Today April 4th we had a very unique and amazing experience with a visit to Palmerston in the Cook Islands. The total land mass of the islets is only one square mile and the large lagoon covers 56 square kilometres. Palmerston is a very remote island and is rarely visited so we were welcomed with open arms and the children were given a day off school. What makes this island very unique is that all but 3 of its 62 inhabitants are descendents of The English sailor William Marsters who settled here in 1863 and with three wives produced 23 children. The local men came out to the ship and helped guide our zodiacs through the reef. We were greeted on shore by kisses and hand shakes from the locals. The mayor greeted us with some history of the island and after a blessing from the pastor we were entertained with music and dancing which almost the whole island took part in. We then broke up into small groups and the children took us on a tour of the island. Our guide Tamatoe was 12 years old and has absolutely no desire to ever leave the island. We tipped him but one does wonder what he will be able to spend the money on. The island grounds were very well maintained with all the walkways raked but that may very well have been done for us. The economy is based on fishing, coconuts, bird feathers and a bit of tourism but it is quite a subsistence way of life with few luxuries. As Steve commented a furniture store would not survive here. Though amenities were few beauty was everywhere. The beaches and the water was outstanding. We got thoroughly soaked as we crashed through waves exiting the reef but we returned to the ship feeling richer for our experience and so lucky that we had the chance to go where so few get to go. As we were getting on the zodiac to depart a young boy came and shook our hand and wished us a safe journey. A great end to a wonderful day.
Aerial view of Palmerston
The children were all more than eager to have their pictures taken
The adults of the island preformed a traditional greeting for us
The whole population took part in entertaining us
Every one had a smile on their face and was happy to share stories of their life of the island
This little fellow was the youngest on the island
Beautiful sandy island and it was all raked
The school with 13 students. The teacher principal was from Australia
The main street with the very basic homes
The communal oven
This hammock we certainly indicative of the lay back way of life
A stroll along the beach
The man that started it all
Our return zodiac trip was a bit of an adventure with waves breaking over the reef and we did get very wet but it did nothing to dampen our spirits
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