Kelcey Chandler-Yates and Jim Yates present...

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The 15 Rapa Nui Moai of Easter Island at Ahu Tongariki!

June 23, 2003 - Easter Island

June 23rd-Easter Island was intense. Fly over at one in the morning, get there at 9 the same day, tours at 12, back at the hotel at 4, dinner at 7--------------ahhhhhhhhh but it was wonderful-the next day tour at 9 until 4, dinner at 7, the next day we rented a car and revisited our favorite places or those where the lighting wasn't just right! Hundreds of frames later we flew back to Tahiti arriving at 10pm and the next day preparing for and celebrating Lauren's 21st birthday. Sushi was in order as was chocolate cake. Sounds awful doesn't it-well it wasn't-all food gone and I'll tell you we never slept better!! -Here is my newspaper column as it describes it all in a nutshell.

Easter Island-land of mysterious statues averaging 14 tons but one exceeds 88 tons!!!! All were quarried many kilometers from their current locations. How they were moved is still debated but one thing is certain-they are extraordinary!

The island is located some 4050 kilometers from Tahiti and over 3500 kilometers from the Chilean coast. There are a mere four flights to the island weekly all landing at Easter midway between Tahiti and Santiago, Chile. It is not necessary to say that it is one of the most isolated places in the world and also one of the most fascinating. We would never be closer so when our visas ran out and it was necessary to leave French Polynesia for a few days in order to renew, Easter Island beckoned.

In three days we explored lava tubes, saw where cannibalistic ceremonies were held and photographed over 300 moai statues, never tiring of their extraordinary history. Lili, our guide who was originally from France, married one of the last king's descendants. Fascinated with his history she stayed on with his family and has run a small pension with tours included for twenty years. With no children she has made the study and edification of the moai and her husband's history, her life.

Now back in Tahiti we prepare for more guests. We will return to the waters of Moorea where shark activity is close to what we experienced in the Tuamotu but where stingrays are as common and friendly as our canines of the states. Off of a coastal motu we can take small amounts of fish and hand feed them as you would a horse. Swimming around us sleek as flags in the wind we enjoy stoking their baby soft hides. Life at sea---extraordinary! Visit our website if you wish to share in our adventure---! For planning a trip to Easter Island contact Lili and Tadeo who we stayed with during our visit.

Top: The Rapa Nui Moai of Easter Island at Ahu Tongariki !!!!!!!!!!!!!