It was another beautiful morning on the island of Moorea and the group headed out for another day of adventure. With a partly cloudy morning sky, a cool breeze blowing, and a quick breakfast satiating our stomachs we proceeded back up to Belvedere lookout. This hike, however, was no short jot up to the lookout but a near four hour trek up and down the façade of a mountain. As the morning progressed the air grew hotter and the humidity climbed under the canopy while we slowly gained in altitude. Finally, we reached a point where the path turned into a steep, winding trail. “Oh, it’s just like stairs from here” Rich said. I don’t know what stairs he is used to but I would not want to climb those on a daily basis. As we inched out of the forest the breeze was a relief on our faces and the view took our breath (or what was left of it) away. What little discomforts we faced on the trail were wiped away tenfold as we gazed at the mountains, oceans, and forest around and below us. These are the moments that bring a new exuberance to life.
After our exhilarating trek, many of the men headed up to the Three Pines path as apparently they had not had their fill of hiking for the day. We ladies, however, cleaned ourselves up, fiddled with some data entry, and took a quick run to the super market (thanks to our most gracious leaders Rich and Peter).
At supper the usual conversation about planning the evening ensued over salad, white beans, and a bit of mutton. The divers then geared themselves up and headed out for a chilly night dive in the ocean, lionfish and all. Alas, due to a shortage of dive lights, the snorkelers must wait for another night for that venture.
Once the chilled divers return, it will be business as usual for the lizard group. We will be racing more geckos on candle stick leaves and preparing for our last precious days in this tropical dreamland.
The end is creeping up on us steadily.
~Sara A. Elefritz
After our exhilarating trek, many of the men headed up to the Three Pines path as apparently they had not had their fill of hiking for the day. We ladies, however, cleaned ourselves up, fiddled with some data entry, and took a quick run to the super market (thanks to our most gracious leaders Rich and Peter).
At supper the usual conversation about planning the evening ensued over salad, white beans, and a bit of mutton. The divers then geared themselves up and headed out for a chilly night dive in the ocean, lionfish and all. Alas, due to a shortage of dive lights, the snorkelers must wait for another night for that venture.
Once the chilled divers return, it will be business as usual for the lizard group. We will be racing more geckos on candle stick leaves and preparing for our last precious days in this tropical dreamland.
The end is creeping up on us steadily.
~Sara A. Elefritz
Two thumbs up Miss Sara! Sounded like a great time! ~Robyn
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