Rarotonga

January 26
Arrived very early....I get to redo January 26 all over again because I crossed back over the international dateline. Checked into my waterfront bungalowand headed into town. Decided to take the anticlockwise bus into Avarua. Had a quick and very expensive breakfast, then picked up some groceries and headed back.

My little bungalow for the week

This is my view from my deck

I spent the afternoon paddling around this Island. It’s so shallow all around that I sat in the water most of the afternoon.

January 27
Decided to hire a scooter

Headed into town for the Punanga Nut Market. It had fresh fruit, veggies and fish, island food, live and recorded island music, clothing, handicrafts, black pearls, jewellery, massage, art works, second-hand books, pastries, just about everything is available at the Market!

Rode around the island...all 35 km of it.

January 28
Went exploring to the upper road. I never ventured there the last time I visited. It’s been raining on and off today.

Had dinner at the Muri Night Market

This whole week has been just exploring... here are more pics
Wigmore Falls.....bitten by mozzies

Govenor House

Being the most famous shipwreck in Rarotonga, the Maitai was built in 1892. This steam ship struck the reef outside Avarua Harbour on Christmas Eve 1916. Due to the fact that the engine block is sticking out of the water right in front of town, every single person coming to Rarotonga has at least a glimpse of this big vessel. After nearly 100 years of resting just below the surf zone, this wreck is now part of the reef.

January 31
I took the scooter back and got a car instead. It’s been raining steady the last two days.

Headed off to see a retired prof, Wayne Pealo, from Vancouver Island University, where I used to work. I drove to his resort and we visited for a few hours. Such a small world....

Then I stopped at a beach and just enjoyed my last day in Raro. There was a lady decorating for a wedding.

Raro has dogs that wander the beaches and town, they belong to people but wander during the day and return home at night. They chase fish in the water, play with other dogs, or just follow you as you walk down the beach. There are a few dogs that are around the bungalow. I’ve befriended this cute one. His name is Chester. He’s been sleeping on the porch and just comes to visit me. Of course, he does get treats when he’s here.

Tomorrow I head off to Aitutaki for my last week.