We arrive early and witness the trial run for off loading the passengers from the ship.

We leave Kingston for the alternate off loading place at the Cascade Pier on the north coast - the two images on the right show the locality and the remains of the old whaling station. Then it was over to a site not officially on the itinery - The Captain Cook Memorial.

"10th October 1774 and Captain Cook was heading south for New Zealand anxious to carry out repairs to the Resolution. At day break an Island was discovered. We found no difficulty in landing behind some rocks which lined part of the coast and defended it from the surf".

In the evening we embarked on the Progressive Dinner involving 3 local families and enjoyed the warm hospitality and the superb food. We were entertained by the children and in the last home, by the hostess who played both the organ and the 100 year old accordian. We sang popular songs from a past era and one of our party, Rosalie, sang I Still Call Australia Home to close the night. Great entertainment!

Today, in the morning, we visited the Cyclorama. A 360 degree panaramic painting of how the world's most famous mutiny on HMS Bounty created the Pitcairn and Norfolk commumities. Two local artists took 16 months to paint the Cyclorama. We had seen it on Australian TV and one lady, when interviewed, said it was worth going to Norfolk Island just to see the Cyclorama. We agreed. No photographs were allowed so what you see above is the plaque at the entrance to the complex.

In the afternoon we visit Government House. No photographs were allowed inside. The Norfolk Coat of Arms: The motto "Inasmuch" is taken from the words of the Pitcairn Anthem, from the Gospel according to St Matthew (25.40) "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me".

In the late afternoon we witnessed the "Trial of the Fifteen". We were transported back in time for a memorable journey through Norfolk's unique past as 15 colourful characters relived history in a somber setting of the old courtroom. No photogrpahs during the show. Ross suggested that at the end of the show we should be allowed to "fire-our-flashbulbs". The actors thought it was a good idea and for this show, obliged at the front door. Then it was off to a great meal at Seaworld, the island's best "reef and beef" restaurant.

The Culla & Co tour to Steeles Point is not officially on the tour. The Carousel & Carriage tour is a highlight and a great outing. The big beautiful Clydesdales invite us to clip clop down memory lane. Enjoy the cliff top views and a cuppa. On steep grades the 'dales needed help.

In the afternoon the tour is to Camelot Gardens. "I had a dream... and the dream became Camelot... from a 2 acre horse paddock a beautiful garden, made with love, is emerging. A place of peace and healing".

Finally it was to the Bounty Folk Museum, a fascinating collection from yesteryear. It features a series of rooms as they might have been in a typical Pitcairner home over a 100 years ago.

Day 8: Friday 16th April 2010 - down to the airport, we leave and get a great view of Phillip Island. We change direction over Lord Howe Island which is shrouded with cotton wool and our flight ends in Melbourne. Norfolk Island - A Great Experience!

FOOTNOTE: Whilst on Norfolk Island I purchased the book "The Pacific War 1941 -1945 and Norfolk Island" by Gil Hitch. I wanted to know something about the airfield. Construction was begun in late 1942 and during the war it was a staging airfield on the supply route from New Zealand to Santo in the New Hebrides (south of Guadalcanal). In Chapter Eight - Transition to a Smaller World, the following is interesting:

Quote: "Norfolk Island was honoured with an official visit by the Governor General Of Australia when on 27th March 1946, Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and retinue arrived from Sydney. Carrying the VIP party was the RAAF's Avro York "Endeavour", escorted by an RAAF B24 Liberator bomber carrying the Press contingent of 10 journalists and photographers and with an amphibious PBY5A Catalina flying boat for sea rescue protection.

When departing on 29th March, the Governor-General's party was airborne in the Avro York at 11:25am, preceded by the Catalina which had taken off two hours earlier. The Press party followed in the Liberator at 12:40pm, but unlike the first two planes which had an uneventful flight to Sydney, the Liberator developed engine trouble and landed back at Norfolk at 5:15pm with it's port engine dead, four and a half hours after leaving. Next day the Catalina arrived at 11:30am from Lord Howe Island and left again at 1pm after taking on board the Press party from the Liberator". Unquote.

Here I thought is something to persue in Flight Simulation and after a search of the sim download sites I found the Avro York and also a repaint that provided the RAAF's "Endeavour". I also found some addon "photorealistic" scenery for Norfolk Island. The scenery is a little out of date it would seem as the terminal building is not as it is today. I was not lucky with the RAAF Liberator, those available did not work in FSX which was required for the scenery to function.

LEFT: The Royal Party departs in the RAAF Avro York MW140 "Endeavour" powerd by Merlin 24's
RIGHT: The Press B24 Liberator arrives back on 3 engines (R11) - port outer feathered.
(imagination required)

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