Easter Island

The first settlers of Easter Island still remain a mystery today.  Most anthropologists believe the island was settled as part of a wave of Polynesian emigration.  The people that produced the Moai flourished during the 16^th & 17^th centuries.  Population growth, deforestation and food shortages led to cannibalism and its collapse.  Today about 3,400 people inhabit the 64 square mile island which lies half way between Tahiti and South America.

We tendered in to the only opening on the island where we could dock.  There are a lot of rocks jutting out of the water and going in is very precarious as the wave action is always intense.  Waiting at the dock were several cars with drivers wanting to take passengers around the island for a fee.  We spoke to a couple but they wanted a lot of money for the 3-4 hours it would take to see the island.  It’s pretty desolate with stray dogs and horses all around.  The town is very small with several mini markets and trinket shops.  We decided that we would be better off renting a car and drive ourselves.  There is only 1 main road that goes around the entire island and the Moai and caves they lived in were off that road.  Our car cost $60. for the day.  We saw everything we wanted and even went to the most beautiful beach with white sand, palm trees and water that went from royal blue to pale aqua.  It was very hot and we did a lot of walking but got some great pictures.  We have 1 day at sea and then arrive at Pitcairn Island, home of what’s left of the Bounty and the descendants of Fletcher Christian.