Monday, 3rd May

We were greeted on arrival by a board with my name on it and a garland of flowers, we went straight to the hostel which has an amazing view over the Island. Had a walk down to and around the town and by the seafront to Ahu Tahai/Hanga Kio'e the first if the sites with the headed sculptures (Moai). It was a really nice walk along the seafront finally making use of our walking trainers out of the city. Met up with a few others staying at the hostal over a few glasses of Chilean wine. The price of the entrance to the park 2 days ago went from $10 each to $60 so we'll see how much we can see from the road before we get tickets.

Tuesday, 4th May

Had a wicked day out on the bike, headed straight out on the coastal road and hung out with the wild horses. The first group of Moai we saw were scattered over the side of a hill called Raraku Quarry, most of them were still standing and had facial detail. From there we carried on the coastal road to Ahu Tongariki, the most famous of the sites right by the sea. No one was checking tickets and we could see perfectly from the road anyway, there are 15 Moai sculptures all various sizes with the same face shapes. Luckily the rain stayed away and we found Ovahe beach which was a nice surprise, beautiful clear waters and a pretty big beach. We followed the road inland back towards town which was a nice change of scenery. I had a go on the bike and did well in a straight line but then decided to turn it round and head back to Tom. It was ok at first but I ended up with me and the bike on the floor, bit of a grazed elbow and knee but all ok. I passed the riding back to Tom. After a late afternoon siesta we rode up Rano Kau volcano, the crater was pretty impressive and there was a great view over the Island from the top. Looking into the crater you could see where the lava had settled at a certain leveland left the surface flat.

Wednesday, 5th May

A sorting , catching up on Heros day. Lots of rain this evening, went through a guide book of Chile and picked out good places to go and need to know phrases.