Aitutaki 2022

 After a week here in paradise, we woke early for the last time and completed our packing. The flight back to Rarotonga was at 9:10 am so plenty of time but we then had about 6 hours to kill in Raro before flying back to Auckland. Breakfast was Corn Flakes and Banana/Pawpaw to use as much of our supplies as we could. Last night's dinner was also stuff left over in the fridge. For a week here with no ready access to shops we didn't do too badly. After flying to Rarotonga and storing our luggage in a locker, we headed into town. We did plan to catch the bus but, since they only leave every hour (clockwise around the island) and half hour (anti-clockwise) it's a bit of a lottery as to whether a bus will come along in time. Luckily for us one of the chefs from the Islander Hotel had finished for the day and offered us a lift into Avarua in her car (it's only 5 minutes away) so that saved us some time. We wandered around a bit and bought some souvenirs and then headed for Tr...

Today is the last full day here. The wind has dropped considerably and the morning showed a glassy smooth lagoon. Perfect for another kayak expedition to see if there are any turtles. I did see at least two (or perhaps the same one twice) but they are very cautious and I only just saw the little head coming up for air and then nothing. A nice day for a paddle anyway. We have been visited by this kitten a couple of times. He's from next door and the owners tabby (Scratch) gave him short-shrift last night but here he is back again for another visit. We then pestered Steve to see if he had a car available and he didn't but gave us his ute instead. We headed off to get some more milk and a few more bananas for breakfast. Then off to the Avatea Cafe for lunch. This time I had the fish Tacos and Miriam had the Ikamata. My dish came with something neither of us had seen before - Sea Grapes. These are a type algae growing on the reef and are a delicacy. The 'leaves' are like fi...

Sunday in the Cook Islands is pretty laid back with most places closing - except the Koru Cafe. After breakfast of Corn Flakes and Banana/Pawpaw we set off for a walk around Ootu beach. The wind has dropped considerably so the lagoon was nice and flat. We saw plenty of activity in the water in only the first few inches. Quite a few grumpy crabs and even a small Puffer fish which quickly swam away when only half inflated! It may not look like it but grumpy crab is actually under the water, that's how still and clear it is! On the way back we passed the Koru Cafe and stopped in for a coffee and a Chocolate Croissant. Then we headed back up the channel where we snorkeled yesterday. Unfortunately, the tide was in and the current was just too strong to easily potter about around the coral heads and the water was more murky. We gave up on that and headed back. Back at our bungalow we had a slap up brunch using the remaining Baked Beans, a Fried Egg, bacon and toasted ciabatta. Then we se...

After lunch I decided to go out in the single kayak again. This time I paddled right around the private island just across from us. This is the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort. This was another 2 km paddle and again took just on 30 minutes. This time most of the first half was into the wind and then a cruise back down the channel separating the island from where we are. When I told Steve I had done this he said that we aren't supposed to do that! The shallow areas can damage the kayak but I never hit anything and I have already been and done it! We then headed off to the Koru Cafe to pick up our chicken breast, greek salad and fresh Ciabatta loaf we ordered yesterday. This will be dinner tomorrow night. Since we were there, we decided a couple of Coronas and a side of chips would go down well! Then it was back to the bungalow to collect our snorkeling gear and check out the pools just up the channel past where the Island Resort ferry boat crosses. This was an amazing find wit...

When we got back from the Aitutaki Liftoff I decided to go out in the single kayak again to see if I could spot a turtle. Apparently there are plenty in the lagoon at present and another kayaker said he saw one the day before across the other side from us near the main island. It took me no time at all to cross over the 1km or so to a navigation pole then I turned back into a stiff 25 Knot headwind. It was a bit harder and slower on the paddle back. Then I saw what looked like a piece of cardboard floating in the water but this had a head popping up for air! I had found my turtle. As I got closer, it took a couple more breaths and then turned its head to see me when I was about 4m away. In a flash it dived and paddled away. At least I saw one. The trip back was a bit challenging but ended up being just over 2km of paddling in 30 minutes. Certainly good exercise. We then cooked up a storm for lunch using the last of the toast bread for French Toast, 6 rashers of bacon and yet another co...

We started the day quietly with no special plans and a breakfast of Skippy Cornflakes and banana/pawpaw. With only the Koru Cafe within walking distance and no guaranteed access to a car, we are certainly doing this self-catering on the cheap! We then found out that the Aitutaki Liftoff was on today. This is a cross-fit type fitness competition with outrigger racing and a triathlon event. We wandered down to the venue and took a few photos and videos of the outrigger racing. I particularly liked Steve's Rigid Inflatable runabout he was using as the chase/rescue boat. These are called Seafarer and are made in Auckland. One of these would fit nicely in our garage! Price is around $25,000 with motor and trailer.