Niue August 28, 2006
We were only planning to spend a few days in Rarotonga, but instead
stayed for two weeks. Between hiking
across island, touring villages on a motor bike and attending annual dance
competitions, there was just enough time to squeeze in scuba diving lessons. Certified to descend 60 feet into the
mystic depths, we enhance our experiences and look forward to diving in Tonga
with migrating whales. Currently
anchored next to the smallest country in the world, Niue
offers new experiences with its unique landscapes, an elevate atoll and
limestone caves which surround the coast.
As I right this, the boat is bobbing around from the swell. This swaying alone could make someone
seasick. Just like Rarotonga,
once again our anchoring sight is less then desirable. Moorea is on a mooring ball at an “open
roadstead”, which means the boat is anchored next to the island without a
bay, harbor or even a man made break water to protect us from waves or
wind. This open roadstead is situated
on the west side of the island with prevailing winds coming from the south
east, but if strong winds decide to clock around to the north or west, we are
in for an unpleasant experience trapping us between rough seas and a
dangerous shore line. Listening to
weather reports and prepared to leave at a moments notice if weather turns
foul is our best defense.
Despite our precarious anchorage, the landscape of Niue
is a rugged coast line with crevices and chasms and a few small beaches
tucked around the stone structures.
It’s different from the other islands that have reef barriers and sea
level beaches. According to my Moon
Travel Handbook, “It’s the most unspoiled main island in the Pacific” noting
that the surrounding water has some of the best visibility and timid Sea
Snakes may be spotted on a swim.
Local brochures show all the best hiking and cave exploring
activities. It also mentions that swim
attire is not acceptable in the towns and on Sunday fishing and boating are
forbidden, but swimming, golfing would be fine. This laid back nation has 1700 occupants,
but as many as 15,000 Niueans live in New Zealand. Employment can be hard to come by and this
country has very little natural resources for trade thus solely depends on
aid from New Zealand. Trying to build up tourism revenue and
retaining its unspoiled beauty will be a challenge.
Our next planned island group will be Tonga with promises of sighting
humpback whales that migrate to these waters and give birth to calves. The diving center were we received our
certification, told us that when diving in Tonga it is not unusual to spot
whales while diving since whales prefer coastal waters. I am not sure of the laws in Tonga, but we noticed in Niue and Rarotonga
that there are no whale watching tours unlike in the U.S., Canada,
and Mexico. But spotting whales from shore is a common
sight and just as exciting.
Off to Tonga! By the way, thanks for all the emails and
keep them coming. We crave to hear the
news you have to share.
Fair winds,
First Mate Kelly