Aitutaki, Cook Islands
The entire day today was spent at the island of Aitutaki, with the morning focusing on the land and the afternoon on the water. Once we arrived, we were greeted at the landing by a fearsome warrior challenge, but were quickly allowed entrance after crossing a sacred stone. Next, we were treated to a dance performance by a local group that had us all swinging our hips to the rhythm of the drums (though not quite as elegant as the young ladies). From there, we divided into different vehicles and set off to explore the island. Many aspects of the island were quite intriguing, including the lush soils with plentiful crops, the marae archaeological sights, and of course the stunning views over the turquoise blue lagoon.
Being a marine biologist and a birder, the afternoon for me was time spent in paradise. We crossed the lagoon in local boats and anchored in a shallow sandy area swarming with fish. Locals have seeded the reef with many giant clams in hopes of starting a population here, and the bottom was covered with these bivalves, including one over three feet in length. Crystal clear warm water with shallow coral heads, or bommies, made for an idyllic experience. Close up views of many reef fish were had, including pipefish, many butterflyfish, and damselfish. We could have stayed all afternoon, but a short distance away was the postcard perfect Honeymoon Island. Here the crew had set up the kayaks, chairs, and coolers filled with cold drinks. A perfect way to finish our lagoon experience! Amongst the vegetation on this tiny sandy motu were nesting red-tailed tropicbirds. Brilliant white with a red bill and two long red tail feathers, these birds were in various stages of nesting, some sitting on eggs while others had large chicks. We were able to weave amongst the vegetation to examine many nests, while hermit crabs scurried around in the sand eating coconut.
We returned to the ship and were treated to a delicious deck barbecue, complete with local entertainment. A local group performed some songs, taught us about local culture including all about the coconut, and ended with a stunning fire dance. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
The entire day today was spent at the island of Aitutaki, with the morning focusing on the land and the afternoon on the water. Once we arrived, we were greeted at the landing by a fearsome warrior challenge, but were quickly allowed entrance after crossing a sacred stone. Next, we were treated to a dance performance by a local group that had us all swinging our hips to the rhythm of the drums (though not quite as elegant as the young ladies). From there, we divided into different vehicles and set off to explore the island. Many aspects of the island were quite intriguing, including the lush soils with plentiful crops, the marae archaeological sights, and of course the stunning views over the turquoise blue lagoon.
Being a marine biologist and a birder, the afternoon for me was time spent in paradise. We crossed the lagoon in local boats and anchored in a shallow sandy area swarming with fish. Locals have seeded the reef with many giant clams in hopes of starting a population here, and the bottom was covered with these bivalves, including one over three feet in length. Crystal clear warm water with shallow coral heads, or bommies, made for an idyllic experience. Close up views of many reef fish were had, including pipefish, many butterflyfish, and damselfish. We could have stayed all afternoon, but a short distance away was the postcard perfect Honeymoon Island. Here the crew had set up the kayaks, chairs, and coolers filled with cold drinks. A perfect way to finish our lagoon experience! Amongst the vegetation on this tiny sandy motu were nesting red-tailed tropicbirds. Brilliant white with a red bill and two long red tail feathers, these birds were in various stages of nesting, some sitting on eggs while others had large chicks. We were able to weave amongst the vegetation to examine many nests, while hermit crabs scurried around in the sand eating coconut.
We returned to the ship and were treated to a delicious deck barbecue, complete with local entertainment. A local group performed some songs, taught us about local culture including all about the coconut, and ended with a stunning fire dance. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
