When we arrived in Rarotonga in 2006 this is the view we had of the island. This view really says a lot about the lifestyle of the Cook Islanders living there. The island, as you see is quite mountainous which results in several realities. These mountains capture sufficient rainwater to create a lush growth throughout most of the island. The soil is quite rich allowing the people to be an agricultural people. Because the Cook Islanders could provide for a wide variety of food stuffs - vegetables and animals. And because the life here is not gruelingly difficult a rich culture has been able to develop. Interestingly enough, because of the high mountains about five family groups developed based on the geography and the division into large valleys. You see this in many of the Pacific islands.

As is typical of many islands there is a main road that circumnavigates the entire island. One of the easiest (if not most dangerous) ways to tour the island is on a motor bike. This scene (left) shows the typical residential area. People are very careful about keeping their lawns trimmed and many grow hedges around their property in true English tradition. The Cook Islands are English speaking. There's also Cook Island Maori that is spoken on all but Palmerston Island.

This is a typical view of one of the back roads on the island (right). Many are paved. Interestingly, the tourists tend to take the main road and the locals are the people you see on these back roads. Notice how neat everything is!

This is a common sight (left): Taro in the foreground growing along with bananas and coconuts. You see the house with the red roof in the background.

Goats (right) and chickens are a standard source of animal protein. Fish also, but it's not a constant source of food on Rarotonga as it is on many other islands. Also, you don't see the goats running wild as much here as you do in French Polynesia.

When MOM passes on families often burry her in the front yard. This is a sign of reverence and remembrance, but also a way of ensuring that the land is passed on to MOM's future generations. Many of the Cook Islanders spend large portions of their lives in other UK countries - mainly New Zealand or Australia. When they return it's not hard to find your inheritance because grandma is buried in the front yard. People also leave the islands for job opportunities. This way they create a little nest egg so they can build a decent house on their land when they retire.

As you travel around the island you are transfixed by the gorgeous scenes along the beach. (right) The beaches are public and tourists may swim anywhere it's safe. Swimming too near the passes is not a good idea.

This photo (left) is just an example of the beautiful water we experienced in the Cook Islands.

Here's our captain (right) taking a little respite during our exploration.

People are always curious about what the islanders look like. Here are three young ladies relaxing at the same cafe where Scott & I had lunch. Most of the people speak English with a New Zealand accent. The Cook Islands are an independent country with affiliation with New Zealand. Remember when you're visiting other countries you're the one with the accent!

Rarotonga actually has another pass through the reef (right) besides the main harbor. However, it is only useable by very shallow draft boats, so most monohull sailboats are out! This is the traditional harbor where the long distance paddling canoes leave on ocean races.

As the islands get more and more visitors it becomes more and more important to take only photographs and leave only footprints (left).

Even though these mynah birds (right) are a real pest in the islands this particular shot captured Scott's imagination.

These flame trees (left) dot the landscape and add to its vibrancy.

Poinsettias (right) are another example of that vibrancy. I love the context: the laundry, a motor bike and a workshop - as if this spectacular display of color belongs in such an ordinary setting.

We took a couple of tours while on Rarotonga. You do learn a lot and go places that you might not visit if left to your own devises. We enjoyed talking to one of the presenters at the Cultural and Historic Center (left).

Rarotonga is enough of a community (about 6,000 people) that we were able to find a welder to help us with this boom fitting (right). This gives you an idea of the tremendous forces on our boat as we travel around the islands. And, this is why we constantly check things and try to keep ahead of the curve. This is a crucial part of our rig, so we were glad to find this fracture and get things squared away before heading out to sea again!

Speaking of ordinary settings. If cruising resembles real life at all then it must have its ordinary times! Here's Jean to the left and Scott to the right taking care of boat chores before leaving for Aitutaki.