Aitutaki

Our trip started with calm seas and gentle trade winds, as the Endeavour steamed northwest from Raratonga towards Palmerston Atoll in the Cook Islands. We spent the day at sea, admiring the glint of the sun over the gentle swell, and sighting occasional tropicbirds, shearwaters and flying fish. On board we were introduced to the staff, and then Edmundo Edwards gave a presentation on the original explorations and colonization of the South Pacific by the Polynesians in their voyaging canoes.

After a tasty buffet lunch we heard a presentation by Gerald McCormick. He discussed the plants and animals unique to the Cook Islands, and their relationships to organisms on other island groups in this vast sector of the Pacific. Following this we peeked below the waves, as Soames Summerhays introduced us to the dazzling world of coral reefs, priming us for tomorrow’s snorkeling and diving adventures, and leaving us to reflect on the attendant conservation issues and challenges.

The Captain’s Welcome Aboard Dinner was a flashy affair, with excellent food following a cocktail party in the lounge.