October 16-22, 2012 –
Rarotonga, Cook Islands – Paradise Found!!
Tuesday morning #1 (10/16/12) we got up early to
catch our shuttle to the airport, the suspense was building, would the bags be too
heavy? Guess the packing “Gods” were with us, we
made our weight and were ready to spend the day flying towards our last stop –
Rarotonga. From Sydney we flew to Auckland, New Zealand, and then on to the
Cook Islands. Long day, but because of the International Date Line crossing we
gained a day back actually landing on the 15th of October. We got to
the resort about 1:00am (Tuesday 10/16/12). Stumbled up to our room and fell
into bed, very tired from a long day/ long 7 weeks travel.
Tuesday morning #2, we awoke to the beautiful
surrounds of the Rarotonga Sanctuary Resort. Looking off of our little balcony
into the clearest, bluest water imaginable. Pinch me, were we really in
paradise? Because of the previous days
long traveling, the day repeating and bit of chest colds we bumbled about in
the morning. “Gilligan and Mary Ann” wandered around the resort and tried to
get a lay of the land. Finally getting
our wits gathered together we made arrangements for the rest of our time on
island. We rented a little yellow scooter to ride around the island; these are
the way most islanders get around. Mike took me on our first ride – a bit of a white-knuckle
trip, but I got used to it fairly quickly.
Wednesday morning we joined Captain Tama’s Lagoon
Cruise. We sailed the gorgeous lagoon on glass bottom boats, taking time to
snorkel, enjoying the information and entertainment of the “whacky crew” and
being treated to a great bar-b-q fish lunch. This was followed by more singing,
traditional Maori music on the ukulele; log drums, jokes and hilarious gags. The
evening was an “umu” dinner - fish,
chicken, pork and beef that had been steamed underground in an umu oven. The food was delicious and the Polynesian
Dance and Music show that followed was very enjoyable.
Thursday morning was our Safari Tour; we were loaded
in the back of a 4-wheel drive type pick up for a morning’s tour. We saw much
of the island including Papua Waterfall, the beautiful tropical rain forested
mountains – including the iconic Te Rua Meranga (the needle point), Nagatang
Harbor – the starting point of the Maori’s sail to New Zealand in 1350 AD. Our
guide was very knowledgeable and shared a lot about the history and culture of
the island. The trip ended with another excellent fish barbeque. Mike had to
get a Cook Island driver’s license to drive the scooter so we set off to find
the police station. $20 later he was a legal driver. A bit of pool time topped
off with a couple of cool ones was about the best we could do to end the day.
Friday was our last day with the scooter so after
breakfast we jumped back on and drove the 30 kilometers (about 20 miles) around
the island. The ride was beautiful, but we had one flying baseball cap and few
tailbone bruising bumps – but all was well. The route took us right around the
lagoon that surrounds this island. The Punanga Nui Market was open – a farmers
market with beautiful looking produce, plants, and arts and crafts. We wandered
around admiring the stalls and enjoying the atmosphere of the locals shopping,
eating and visiting. I went to the “loo” and was run into by a little girl
crying, going in I saw a big chicken up on the sink. I shooed the bird and it
flew up and over my head out of the toilet. Good deed done. We stopped at a
couple of souvenir shops purchasing a couple of island objects – got to support
the local economy, you know. We returned
the scooter and enjoyed the rest of the afternoon on the amazing beautiful
beach.
Saturday was our last day in Raro – we took time to
re-organize, pack and spend the last few hours enjoying the resort. Our flight
is at 11:00pm, and we will be back home by about 9:00pm on Sunday – October 21,
2012.
ONE RULE OF TRAVELING: stay flexible! We were boarded on our
plane in San Francisco only to be told the flight was going to be canceled.
Guess there was problem with an engine (Mike wondered if we couldn’t fly with
only 1 engine, what a guy, still keeps his crazy sense of humor despite our
very long day – 30 hours or so without much sleep). We will not be able to get
home until Monday evening. So we went on United Airlines dime to spend the
night at a Holiday Inn. Ahhhh the bed was heavenly; we slept in and were able
to post this final blog. Anxious to get
home, but know it is within reach today.
Return 2 OZ 2012
has been another amazing travel experience for us. 54 days of exciting adventures
have left us a bit travel weary, but already planning other itineraries. Our
top 10 events/locations of this trip were:
1.
The Red Centre – Uluru & Kata Juta – sun
rises, sunsets and helicopter flight.
2.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands in the South Pacific –
paradise found
3.
Helicopter flight over Sydney – no doors,
amazing views
4.
Visiting friends: Kris, Bill, Ted, Linda, Faye,
Jen & Rob – great times, good laughs and much fun was had by all
5.
Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef –
snorkeling and enjoying the island life style
6.
The Blue Mountains in New South Wales –
incredible views, and adventurous rides up, across and down the mountains
7.
Wine, beer and spirit tasting in South
Australia, Victoria and N.S.W. Some very
good tastings!
8.
3 days of driving the Stuart High from Alice
Springs to Cobber Pedy – long road with desert views unparalleled for its
vastness and unique flora and fauna.
9.
The Grampians Mountains in Victoria – beautiful
mountain range with lots of kangaroos, cockatiels and other Aussie Animals
10. The
Island of Tasmania tour: Ferry ride, beautiful landscapes and an interesting
museum.
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