Niue!
Winya_wynah
Sun 4 Oct 2009 08:20
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Niue is a Limestone lump that rises up out of the
ocean. The 'Rock of the Pacific'. The whole thing seems to have
started as coral and lifted from the seabed at different times, so has
layers of different ages. The limestone is porous so there are
no lakes or rivers but caves with stalagmites and stalagtites.
No rivers means no run off so the ocean surrounding the island are crystal
clear.
 This bay on the West side is a favourite with the
returning whales.
On the East side it's more windy and cold!
Looking carefully beyond the skipper you will see jagged pinnacles of rock
characteristic of the west coast.
 Below the pinnacles are more caves through the
opening we looked out to the present reef.
 Looks quiet but the surf was strong at times as in
next photo, got a little wet as the spray was forced through the
cave.
 A short walk and a steep descent of the ladder led
to a sandy oasis, Togo Chasm, Totally surrounded by jagged rocks this
white sand 'beach' is complete with drift wood brought in through the
cave opening above by the highest tides and the roughest seas.
 Cocktails at the Matavai resort, this is the 'Itchy
Whale'! The fish and chips were excellent, no haddock though fresh tuna in
batter the night we went!
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