Here's where we're going

[Aragorn]

Thought I'd share a couple of pic's of the 2 islands where we're going. This one is Rarotonga where we're staying at:

[Aragorn]

And this one's Aitutaki where we're taking a day trip to(50 minute flight). We'll just be snorkelling here. Rarotonga is where we're doing our diving. Beautiful islands eh? 9 more days and we're there for 2 weeks. I'm gonna try and post while I'm there for you folks

[drlowz]

Thats sweet....Hope you have a good time...

[FishKid]

Aragorn, I hate you very much I hope you have a good time! How much $$ is that one setting ya back?

mark

[SomeHairyOldGuy]

Looks awesome. You will have a blast! Where abouts is that?
SHOG

[Aragorn]

Thanks guys. We're all looking forward to it.
Fishkid,
Actually, the entire trip(14 days) was quite reasonable. Before I tell you, keep in mind that there are 6 of us going. Cost for round trip air from LAX to Rarotonga and lodging(2 bedroom cottage on the beach) was about $7000 dollars. Our PADI certification will cost us about $150 dollars each and since we've already taken the acedemic portion, we only have 2 days dive work. Each dive thereafter will cost about $25 US dollars. Pretty good exchange rate.

SHOG,
It's The Cook Islands in the South Pacific. Not a popular tourist destination...but that's why we picked it

[scubadude]

Aragorn you are SOOOO lucky! And very nice to your family! That will be an awesome trip! Please take lots of pics....I am very interested in the pics as I might decide to go there some day based on your ratings and pics I have to say it just like FishKid did....I hate you! Damn your gonna have fun!

[Biomanjcs72]

I don't like you anymore...

Have a great time Aragorn.......

[Aragorn]

I'll be posting pics for sure, both on my website and here. Just got over the flu this weekend. Better this last weekend than on the trip, eh? The boys are getting soooo excited. My 15yr old(Christian) has never been out of the country and he can't wait. There's a small shop on the island where one can check email and such. I'll try and get a post or two in while we're there.

[FishKid]

I've been to canada and south america (venasuela)(sp?) but south east asia tops 'em all! (does it count as south east asia?) definatly post pics! do you plan on hiking up that mountain? I would!

mark

P.s. try to smuggle us some coral!

[Reinhold]

I'd really appreciate a critical evaluation after you get back. There might be a whole lot of Reefland people showing up there in the future if it looks good. It must be a fairly long flight.

[Aragorn]

Fishkid,
The Cook Islands are in French Polynesia(east of Fiji and west of Tahiti). They're part of an oceanic mount so just outside the reef slope(s) the it drops off to about 12,000 ft. It's smack dab in the middle of the south pacific. I initially wanted to dive in the Indonesian sea(s). However, after I found out that the airfare was about $2,400 per person, I opted for a different destination. We're not "touristy" type folk so we chose The Cooks since it's not as heavily dived, yet every review I've read stated it's the best diving these folks have seen. We do intend on hiking the rainforests of Rarotonga for a few days as well.

[scubadude]

I would consider renting a browning third lung if they have it there at the local dive shop to rent? It would be great for the kids just keep an eye on em and keep em in shallow....as long as you are in fairly shallow (under 20') then you can pretty much dive as long as you want and not havta worry bout your nitrogen levels Save you from having to tote alot of gear around too..and filling tanks! just a thought

[FishKid]

im looking into going to scuba classes

[Biomanjcs72]

Those third lung things would be great down there, when I was in the Bahamas years ago, the majority of the reefs we dove were in less than 33 feet of water, perfect for a 3rd lung app. I'm guessing as long as you stay in the atoll, most of the diving there is the same.

[Aragorn]

What's this 3rd lung look like guys? Is it something that stays on the surface while one "dives"?

Fishkid,
Want the link to the website where we took our academic coursework? Only cost $27 dollars. You can then take your certificate anywhere and complete your divework.

[scubadude]

Originally posted by Aragorn
What's this 3rd lung look like guys? Is it something that stays on the surface while one "dives"?

Yup thats exactly what it is!



If you want to find out more about them

http://www.browniedive.com/

[ravenmore]

well, I'm totally jealous. That place looks awesome!

[Biomanjcs72]

Remember the movie splash, Eugene Levy is diving with a surface air line, and his guys on the surface say "Let's Pi** down his airhose"......too funny... sorry.

[FishKid]

yes, that link would be appreciated! class around here are in the $100 range!!

mark