As much as most of you have heard this before, today was a perfect day in paradise. Honestly, this island has to be rated number one by Lonely Planet as one of the best in the South Pacific. The third largest island of the Cook Islands, the surrounding lagoon is simply stunning, made even more spectacular when the sun is out like it was today. A few drifting clouds could not hide the beauty of the large reef that surrounds the entire island. The multi shades of blue to aqua waters seem to go on forever. And considering the condition of the seas the past few days, we had our doubts that we would be able to tender here today. We can say that it was almost a miracle to find that "sweet spot" for the ship Captain Paul had hoped for. Protected from the worst of the winds and swells, the tender boats were dropped and it was a "go" from here on out.
After breakfast where we have been spoiled with specially-made blueberry muffins, we went out on deck six to get some photos of the lagoons and hopefully some tropic birds. No one else was out there today, and that is probably why Captain Paul suddenly appeared and offered to take us on a tour of the navigation deck. What a treat to go up the narrow side stairway and through the locked door to the brains of the ship. In the past, we have taken a few tours on different ships, but this one was special, since we understand that only virtual tours are done in the World Stage these days. Security being what it is made this tour a privilege for sure. Captain Paul led us from one end to the other, explaining the main functions of most of the high- tech systems involved in running the ship. So much of it was computerized of course. Today the ship was not at anchor since the waters were too deep, so it was being held in place by the engines. Watching the screen, you could see how much the ship drifted several degrees, then automatically corrected.
The tendering operation was in full swing by then, so we thanked the Captain and made our way back to the room, collected our few things, and off we went to join the next boat to shore. We figured that we had better not wait much longer, because if the conditions changed, they could stop the transferring. That has happened in the past, like when we were at Easter Island several years ago. Most of the guests had gotten to shore, but then the seas got too rough to continue. Tendering was stopped and you can guess how angry the folks were that were denied going to shore. Thought there was going to be a mutiny for heavens sake. But anything can happen, and you learn to accept it.
Loading into the boat was not a problem, but due to a very narrow passage through the reef, the going was slow. Only one boat was allowed to pass through the reef at a time, so between the wait to board the boat, and finally getting to the wharf was as least ½ hour. Just as our boat driver got us away from the tender landing, he accidently drifted into the bulb in the front of the ship's bow. Ka-boom was what we heard as many of us were launched from out seats. Good thing these boats do not sink, even if there was a hole ripped into the bottom. We are certain that the navigation team as well as the Captain felt the collision. Nothing was said as the driver simply headed towards the reef's entrance. Once at the wharf, he pulled alongside the pier, and the boat drifted into the side with another bang. All of us were most happy to exit that boat for sure. There was a set of steps added to the exit, but the last step to the concrete was a big one. The fellows on the wharf were able to haul everyone out safely.
Listening to Kimberly's talk yesterday, she indicated that being a Saturday, not everything will be opened. There were no shore excursion sold here today, but there were a few options once you got onshore. We had heard a rumor that there was going to be a type of ho-ho vehicle to take the folks for a circle the island drive. And it turned out to be true as we saw an open-air truck selling the tour for $50 USD per person. It is possible that the vehicle stopped at the resorts and beaches along the way, and they would pick you up later. Last year when we were here, it was a Sunday, and there were almost no taxis or tours happening. And no ho-ho shuttle.
The produce market, although quite small, was opened until noontime, and we did find that the info shack was opened to get island maps. We had been told that they were closed today, and we are sure they closed after 12pm. A few stands were set up with souvenirs, and a couple of stores were opened for business. We turned left at the main road and took the same walk we did last year. It was even better because there was no rain today. The town itself is small, then the road is lined with a few shops, small food and hardware stores, a water purifying building, a main church, and many homes in between it all. They are set off of the road and surrounded with beautiful gardens and grassy areas. By the way, we saw no dogs today as they are not allowed on this particular island. Not a bad idea because nothing is fenced and the dogs are left to roam as they wish, leaving their calling cards behind if you know what we mean.
The west side of this narrow island that is shaped like a fish hook happens to house most all of the resorts. One that was on the ship's map was the Pacific Resort Aitutaki. We recalled passing the entrance where we saw several taxis and the ho-ho shuttle go. That was not our destination since we figured too many ship people would flood the place.
Going further up the road, we passed by some hillside house that had white goats tethered in the front yards. They were half-buried in the grasses, which they love to graze. It was in this area of the island that we saw several tropic birds last year. They flew from the tall trees out to the lagoon to fish,then they fly back. All we saw were chickens today, until later in the day, we did have the luck to spot some red tailed birds, but a different type. These birds had the red beaks and red tail feathers, almost impossible to see at a distance. But thanks to the fast camera, it caught every detail.
Finally reaching the Tamanu Beach Resort Restaurant and Bar, we entered the lobby where some folks were checking in. A bit early for lunch, we found our way to the seaside open-air restaurant and got a table with a breeze. The local beer, Tui, sure was appreciated, so much that we each had two. We ordered a club sandwich with the hottest crispy fries to share. For dessert, we tried their carrot cake with a side of extra creamy vanilla ice cream. So good we recommended to our friends who happened to come in to enjoy lunch as well. One thing we did remember from last year was the fact they do not accept American Express credit cards. Their common practice here seems to be taking the US dollar, but on a one-to-one basis, even though the exchange rate is 1 USD = 1.67 NZ dollar. Much better to use a different card, which we did with no problem and a very small fee to do so.
Having relaxed for over an hour, we were ready to move along, taking the sandy white beach almost all of the way back to the main road and the wharf. It was here that we took in every bit of stunning scenery of the lagoon and the fish that fill it. In the shallowest of the waters, were tiny translucent fish which the brown noddies seem to like. As we were beach combing for shells, we spotted some of those bonefish jumping around the volcanic rocks and broken coral. They must have been feeding on the smaller fish. From what we could see, the bonefish were a long narrow white fish about 2 feet in length. Other than turtles, which we did not see, there were no tropical fish here. Also we do not think there were sharks or sting rays in this part of the lagoon. And when the sun came out full bore, it was really hot. Thanks to the palms and the casuarinas, there was some shade to cool off. Even a few scattered chairs here and there. We happened to sit for a moment on some chairs, when a man with a very British accent that we have never seen before approached us. He asked if I had lost some of my cards out of my small wallet, and I said no I had used my room key to leave the ship. He was very sure it was me, and later when waiting to board the tender, I noticed I was missing my driver's license and a few other cards like the one I use to open the room safe. By gosh, he was right. If he was the man who found my cards, he indicated that he had turned them in at the front desk. Having not a clue how that happened, the first thing I needed to do was go straight to the desk and ask them.
The ride back was uneventful and only took about 20 minutes at the most. And the folks at the front desk did have everything I had dropped in an envelope….thank goodness. As careful as I thought I have been, it wasn't enough. Now all of those cards are paper-clipped together and cannot slip out of the pouch. Hope we see that gentleman who was nice enough to return my stuff to the office. Once back in our room, there was a message waiting for me to come and pick it up.
Since the Captain had changed the all aboard time to 5pm, it took time for the tenders to be loaded up. The ship left the island around 6pm. Watching from the back of deck six and our veranda, we did get lots of photos of the Red Tailed Tropic Bird. It was almost chilly outside now because we picked up the choppy seas and big swells once we got out of eyesight of the island and the surrounding motus. The Captain mentioned that tendering tomorrow may be a challenge if it happens at all. If we had to make a choice of the two Cook Islands, Aitutaki would win. We considered ourselves very lucky to have had such a nice day onshore, and more lucky to have recovered the lost items.
Dinner time was back in the dining room with a spinach and cheese empanada and one fish cocktail. Salads followed with mains of lasagna and one chicken dinner. Both were good as were the little hot fudge sundaes for dessert. The lower dining room was about empty by the time we finished dinner. And since there was a movie, Hurricane, in the World Stage, we are sure most folks turned in early in anticipation of another busy day in Rarotonga tomorrow.
Bill & Mary Ann
