Courthouse (which doubles as the Public hall)

The Pitcairn Bell in Adamstown Public Square (175K)

When a ship is sighted on the horizon, the Pitcairner rushes to the Adamstown Public Square to sound the Pitcairn bell, and suddenly the entire community is thrown into a bustle of activity.

The Courthouse and Bounty Anchor (146K)

The Pitcairn Island Church (22K)

Inside the Pitcairn Island Church (126K)

The Pitcairn Dispensary (162K)

...of Adamstown
Adamstown Public Square (76K)
The Square, centre of public life. In these buildings are housed the Dispensary, Library, Post Office, Island Secretary's Office and Courthouse (which doubles as the Public hall)
The Pitcairn Bell in Adamstown Public Square (175K)
When a ship is sighted on the horizon, the Pitcairner rushes to the Adamstown Public Square to sound the Pitcairn bell, and suddenly the entire community is thrown into a bustle of activity.
The Courthouse and Bounty Anchor (146K)
The Pitcairn Island Church (22K)
Inside the Pitcairn Island Church (126K)
The Pitcairn Dispensary (162K)

...of Island Things

The Bounty Cannon (195K)

Although Bounty carried four 4-pounder guns (short) and ten half-pounder swivels, she could not, by any definition, be termed a fighting ship.

The Bounty Bible (25K)

Carefully locked in a glass-topped case beside the pulpit in the Pitcairn Church is the Bounty Bible, Bligh's marriage certificate, and an early Book of Prayers. The Bible was successfully restored in England, and returned to Pitcairn after an absence of 111 years.

The Bounty Bell (166K)

Hear the bell, man. Christian's taken the ship! May God have mercy on us.

A Nail from the Bounty (53K)

Because the Bounty was burned at Bounty Bay, divers have retrieved many nails, which are displayed in museums throughout the South Pacific. Very few nails are found in recent years.

HMS Bounty Bicentennial Plaque (162K)

A 1990 gift from the Pitcairn descendants living on Norfolk Island, the legend on the monument is written in Pitcairnese.

Pandanus leaves & weaving supplies. (22K)

Basketry is an important skill and source of income. And the nice thing, it's an activity that's easy to do while sitting around and socializing with neighbors.

The Acadia Monument (152K)

The Acadia Anchor (182K)

An 1881 shipwreck off Ducie Island, the Acadia anchor was recovered by the World Discoverer, and donated by them to the people of Pitcairn.

Moss, one of the longboats. (17K)

Abandoned Longboat (171K)

Like ghosts, the hulks of worn-out wooden longboats can be seen along this road or that. What their sailors would have given for the aluminum longboats that maintain Pitcairn's tenuous lifeline with the outside world.

Polynesian Artifacts (156K)

One day, while we were visiting and helping out at Carol and Jay's allotment, our shovels found a remnant of Pitcairn's polynesian past.

A Pitcairn warbler, found nowhere else. (14K)

Ms. Turpin (25K)

A rarely documented citizen of Pitcairn, she traveled from the Galapagos Islands, and is now part of Pitcairn society. Her special hobbies are causing a traffic jam by taking a nap in the narrow streets, and dining in the best-kept garden she can find.

Pitcairn Transport (47K)

The 'automobile' of Pitcairn, these vehicles make life easier on this very mountainous island.

Breadfruit (143K)

Thought to be the ideal food for the slaves in the West Indies, the Admiralty was very anxious to commission a voyage that had the potential to increase profits substantially.

Chickens are a favorite food source. (39K)

But the local flock certainly eats differently from their cousins in Kansas or Yorkshire!

...of Island Things
The Bounty Cannon (195K)
Although Bounty carried four 4-pounder guns (short) and ten half-pounder swivels, she could not, by any definition, be termed a fighting ship.
The Bounty Bible (25K)
Carefully locked in a glass-topped case beside the pulpit in the Pitcairn Church is the Bounty Bible, Bligh's marriage certificate, and an early Book of Prayers. The Bible was successfully restored in England, and returned to Pitcairn after an absence of 111 years.
The Bounty Bell (166K)
Hear the bell, man. Christian's taken the ship! May God have mercy on us.
A Nail from the Bounty (53K)
Because the Bounty was burned at Bounty Bay, divers have retrieved many nails, which are displayed in museums throughout the South Pacific. Very few nails are found in recent years.
HMS Bounty Bicentennial Plaque (162K)
A 1990 gift from the Pitcairn descendants living on Norfolk Island, the legend on the monument is written in Pitcairnese.
Pandanus leaves & weaving supplies. (22K)
Basketry is an important skill and source of income. And the nice thing, it's an activity that's easy to do while sitting around and socializing with neighbors.
The Acadia Monument (152K)
The Acadia Anchor (182K)
An 1881 shipwreck off Ducie Island, the Acadia anchor was recovered by the World Discoverer, and donated by them to the people of Pitcairn.
Moss, one of the longboats. (17K)
Abandoned Longboat (171K)
Like ghosts, the hulks of worn-out wooden longboats can be seen along this road or that. What their sailors would have given for the aluminum longboats that maintain Pitcairn's tenuous lifeline with the outside world.
Polynesian Artifacts (156K)
One day, while we were visiting and helping out at Carol and Jay's allotment, our shovels found a remnant of Pitcairn's polynesian past.
A Pitcairn warbler, found nowhere else. (14K)
Ms. Turpin (25K)
A rarely documented citizen of Pitcairn, she traveled from the Galapagos Islands, and is now part of Pitcairn society. Her special hobbies are causing a traffic jam by taking a nap in the narrow streets, and dining in the best-kept garden she can find.
Pitcairn Transport (47K)
The 'automobile' of Pitcairn, these vehicles make life easier on this very mountainous island.
Breadfruit (143K)
Thought to be the ideal food for the slaves in the West Indies, the Admiralty was very anxious to commission a voyage that had the potential to increase profits substantially.
Chickens are a favorite food source. (39K)
But the local flock certainly eats differently from their cousins in Kansas or Yorkshire!

...of Island People & Visitors

(first, the way things were)

An undated photo taken in front of the church. (399K)

Another undated picture of the school and students. (351K)

A 1910 photograph of Pitcairn Islanders. (136K)

A photo of the Longboats taken sometime during the 1930's or 1940's. (238K)

Polly Adams and sisters, Pitcairn Island. (Off-site link)

(then more modern pictures)

Emily's 2nd Birthday Party [Nadine Christian]

Video of the Party (Download Windows Media Video)
The Cake
Emmy thinks about blowing
Bradley takes the responsibility
Ryan (and mom) watch
After every party, it's cleanup time!

Nadine and Bradley

Nadine Christian and her son, Bradley Christian [Nadine Christian]

Nadine and Emily

Nadine Christian and her daughter, Emily Rose Christian at her 1st Birthday party. [Nadine Christian]

Andrew and Brenda (68K)

Andrew Christian and his mother, Brenda Christian, selling their carvings, T-shirts, and crafts aboard the Crystal Symphony, February 12, 2002. [Adrienne Childers]

Andrew Randall-Christian (73K)

Andrew Christian, taken January of 2004.

Bradley, Josh, and Ariel (91K)

Bradley Christian, Josh Christian, and Ariel Brown taken January of 2004.

Mary Maple, Bradley and Emily
Mary Maple, the island teacher, with Bradley and Emily Christian at the school. [Nadine Christian]

Daphne and Pania (82K)

Daphne Warren and her granddaughter, Pania Warren, taken January of 2004.

Jacob and Meralda (81K)

Jacob and Meralda Warren aboard the Crystal Symphony, February 12, 2002. [Adrienne Childers]

Steve & Olive Christian (47K)

February 12, 2002. [Adrienne Childers]

Royal Warren (66K)

Royal Warren displaying two of her wood carvings, February 12, 2002. [Adrienne Childers]

Chippie (Jacob Warren) (114K)

[Amanda Young]

Candice Warren, the computer expert. (16K)

Panja Warren, with Candice (behind knee), and friendly visitor, Ina. (22K)

Warren & Millie Christian (81K)

They are holding Fletcher Christian's Bible. The 200-year-old book is kept in a special locked glass case, and only taken out for special occasions.

Beanie (the late Bernice Christian) (53K)

Although they named the Bernice Christian Memorial Park after her, this most beloved of Pitcairn ladies was simply "Beanie" to her neighbors and friends. [Amanda Young]

Carol & Charlene Warren entertain a visitor (149K)

Whenever there is a quiet moment, Pitcairners use the time to create their curios or baskets. Here, Carol (right) is sanding a turtle.

Daphne Warren deftly weaving. (30K)

Daphne and Chris, her cat (12K)

One of the rare moments when Chris is behaving like a cat, instead of like a dog as normally.

Meralda Warren (53K)

Len Brown Carving Curios in his Shed (53K)

[Amanda Young]

Paul Warren, giving a thrill ride to two visiting sailors. (22K)

Pitcairn Children on Halloween, 2003 (109K)

From left, Mason Warren, Jason Warren, David Brown, Josh Christian, and Pania Warren.

Some of the Younger Islanders and Visitors at a Friday Evening Party (144K)

From left, Brian Young in a green shirt, Ron Christian on the ATV, Dave Brown with mustache, then Dennis Christian.

Same Party... (128K)

Steve Christian is the fellow in the white shirt.

That party keeps going on... (132K)

That's Kari Boye Young sitting and laughing in the center of the picture.

Pastor John Chan with visitor, Matt. (12K)

Island children who thought they were hiding from the camera! (21K)

Ham Radio is a Way of Life on Pitcairn (69K)

Jim Russell (G30KQ), of Surrey, England, broadcasts from Pitcairn during the Pitcairn Bicentennial.

Muddy paths are a way of life too! (33K)

Ina Koys, of Germany, shows the mud that makes walking so difficult for visitors, but seems so easy for the Pitcairners who are used to walking in it.