11.2.11 to 14.2.11 Crossing the Pacific, Easter Island Pitcairn Island, Blame it on the boogie and the Valentine’s Day Bride. Dresses 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 and 48

11.2.11 to 14.2.11 Crossing the Pacific, Easter Island Pitcairn Island, Blame it on the boogie and the Valentine’s Day Bride. Dresses 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 and 48  

Easter Island

We sailed past on the 12.2.11 and were surprised that the island is much larger than I had imagined, we saw some of the Maori from a distance standing on the coast looking out to see, and even from the ship they looked large.  The smallest are over 20’ tall.  There is an abandoned quarry on the island with 400 partially formed Maori which must be an eerie sight, there is a myth that they ‘walk’ across the island, historians believe they were put in place by being rolled on tree trucks, but based on the partially formed ones it seems that they were indeed ‘walked’ upright across the island into position.  There is a 75 bedroom eco-hotel with spa so a return trip is definitely looking very attractive

Easter Island sail by

The past few days crossing the Pacific have been very restful. We have been putting the clocks forward every night and are now eight (8) hours behind GMT. This is very helpful as there is always a show in the theatre; also we have had a 60/70’s disco party on deck which was great fun.

Remember Clem Curtis of 1967 ‘Foundations’ fame. “Pick me up Buttercup?” he is on board, and proudly told us he’s 71 and absolutely great.  He sang all the boogie and disco songs then went up and jammed in the Crows nest.  Last night keeping to the theme we had a show Blame it on the Boogie and so Dress 43 is worn by the three lead vocalists.  The show was great many of us could remember wearing those ridiculous but great fun platform soled boots and florescent colours. 

Dress 43

So of course getting an extra hour in bed is a great bonus but this morning we were up to see the sunrise at 6.10am.  We just grabbed some clothes and dashed up to the decks. We have been told of these fantastic vibrant sunrises and sunsets in the Pacific and wanted to see, the picture is not the best, what a fantastic way to start Valentines Day.  We then enjoyed early morning tea watching the sun move swiftly through the clouds to start another glorious day

Sunrise 14.2.11

Pitcairn Islands

The islands were named after a 15 year old midshipman who spotted them in 1767 from the desk of a British sloop – HMS Swallow. 

David was very excited as we have had on board 40 plus islanders, all descendants of the 9 mutineers from the Bounty. There are only about 100 inhabitants in total on the island. They speak an old English dialect.  

The mutineers after they landed in 1790 set fire to the ship which is still visible underwater.  They were never discovered. 

Why so excited? Because as a teenager he sent off for a cover and stamp mark from their post office and it took over a year to be returned to home.  And today was an opportunity to do the same again but post it in person.

Islanders coming aboard

We could not land in the islands as there really isn’t anywhere to land and even in a tender the ‘Swell’ of the ocean makes it very treacherous therefore they came to us.  It was a wonderful afternoon, perfect weather, the sea so clear we could see the ships stabilizers and the rocks beneath the islander’s boat. 42 came on board including the mayor, one of the two police on the island and the descendants of Fletcher Christian, Brown and Adams.  Dress 44 is the policeman and his wife, who when asked ‘is it lonely on the island’ his wife replied ‘no because he has his wife with him’ I think he must have been 7’ tall and he comes originally from New Zealand.

Dress 44 Pitcain policemen (and his wife)

This is the first time a P&O ship has ever stopped here and it was a great occasion with speeches and exchanging of gifts a very very special afternoon.  We have posted our cards and letters, bought hand carved souvenirs, all signed by the worker, Dress 45   is Andrew Christian is dress really is his tattoos and his many earrings he also tried to sell me some black pearls for $700 saying ‘wait till you get to Tahiti they will be double. Despite this and his charm we were not persuaded.

Dress 45   Andrew Christian 

Grass Skirts are warm Dress 46

I couldn’t resist trying this, but resisted buying not many occasions in Berkshire where one is required.

On board Wedding  ---Dress 47

Suddenly in the middle of all this Bruce and Carol appeared in Full wedding dress, they were married at 1.30pm by our captain David Pembridge, what a memorable day for them and the very best of luck for a happy marriage

Goodbye to Pitcairn Island dress 48 me again

The sunset was rich reds, oranges and purples and the temperature about 32C as we said goodbye to Pitcairn and continued on to Tahiti. Marvellous day probably too much sun but such a great and memorable experience, and then a valentines meal with everything hearts, champagne and chocolate.