Are we away from home yet?
Trip Start
Aug 24, 2008
1
4
116
Trip End
Aug 01, 2009
Rarotonga,
Cook Islands
Friday, August 29, 2008
We met many people on "Pa's cross Island Trek". Pa is over 68 years old, with greying- blonde dreadlocks accented with small rocks, fish hooks, and shells. I wondered how he sleeps. As we carefully chose the placement for each footstep, Pa scampered barefoot over the roots and rocks for 3 hours! He is quite the character and we learned to take 1/2 of what he said with a grain of sea-salt and listened carefully to the rest. Pa is a naturalist, an herbologist, and a medicine man. Our first indication to filter what he said was when shortly after smearing our bodies with a stinky fruit - a natural mosquito repelland provided by Pa, I was bitten by a mosquito. 40 people have contracted Dengue fever here, so I quickly got out our permethrin repellant. The kids had already put their permethrin on. They didn't need any coaxing when the alternative fruit was shown to them.
This was a short hike but the footing was tricky. We had to step inbetween roots and grab ahold of trees for balance.
Pa's Hike across the island
It was very steep for about 400m and we were sweating buckets and puffing. The kids were fine, bounding along while taking photos. I was exhilarated at how good it felt to puff and pant but be fit enough to keep up to Pa! My jogging back home paid off.We broke in our shoes quickly. It had rained he night before and we were very dirty at the end. The mud on our legs remained in place even after swimming at the water fall, and later scrubbing with soap and water. The panoramic view from the highest point, close to the 'Needle" was spectacular. It is always more difficult going down and this was no exception.
Smorkelling has been a favorite activity. We have walked and kayaked to a great spot where on our first day we were surrounded by hundreds of fish. We have seen between 20 and 30 different kinds. Simon saw a stingray and we also saw many Moorish Idol's ("Gill" on Finding Nemo!!) Unfortunately the coral is in very poor shape here with a high percentage of it dead. The temperature is about 25 degrees but within a minute of cloudless sky the sun is searing. Our sunscreen is working well, though so far we've had little pure sun. The islanders are pleased with all the rain as they were in a drought and have been rationing water. Most of the rain falls at night and early morning, so we haven't gotten wet too many times.
Groceries are very expensive. The only milk available is UHT milk (ultra high temperature) stored on shelves, not in coolers. It costs 2.60 NZD for 1 litre. (approx. 1.95 Canadian).
It is an interesting place. We feel as though we are included in daily life, not treated as tourists. No one hassles us to purchase anything. I think as we look back on Rarotonga further into our trip, we will wish we were still here.
Sandy
Comments
West Coast Calling
We agree - when we are away from the tropics, we really miss it. Pleased to hear that the start of the trip is a success. Love M and P
Paradise-ish?
Sure sounds wonderful. I bet it will be hard to leave. Does it still seem like you still are home?
We are looking forward to seing you. Have fun in wonderful New Zealand!
Hugs
Hello from Kita, Mocha and Kim
I just got the link for your blog!!! Wow! You must be ecstatic to finally be on your journey. The pictures are breathtaking! I will look forward to reading as you go along!!! Take care! Kim, Kita and Mocha
Re: Hello from Kita, Mocha and Kim
Hi Kim, I hope agility is going well, and just wanted to finally thank you for your support. We have had a great time, with our share of challenges, but are on a beach now for the next week to relax before going to Africa. I hope all is well in doggy land, and we look forward to getting home to see what is new.
Sandy