Two Tahiti Hikes

Views over Papeete 

Hike #1
Yesterday, we (John, Sue and Breeze family; Per, Sabina and Ella) hiked up the mountain on the Belvedere Trail.  We drove up the steep hill to the end of the road to a famous old restaurant with panoramic views of Tahiti. Lunch first...then hike.
 We hiked along a ridge trail that went up and up into the clouds! It was amazing to walk along this ridge and at times both sides of the trail dropped off into steep canyons on either side. If there had not been foliage growing on both sides to give a sense of protection, you'd get vertigo. It was that steep! The views were magnificent of the city below, the reefs surrounding the island of Tahiti and over to the island of Moorea. Up and up we went until the clouds blocked out the view. The green jungle was dark and heavy with moisture. The leaves on some of these plants are gigantic. I recognize most of the species as potted house plants back home; split-leaf philodendrons, schaffeleras, gingers and huge prehistoric ferns. I especially like the moss dripping from the trees. Beautiful!

Huge ferns!

Gorgeous mountain ridge!

Looking over the edge ....!

We climbed the ridge up and up...it looked like the back of a sleeping dragon.

Moss dripping from the trees!

The hikers: Sabina, Ella, Per and Sue

  

Hike #2- Vaipahi Falls
July 13- Today, we drove around the island to catch a glimpse of the "Big Wave Surfers" that were supposed to show at the famous surf spot called Teahupoo. It's at the end of the road on Tahiti-Iti, the
smaller island.
Well, the weather didn't cooperate and produce the big swell that causes the big waves, so the event was cancelled. After getting up early and driving all this way...what should we do now?

We decided to be tourists that we are and hike some waterfalls on this wetter side of the island.

 Lush green foliage at the gardens

Cool jungle trail

The Jardins d' Eau at Vaipahi

Views from the top of the trail overlooking the reefs

Tourists!

Do you know this one?