The highest point of Rurutu Island – Manureva rises to 385 m above sea. It is easy to get to the trailhead on the little pass on Moerai to Avera road. Then I took a little road through the forest -it was easy walk in the shade. The hardest part started at the bottom of the grassy summit – narrow and very steep path is overgrown an could be difficult to pass after rain when wet due to the mud. But is was dry today so after another 20 minutes I was already on the top. The summit is covered by bush, so to have panoramic view you have to get to the roof of the little antenna house buit there. And… I must tell you that the view of Avera Bay from Manureva is one of the best I saw during this voyage! The rest of panorama – hills covered by dense forest are also nice. Back down on the pass I took a ridge road through Pito to Domaine Atai.
No shade on this trail, so it could be a challenge. Then steep descent by 4×4 road to Auti, where I was already yesterday. The lady from the first house in the valley offered me 4 big bananas (not for money, but for 4 kisses – good price -don’t youthink?) Powered-up I was able to continue walk to the Tiana Taupee cave near the beautifull beach. Locals helped me to find the way to the entrance – normally guidetake you there for 2000 francs. The grotto is some 50 meters deep with two nice pillars in the interior. Tiring but very interesting day!
