May 1st .. EASTER ISLAND day 2 part 1

Our second day saw us going up the western side of the island. Two islands off the coast are a seasonal nesting place for sea birds. It was the custom to have an annual contest of young men. The first to swim to the island, climb and bring back an intact egg would win the prize, a virgin. His title would hold for a year. Women were kept in a cave for a year so their skin would be white.

Gina, our tour guide telling us the story...

The young men slept in a special structure during this time.

Afterwards we went to an extinct volcano crater. Rano Kau is critically important to the island as it contains many unique species long ago disappeared from the rest of the island. It is off limits to all but locals and naturalists.

More views ...

Norma with that great Russian Hat...

A view with our cruise ship in the distance...

Gayle....

Our official photographer Judy

Bob and Peter ... Enjoying the view ..

Off to Vinapu where the top knots were quarried for some of the Moai

A wall made without modern tools

Kris holding up the wall ...

If I had a hole in the wall ...

More to follow ....