Anyway, it was an uneventful 2 1/2 hour flight for us, we'll out into the Pacific, half way between the tip of NZ and New Caledonia.
It was cloudy and drizzling as we flew in, but we did get some last minute views of the island
We are here for a week, staying at Jacaranda Park Cottages. Beautifully presented cottages almost hidden in a lush garden
and with a large deck overlooking a valley and the ocean.
We spent the afternoon in town stocking up on supplies for the week and hearing bits and pieces of the local language, a mix of old English and Tahitian, and very much alive today. This sign gives a hint of it.
Plus there was lots of evidence of opposition to the Australian Government "take-over" of the island. The green hand sign being the sign of resistance. The Norfolk Island flag, flying conspicuously as well.
Our first full day included a half day island tour. A great familiarisation drive around the island with a potted history. Again the weather was overcast, but a balmy 27 deg. We started off driving through the countryside with views over the nearby and uninhabited Philip and Nepean Islands
The old penal colony
Cemetery Bay at the back of the golf course
Emily Bay, the main swimming beach
The magnificent St Barnabas church, with an upside down boat hull roof
and stained glass windows shipped out from England in tubs of molasses to stop them being damaged
There was also a young tern, sitting on its "nest", a tree branch!
Hard work this touring, so we had a stop for tea and scones
Where we also got to shop at one of the roadside honesty stalls
Before finishing atop the 320 m high Mt Pitt, set in a National Park with original thick and lush vegetation, and with 360 degree views over the island
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