Monday, July 7, 2008

PALMERSTON ISLAND (COOK ISLANDS)

What a gem - we nearly didn’t stop to see it as the wind was blowing from the wrong direction and we couldn’t see any buoys. A call on the radio from Edward and we turned around and came back and are so glad we did.
It is a small motu on the atoll of Palmerston Island (part of the Cook Islands) – all 53 inhabitents live on it and only visit the other motus in the group for a holiday or a fishing expedition. They are all descendent from the the original settler William Marsters – a whaler who acquired the land and brought 3 wives from another Cook Island, Penryn. He lived to 78 years of age and sired 26 children in three families which he kept separated in three houses.
Most of the descendents are either in Raratonga (capital of the Cook Islands), in Australia or New Zealand. The island at the present moment can only support 120 people. The supply ship only comes every 3 – 6 months – so you would need to get your order right!
They can grow some fruit and vegetables in ‘Patches’ which have been specially dug for the purpose of growing some of their own food.
I cannot describe the beauty of this motu and the colours of the water – it is completely untouched and the people live harmoniously amongst the natural vegetation of the island.

WE CAUGHT A FISH !!!!!!


An amazing thing happen the other day – we caught a large fish – about 4’ long and 20 kg – it was just about beyond us to bring it in – gave a good dose of gin to knock him out and then we brought him on board and now we have lots of fish.