Last land in sight before Antarctica

The two minuscule islands of Motu Iti and Motu Nui are the only landsvisible from Rapa Nui. Motu Nui, the largest of the two, rises atabout 1.5 km from the coast. Here they are photographed from theceremonial village of Orongo, on the cliffs of the Ranu Kao volcano,from where started the annual race to swim to Motu Nui and bring backthe first Sooty Tern egg, a climax ceremony in the Bird Man cult.

Beyond Motu Iti and Motu Nui, the closest land is the Sala Y Gomezisland, 400 km at east of Easter Island, not much larger than Motu Nuiand uninhabited. In the direction this photo is taken there is nofurther landmass until the Antarctica coast, more than 6000 km away.

Thank you for any commment!

L.

This is a wonderful picture. The intense blue ocean punctuated by two lonely land masses. The distant shore creates a "mirage" blending into the sky. Excellent composition and colours evoking strong emotions.

-- but just knowing that beyond the serene white of the horizon, beyond the cloud banks, lie 6,000 miles of sea and then Antarctica is what heightens my viewing pleasure.

Francis and Rajat,

thank you for your kind comments. In that place, in sight of these two minuscule cliffs and the overwhelming blue of the ocean, that I got the clearest feeling of the terrible isolation of Rapa Nui. It was probably the biggest learning I brought back from there, born as I am in the comfortable, crowded, ancient Europe, that perception of an enormous loneliness was quite a discovery.

L.

Luca, this is perhaps one of this image, only traveller would understand. I do.

good composition, sharpness and colours.

BB