Island Hopping Day 16: Moorea, French Polynesia

So, I am back in Moorea!  I am excited the next three ports are repeats because I get to spend more time enjoying a different activity. 

I debated on getting a day pass to a fancy resort hotel or doing a hike to the top of Magic Mountain.  I ended up doing the hike.  From the port, it was about a mile walk to the starting point.  I paid my 200XPF or about $2 and headed up.  I got an early start and was there by 720am.  It is already hot and was concerned this would work against me.  All the research I have done says it is an easy to moderate hike . . . there are two ways to get to the top with going left being “easier” but longer with a path going up and down or going right being “harder” as this route was super steep all the way up.   

If the chickens could do it; I could too, right?  

As I started walking, I think sometimes I have a good idea? I quickly realized that today was not that day!  I went left as it was supposed to be easier but longer.  It was not!  So many times I thought just turn around and be done but I pushed on.  I checked my phone often and it was as if I wasn’t even moving as it would tell me only 800 ft then 0.4 miles and when it said 0.6 miles to the top; I almost lost it.  Right about now that resort pass was sounding pretty good.  I am dying!  The views are nice.

Anyway . . . I had also read that around the mid-point there were 3 benches to rest.  I was like no there isn’t and when I finally saw them, they were like heaven!  

I took a break and of course I debated going back down or continue to the top.  I also knew if I quit; I would regret it later so I pushed onward towards the top. The ATV and 4x4 tours started arriving and you could tell the people were so glad they booked a tour.  But I pushed on, but I’m still dying!  I made it!  It was nice being up there alone . . . sometimes I just have to pinch myself . . . I do take some pretty amazing trips and while it might seem my life is perfect and great; it isn’t.  I too have struggles and lately life has been very stressful for my heart and soul.  BUT I made it to the top . . . look how red I am!  It is not a sunburn just how hot I was.

The 360° views were really amazing!  I wish there was a bench at the top to sit and soak it in.

It is time to start back down . . .

. . . after I caught my breath, I decided to take the “harder” route down and let me tell you it was super steep all the way but seemed super quick going down.   

On my way down, people were starting to arrive . . . the young couple with the about 3 year old girl, the tourist wearing flip flops, the people way older than me . . . they were going up the hard way and probably did way better than me.

I took a rest when I arrived at the bottom.  Fare Tutava was so lovely . . . they gave me a fresh plate of fruit for free (the bananas were so good) and ordered a smoothie ($6).  I went with the Magic Smoothie.  The purple flowers are the clitoria flower and edible.  

 

The smoothie must have had magic powers because I was back at the ship in no time!  Yes, I did eat the purple flower and nothing memorable . . . maybe it had a little something something that gave me a boost.  
 
And here’s my final thought on my little hike at Magic Mountain:  the left route was way longer than what internet people said as far as length and a moderate level hike . . . the right hike is definitely a difficult hike going up and down!  I’m glad I survived but man it was hard . . . sometimes it is good to do hard things!