Cook Islands / World / Photos

Fig. 1: The first night on Rarotonga we still had jet lag and whiled away the sleepless time at night with some star trails on the beach next to the hotel. It was after 3am and the crescent moon shone through the palm treetops. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=480 s; f=12 mm; f/5.0; ISO 200; 6 July 2010 16:26:10

Fig. 2: There is a reef around Rarotonga, about 100-200m out to sea and only 1.5-1m deep. This is where the waves break, which hit the island unhindered from all over the Pacific. Snorkeling that far out is unhealthy. You're either smashed against the reef or you can't make it back. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/1000 s; f=400 mm; f/5.6; ISO 200; 6 July 2010 21:09:11

Fig. 3: Some path with palm trees that leads to the interior of the island. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/350 s; f=48 mm; f/10.0; ISO 200; 6 July 2010 21:40:49

Fig. 4: A house with a cow and mountains in the background. Reminds me a bit of home. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=50 mm; f/9.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 22:40:03

Fig. 5: Landscape with palm trees and in the background the mountainous interior, which is overgrown with dense jungle. There is no road across the island, only one along the coast - just 32km long. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=65 mm; f/9.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 22:40:22

Fig. 6: A yacht anchored off Rarotonga. I'd like to have them given to me (including maintenance costs). Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=120 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 22:51:03

Fig. 7: Two crooked palm trees on the beach, as can be found almost everywhere in the South Pacific. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=58 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 22:54:51

Fig. 8: A fun little cottage. Surely there won't be any snow left on the roof, if there ever was. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=35 mm; f/9.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:06:20

Fig. 9: The lagoon in the east of the island of Rarotonga. It's low tide right now. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/400 s; f=120 mm; f/10.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:32:33

Fig. 10: A local trudges through the lagoon on the east side of the island of Rarotonga. He's probably looking for mussels in the mud. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=110 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:33:51

Fig. 11: A cottage surrounded by greenery. Many of the houses are pretty and well maintained and are believed to be owned by New Zealanders who have a holiday home here. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=58 mm; f/9.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:39:21

Fig. 12: A pier with a boat near the lagoon in the east of the island. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/400 s; f=120 mm; f/10.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:43:47

Fig. 13: The lagoon in the east of the island with a sailing boat at anchor. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/400 s; f=48 mm; f/10.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:44:10

Fig. 14: A plaque commemorating the seven canoes that sailed to Rarotonga to colonize the island. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=50 mm; f/9.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:47:51

Fig. 15: A schoolhouse with green mountains in the background. Everything looks very clean and well maintained on the island. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=40 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:53:06

Fig. 16: Another house in the countryside. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/400 s; f=50 mm; f/10.0; ISO 200; 7 July 2010 23:53:39

Fig. 17: Coast with blocks of coral rocks. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=120 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:01:43

Fig. 18: The big waves on the outer reef are fascinating. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/800 s; f=120 mm; f/14.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:02:52

Fig. 19: Coast with blocks of coral rocks. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/640 s; f=120 mm; f/13.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:03:22

Fig. 20: Coast with coconut palms and the mountainous interior. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=38 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:04:03

Fig. 21: A bit inland, away from the main road. Too bad there is no road to the mountains, across the island. The mountains can only be explored with a demanding trekking tour. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=34 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:19:28

Fig. 22: Sandra on the scooter that we rented to explore the island. The road around the island is only 32km long. A bicycle would also have done, but there were only electric bicycles to rent, which were more expensive than a scooter for a day. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=120 mm; f/8.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:20:03

Fig. 23: The port building in Avarua, the capital of the Cook Islands. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/640 s; f=40 mm; f/13.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:42:09

Fig. 24: Cute the little quarantine station of the Ministry of Agriculture. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/350 s; f=62 mm; f/10.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:43:20

Fig. 25: An old shipyard in the port of Avarua, the capital of the Cook Islands. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=24 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 8 July 2010 00:47:59

Fig. 26: Just the horizon with the golden sea in the evening sun. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/1500 s; f=400 mm; f/20.0; ISO 100; 8 July 2010 05:49:20

Fig. 27: Test shot for the upcoming solar eclipse. Ah, if only the cloud had been so small. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/4000 s; f=400 mm; f/32.0; ISO 100; 8 July 2010 06:03:31

Fig. 28: Unfortunately no green flash phenomena due to the clouds on the horizon. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/125 s; f=400 mm; f/13.0; ISO 100; 8 July 2010 06:17:44

Fig. 29: The milky way over the beach with palm trees. The white streak on the horizon is the surf reflecting the light from inland. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=120 s; f=12 mm; f/4.0; ISO 1600; 8 July 2010 08:09:17

Fig. 30: The Milky Way again over the beach with palm trees. Unfortunately, after this test shot with a high ISO number, I couldn't take any more photos because a horde of children came along with torches and flashlights, chasing crabs. Afterwards a bonfire burned on the spot and later it was bad weather or lamps from the hotel lit here. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=63 s; f=12 mm; f/4.0; ISO 1000; 8 July 2010 08:14:07

Fig. 31: Palm trees in the light of the setting sun. The mountain peaks of Rarotonga are often stuck in a cloud. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/125 s; f=85 mm; f/5.6; ISO 200; 9 July 2010 05:45:59

Fig. 32: Just a little house with a garage and mountains in the background. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=32 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 9 July 2010 21:51:23

Fig. 33: The lagoon in the east of the island with motor boats. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=85 mm; f/9.0; ISO 100; 9 July 2010 22:10:08

Fig. 34: Two sailing ships anchored in the lagoon. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=45 mm; f/11.0; ISO 100; 9 July 2010 22:10:35

Fig. 35: The lagoon in the east of the island invites you to swim. The water is not deep. You can walk over to the island. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=42 mm; f/9.0; ISO 100; 9 July 2010 22:26:07

Fig. 36: Many people seem to be getting their sailing license in the calm lagoon. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/350 s; f=120 mm; f/10.0; ISO 100; 9 July 2010 22:26:58

Fig. 37: A rugby field. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=24 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 9 July 2010 22:32:38

Fig. 38: Sailboats in the calm waters of the lagoon. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=120 mm; f/9.0; ISO 100; 9 July 2010 22:49:02

Fig. 39: There is a horse in the pasture. Jacqueline, not so fast! Otherwise you'll throw up again. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/125 s; f=82 mm; f/5.6; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 00:02:30

Fig. 40: A little house with a meadow and a dead tree somewhere off the main road. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/200 s; f=32 mm; f/7.1; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 00:09:32

Fig. 41: Such pretty streets are called "highways" here. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/91 s; f=95 mm; f/5.6; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 00:10:36

Fig. 42: Another beautiful house. Probably another holiday residence from a New Zealander. The homes of the less well-to-do natives are less ornate, but not really shabby either. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/180 s; f=78 mm; f/6.3; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 00:24:34

Fig. 43: Hills with horses and palm trees in the varied light of a cloudy sky. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=62 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 00:47:01

Fig. 44: Sunset with palm trees. Unfortunately, the sun disappeared behind a cloud. A bad omen for the upcoming solar eclipse? Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=80 mm; f/9.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 06:17:18

Fig. 45: Star trails on the beach. In the image above, you can see the Southern Cross just to the right of the dark spot in the Milky Way. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=480 s; f=12 mm; f/4.0; ISO 400; 10 July 2010 08:59:40

Fig. 46: Mountains in the morning sun photographed from Rarotonga Airport while waiting for our flight to Mangaia. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/50 s; f=102 mm; f/5.6; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 19:47:20

Fig. 47: The Air Tahiti plane is being readied for the flight to Aitutaki. A nice plane. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/125 s; f=62 mm; f/5.6; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 19:51:28

Fig. 48: Our Air Rarotonga plane for the flight to the neighboring island of Mangaia. Find it a nice plane. The smaller the plane, the more fun it is to fly. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/125 s; f=85 mm; f/5.6; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 19:53:31

Fig. 49: View of the island of Rarotonga with the small lagoon from the airplane window. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/200 s; f=24 mm; f/7.1; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 20:31:34

Fig. 50: The aircraft's starboard engine. Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/1250 s; f=24 mm; f/3.5; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 20:34:38

Fig. 51: Blind flight to Mangaia. The sun is dazzling, so you quickly close the cockpit window. Yes there is GPS. Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/80 s; f=120 mm; f/5.6; ISO 200; 10 July 2010 20:35:41

Fig. 52: A cloud formation reminiscent of a seahorse. Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=55 mm; f/11.0; ISO 200; 10 July 2010 20:36:30

Fig. 53: Approach to the island of Mangaia. Flat and green with jungle. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=24 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 21:09:34

Fig. 54: View from the school in Oneroa to the sea through the coconut palms. I would have loved to go to school in a place like that. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/200 s; f=24 mm; f/7.1; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 21:47:57

Fig. 55: Since there are no hotels for 200 guests on the island, we stayed at the school. The classrooms have been converted into dormitories and lovingly decorated. Sandra was fascinated by the effort that everyone on the island made for us. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=24 mm; f/4.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:13:17

Fig. 56: Everyone got a hand-colored one as a gift. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=70 mm; f/5.3; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:13:40

Fig. 57: A ruin in Oneroa, the main village on Mangaia. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=42 mm; f/9.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:18:10

Fig. 58: A backyard in Oneroa. This is how the natives live: simple and modest. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/91 s; f=24 mm; f/5.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:19:54

Fig. 59: The stairs to the school in Oneroa. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/46 s; f=55 mm; f/5.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:20:29

Fig. 60: A house in Oneroa, the main village of Mangaia island. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/180 s; f=29 mm; f/7.1; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:22:00

Fig. 61: The people of Mangaia are so friendly and were very happy about our visit (200 people, mostly Americans). Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=120 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:24:30

Fig. 62: The main street in Oneroa. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/5.6; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:25:34

Fig. 63: Another ruin in Oneroa. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/100 s; f=24 mm; f/5.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:28:13

Fig. 64: A cottage in Oneroa. The windows are probably still boarded up as protection from the last cyclone. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/100 s; f=32 mm; f/5.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:31:08

Fig. 65: Another house in Oneroa. Could be the parish hall. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/50 s; f=24 mm; f/3.5; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:32:41

Fig. 66: And another photogenic ruin in Oneroa. Somehow I realize that I only photograph houses. I find it impolite to photograph residents in their privacy without asking. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=32 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:33:48

Fig. 67: The church in Oneroa, the main village of Mangaia island. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/160 s; f=24 mm; f/7.1; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:37:54

Fig. 68: The main road from Oneroa goes around the island. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/160 s; f=120 mm; f/7.1; ISO 100; 10 July 2010 22:44:11

Fig. 69: A house in Oneroa. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/350 s; f=24 mm; f/10.0; ISO 200; 10 July 2010 23:23:10

Fig. 70: The road up from Oneroa to the schoolhouse was carved through the coral rock. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/5.6; ISO 200; 10 July 2010 23:23:59

Fig. 71: Tour of the island on the back of a truck. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=58 mm; f/8.0; ISO 200; 10 July 2010 23:55:11

Fig. 72: Another church in a village in the middle of the island. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/125 s; f=24 mm; f/5.6; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 00:00:15

Fig. 73: The community leader tells a legend about a man who was stuck in this hollow rock by his wife until he starved to death... or something like that. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=29 mm; f/3.8; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 00:04:11

Fig. 74: During the lecture, the children of the village climbed on the rocks made of porous coral rock and marveled at the many strange pale faces. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=120 mm; f/9.0; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 00:13:52

Fig. 75: View from a hill into the valley in the interior of the island of Mangaia. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/200 s; f=34 mm; f/7.1; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 01:06:43

Fig. 76: Rock walls to the valley in the interior of the island of Mangaia. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/180 s; f=24 mm; f/7.1; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 01:07:07

Fig. 77: Rocks on Mangaia Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/160 s; f=70 mm; f/6.3; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 01:07:41

Fig. 78: After climbing through the jungle we had to climb down the rocks to get to the cave entrance. George, the guide, helps the guests with the not entirely harmless short climb. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=22 mm; f/5.0; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 02:58:08

Fig. 79: The leaf canopy of the jungle over the gorge in front of the big cave of Mangaia. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/80 s; f=12 mm; f/5.0; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 03:00:07

Fig. 80: The entrance to the cave on Mangaia. I had expected something simpler (off-road for Americans), but was well prepared after my ten-hour Hölloch expedition in 2006. I would have loved to have packed the Karbit helmet lamp. It runs better with it than with an LED flashlight. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=12 mm; f/5.0; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 03:02:08

Fig. 81: A short tunnel vis-à-vis to the actual cave entrance on Mangaia. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/4 s; f=22 mm; f/4.0; ISO 800; 11 July 2010 03:06:46

Fig. 82: A short tunnel vis-à-vis to the actual cave entrance on Mangaia. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=12 mm; f/5.6; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 03:10:31

Fig. 83: Beautiful stalactite formations in the Mangaia Cave. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=12 mm; f/5.6; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 03:15:43

Fig. 84: Stalactites grow down from the cave ceiling. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=24 mm; f/5.6; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 03:16:01

Fig. 85: Beautiful stalactite formations in the Mangaia Cave. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=12 mm; f/5.6; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 03:17:24

Fig. 86: A grave with a skeleton in the cave. The many round things are nuts. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=24 mm; f/8.0; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 03:21:43

Fig. 87: In some places, the jungle canopy can be seen through the cave ceiling. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=24 mm; f/8.0; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 03:22:06

Fig. 88: At one point we had to crawl through a narrow gap on our stomachs. For some it was too much and they stopped. If George, our plump guide, fits through there, it can't be that bad. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=24 mm; f/8.0; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 03:24:33

Fig. 89: Large stalactite formations in the Mangaia Cave. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=12 mm; f/8.0; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 03:35:46

Fig. 90: Another skeleton, this time with a skull, in the cave of Mangaia. That must be a watch ancestor of George, our cave guide. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=24 mm; f/8.0; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 03:43:43

Fig. 91: We came back from the cave tour totally dirty and at school they sold fresh t-shirts with "Eclipse Mangaia" on them. Unfortunately, there were only the sizes XL, XXL and XXXL. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=55 mm; f/5.0; ISO 100; 11 July 2010 06:05:55

Fig. 92: The banquet at the school, which was put on in our honor without further ado. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=24 mm; f/4.0; ISO 100; 11 July 2010 06:06:47

Fig. 93: Folk Polynesian music with singing, drums, guitar and ukulele. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/20 s; f=45 mm; f/4.5; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 06:37:32

Fig. 94: Folk Polynesian music with singing, drums, guitar and ukulele. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/20 s; f=90 mm; f/5.6; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 06:38:04

Fig. 95: The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands had interrupted his vacation especially for us and came to Mangaia for a short speech and welcomed us. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=120 mm; f/5.6; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 06:54:44

Fig. 96: The meal prepared for us. The gray square things on the top left are taro roots and are found everywhere among the Polynesians. They taste so cooked without anything like cardboard with craft glue. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=24 mm; f/5.0; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 07:14:09

Fig. 97: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=120 mm; f/5.6; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 07:44:52

Fig. 98: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/31 s; f=78 mm; f/5.3; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 07:45:19

Fig. 99: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/31 s; f=34 mm; f/5.0; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 07:45:54

Fig. 100: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=120 mm; f/8.0; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 07:58:22

Fig. 101: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=120 mm; f/8.0; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 07:58:28

Fig. 102: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/20 s; f=40 mm; f/5.0; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 08:02:22

Fig. 103: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/20 s; f=120 mm; f/5.6; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 08:02:40

Fig. 104: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/20 s; f=34 mm; f/5.0; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 08:06:42

Fig. 105: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=120 mm; f/5.6; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 08:13:25

Fig. 106: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=120 mm; f/5.6; ISO 400; 11 July 2010 08:16:11

Fig. 107: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/91 s; f=29 mm; f/5.0; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 08:35:36

Fig. 108: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/160 s; f=82 mm; f/6.3; ISO 1600; 11 July 2010 08:35:42

Fig. 109: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/10 s; f=58 mm; f/5.0; ISO 800; 11 July 2010 08:37:13

Fig. 110: Folk Polynesian show with performances and dancing. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/5 s; f=58 mm; f/5.0; ISO 800; 11 July 2010 08:37:21

Fig. 111: Preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse. When we left, the night was still starry. Clouds are gathering now. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=30 s; f=12 mm; f/4.0; ISO 200; 11 July 2010 18:32:59

Fig. 112: The cloud cover has become denser. From the solar eclipse only darkness can be felt. Nikon D200; Δt=1/10 s; f=80 mm; f/5.6; ISO 100; 11 July 2010 20:28:33

Fig. 113: Only a few seconds after the totality of the eclipse, a small gap appeared in the three cloud layers and one could catch a glimpse of the wafer-thin crescent of the sun. A small independent group positioned elsewhere on the island, further inland on a hilltop next to the church, could still see the totality phase of the eclipse. Bad luck! Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/4 s; f=400 mm; f/5.6; ISO 100; 11 July 2010 20:32:49

Fig. 114: A little further out in the sea the sun was shining. You could have seen the darkness from there. Also one on a ship between Rarotongan and Mangaia could see the eclipse. We were really unlucky! Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/100 s; f=50 mm; f/5.0; ISO 100; 11 July 2010 20:34:16

Fig. 115: The partial phase after the eclipse. Oh, if only that gap in the clouds had come a few minutes earlier. But I like this photo all the more. Otherwise photos of the partial phase of a solar eclipse look pretty boring. You can also do it in Photoshop. Here's another time-lapse movie of the whole eclipse. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/500 s; f=80 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 11 July 2010 20:42:54

Fig. 116: After the solar eclipse we were allowed to attend a local service. The pastor thanked us on behalf of all residents because without our appearance they would not have known that there would be a solar eclipse that day and what it was. Out of courtesy, I didn't take any photos during the fair. Was special. Rather militaristic. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/80 s; f=24 mm; f/4.5; ISO 100; 11 July 2010 22:07:39

Fig. 117: The children had lovingly decorated the blackboards in the classrooms, which we used as places to sleep. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/60 s; f=35 mm; f/4.0; ISO 100; 12 July 2010 01:31:22

Fig. 118: Probably the most beautifully decorated school shower and toilet that I have seen. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/200 s; f=24 mm; f/7.1; ISO 100; 12 July 2010 03:05:32

Fig. 119: The main wing of the school in Oneroa. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=24 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 12 July 2010 03:06:00

Fig. 120: Sunset with palm trees. This time without clouds right on the horizon line so you could see the green flash. Unfortunately, I didn't have a tripod and telephoto to hand at the time. But the picture is nice too. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/250 s; f=120 mm; f/8.0; ISO 100; 12 July 2010 06:13:15

Fig. 121: The Air Rarotonga plane touches down on the runway for its flight home. Mangaia, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/200 s; f=120 mm; f/7.1; ISO 200; 12 July 2010 20:42:24

Fig. 122: The island of Rarotonga, main island of the Cook Islands. The mountain top often hangs in a cloud. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/350 s; f=24 mm; f/10.0; ISO 320; 12 July 2010 21:36:28

Fig. 123: I can't really recommend the largest hotel on the island, the Edgewater Resort. Price/performance not correct. Rarotonga, Cook Islands Nikon D200; Δt=1/320 s; f=100 mm; f/9.0; ISO 320; 12 July 2010 21:40:29