10/10/09 - 18.02.84S 163.11.53W - Palmerston

Flying Cloud
Julian Nichols
Tue 13 Oct 2009 21:26
So last night we blew the kite up again. In fact it never rains but it pours because we replaced it with the Gennaker, went for a gybe, and then the main halyard block exploded - sending the main and boom crashing down onto the bimini. Of course it also decided to rain and rain!

But this morning a beautiful day dawned and we reached Palmerston.

The island consists of 6 sandy islets along the reef surrounding the lagoon. One of the islands is inhabited, and there is no real pass into the lagoon.
The inhabitants are 3 families, all descended from William Marsters, a Lancashireman who settled here with 3 wives in 1862! He fathered 26 children, divided the islands into sections for each of the 3 families and established strict rules on intermarriage. The island is part of the Cook Islands.

Palmerston Atol.

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The water is incredibly clear, and the reef drops off to 100m plus within 25m of the surf. A quick snorkel around the boat found us this magnificent turtle.

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After clearing customs, Edward Marsters was assigned to us to help us explore the Island and meet the locals. Edward is 4th generation.

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Edward gave us a tour of the island (it doesn't take long as there are less than 50 current inhabitants, including around 20 kids). Below you can see the school and there sports area.

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The classroom is open air.....

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The old man and his decendants are buried near the main street. In the background is his original house.

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The main street is not long, but has the most fantastic view!

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And then it was back to Edwards house for a ping pong championship and some nice fresh coconut juice.

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