Post #541549 by PiPhiRho on Fri, Jul 9, 2010 6:41 PM

What an awesome day today. Rano Raraku! The birthplace of the Moai! I touched the Navel of the World and got soaked at Anakena Beach. Unfortunately, I got soaked by rain and not by swimming at the beach. It was a strenuous day that included hauling my fat old ass up to the Rano Raraku crater. It was worth every step! There are even Moai in the crater. tomorrow we explore Hanga Roa and go to the museum here. The rest of the day is rehearsal for the ecliplse.

Last night after coming out of the restaurant it suddenly turned clear and Iwas able to observe some of the southern sky, including the Jewel Box, Eta Carina, Omega Centauri and, eventually, the small Aagellanic Cloud anf 47 Takane. This is not the best observing place for astronomy, but this place the place is lousy with astronomers right now and we even have a netional geopraphic film crew hanging with us.

I am slso on my second anejo rum, so typing is getting difficult. Here at the bar I just met poeple who know tiki central, Tiki ti and are building their own tiki bar from Oceanic Arts. Small world, and this island makes it feel even smaller. I cannot describe how wonderful this place is. Even if the eclipse is a bust, this will still be one of the best vacations of my life.