Went to church today. In the Iglesia Hanga Roa, the Catholic Church of the island, the Christian faith is mixed with the Rapa Nui traditions. The Priest wore a beautiful grass headdress. The choir sang in Polynesian accompanied by a variety of instruments.

One of the most beautiful places on the island to visit is Orongo, a ceremonial village located on the edge of the crater of the volcano Rano Kao. It decided to rain some today but much of the climb around the crater was really beautiful.

No alarm needed this morning. The Haunga Roa roosters started crowing at 4:45 am. Local tours run around $100 for the day including a box lunch. We started out tour today at Started at the area of destroyed and toppled Moai done during the civil war. Several Moai have been restored over the years, the latest by a team of Japanese in 1996. Moai eyes made from white coral and the pupil obsidian. It was here I tripped over a lava rock and badly sprained my finger....

Spent last night in Santiago. We got there late and left early for our flight to Easter Island. Arrived in time for lunch and a glass of locally brewed beer. We walked around the town, got money from the ATM and went over to buy the required National Park pass. The National Park pass is $80 and they stamp it at each of the locations. The Easter Island EcoLodge is a fine place to stay but the hot water was intermittent. There are several good restaurants. The mos...

Eclipse Day!!! Our little group of photographers set about early making sure their cameras were at the ready and then we mostly waited. Thousands of Chileans came out to watch the eclipse. Our location was not ideal as the mountains prevented the last contact but watching the partial sun go down behind the hills was lovely and totality was fantastic. Unfortunately traffic going back was abysmal. It took 6 hours to get back to Tongoy.