Journal Journeys: Bridging the Equator
Nov 20th, 2009 by wwftravel
© Zegrahm Expeditions
Casey Marker describes visiting Taveuni Island in 2008 aboard the Clipper Odyssey.
Today we visited the “garden island” of Fiji, so named for its high volcanic ridge, waterfalls and indigenous plants and animals (found here due to the lack of introduction of the mongoose).
We began our day with water sports, snorkelers and divers alike getting into the water to test their skills over the stunning corals for which Fiji is famous. They were in beautiful condition with table, fan, brain and others in abundance with colorful fish swimming among them. On the beach local children entertained us and posed for pictures.
Birders and plant enthusiasts set out with Jonathan, our birder, and John Harwood, our botanist, to look for the many species of birds that inhabit the lush volcanic peaks. The highlight was a beautiful orange dove that happily accommodated scopes, binoculars and cameras as it sat on its perch.
In the afternoon we had the option to hike to a series of waterfalls or visit the village of Duivosavosa. At the village there were demonstrations of basket and tapa cloth making, men and women’s cooking traditions (the taro leaf and coconut dish was by far the best), a kava ceremony and a musical performance. The villagers were quite charming and gracious and we were very appreciative of their welcome.
Meanwhile the waterfalls charmed with their beauty. Lizards and skinks raced across the forest path as we hiked to the first waterfall and took a refreshing dip in the chilly pool created from the force of the water dropping 50 feet. Several brave souls continued up, hiking to a second waterfall that cascaded over the ridges, falling about 20 feet.
Travel from Micronesia to Polynesia with WWF on our Bridging the Equator expedition aboard the Clipper Odyssey, September 6-21, 2010.
© Zegrahm Expeditions. Reprinted with permission.
