EASTER ISLAND

We had a perfect day. 80 degrees, light wind and reasonably calm seas, just some big swells.

Ken and I did our normal “lets try a taxi or rent car and see how it works out”. We ended up renting a car. $150 for the day, all the taxis charged $150 for about a 3 hour tour.

We were impressed with the island the moai did not disappoint. The main moai sites we saw were Ranu Raraku, Abu Tongariki, Anakena and Tahai.

Ranu Raraku is a quarry that has 397 moai. Some are standing erect, some are leaning some are flat on the ground. There are 150 that are not finished. You can walk right up the hill and be right next to the Moai. I loved this spot and you also get a great view of the ocean and surrounding area.

Abu Tongariki is 15 moai standing on a 200 ft ahu with the ocean in the background. A wonderful sight.

Anakena is five statues that were buried in sand for centuries and were protected from the elements so they have been better preserved. You can see more of the carving of the lips, nostrils and curved ears.

Tahai has moai with the white eyes.

We also visited the Rano Kau volcano. The crater a mile wide and impressive with a lake in the caldera covered with bright green reeds, a beautiful sight. At the same spot were 48 oval huts of a ceremonial village constructed in 1600 and used by locals until 1866.

The island was more attractive than we expected and had many wild horses. We had a truly wonderful day.

Ken will post pictures soon. Now we have Prime 7 tonight and I am sure ready for that after such a full day.