From horsing around to scooter trash

Today, Thursday, Feb. 19, we rented scooters.  Helmets were required.  Oh no.  Not only that, the only helmets they had were full-face.  How would we survive?

Pretty little scooters.  No blue ones for us.

Here's your full-face helmet shot, folks.

There was a little getting used to as they’re not 900-pound motorcycles.  Maybe they weigh a hundred pounds?  I don’t know.  They were light, but I was missing my floorboards and windshield.

 

Red rocks, even in a scooter

The wind pounded us some, but we prevailed and found our way to Rano Raraku, where I couldn’t find my park pass.  Crap!!!  We just went through, with her showing hers.  Made it.  But I figured they’d come after me.  Nah.  Pure of heart mostly … mostly works every time!!

Rano Raraku is the largest of two quarries on the island.  Both quarries are made of geologically dormant volcanic cones.  There are about 300 unfinished moai in the quarry, the largest of which could have stood 60 feet tall.

A tour guide said there are not many kneeling moais.

Each one is unique and beautiful.

There are massive statues, fallen statues and ones that appear to either have been abandoned or unfinished for some reason.  I also found out the many were decorated with shell-inlaid eyes. 

 

It appears that much of the moai form was carved while the rock was in place, and generally they were carved out as if they were lying in on their backs.  Then they were detached from the parent rock, moved to the lower slopes and pushed erect, where the carving was completed.  They were then moved from the quarry to their permanent location.

Everything about the moais is interesting.  This is one that is still on its back, where it will remain forever.

 

While some of these at the quarry may look unfinished, there is an argument that they may have been later buried by quarry debris, sometimes up to their necks.

There was nearly an issue with a horse, but Jaz put out her arm to let it know, "Come no closer"

After visiting the quarry we rode out to the beach as Jaz wanted to jump in the water.  This time we used the 500-peso per time toilet.  Wow.  What a deal.  There don’t seem to be public restrooms anywhere on the island except at the park and only one at each ranger station.  The first one we didn’t have to pay to use.

While Jaz went in, I sat primly along the water on a nice lava rock, keeping good care of our camera equipment.  Besides, I didn’t want to get my shoes wet and I don’t like to walk barefoot.

 

I like the water but prefer to be on top of, rather than in it.

My reward for being good was pineapple on a stick.  It was the second time I’d had it and it’s very delicious.  It was also entertaining to watch the guys cut the outer layer off and prepare it for our consumption.

Cutting pineapples for a living seems pretty good.  They were doing a great business.

These pineapple are so sweet and you can smell them from a long ways away.  They are grown on the island although we didn't know where to find them so didn't see the fields.
 

Yum, yum.  Better than

We got back to the room, had some lunch and decided to walk some more. It’s a great place to walk.

 

Found some bananas growing but they sure weren't ripe yet.

This dog was a great subject.  He posed and acted like he was doing us a favor.

Tired, but feeling good from all the walking.  Time for bed.