Words Can't Describe

Day Whatever, Lagoon Snorkeling

Before detailing the day, we have to mention the conclusion of our evening last night, which included security coming to the rescue as there was a three-way gecko war ongoing. We've largely gotten used to them, but when they started hissing at one another on the ceiling above the bed, it's a difficult thing to ignore. The help staff who showed up was quite adept at capturing one of them, he's obviously done this before. I figured it was a useless endeavor to try to catch them, but he quickly pinned it behind a picture on the wall and had taken it out to the outside foliage in just a minute or two.

This morning we woke up ready to join Teking on his Lagoon Cruise. Teking was a personal recommendation from our host on Rarotonga based on his fun-nature as well as his small boat's ability to reach locations many of the larger touristy boats could not. The recommendation was right on the money. He brought the right amount of humor and personality to the day, something we enjoyed and appreciated.

But regardless of who was leading our expedition, the lagoon is simply stunning. Words can't describe the color of the water all around. Though there were variations throughout, the most prevalent color we could come up with was Otter Pop Blue. And it stretched for miles in every direction. We stopped at three different snorkeling locations throughout the day. The first stop Raechel had a chance to feed the fish from her hands leaning over the boat. Though the fish were benign, it reminded me of what a piranha feeding frenzy would be like. Rae could really feel them tugging hard at the bread. Teking referenced to keep our eyes out for Taz. We discovered Taz was the big guy in the neighborhood, a giant blue fish that weighed in the neighborhood 100lbs. We were recommended to keep our hands out of the way of Taz's jaws as we were instructed to prepare to get in the water.

So, we all put on our snorkel gear and hopped into the water. Unfortunately, as soon as we got into the water, we noticed that our camera would not turn on. Our waterproof bag had sprung a leak! We were extremely disappointed that we wouldn't be able to capture pictures the rest of the day, especially once we had a chance to witness the sights. We would have to enjoy and share the experience the old-fashioned way, through our own memory and stories.

Rae did a great job overcoming her dislike/fear of snorkeling. Teking helped, as he encouraged her to relax and get back in the water. She explained she didn't really get what everyone was talking about given she could never really see well through her mask given the fogginess. She realized after he put a bit of toothpaste in her mask what all the enjoyment was about. We swam around as buddies and checked out the coral and fish. We're going to do a little research on what type of fish they were, but they were plentiful and colorful. Our favorite was probably the bright blue starfish that was maybe 18" in diameter.

Our next stop was one that had a lot of giant clams growing. Teking encouraged us to dive and touch the edge of the clams. I managed to do so, and immediately freaked out when they recoiled and clenched. It felt a little like if jelly were in a plastic bag. There were perhaps 50 of these things growing. Teking explained that the local clams and many of the clams in the lagoon had largely died out about 20 years ago, he suspected because the lagoon temperature got to warm. He said that recent implants were from Austalia, and had positive attributes like faster growing cycles. There were still local original clams, but they were smaller and less prevalent.

After that, we stopped at Honeymoon Island, for which we were given special consideration given our recent nuptials. I don't think there is any way to accurately describe this island, it was the coolest attraction of the day. It looks like how you would picture the idyllic desert island, perhaps at most 2-3 ft above the lagoon. We were at high tide, and there was a large finger of island stretching out into the shallow area of the lagoon. The water was a light turquoise, and would occasionally wash over the finger of island. The water was no more than 2-3 feet deep 200-300 yards out from the island as well.

Across from Honeymoon Island a few hundred yards was Unfaithful Island, for which we were told to beware. It was also the site for our lunch. We had a chance to get to know our shipmates, of which there were 10. Amazingly, there were no New Zealanders on board. We represented the U.S., there was a couple from Vancouver (who had been 4 times since their wedding on Rarotonga 5 years before), an engaged couple from Finland, a couple from Austria, an older couple from our resort from the U.K., and a guy from Germany. They were all quite pleasant and we enjoyed getting to know them during the meal. We finished our lunch by competing in a hermit crab race. Teking was obviously on something as he said I was first prize, he was second prize, and Raechel was third prize for the victors. I know that the 1st place winner was not exciteed with their prize :)

We stopped for some more snorkeling, another couple islands (where they filmed Cook Islands Survivor), and concluded our trip at One Foot Island. Other than enjoying the sun and water, nothing too notable. After that, Teking took us home. Fingers crossed, but if they have enough petrol (there's a shortage since the boat couldn't dock last week), we're going out for a champagne brunch on one of the islands tomorrow for Rae's official birthday.

Tonight, we're heading to happy hour, a buffet, and a show here at the resort.

Hard to believe our honeymoon is coming close to conclusion. We both agree it has been amazing, and we also agree we booked just the right amount of time as we're starting to think about home and all the nice things (like Sunday coffee in bed) that come with it.