Penryhn and Rarotonga

Pacific Ocean-Penryhn  Here you can see the how large Penryhn is . The largest island in the Cook Islands. Also considered to be the most remote. A population of around 1500 . Two main villages. Was very pleased to get here after a few years of planning. I stayed in a family home that was geared towards the few visitors that come here. Most are by ship or stop by on a yacht. The Island is known locally as Tongerava . 

The Post office here in Penryhn was most helpful. The had a full selection , but not  in a set form of Penryhn stamps. The stamps used here I purchased from the Philatelic sales agent which is based in the USA. These stamps were not on sale locally at this time. The mail arrived back very quickly due to the fact it left on the same plane I went on. The manager of the Post office also was in charge of Air Rarotonga for Penryhn and runs the main shop on the island. A busy lady. 

Pacific Ocean-Rarotonga   When leaving from Rarotonga to New Zealand  at the airport I spotted this card. It is hand made and carved from wood.  This is my second such card in my collection. The other one you will find from the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. 

I had spare stamps with me so I used these Rarotonga stamps and the kind lady in the shop agreed to mail it for me. So here it is a great addition to the collection . 

Penryhn - Cook Islands

Well after years of planning here I was in Penryhn. It was a great feeling to arrive here and to at least step on this island. The most remote of the Cooks Islands. Of course the reason I was here is that Penryhn issue there own stamps. The island is also known as Tongerava .

Penryhn the largest of the Cook Islands 

 The transport from the Airport was by motor bike to the accommodation

 Towards the main town

 This is the Post office in Penryhn

 My transport on Penryhn , Back of a truck.

 Volleyball is played a lot on the islands.

 The administrators of a local school

 The Post office in Penryhn. They had a full selection of stamps . All Penryhn,  no Cook Islands stamps. The Postmaster on the left here , was also the agent for Air Rarotonga and ran one of the local shops. So a busy and important lady....  Wearing the Bluesky shirt especially for my visit as Bluesky is the operator of the Post Offices in the Cook Islands. They do get some Philatelic mail but very little. It is hit and miss. It depends on the aircraft. All flights up here are Charter . It can be months from one plane to another . In the mean time there is also the ship.

My Postmaster wearing a Ireland cap on departure and a gift for all the smiles and a great time in Penryhn . Never to be forgotten