Will become Sora's blogger. Roratonga in the Southern Cook Islands reminds us of a rugged frontier town straight out of the old west days with their false front buildings, wooden walkways, and one long Main Street through town. Unfortunately the very busy commercial, small harbor is not sailboat friendly, making us Med-moor (drop anchor in the middle of the harbor and fall back stern to the sea wall with many lines tied to neighboring boats) which is fine in good weather but uncomfortable in a blow or squeezed when the container ships must turn to leave port.

As with all Polynesians, these folks are friendly, kind, generous, and very welcoming to cruisers. They are also rounder, having more normal body shapes than the skinny gorgeous Society Islanders but with the same gentle, soft, Polynesian beauty and miles of gorgeous black hair. They are curious about us and our lives and willingly share their family histories. Curious custom is that their ancestor's graves are in their front yards - keeping the departed near and dear, I suppose.

There is a contemporary Catholic church in the middle of town which always leaves their doors open, inviting everyone to enter and enjoy the stained glass windows but it's the back drop of the mountains that attracts me, reminiscent of our early days in Lewistown, Montana. Being a New Zealand territory, Roratonga is the first island where we must drive on the left side. Terry took our motorcycle into the country practicing "wrong-way driving" and more importantly shifting before he could get his license. Had a blast "Steve McQueening" up and down the mountain roads and around the perimeter, visiting the lagoons, motus (small islands situated between the large island and the reef), craft making islanders, and of course continuing our search for the perfect bar!