Fai Tira Picture Blog Wednesday 16th June

Aitutaki 18:47.95S 159:41.20W

 

 

When we arrived there were two other non BWR boats anchored outside the reef and a large cargo vessel (the Southern Express) in the process of unloading containers. She calls about once a month, bringing supplies to the island.  Unloading looked a dangerous job in the swell, with the heavy crane hooks and chains flailing about, and we didn’t envy the stevedores on the lighter.  The process took about 3 days and suddenly the shops and garages were stocked up.

 

Jeremy with his new beard. He’s unsure whether his girlfriend will take to it, though. He decided to smarten himself up and go traditional with a flower behind his ear. Both – or perhaps we should say all - sexes do this in Polynesia but, having seen the photos, J has to admit that it looks far better on the girls...

 

 

We had a meal at the hotel with WiFi (Tamanu Beach), and sat with the locals watching the sun go down before watching New Zealand beat Ireland at rugby. 

We were taken back to the quay by the local boat builder Tango.

What a great first day on Aitutaki.

 

Sunset views from the Burger takeaway

 

We set off riding our bikes around the island on Sunday, a day when most islanders attend one or other of the many different churches. 

We stopped at a couple of them to listen to the wonderful singing. 

The island is a paradise and after pedalling along the coast road/ track through the quite scenic countryside, we voted it a “would come here again” place!

 

 

Unfortunately the island was hit by Cyclone Pat in February and lots of damage was caused.  Tin roofs were blown off and were being recycled on the island. The cubes are compressed food and drink tins, ready to go for recycling. Right, a Marae (old Polynesian religious site for sacrifices, initiations and other ceremonies)

 

                                                         The “Boat Shed”.  This restaurant was in a fantastic setting, we enjoyed the food and the ambiance.

 

Edward, one of the customers at the Boat Shed. He was fascinated by aeroplanes and cared nowt for the would-be ban on Sunday flights that many islanders seem to want.  Cycling around we saw signs reading “If you can’t come Monday to Saturday, stay home”.  Jeremy’s trusty hire bike is just visible.

 

After lunch, John and Jeremy rested in hammocks...

 

...whilst Pete explored the expensive Lagoon Resort and Spa on an adjacent island.

 

As already mentioned, the island was hit by Cyclone Pat in February and lots of damage was caused. 

Regrettably there are still people living in tents provided by aid agencies because their houses had been destroyed.  Note the ladies’ smart white Sunday church hats on the bed.  Right, a Banyan tree which had roots both sides of the road and formed a canopy over it.

 

Sunset from the Lookout at the highest part of the island.  The deserted beach of Honeymoon island.

 

We had arranged to go on a boat trip to Honeymoon Island and a few others also located within the lagoon,

 

The boys on a desert Island and the rare Red tailed Tern on its nest on Honeymoon Island.

 

Snorkelling sessions were great..  Left are Scissor Tail Sergeant fish.  Right is a Double Saddle Butterfly fish.

 

Left are Blue Green Chromis which disappear into the coral when you get near them. Right is a large Humpback Unicorn fish.

 

They have introduced Giant Clams from Australia.  Apparently they are a good indicator of the quality of the water.

 

They are cultivating coral on trays.  Right is a pair of Moorish Idols and a Racoon Butterfly fish.

 

Beautiful coloured coral and trays of young clams being protected before release.

 

One Foot Island has a bar and post office on it.  You can get your passport stamped there as a memento of your trip.  It was open.

 

The boat owner Puna was a great chap and took us to the most amazing locations.  His wife Tutu and son Paki provided a most excellent lunch. Paradise.

 

The main church in the town, partially destroyed by the hurricane. It is the oldest church in the Cook Islands and is being restored to its former glory. All the stained glass windows were blown out and churchgoers hope that they’ll be replaced eventually.