Today we pulled into Rarotonga in the middle of a rain storm. There was quite an ocean swell in the anchorage and tendering in to Rarotonga was going to be very rough. Given the conditions the Captain decided it was too rough and decided that we should proceed on and cancelled our day on the island. We are now headed for four days at sea on our way to Russel, New Zealand.
Having missed our only stop in the Cook Islands, I feel that a little overview of the geography of this area of the world would be interesting. First, we are in the area called Oceania. Sounds rather British to me. Anyway Oceania is broken into subdivisions. They are Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Australia and New Zealand. Polynesia, meaning many islands, is then subdivided into the Hawaiian Islands, Society Islands (Tahiti), Line Islands (Christmas Island) and Cook Islands (Rarotonga). Next is Melanesia, meaning Black Islands, which consists of New Guinea, Fiji and New Caledonia (remember McHales Navy) among others. And finally, Micronesia, meaning small islands. Guam being the most notable of these islands.
Anyway, now that we have missed our stop in the Cook Islands we will have to learn to do without.
The other highlight of my day was a haircut. You know we retired people love to fill our busy days.
Chris - All Things Short - Paul told you about our short verrrrry short stay in Rarotonga, boy what a difference a day makes. First the Captain wants to dump me in the Pacific (see banana boat entry) and today he doesn't want to dump me in the Pacific! He made a great decision as the first time was fun...today not so much if he'd let the tenders go. The swells were huge from yet another cyclone about 1,000 miles away. Who knew it affected you so far away. Speaking of short...check out Paul's new haircut (see pic), I like it although he thought it was a little short. I told him it will save us money as he won't need one for a while!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Day 20 Rarotonga "Not"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I pictured Paul with a ponytail and riding a Harley in retirement. Maybe even a black pearl earring of some sort. Those previous sunset pictures were gorgeous!!
I know all of us Canfieldites appreciate the McHales Navy/Joe Flynn reference.
Those of us under 12" of snow aren't impressed with your little cyclone.
I love the haircut!!! How distinguishable you look!!!!!
I must say moving to VA from sunny 70 degree weather must make me look like an idiot but let me reassure you...I am now capable of using mom's excuse of cold weather to vacation in the cold months!!! (see, very smart!)
Sounds like the captain made an intelligent decision lest you all become trapped on Rarotonga and would have had your own "survivor" or "Gilligan's" show!
I really liked the geography lesson of the area. It's too bad that your haircut and the geography lesson were the highlight of your day, but I'm really not feeling too badly for you guys based on the earlier pictures - especially since you are on your way to New Zealand!!
Yes - where is the Harley and the ponytail??
Post a Comment