Day 28 – Feb 1, 2011 - Niue

 

Quote from “Men at Sea” so appropriate for the concerns that some passengers are having over the situation in Egypt:

“Think if you like of the distance we have come, but never let your mind run forward faster than your vessel”

Perfect, huh

I have had a most wonderful day in Niue.  In fact, there hasn’t been a Polynesian Island that I haven’t set foot on and immediately fallen in love with.  Most everything about them is pleasurable, especially the people.  It’s all so different for me.  The landscape, the waters, the flowers, the animals, etc.

Today I came in on the first tender (7 am) and used the internet until around 9 am (it was FREE).  So nice to connect with family and friends.  However, before I logged on I met this Islander middle-aged woman who stopped her pick up truck when she saw me by the side of the road.  She wanted to show me her catch of the day, land crabs and some greens.  I at first thought that she wanted to sell me some and if so that’s o.k. however, I think her real mission was to share knowledge about her home with me a newcomer. 

After my internet usage, I returned to the ship to drop off my laptop, see Sharon and grab a banana.  It was just too funny watching all of us tourists rush for a spot to log on, while all around us are new sights and sounds.

I was fortunate enough to make arrangements with a driver who took myself, Mary Rose and Louie out to Talava Arches and the Limu Pools.  For $35 New Zealand dollars he drove us out there and stayed with us until we were ready to return to the harbor.  His native name was “Wild Wave”.  He was similar to other islanders that I have encountered on this part of the trip:  quiet, pleasant and very laid back.  As we went off into the forest to hike to the Talava Arches, he never asked if we had enough water, sunscreen, proper shoes or insect repellant.  Of course, we did but he didn’t know that.  He left us to ourselves.  I like that.  After all his job was to be our driver not our guide.

The Arches were referred to in Capt. Cook’s journal as a variety of curious caverns.  It was low tide and we were able to explore a large cave with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.  This area was used as a look out to keep watch for impending raids by outsiders.  The hour long hike out and back was through a wild jungle like environment with Geckos scurrying in front of us.  We were hiking on lava rock.  I again was reminded how I wasn’t in New Hampshire.  Swimming and exploring in the Limu Pools was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before.  Alone in clear, sparkling water surrounded by the forest on one side and the rough, jagged volcanic cave like formations on the other.

As we drove back we all, except the driver started singing Irish songs.  Our happiness was just overflowing, another day well spent.

Irish couple and me with the young woman who worked for the Information Center and our Driver “Richard”

Hopefully, I will get some of the photos that Louie took and post them to this blog.  He’s a much better photographer than I am.

Louie taking a picture of me

Saw a movie tonight that I would highly recommend.  It’s an inspiring documentary:  “180 Degrees South”  It documents the adventurers of a surfer and climber.  Shows beautiful scenes from Easter Island.