Rarotonga, Cook Islands

Britannia Med-moored in Rarotanga

Hey everybody!

We've been having our fill of Indian food, less expensive beer and hot showers. Yesterday we rented scooters with Piko and hit the pavement. It's quite a trip driving on the left-hand side of the road- even for me the south-paw. The speed- that's 50km/h was exhilerating after spending most our time traveling sailboat speed (5-7 knots/hr). On our way around the island we checked out a few beaches, stopped by Hinano's cafe and gardens, filled our bags and bike with provisions (Ramen noodles are very important to us) and finally pulled the hog up to the Roadhouse bar for a beer.



It's a Dumb and Dumber moment



This boy is crazy for Ramen noodles

And of course we found another great hike! It makes me so happy to get out into the rich jungley vegetation, get my sweat on, and get a great view. Thanks to WGD, we met a few locals that make our day extra special. Ron and his wife Gyna and their daughter Rongyna showed us around- kept us on track and added a bit of local knowledge to our trek.



Our friends from Piko hiking along with us.



Look up! There's the "needle" we sweated to see.



Can you see the trail?




Great view!



Refreshing waterfall at the end of the "needle" hike.



Our Aussie friend Ron helped us navigate the wild Rarotongan trails.


We also met the queen's granddaughter, Hinano. She runs a cafe with the world's best cheesecake with acres of beautiful gardens surrounding it. It's like going to the spa; it's just so peaceful and relaxing there. She lives right across the street and and let us lounge around her backyard (private lagoon beach) for the afternoon.



Hinano's gardens



Beach day!



Just chillin' after a long slow passage



Prehistoric plants huh?



Another day gone, but not forgotten!

It's been a lot of fun, but it's time to go!
We'll write again when we reach Tonga!