These are the range markers for the pass coming in to Avatiu Harbor. When the markers are lined up, it means that your vessel is in the middle of the channel. If they are separated, then you are off course. There have been ranges in all the passes we've gone through, which adds a really nice feeling of security that you have read the chart correctly and that datums are set properly on the electronic charts. There is no room for error in these reef passes.



Rarotonga is really beautiful. It is similar to some of the other islands we've been to as far as topography, but the heat is not so oppressive at this latitude (21-degrees south - about the same as Hawaii in the north). It is really the perfect temperature, and we actually dug out a blanket last night for the first time in months.

The culture is definitely different from French Polynesia though: more clothing, lots of churches, and the locals don't seem that excited about the tourism industry. It will be fun to check out some of the other Cook Islands. We are really looking forward to Suwarrow, which is a bird sanctuary, and only populated by a lone caretaker.