Rarotonga is only 20 miles in circumference, smaller than Oahu. Today Helena and I hiked across it, on the only real hiking trail on the island. Up through ferns and hibiscus, Polynesian chestnut and orchids, we climbed to the base of the landmark spire of the Needle, before heading down the volcanic spine to the south coast.
In three days there hasn't been much water time. Yesterday was stormy and cool, and today was windy and churned, with 15-20 foot swells breaking over the reef, and fouling the stillness of the lagoon. I haven't seen anyone trying to surf - the swell appears surfable, but by surfers much more skilled than I! My sister complains of the loudness of the surf crashing on the reef, but somehow it doesn't bother me. She is happy I am too chicken to sample the surf; she says she doesn't fancy scraping me off the reef.
We have been enjoying incredibly fresh albacore tuna, wahoo and swordfish, and Helena has been working her magic in the kitchen of our bungalow, turning out a wonderful Burmese fish curry, coconut lime fish salad, pan seared fresh albacore steaks with soba noodles…. No need to try the restaurants! There are also papaya, mangoes and bananas everywhere. Heaven!
Interestingly, given the fair distance, a lot of the fresh food comes from New Zealand, including the milk and fresh baked bread, not to mention tinned goods, ice cream and cheese. Helena feels right at home!
1 comment:
No photos of the waves??? :-)
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