Hi again
Well after a very interesting flight which involved us leaving Auckland on Monday morning we arrived at the Tropical isle on Sunday afternoon the day before! Dont ask us how it works we dont get it either. All AL knows is that the weekly budget was shot through with two nights accomadation to pay for the Sunday night!!
Well the island is very beautiful with white sand, palm trees, coconuts, clear water and tropical fish swimming along, we have not explored everything else but are now making use of two mopeds that we have hired fro 8 days. So we feel like young backpackers at last zipping along the islands roads (or should that be road as there really is only one or two) Anyway it helps collect the shopping if nothing else. Before we had to sit a driving test with the local police which was an eye opener to the laid back island life. We had to drive around for 10 mins without crashing and return for a photo. Very laid back.
So we have had a few days of rain I'm afraid to say so we are hoping for soem more brighter days very soon to get the camera out. Not forgetting the big day for Rowan, his 12th birthday on Sunday.
Love from The Bartons

Hi guys!
Great to hear from you - we have been wondering how u guys were getting on on what the cook isles were like. Have looked on the globe to locate you so know where u are now!
Sounds brill - white sands and palm trees - I don't need to know any more - it sounds just my kinda place!
Pity about the rain tho - esp on the back of a moped - good job u haven't packed your straighteners girls - your hair would be a frizzy mess!!
I am afraid to say according to the Cook Islands Tourist site we have been on today, it states that the rainy season is a myth and that they enjoy good weather all year round!!! We have found out that mangoes; guavas; pawpaw, bananas and coconuts grow all year round (bit like Tesco then!). We have also learnt that the land is maily volcanic and just in case u didn't know - Saturday is market day so - happy shopping!!!
A very big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Rowan for Sunday. We have tried to call your mobile but couldn't get thru so left a msg but don't know if u can pick it up with your NZ phone. Will try to ring again on Sun to speak to birthday boy but in case we don't get thru - know that we will be thinking of u all as u celebrate his 12th birthday!
With lots and lots of love.
Lisa & gang xxxxxx