www.2explore.net. On February 16, 2007 we will leave behind the comforts of our home in Seattle to travel through the South Pacific. On this site you can follow along with us, read about our experiences and view some of the photos we have taken en route. Our insatiable urge to explore, sparked the idea for this adventure. In October of 2005, we had a taste of the South Pacific on a 3-week trip to the Cook Islands and have ever since wanted to go back to immerse ourselves in the South Pacific way of life and record our experiences. With many ecosystems at risk from pollution, global warming and climate change, this is now especially critical. We aim to capture the true character of the idyllic South Pacific through photographs and words in a way that makes any observer of our work feel a connection to this special place and in turn, join us in making simple choices in everyday life that can have positive, lasting effects on the world around us. For a year we will be living as modern nomads – traveling only with what we can carry in our packs, living amongst the locals on the islands we visit, spending time sharing stories and experiences and taking in the captivating underwater world on the occasional dive. We hope to help others along the way and keep a vivid record of this adventure to share with you, and keep at the forefront of our memory. Follow along with us and learn about far away places of natural beauty and rich cultures. Experience with us the big world we call home.

Cook Islands

There are [12] photos and [7] stories about Cook Islands

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DAY 49 Cook Islands Kindness

Saturday, 7 Apr 2007 | Views [461]

"How far are you going?" "Do you need a ride?" "You two okay?" "Help yourself to the fruit!" Most people in the Cook Islands are so very kind. We hear the above phrases all the time. Perhaps it is the nice weather ... Read more >

Tags: Culture

DAY 48 Hanging with the Mossies

Saturday, 7 Apr 2007 | Views [491]

We have just returned from the island of Mangaia, where the mosquitos outnumber people at about a million to one, or so it seems. The island receives a few flights a week and a cargo ship about once a month from Rarotonga, but still feels very isolated.... Read more >

Tags: On the Road

DAY 36 Update from Rarotonga

Saturday, 7 Apr 2007 | Views [473]

Another week has gone by since we have been back on Rarotonga. Nothing too eventfull to report. We are just slowing slipping into the non-touristy daily life here. We have been frequenting the Cook Islands library since Amy joined a few weeks back. The ... Read more >

Tags: Travel Tips

DAY 28 - A Lazy Day on the Lagoon

Wednesday, 21 Mar 2007 | Views [511]

The highlight of any visit to Aitutaki is most likely a cruise on one of the most beautiful lagoons in the South Pacific. Although spendy, this is a worthy splurge! We hopped aboard a glass bottom boat and made our way to the open sea to try to spot ... Read more >

Tags: Travel Tips

DAY 27 - Aitutaki Interlude

Wednesday, 21 Mar 2007 | Views [465]

Our days on Aitutaki passed as we geared back to an even slower pace, walked and bicycled our way around and took time to just sit and take in the amazing scenery. It was pleasing to see that not much has changed even since Survivor was filmed on the ... Read more >

Tags: Relaxation

DAY 19 Overgrown

Saturday, 10 Mar 2007 | Views [485]

Aargh, it's still raining in Rarotonga. The high humidity makes it feel quite stuffy for most of the day. At midday the temperature hovers around 29 degrees Celcius, but luckily it cools down to around 25 degrees at night - a fairly comfortable ... Read more >

Tags: Adventures

DAY 17 Feels like home

Saturday, 10 Mar 2007 | Views [537]

In a strange way, being back in the Cook Islands feels a bit 'home like'. We arrived on Rarotonga on Saturday, 4 weeks earlier than we planned because French Polynesia was so grossly overpriced and in our opinion, much overrated. So before we ... Read more >

Tags: Travel Tips