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We’ve tried to visit the Cook Islands before. It’s not easy. There isn’t a dock for cruise ships, nor is there a place to anchor. The ship must remain in position with its engines running and shuttle passengers ashore in the lifeboats, commonly called tendering.  In 2012, we were scheduled to stop in Rarotonga, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Then again, in 2016, we were unable to go ashore for the same reason. This time, we made it!

We had a nice hike in a private reserve, with two great guides.

Although we got rained on, drenched really, it was a nice hike

Yes, it was worth the wait and the trouble.

Our first time in Papeete was 2011 when we arrived on Crystal Serenity. This is our fifth visit,  and we’re departing on Crystal Serenity.

We got a chance to visit one of our favorite markets.

We also had a snorkel trip. There were branches, coconuts, and other stuff on the surface from their recent storm. It was an interesting experience dodging this while watching the tropical fish below. The water was warm and enjoyable.

We’ve traveled most of our married life.  Ed’s first assignment with the U.S. Navy was an unaccompanied tour in Japan. He was on a ship so was in and out frequently. I decided to go along on my own.  Quite an adventure for a 23-year old woman who had never traveled outside the U.S. My sister was living in Japan at the time, which helped me. So off I went in 1970, and that must have been the beginning of traveling. Getting that first passport starts your  mind in a new direction. So now, let’s fast forward to 2008. There were many moves and travels in between, but the significant event in 2008 was our first Semester at Sea experience. Semester at Sea (SAS) is a floating university campus. (To learn more about their program, visit their website at www.semesteratsea.org.) We were on the Fall, 2008 voyage. Ed was teaching oceanography and I was working in the textbook center. We were exposed to new countries and new ideas of traveling. Ed had already been traveling with his work, giving workshops for teachers and museum staff around the world. During our SAS time, he learned more about lecturing on cruise ships. That opened still another avenue for us. Our travel now is usually financed, at least in part, by one of these activities. We returned to SAS for the Spring 2013, Fall 2015 and Fall 2019. We’ve done workshops together for teachers and museum staff in Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia and North America. We’ve been on multiple commercial cruise ships when Ed has lectured about the oceans. We plan to continue traveling as long as it continues to be fun. I hope you enjoy reading about our future adventures.