pitcairn/easter/robinson

OUR TRIP TO SOUTH AMERICA IN MARCH 2007

Discovery

Galapagos

Three of our most exotic stops were Pitcairn Island, Easter Island and Robinson Crusoe Island

As the ship approaches Easter Island the famous moai are visible along the shore. Seeing trees is a surprise.	The story of the birdmen who jumped from the cliffs and swam to the off- shore island is suddenly real. Here are the cliffs!	Our first stop is a small park with several moai. These have been raised in recent times.	The rim of an ancient volcano faces over the ocean. We found a geo- cache here described as the world's "most remote"	These moai have been left as they were found by early explorers. "Hats" have been carved from a contrasting red stone.

At another location, on the far end of the island, more statues stand on white sand. Note Palms which were once extinct.	Views on the 40 minute drive across the island are captivating. Horses wander everywhere.	Perhaps the most striking collection of statues are at Ahu Tongariki. They are little old men stoicly facing inland.	This place more than any other, seemed to emit the mystery that abounds here. Why and how are constant questions.	Perhaps the society that created these phenomen- al structures, came to a violent and abrupt end. A partly completed moai...

Our favourite picture on all of Easter Island looks across a hillside where several moai have been left half buried.	Pitcairn Island looms in the distance. It has one tiny beach used for landing small boats but we won't be taken ashore.	Instead, all 50 islanders will come to our ship. The steep slopes and cliffs, of this not very inhabitable place, shelter one small village.	Meeting cruise ships is a valued part of the island economy. The islanders set up a market place in the forward lounge.	Three windmills will soon replace a diesel powered generator. Satellite TV, phones and internet service are available.

Robinson Crusoe Island rarely receives visitors. We anchored off the single village, home to many fisher families.	Rumours suggest the Discovery may no longer call at Robinson Crusoe or Pitcairn because there's no money to be made from tours.	The village reminded me of BC coastal villages like Zeballos. It's small, rough and very informal. A carved sign was one of the few "tourist" items.,	We headed upward along the single road leading upward into the interior. Many of the islanders use small all-terrain vehicles to get around.	The houses are very small but neat and tidy. Chickens and ducks wander about freely.


Above the village we found the national park boundary. About 90% of the island is park.	Several animal species are unique to the island. One of note which we saw is the Juan Fernandez Hummingbird.	We enjoyed a fine view from the picnic lookout. Many hiking trails traverse the island.	One curiosity seen by most tourists are caves above the town. They were carved by 300 patriots in 1814 and used to hide from authorities.