Well, here we go again, or should we say here we do not go again? Shortly after leaving Aitutaki yesterday, we encountered rough seas again. It only got worse during the night, as our friends told us, with the waves hitting the bow and causing white-out spray. So much so, it lit up their whole room. We used to love seeing that from our deck one room. It is much more impressive close-up. As you might guess, the port of Avatiu, Rarotonga was cancelled.
Before we went to our 7:30am breakfast, Captain Paul came on the speakers everywhere, including the staterooms, and announced that he would give it his best shot, but things were not looking good for today's tendering. We have heard that some guests start lining up at the Ocean Bar well before 7am to get the first tender tickets. Perhaps he was heading off that line by telling everyone without actually saying it, they may as well roll over and go back to sleep. He was going to lower a few tenders to test the swells anyway, but from what he indicated yesterday, we knew there was no way he was going to take any chances with the safety of the passengers and crew alike.
During breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill, we could hear some boats being lowered to the water. By 7:45am, Captain Paul had made the decision to abandon the tendering and announced it to all. He even added that he would personally be at the front desk at 8am to answer any questions regarding that decision. And he was, along with the hotel manager, Glenn, and a security officer. This wasn't the first time he did that, because the same situation came up with the Fanning Island day. By the time we finished breakfast, only Glenn was present at the front desk, and he was talking to a guest.
With wind speeds between 6 and 7 on the Beaufort scale, and sea swells up to 12 feet at some point, we all agreed it was the only call to be made. In place of actually going there, the Captain took a counterclockwise trip around the outside of the island. Now this worked out swell for us, since the port side got the complete view. The island road is 32 kilometers, so it only took a little over an hour to complete the circle. It has been many years since we saw the west, south, and east coast, since we always walk on the north part looking for a suitable spot for lunch. One of the negative things about arriving here today was the fact it was a Sunday, and most everything would be closed. Even the circle island bus was not operating, and there would be few if any taxis available. No ship excursions had been sold either. So we were happy to get the free ride around the reefs and lagoons. Now we expected the ship to turn around to give the starboard folks the view, like we did in Fanning Island, but it did not happen.
Captain Paul continued in a slightly north easterly direction, heading towards the next port in French Polynesia, Raiatea. We have 528 nautical miles to reach that lovely island on Tuesday morning. And we could expect continued swells and slightly rough seas with some pitching and rolling since we will be doing 12 knots. There were many floating clouds, but no rain at all.
Most all of our day was dedicated to computer and photo work. As many sightings of birds took place yesterday as well as today, one of us had a huge amount to sort through. Sometimes to get the best of the best, it may be necessary to take many photos. Boy things have sure changed since the days of 35mm rolls of film, haven't they?
Naturally today's itinerary had to be enhanced, adding activities that were not planned. We got the new list in the afternoon after half of the activities were over….not that we do a whole of them. Now that the stores could open up, there were many promotional things offered. A guest speaker, Lyn Yaworsky gave a lecture and Kainoa did a talk all about the Tahitian black pearls. Later in the afternoon, a third speaker, Dr. Douglas gave a speech about biodiversity.
Since it was rather cool outside, room service chicken noodle soup sounded good for lunch along with a small salad and one shared sandwich and quesadilla. Surprise, surprise…the soup came with real noodles. Having mentioned that to Bayu, our head waiter, he may have mentioned it to the soup guru in the galley. Anyway, it was really good.
Before we knew it, it was dinnertime. The menu had a few good choices – all different. We ordered a round of arancini, Caesar salads, and one braised beef and one sliced tenderloin, both with veggies and mashed potatoes. Both were good. Desserts were a hot fudge sundae and a plate of fresh, sweet pineapple. So refreshing and even healthy.
One day at sea tomorrow, and we will be in French Polynesia, a favorite part of the world for us.
Bill & Mary Ann
