A view of Anaura Bay. (John Pascoe photo)

CAPTAIN COOK DESCRIBES HIS OWN VISIT The only record of Captain Cook's visit is found in his own journals, under the dates October 21 and 22, 1769. These entries, which are brief, are worth quoting here as being the oldest written record of Anaura Bay: “Saturday 21st … In the evening it fell Moderate and we landed and found 2 small streams of fresh water and the natives to all appearances very friendly and peaceable, on which account I resolved to stay one day at least to fill a little water. Sunday 22nd … as the getting the water from the shore proved so tedious on account of the surf, I resolved upon leaving this place in the morning and accordingly at 5 a.m. we weigh'd and put to Sea. This Bay is called by the Natives Tegadoo, it lies in the Latitude of 38 deg. 16ft but as it has nothing to recommend it so I shall give no description of it. There is plenty of wild sellery and we purchased of the natives about 10 or 15 pounds of sweet potatoes, they have pretty large Plantations of these, but at present they are scarce it being too early in the season.” “Captain Cook” and two seamen land at the Bay. (John Pascoe photo)