Avarua, Rarotonga, (Cook Islands), is a little over 1500 miles south of our most recent port of call. Home of several volcanic peaks, Rorotonga is the farthest south destination on our journey to paradise and is just North West of New Zealand. With its craggy peaks that rise from the islands center to its deep green valleys, the island is full of color from the flowering plants that grow in the rich volcanic soil. The fresh picked papaya’s, star fruit and banana’s were the best (juiciest and sweetest) either of us have ever tasted.
By request of Makea Takau, one of the then, 12 ariki (chiefs), Rarotonga was placed under the protection of the British in 1888 in an effort to protect it from an invasion of the French navy based in nearby Tahiti. To this day, the 15 islands that make up the Cook Islands, though very close to French Polynesia, remain an independent nation, closely aligned with New Zealand.
The Rotterdam anchored at the mouth of Avarua Harbor and we tendered ashore. Our day included a short walk around the port area and a snorkeling tour aboard the catamaran, “Hotel California”. The snorkeling, however, proved to be too much for John’s back and knees. Open Ocean snorkeling from a boat is a lot different and harder than snorkeling in shallow waters off the beach. When John jumped into the water, his body shut down causing him to lose focus and breathing control. He panicked and had to retreat to the boat where he found it hard to pull himself out of the water, but after a short rest and a bottle of beer, he was fine.
Tomorrow is another day at sea and the next port is Raiatea, in French Polynesia.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Alicia!
Oh, and yes Sandy found another fabric store!
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