“Down the God”on Pitcairn Island

“Down the God”on Pitcairn Island

Many people have read and seen pictures of the petroglyphs in the area of Pitcairn known as Down Rope.  Adventurous tourists climb down the cliff face to see them.  Less well known and less accessible are the petroglyphs ‘Down the God’.  The route down is not for the faint-hearted. 

Agility, strength and a good head for heights are the key factors needed for the descent and climb. 

The descent down is very steep

At the base of the cliff is an overhang.  The petroglyphs are carved into the rock.  Unfortunately in years gone by an islander chiseled the carvings out of the rock with a view to selling them.  When it was pointed out to him that this was not an acceptable thing to do, he returned to the site and cemented them back into place.  The cement can clearly be seen.

 

No one knows the meanings of the symbols which have been there since the times of early Polynesian settlement prior to the the arrival of Europeans

 

Alternative Harbour for Pitcairn Island

Alternative Harbour for Pitcairn Island

One of the projects looming large for the Pitcairn Island future is the Alternative Harbour Project.  In a nutshell, the project is to build a second harbour built on the western side of the island.  This will provide an alternative landing wharf and access to the island at times when the weather is not suitable for landing at Bounty Bay. 

Approximately ten cruise ships call at Pitcairn Island each year.  For some of these ships the islanders go out to board the cruise ship to sell souvenirs.  For other ships it is possible to off load the passengers onto the boats and ferry them to the Bounty Bay wharf.  It is dependent on the age and ability of the passengers to negotiate the boarding of the smaller boats and the weather on the day. 

The two rocks protruding out in the sea in the foreground will frame the new harbour

 

The western side of the island, known as Tedside, often has a more settled wave pattern and a lesser swell than Bounty Bay, when the weather is coming from the east.  If we are getting a north easterly both Bounty Bay and Tedside can be exposed.  Yachts and the Claymore II supply ship anchor at Tedside as often as they anchor off Bounty Bay and the longboat leaves from Bounty bay and travels around to Tedside.  Occasionally a passing yacht is unable to call in at Pitcairn because of the weather. 

To build a harbour and suitable access to the western side is a huge project.  Consultant Engineers from New Zealand, Tonkin and Taylor, were involved when the project was originally put together.  They will visit the island during the construction period.

Access down will mean a new road will be constructed

 
This project is an ideal opportunity for Pitcairn Island to attract new people to come to the island to assist with the construction.  Employment is difficult to find on Pitcairn Island and is one of the disadvantages that anyone considering immigrating to Pitcairn would face. 

 The planning stages of this project are already well under way.  Funding for the project will come from the European Union.  It is expected to cost in the vicinity of 2.2 million Euros.  Initial payments of 1.125 Euros have already been paid.  Existing heavy duty equipment on the island will be used and additional heavy equipment will be needed.  Tenders have been put out for a ship capable of bringing the heavy equipment to Pitcairn.

 The time frame for the project includes beginning construction in April 2013, having a concentrated effort and aiming for completion late 2013. 

 

The Wakatapu Vessels Pass Pitcairn Island

The Wakatapu Vessels Pass Pitcairn Island

 

Today was a lovely calm day here on Pitcairn Island.  This afternoon while teaching in the classroom we heard a voice on the radio from the passing Wakatapu vessels.  So we took the school children up to the Ship’s Landing lookout point and watched the two waka as they sailed past.  The red sail stood out against the blue of the Pacific.  If you have not been following the voyage of the waka as they follow in the wake of their ancestors from Auckland, New Zealand to Rapanui (Easter Island) and return, you can view their website on www.wakatapu.com 

The two waka originally left Auckland on 17^th August. They left Mangareva on 7^thNovember and are journeying towards Rapanui. Pitcairn Island is about one quarter of the way to Rapanui from Mangareva. We wish them all well on their voyage. 
 

Paul on Rapanui in February this year

 

Paul on the rim of the ancient volcano on Rapanui