One of the first and often last ‘must see’ natural attractions on Pitcairn is the incredibly beautiful St Paul’s Pool.

Situated on the eastern side of the island its pristine waters and inspiring cathedral like rock structures are at their best before early afternoon, when the sun is on the water.

With this in mind we all set out bright and early to wander from Big Flower, down the hill, to St Paul’s. Darren, Brandon and Zara had been looking forward to this since they’d arrived and were ready for a day of swimming and snorkelling.

The walk there, being entirely downhill, is so typical of Pitcairn’s natural tracks which enable happy wanderers to stop and collect bananas, coconuts and even avocados along the way.

As you near the rugged perimeter of the eastern side of the island above St Paul’s the landscape gives way to broad spans of volcanic red dirt and rock which provide sustenance to prickly pears and Pandanus palms, giving the entire area a desert like feel.

Then, just as you think there could be nothing more to see, you walk right up to the safety rail and take in the startling beauty of the pool - so clear that the ocean’s green and blue lights seem to flicker like diamonds across its surface.
It’s incredibly inviting but there’s still a little more walking… or in fact rock climbing… to get there.

Though a stairway takes Darrin, Brandon and Zara down to the pool, across huge boulders, almost to the water’s edge, the last short trek must be negotiated with care. Like seasoned Pitcairner’s, the Big Flower team, led by Billie our dog, expertly scramble their way down.

Zara and Billie take a moment to plan their next steps down to the pool. But, Billie decides she’s going no further and leaves Zara to work it out for herself.

Deciding that only the most necessary items are needed – snorkel, mask and flippers - it takes just a pause for thought as to the last steps down and Zara’s almost there.

Within minutes the snorkel and mask are on and Zara allows the clear waters to reveal their wonders - all she has to do relax and enjoy.

Then its Brandon’s turn to take the plunge. And, he’s not about to muck around. He’s well aware there’s fresh lobster to be found in the deeper parts of the pool and he’s up for a bit of hunting and gathering.

Darrin adjusts his gear in the shallows and he’s ready to go. Time seems to stand still as everyone prepares to surrender to the ebb and flow of the tidal pool. Each taking it all in at their own pace.

There’s a sense of competition as Darrin inevitably starts heading heads toward the deeper blue water.

Side by side the hunt is on. Something’s caught their attention…

And… the winner is...? Brandon! His catch of the day brings cheers all round - Yummy lobster for dinner!

The morning passes at a deceptively leisurely pass but its soon time to regroup before what now seem like a long, long walk back to Big Flower

The happy stragglers start for home with laughs all round as we recount the days ‘work’. The track gets steeper and the distance between us stretches out as we catch our breath and settle in for the long haul. That is everyone but Zara…

…when it comes to walking up a Pitcairn hill – no one gets in Zara’s way – its head down and eyes front – and she leaves the rest of us in her dust.

“…I gotta get this onto Facebook, ….I gotta get this onto Facebook, …I gotta get this onto Facebook…”