Tubuai Island has two nice peaks to climb. The trailhead is on route traverse – the road tranversing island, Morning was clear so I started early – sorry, no signs on the trail so you just follow the path through the fields and later – through the forest. It became steep and overgrown by bush and high grass. After yesterday’s rain the vegetation was wet so you can imagine that soon I was wet too. I am sure that since weeks or maybe months nobody went there… But it is worth! Before you will reach the summit (392 m) there are few nice viewpoints which give you aerial views of the northern and southern coast of the island with turquoise lagoon.Just see enclosed picture. It took me 1,5 hour to get there.
Ofergrown path goes from the top of Mt Panee along the ridge to Mt Taita, which is more rocky and 25 m higher. Sorry, I was too wet to continue there… Back on the road I met local people working near their house. Ia orana! They asked me where I am coming from. – From this mountain!- I pointed the distant summit. They looked at me appreciatively. An old man brought for me from the house a can of cold Hinano beer. Very special appreciacion… Maururu! Thank you!
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