Our crossing of the Pacific towards Easter Island had been uneventful; the seas had been relatively calm, however, as is often the case, a long high swell had us pitching to the ‘motion of the ocean’.  So it was, early on Sunday morning we made our approach in darkness down the west side of the island, Hanga Roa being our destination.  Here lies the only ‘safe’ (I use the term loosely) harbour on the island, one to which we could operate our tender service.  The harbour approach is through a reef and needs the utmost care when approaching. My video will give you an inkling of the approach to the harbour, a tender leaving and one entering.

The wind was slight, however that swell was not going to give up, as a consequence the ship was constantly under its effect and movement of the tender alongside our tender platform was more than one would desire. A long and laborious embarkation took place, each guest having to be assisted in the boarding by ‘helpers’ assigned to this task, ensuring that when they boarded they always had ‘hands on them’.  I moved to a more northerly location in an effort to lose the swell, it assisted slightly however  there was no getting completely out of it. 

At one point I contemplated cancelling, but this is a “Bucket List” call, anticipation had been high for days and to do so would have a disappointment to everyone on board. We ‘hovered’ on our joystick for the entire call; there is an anchorage, it was occupied by 2 small cargo ships and besides, I prefer to be ‘untethered’ in such circumstances.  Karen and Hazel managed to get ashore and as a result many of the photographs are not mine; me?  14 hours on the Bridge!   😯   

The island is of course famous for its Moai, monolithic figures carved by the Rapa Nui people.  They represent their ancestors are are revered by the Islanders.  Many moai are near the quarry, where they were carved and hundreds were transported and set up on stone platforms (Ahu) around the island.  All-in-all there are approximately 870 of them.

Here are K’s contributions.

I always have my camera with me, however the subject matter is not quite as ‘exciting’ as those ashore, so here are some of mine; first, a ‘panorama’ video of the island from the ship; starting looking south towards Hanga Roa and then north, this is the west coast. Full screen on your media player? Click on the ‘spot’ rectangle, bottom right….

Next?  Pitcairn Island, famous for the mutiny on the ‘Bounty’ and the subsequent landing of the mutineers on the island.  We arrive there on Wednesday, no ‘landing’ for guests, there is no place to tender and the cliffs too steep.  Instead the islanders will board, give a presentation and, (of course), bring some souvenirs to purchase!