2015-04-15: South West Reloaded

My last day on the island.  The 3 of us, Gabriella, Romulus, and myself revisted the nicest places around Hanga Roa by Jeep. First we went up to Rano Kau, and Orongo. Then we drove to Ahu Vinapu next to the airport. Next stop was Puna Pau, from where we spotted the noon plan from Santiago landing.

We then passed Ahu Akivi on the way to Ana Te Pahu. Here I found a hive of wild bees that I had overlooked during my first visit. We then continued on to the coast, where we spotted Ahu Te Pahu (most northern point off the track).  I had looked for it but not found it during my hike a couple of days earlier.

Then, we tested our luck by taking the car off-road down towards Ana Kakenga. The  condition of the track worsened with every 10 meters, and eventually, the terrain became pretty steep. Gabriella and Romulus decided to go back. I continued on foot to Ana Kakenga. As I learned later, going back turned out to be quite adventurous as the car looked like a jeep but only had 2 wheel traction. At some point, 2 of the wheels where dangling in the air, and the car started slipping. Some Japanese tourist rushed in for help and pushed the car up.  Just following the gravel ad would have been easier — well, hindsight is easier than foresight.

After enjoying Ana Kakenga for a second time, I got a lift in a Jeep by 2 french men (Silvan, and Julien) to Ahu Tahai, There I met up with Gabriella and Romulus (who still were a bit shaken from the off-road adventure)   for another gorgeous sun set (not that we had not experienced it before …)

 

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The Crater of Rano Kau

 

Orongo Ceremonial Village
Orongo Ceremonial Village

 

Petroglyps at Orongo
Petroglyps at Orongo

 

Ahu Vinapu: Mo'ai Head
Ahu Vinapu: Mo’ai Head

 

Plane from Santiago having touched down
Plane from Santiago having touched down

 

View from Pukao (Quarry for Mo'ai Hats)
View from Pukao (Quarry for Mo’ai Hats)

 

Ana Te Pau: Cave Explorer
Ana Te Pahu: Cave Explorer

 

Ana Te Pau: Wild Bees
Ana Te Pahu: Wild Bees

 

Ana Te Pahu: Close up of Hive of Wild Bees

 

Romulus searching for Ahu Te  Pahu
Romulus searching for Ahu Te Pahu

 

Ahu Te Pahu
Ahu Te Pahu

 

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Ahu Te Pahu

 

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Ahu Te Pahu

 

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Ana Kakenga: View out of the Window

 

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Ana Kakenga: View out of the Window (with Rowing Boat in the Back)

 

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Ana Kakenga: Lava Tube to the Window

 

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Lone Mo’ai with Hat at Dawn in Ahu Tahai

 

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Ahu Tahai at Sun Set

 

GPS Tacks
GPS Tacks (Rano Kau, Orongo, Ahu Vinapu, Puna Paui, Ana Te Pau, Ahu Te Pau. Ana Kakenga, Ahu Tahai)