Today we are being collected by Jan to go to the Hibiscus Gardens at the far side of the Island.
Jan had mentioned the place to Kerriann when she first arrived, but their one attempt to go had been rained off so they had waited until Lisa and my arrival before trying to go again.
Today however the sun shone bright in the clear sky. Lisa took some photos while the far side of the bay was still in shadow marvelling at the different shades of green.
Jan arrived on time with her directions written on a piece of paper, the dog were asked to keep an eye on the house and we were off on our adventure.
During her 8 years in Moorea, Jan has lived in various places, one of these houses lay along our route and so we stopped to say hello to her old neighbours.
She took us to the beach 50m from her house, a place where she had sat for hours watching the waves lap the shore.
This side of the Island is more protected from the Northerly winds, the lagoon is shallow allowing you to walk nearly all the way to the outer reef..
Lisa noticed some movement in the shallow water and carefully placing her hands around a mound of what appeared to be sand, brought them together and out of the water.
A crab of the most unusual design lay in her palms. Its outer shell like a external canopy under which it could tuck its legs.
Having examined and photographed her captive Lisa just as carefully replaced him in the sand beneath the shallow water and we continued on our way.
The Hibiscus Gardens came about after a very enthusiastic brother began to cross pollinate the various hibiscus plants around the area.
The seeds produced from these experiments led to more and more varieties each one unique in its own way. “You can never tell what colour the flower will be until it opens” explained his sister.
Over the years he gave his sister plant after plant which she dutifully cared for. They ran out of space on their own land and so they 'borrowed' the adjoining land of their cousins.
More and more bushes were produced each year.
Pots now adorn the ground all labelled, all priced.
A walkway has been prepared, although it is very steep at times, that meanders around the multitude of flowering plants.
Jack fruit trees, passion flowers, plants that produce the natural Loofa we all love so dearly, intersperse the hibiscus.
Our guide, the eldest son, had just returned from the USA. He spoke flawless English as he explained each plant and the plans they had for the area.
From a vantage point high above the trees we looked out onto the huge waves breaking on the reef below us in all directions hibiscus plants covered the ground.
His uncle wandered from plant to plant cross pollinating each one by hand, his fascination of creation not yet satisfied.
Our tour continued past an animal enclosure, rabbits watched as we passed.
This was their cousins land he explained, a green house to protect some plants from the sun lay to one side.
When they had run out of space they had just 'flowed' over the boundary and no one seemed to mind.
Lisa clicked away with her camera wishing she had more time.
We decided we would return at a later date to simple wander around and photograph the array of diversification ahead of us.
At the main house Jan waited patiently, the climb had been too much for her and she had retired to the house to await our return.
An enormous cat lay on the floor beside her, purring contently.
We thanked our hosts for their amazing tour, Jan purchased a DVD of the many different varieties they had created and I helped Kerriann reverse the car out of the steep driveway.
On the way back to the house we called into Tipanier as Lisa and Kerriann wished to organise a dive with Scubaputi based at the Hotel. Jan and I waited in the cool of the beach fronted restaurant and ordering drinks as we passed the time. The girls returned saying everything was arranged and ordered banana splits and bowls of ice-cream to refresh themselves!!
We returned to the house, having removed a yellow eyed cat from Jan's car, and to our private beach. Jan was invited to swim with us but declined saying she would come another day when she was more organised. With a firm promise to return soon and with our thanks for the mornings excursion we all said 'Nana' and waved her goodbye.
That afternoon, as the sun shone down once more, it was decided to remove the old palm tree stump that had rotted away outside the decking. It moved when pushed and Kerriann was sure it was no longer attached to the ground. With Lisa's help it was lifted into the wheel barrow and trundled away. Large holes lay in the very base of the stump. Tupa holes! Over the years they had eaten away the entire base and now just the edges remained.
The girls played Backgammon, we all went for a swim and the day passed in a relaxed manner.
That evening however, as the sun set once more behind the mountain the answer to a mystery became clear.
Lisa was still insisting that she could hear noises like scrabbling at night. Neither Kerriann nor I had heard anything but Lisa was adamant that something was out there. That evening, as darkness drew its blanket over the garden THREE enormous Tupas climbed out of their holes in the base of the old stump and climbed onto the wire surrounding the decking. These were the monsters that had been making the noises Lisa had heard. They were quickly despatched into the bucket amid much barking and warnings to be careful and transferred to the undergrowth across the way!!
Another successful mission completed!!
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