Hello this site is currently paused of uploading before further travel updates in July of this year. Please also see www.dyslexicnomad.co.uk for regular updating of Conservation and Travel topics. 

Otherwise i hope you enjoy scrolling through my photos of Islands from far and wide!

Felix Driver / Dyslexic Nomad 

Alo Olgeta,

I arrived after much travelling on Sunday to tropical Vanuatu around 10am. I set myself the all important search for the House Kingdom located some wear in the crazy streets of Port vila, Efate. Eventually a Nevan latter day saint called Graham showed me the way to the hall in the northern part of town.

The memorial went well although i understood only the gist of it. A t nevan study and friend 'Joseph' from Blenheim turned up and called for me in the road out side 'Felix!' (the always distinguishable giant Palangi). We sat together which was nice. The attendance was several hundred, there no other familiar faces just Joseph, but i felt proud of him there.

The weather here is very hot and intensely Humid, It reminds me of Tahiti for its soggy climate. Vanuatu is in central Melanesia and is in the later part of the wet season going into the more bearable dry season.

On Monday i spent the afternoon with Joseph swimming in the ocean off Mele beach, One of the tribal villages of Efate. Other islanders cooled in the water with there pikininnie that frolicked and played child like games. Coconut, Banana and Banyan trees grow along the coast. Small streams of smoke rising from the bush, islanders cooking.

Joseph told me that his wife and two Pikininnie (children) are coming down from Mota lava tomoro, he is flying them down. 'You can come for Kaikai (food) at my house in Black Sands when they are here'. Black Sands is another village here on the main island of Efate.

Yesterday i was pounced upon when i first attempted to update this blog from the pricey interent shop in Port vila by Rangi a butch Strong stocky nevan whom i had spent time with in Blenheim, NZ. He was very happy to see me! We spent most of yesterday together. Rarangi made it his challenge to find me the fresh cargo office that know one seems to know of its location. This turned into a crazed wild goose chase, even Rangi did not know wear the nomadic shipping company had moved there office to. I found myself back at his village though, Mele village. Rangi invited me to stay with him and his family, the water is free the Kaikai is free no problem you stay with me.

The Mele tribe is somewhat industrialised to an extent but is still rural tribal. This should be an interesting experience. His son Vandalla (eleven) and daughter Julianna (seven) were very shy and full of laughter, they had never spoken to white man before, One had visited there school once but never had they been spoken to or had one visit there home. Mary Rangi's submissive wife cooked us some Lunch of freshly speared fish from the sea.

Rangi is Meles self professed best free diver, diving to depths of 20 meters! I have decided to move in with Rangi and Family. They know i am a Jehovah's witness, Rangi asked me to say a prayer over the Kaikai yesterday and we have had many chats, there is a basic respect for Christianity here but i kneed to show myself to be bringing a more important message to this family and tribe. I kneed to somehow plant a seed of interest and link them with local witnesses who can take things further should they want to when i return  home.

I am planning on going to an outer island soon though locating cargo boats and there actual leaving time is proving difficult. I will keep looking, things are very relaxed here, always 'maybe tomoro we go'. Rangi is chief of a village on the island of Erromango and thinks we should go, though the travel complications are an issue and an expense. I may go to see the Sea cows of Epi and undersea volcano's. Nothing is certain here yet, but at least i am to be living with a nevan tribe and moving from the dormitory in central Port vila.

I will update soon. Tankyou tumas,

Felix

Olsem wanem,

I am at Auckland international airport waiting to board my flight. Very exciting. I have been travelling a lot all ready. A bus from Blenheim to Chritschurch then a flight up here from Christchurch to Auckland. I slept over night at the airport next to my luggage cart.

A 5.3 quake hit Christchurch less than half an hour upon my arrival to the city last night, glad i am out of there!

I will update when in Port Vila,

Tank you Tumas,

Felix

Dear Friends and followers,

In little over a week i am off from cold Autumnal New Zealand for exotic Melanesia! not Fiji but Vanuatu or the New Hebrides as Captain Cook named them when he arrived on the HMS Resolution in the 1770's.

I will be starting my trip from the island of Efate once i arrive. I will get to know the main island and the capital Port vila. I will take time to acclimatise to the relaxed island life and humid tropical climate.

 My plan is to visit the southern tribes of Pentecost island wear the infamous Naghol land diving ritual happens. Also the island of Espiritu Santo for the wrecks and Reefs and the Volcanic southern island of Tanna to visit the accessible active Volcano - Mount Yasur. I also am intrigued by the all round still existing traditional tribal culture of central Melanesia.

This trip is likely to be exciting and quite full on! I will be updating this blog every couple of days or when i cannot get online; when i return to the main islands.

I will update with New Zealand Photos very soon,

Cheers, Felix

Dear Friends and Followers,

I am still in New Zealand working away on the Vineyards of Marlborough gaining fantastic Viticulture experience to return home to England. There is not too much to write about that is island related or even off the beaten track travel stuff of interest. All i can do now is dream but i am planning a trip for when i finish my work and before i leave for the UK. I am most likely to be back on the road less traveled from the middle of June. The plan is:

Vanuatu's - Pentecost island land diving festival and life on remote Motu lava in the Banks islands

Also planned is: Fiji's Monuriki in the Mamanutha islands, Cast away island! 

I am considering visiting the Kingdom of Tonga but this is less likely, Vanuatu is my goal and that is what i am working towards. I will see how things go and let you all know, i am just trying to save and make something happen.

Apart from progress updates this blog will not be the food for some hungry travel bookworm until i am back on the road (mid June) then i will regularly keep you updated with blog updates and photos of interest from the remoter outposts of Melanesia! Offering up inside story's to the places fewer go to!

Thank you for Following me, will update soon,

Lukem you (goodbye in Bislama/Pidgin English)

Felix

Dear Friends and followers,

I have finished my first day working for a Viticulture contractor. It is among the hardest work i have ever done in Horticulture. It is a remarkable experience working in a new area of horticulture and in such a beautiful location. The quicker i get at the job the better i can earn too (payed hourly but if quick there are bonuses).

I am working for Provine Viticulture and am the only Pome, the rest are Maori's Kiwi's and Pacific islanders (i like them!) The work is physically demanding particularly in the dry summer heat. The days are usually about eight hours long though sometimes longer.

Today as part of a team of about 25 labourers we did wire lifting on Oyster bay's Sauvignon and Chardonnay vines in the Wairau Valley, which cover 180 hectares. This is aleat modern Commercial horticulture making my old job look like a walk in the park (however much i miss that park, and all the people too)

I have got to know many Vanuatuans and Kiribasian's who work the vines seasonally too, which is interesting as they are surprised i know about there homeland. I am trying to learn basic Nauru-an.

Will update soon.

Cheers,

Felix

Dear Freinds and Followers,


I am in Blenheim. At last i am here after an exhaustingly long journey. After my breif stay in California i flew accross the Pacific to Auckland in the north island and then down to the south island. I caught a bus into Christchurch then killed time before catching a coach up to Blenheim at the northern tip of the south island.

The weather has been spectacular. and the air is noticably fresher and cleaner than the States and the Uk. The place is how i left it, but i am so glad i am in the south island as the scenery is gloriouse.
I start work tomoro morning, Once i have started work hopefully there will be some interesting things to write about...and some photo's too.

Cheers,

Felix

Dear Friends and followers,

Howdy from US of A's (Borat)

I arrived yesterday evening after an eleven hour long haul with air New Zealand. Friend Russ met me and since then we have been hanging out as they say over here.

The weather is bad here, but not snowing. Drizzly rain and a cold air. Nothing to write home about...

Went to Joshua tree national park in south eastern California. An incredible desert like land with impressive boulder like rock formations, a gritty sand with islands of vegetation, Mainly Joshua trees and Cacti. Surprisingly cold though for a desert.

We took a two wheel drive truck through a 30 mile four wheel drive intermediate track towards Palm Springs. It was insane!

Will write soon,

Cheers

Felix

Dear Friends,

As of Tuesday 23rd November i will be on the road again.

I leave for familiar Kiwi land (with a brief three day stop in LA) wear i will be working on a Vineyard. I am returning with a working visa and an open mind. The main objective is to work to eat but if i can i will put money aside and travel after months of hard work.

I plan to explore another area of the Pacific such as Fiji and Vanuatu or The Kingdom of Tonga and some wear in Asia such as The rail roads of India and Nepal; Kathmandu to Cochin.

Once i have arrived in New Zealand my blog will be of medium interest though i will try and make it interesting, try and get it to stand out from the competition of a land of many backpackers. The interesting bit will be when i am back hacking through the bush of lands less traveled, finding my way off and back on the beaten track!

Until then my friends and followers,

Cheers!

Felix

Dear Followers and passing by viewers,

Blog Currently inactive until next adventure, a small adventure:


Late August/ Early September - St. Kilda and the Western isles of Scotland for the 80th Anniversary of the island Evacuation

Duration of trip: 7 days.

Next Long haul big adventure: Under planning Start date: Mid November 2010 - Who knows?

Cheers,

Felix

Hello all

I am now back in the UK. Back to Mother England as the kiwis and the Ozzy's call it!

I stopped in Hong Kong after leaving Auckland evening of May 4th. My little over twenty four hours in the busy Chinese state was a contrast to relatively quite and sparsly populated New Zealand. A culturally interesting experience. More people are crammed into Hong Kong than in New Zealands two islands put together!

I arrived in London Heathrow afternoon of Thursday 6th May.

Thank you for following me on my travels and leaving any comments.

Until my next trip beguines,

Cheers

Felix

Hello  all,

Last Tuesday i hit the road as i thought it is my last bit of time in New Zealand then i am going to see some of the north island. I caught the bus to Rotorua located south east of Hamilton about four hours drive from Auckland. A thermal area known for bubbling mud and nasty smells of sulphur. The smell varies. Most of the time it is okay but sometimes it does get too much. Rotorua is also a tourist town and almost everything comes at a price at which you will pay through the nose for. I discovered the free sites such as Rotarua park that has (fenced off for protection) bubbling mud pools, steam vents and geysers. I also saw the quaint lake front that Rotarua is situated beside. I Visited the Polynesian Spa which was amazing. Eight pools ranging in temperatures form 38C to the mid 40'sC. I went in the evening and it was a relaxing experience despite the bus load of loud Chinese tourists. I got to know fellow back packers as i always do on the road and had some nice times too with them out for drinks etc...

On Friday i left Rotarua for Napier. I decided to Hitch hike. I was picked up by a Born again Christian. We had a nice chat actually but i find it funny that its not the first time i have been picked up by one in NZ. I found The Stables hostel to have a dorm room and decided to stay of a few nights. Napier is a nice place with weather similar to Worthing (south coast UK for readers abroad) and located on the edge of Hawks bay. Its town centre has retro buildings and is close to many of the Hawks bay Vineyards and Wineries.

On Saturday i hired a rather shoddy bike from another hostel in Napier. I wanted to visit about ten Wineries but i only managed three as i did not realise how far apart some of them were. I made sure all the ones i bothered to cycle to had free tastings. I wrote some tasting notes as i figured it may help to have some background information on different wines when i go to study Vineyard management. I visited Church road, Mission Estate and Cross roads Wineries. I saw Corbans and a Montana vineyard on route too. It was a nice ride but bad weather set in and there was an icy chill. I cycled about 40 to 45 Miles?

Yesterday i got up later than i had planned as i was going to hitch hike back up to Auckland. I thought that leaving at 11.30 was leaving it a little late to reach Auckland by night fall. However i made it! A man called Lance drove me to Taupo with his Nz's best dog show Poodle in his Motor home. From Taupo a man called Don and his son Nathan on there way back from a fishing trip drove me to Cambridge (they steel the names over here but that's okay they can have that one) then a Samoan Fed-ex courier picked me up and drove me to Mt Eden, Auckland. I arrived at 6.30pm.

Leaving for Hong Kong tomorrow night.

Cheers,

Felix

Hello

I arrived in New Zealand from Rarotonga last Wednesday night. The cold autumnal air and overcast weather hit me like a bad smell. Michelle and Tony generously picked me up and then we drove through the night to the northland town of Whungarei wear Michelle and Tony live. I slowly acclimatised to the weather and visited some Northland hotspots including the whaling port of Russell in the bay of islands and Kerikeri an old missionary settlement founded by infamous William Marsden in the 1800's.

Its a small world. Michelle and Tony's next door neibour is Mr. Cooze a Pitcairn islander. He passionately viewed my photos and knew every Rock, tree and blade of grass on Pitcairn by its name. He knew the island like the back of his hand and spoke with the Pitcairn tongue fluently it seemed. It was a pleasure to show someone as familiar as himself my photos and learn from someone who knows far more than me on the subject remembering Pitcairn as it once was when he lived on the island now quite long ago.

I caught the bus down to Auckland central from Whungarei Friday morning and connected onto the small passenger train to Mt Eden to visit James and Laura two friends of mine. Its a nice upmarket area they live in and close to the centre of Auckland too. Mt Eden is an extinct volcano crater and from the top of it one has one of the best views over Auckland region partially at Sunset.

This week i am going to look around some of the different areas of Auckland and visit some of the islands too. Maybe Great Barrier island and Rangitoto island too. I will see. It depends on cost now like it has for a while now...

On Tuesday MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH ME i will depart for Hong kong.

Cheers,

Felix

Kia Orana

As my departure from Polynesia draws near i am starting to reflect on my journey.

After almost five months in the tropics i know for sure what i will miss. I will miss the reliable hot sun and fragrant tropical air. Also the gentle Luke warm lagoon. The sunsets and white sandy beaches. The bountiful fresh tropical fruits including Breadfruit! I will miss the lax way of life and freedom that the Polynesian culture have. Also the pride the Polynesians have for each of there islands. I will however bring part of that culture with me wear ever i go in life. Travel changes you. When you go home from some wear so different you think differently. I have been shown another way, another culture and another perspective to life.

I have had an incredible adventure. I have seen parts of the world very few manage to get to Ducie island in particular. I have encountered exhausting situations at sea alongside Captain Paul and Chrissy too. I have faught sea sickness at times and relentless sleep deprevation but wieredly felt the most alive i ever have and the worst i have felt too! Bounty day on Pitcairn island was among the most special days of my entire trip, being one of 10 outsiders to witness the yearly celebration. My trip to Savaii in Samoa and My time on Atiu with mum are high up the list too. I am sad this trip is coming to an end yet i am starting to appreciate my time out here more and more the nearer i get to home and the safety of ones comfort zone.

Today I crossed the island on the jungle trail with Graham, Henry (Graham Wraggs son) and another rambler that we met; Peter a Food hygene standards agency representetive for Fiji but danish. A bit of spontaneouse social rambling. The path was steep in places leeding us from Avarua up through the thick jungle alongside a miandering stream. We used Banyan tree roots, ferns and vines to support our balance in places cairfull not to slip down the steep cliffs and ravines in the jungle. The look out at the Kneedle (a steep rock face) was breathtaking. The view realy put into perspective how small Rarotonga realy is. It may have an international airport and increasing package tourism but at the end of the day it is the peak of a mountain surounded by a vast deep blue Ocean. Fact: the Cook islands waters cover an area the size of india, Yet the land mass grouped together would fit in lake Taupo, New Zealand!

After the hike we came to Wigmores waterfall. Located the otherside of the island just up from Vaimaanga wear i have been staying. It was wonderfull to swim in the cool fresh water. I had walked most the hike topless (i want to keep the tan) wearing my Tilley airflow Hat and shorts ofcourse.

May i take this oppotunity to thank all my followers and passing by website visitors to thankyou for following me and leaving supportive and sometimes funny comments. I realy appreciate every message.

I will try and add more photos and will write again soon!

Meitiki Mata

Felix

Kia Orana

My last week with mum was relaxed. We swam in the beautifull Muri beach lagoon, wandered along jungle trails and poked round the Market place in Avatiu. We played Rummy and sipped Cocktails some evinings. Mum however had her enjoyment tainted with twin hemoraging eardrums a result of Air Rarotonga's unpressurised cabins. The condition progressivly got better and she was able to fly home. She left on Saterday 27th March late at night direct to Los Angeles. It was sad to say goodby. We always have a nice holiday togeather we are compatible and like the same things.

When mum left i vacated our rented studio flat in Titikaveka on the monday and mooved to Graham Wraggs house in Vainaanga on the southern side of Rarotonga. This has been a usefull and enjoyable bit of time to talk over the Voyages good bits and bad bits. He has allowed me use of his computor and internet so i have had the facilities to edit my blog layout and time to upload more photos. He has also lent me his motorbike which is a great help too.

The Memorial had a combined Mauri and English congregation attendence of 352. Thats pretty good as the island population is around 10,000. I sent a photo of me and mum with an islander couple to Atiu my gift in return for beautifull mother of Pearl from Penrhyn (Tongareva).

It has got to the point now that it is time to move on. I have well and truly done Rarotonga being here almost five weeks (not including a week on Atiu). Infact some people view me as a local here! If i had the money i would fly off to Mangaia or Aitutaki. Or travel on the inter islander cargo boat that left for Manahiki, Rakahanga and Penrhyn on Thursday afternoon. Its lack of funds that has caused me to do less these past few weeks. But again i will go home and pay off any debt and save up for another adventure...that i will travel write and publish on this blog.

I leave for Auckland this Tuesday night. I am to leave behind the Tropical south sea islands for further south New Zealand. Hope its not too cold...

Enjoy the photos...

Mietiki Mata

Felix

Kia Orana

I am now back from southern Cook island of Atiu. The island is rather backward as regards to communication. Pitcairn island is better assisted with outside world contact than Atiu. Internet was slow if you could find it and at 10$ per 15 minuets a tad expensive. Mum checked her emails and it took 12 minuets to load.

We arrived Monday 15th at mid day. Our 15 seater 'Beach Craft' aeroplane felt like a toy in the sky. The home made flattened rubble airstrip located on the north of the island has a small hut of an airport. A sign welcomes passengers and there is no checking of passports just smiles and welcoming flower garlands thrown round your neck.

Englishman Marshall Humphrey's of Atiu tours and Home stay drove us to his house he shares with his wife Jeanne. There Home stay is one of several options of accommodation on the island and a good choice too, located half a mile from Areoa village. We both went on a tour of the island led by Marshall along with four other guests. The tour was informative and interesting. Marshall has a wealth of knowledge about the islands history and geographic infrastructure. Located 187km north east of Rarotonga Atiu is a Makatea like Henderson island in the Pitcairn island group. Also on the way up rising at 1 cm a year!

Through out the week on Atiu we got to know people on the island quite well. At times there was only us as guests on the island. We enjoyed the empty beaches full of the most magnificent shells, got to know the different tracks round the island and took a tour around Annnatakitaki cave home of the Kopeka bird.

We met an islander Ngtaromiki and his wife Ralea who is from Penrhyn in the northern Cook islands. Islander Ngtaromiki who has eleven children all of whom have left little Atiu for Australia and New Zealand left with his wife for only 2 years long ago but missed his home, Taro fields and pigs too much and returned. He does not work just lives off the land and Fish from the lagoon, caught with home made rods and hooks. He taught me and mum how to make a basket from Coconut leaves and in return i gave him a most treasured gift - brand new fishing line and hooks i brought with me from the UK. It is the custom in outer islands of the Pacific to give gifts to people that show there kindness to you, a sign of your appreciation.

We went to a few Tumunu bush beer gatherings wear island men sit round a container of potent home brew and share manly story's and chew sugar cane. Alcohol was frowned upon by Christian missionary's as was Cannibalism but somehow the popular social event of drinking alcoholic home brew continued on the island (in the bush). A great Cultural experience but i would not go every day including Sunday afternoons like so many islanders do.

We visited the small congregation on the island located in Teenui village one of five villages all on the raised centre of the island. Only 7 publishers and out numbering children! One of the 2 ministerial servants is the Papa of most of the congregation. They were very happy to be visited as few drop by lonely Atiu. Next week they have an Elder flying in to take the sacred Memorial for them.

The island is home to a number of different birds such as the Flycatcher, Kingfisher, fruit Dove, Rimatara lorakeet and Kopeka. Also the huge Coconut crab that can climb trees and husk Coconuts.

When we left we were sent of in the aeroplane as the only passengers. Ngtaromiki and his wife gave us gifts of Frangipani garlands and Mother of Pearl from Penrhyn. It was a sad departure. we both felt it as we sawed away from Atiu the real taste of the Cook islands hospitable and heart warming culture.

Mei tiki La nui nui

Felix

Kia Orana,

The sky is blue, the sand is a white coral Crush and the lagoon is like walking through a gold fish bowl, full of tropical fish.

I had some time to rest, sleeping in a bit longer etc... and got to know some people at my hostel. Mums plane got in Monday morning. I stood directly behind the airstrip as the huge 767 landed about 100 yards in front of me. The kind of thing me and Russ would do in California! You can almost touch the plane and the jet blast is huge! Loads of locals turn up for the event night or day.

Its mums first taste of tropical paradise, The fruit - Paw Paw, Coco nuts, Mango's and Melons are fantastic! Parented by New Zealand, the Cook islands enjoy convenience goods that the western world do, making pretty much everything expensive (due to high import taxes) except local fruit and vegetables. Land is inherited and not sold but leased for no longer than 60 years. The basic necessities of life are provided by dependency on Taro, a common staple in the diet of Polynesians. I went to an Umu a traditional Maori feast of Chicken, Palu Sami and Taro cooked under banana leaves in the ground on hot rocks. I did not eat for a day after!

We fly to Atiu on Monday. Six meter raised coral cliffs surround the coast (known as a Makatea) and located 187 km north east of Rarotonga, the island of Birds, Maori Warriors, Caves and Coffee. It will be an interesting island to visit. A small population compared to any wear in the UK - only 700 people. As tourism has not taken hold on Atiu i have read that visitors are treated as Guests not tourists.

Will upload more photos soon...

Cheers,

Felix

Kia Orana,

I am in the Cook islands!


Yesterday I arrived at the beautiful island of Rarotonga, after 6 days in the wet and expensive Windward islands of French Polynesia. Maybe it was a mistake to spend a few days on Tahiti and Morrea in a tent. It poured with rain almost every day and night. As you might expect i was a tad to tall to spread out in the (two man) tent and it was also to humid for it to be comfortable. One of lives lessons i suppose - Camping is last option in the tropics!

On Monday morning i prepared to depart the water logged campsite. As i disassembled the tent in the pouring rain one of the structural rods snapped and wind lashed my tent profusely. At that point frustrated and exhausted i decided to leave the tent behind. Not only was it now broken but clad with mud and cut grass a bio-security problem with airport Customs. Not worth the hassle. I slept Monday night on the concrete floor of Tahiti's Faaa airport. I woke up exhausted and dishevelled, checked in then headed for the flight departure lounge.

I had a pleasant flight to Rarotonga one of nine passengers on a 70 seater aeroplane. Waste really. But there were too many meals made so there were seconds. The Cook island welcome was friendly and welcoming. Rarotonga's airport baggage conveyor belt was broken so it was go and get it yourself. The weather welcoming too, hot and sunny with a cool breeze.

I have settled into my hostel - Tiera Village hostel. I would recommend it actually. I hitch hiked home from the small town centre yesterday afternoon, the first truck stopped! what service.

Cheers (kneed to learn goodbye in Maori)

Felix

Ahoy,

At 3am this morning I was woken up and evacuated from my Moorea Campsite, due to the expected Tsunami a result of the dreadfull Chillian earthquake! Staying on the western side of Moorea we were on the wrong side for the Tsunami to be a danger but one can never be too cairefull, I would be a fool to stay and snooze in my flimsy tent.

Already Exhausted by boat dutys, thousands of sea miles and roughing it like never before, campsite evacuation was not exciting but a reluctent move. For almost 7 hours i waited on the islands high ground with 2 Finnish Backpackers. Late morning it was safe to return to the campsite, the panic was over. there was no Tsunami.

Easter island was hit and also i would imagine the Pitcairn islands and the Gambier group too. I am lucky, very lucky. If this had happened just one week ago i could have been a victim.

I have been trying to upload more photos but the internet cafe computors in French Polynesia are slow and poorly equiped. I will do a mass photo upload as soon as possible, but probably not until Rarotonga.

Au revoir

Felix

THREE MONTHS ON THE ROAD.....PAPEETE TAHITI

Bonjour,

I am now in Tahiti! I got off the boat in Mangareva after the completion of my last expedition, the second expedition of six expeditions to the Pitcairn island group.

I am just getting used to being off the boat which is odd. It was an amazing experience, like no other but with its stresses that is for sure.

Since i last wrote we sailed to Ducie island via Henderson island. A leg of the expedition that only three out of the five passengers were prepared to continue with. This part of the trip was made much more enjoyable by having Pawl and Sue from Pitcairn as island guides and also as crew members too.

Henderson island was not really suitable to land on, and accidentally there was the capsizing of the tender over the reef. Thankfully know one was hurt and 2 of our passengers made it ashore. Unfortunately I did not make it ashore but Sue me and the other passenger how to reel in fish!

When we arrived at Ducie island the conditions were much calmer. We all made it ashore, which was an incredible privilege. Out of Pitcairn's small population of 53 people only a couple have been to Ducie island so it really is off the beaten track being 300 miles east of Pitcairn and Easter island the next stop a further 700 miles east. The bird life was untouched, unafraid Noddys, Petrels, frigate birds will fly or calmly pause right near you. The Coral too was pristine, amazing snorkeling!

Back on Pitcairn island I had the privilege of spending a last bit of time doing the things i wanted to do. I thanked everyone on Pitcairn for making me feel so at home. Thank you for your hospitality and wonderful food! I am so happy i did manage to achieve something in particular before i left and that's climbing into Fletcher's Cave!

Now i am off the boat i am enjoying things that it is so easy for one to take for granted in the safe haven comfort zone of home. An un-rocked toilet, space to breath and think (you don't get that on a boat) cool (un-tainted) bottled water, little subtle things.

I am contemplating Tahiti iti with Moorea for the next few days, to relax and enjoy the paradise of Polynesia. On Tuesday 2nd March i fly to Rarotonga in the Cook islands and hope to also visit Atiu.

Au revoir,

Felix