While Can Still Remember Norfolk Island

Have you ever imagined escaping to an island paradise that seems frozen in time, where rugged cliffs meet pristine beaches, and history whispers through the air? Look no further than Norfolk Island, a hidden gem in the South Pacific that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences.

Delve into the Enchanting Past

Norfolk Island, located approximately 1,400 kilometers east of the Australian mainland, has a rich history shaped by both its indigenous inhabitants and subsequent European settlement. As you wander through the island's historic sites, you'll be transported back in time to an era when this remote island served as a convict settlement and later became home to the descendants of the Bounty mutineers.

While I Can Still Remember: Norfolk Island

by Frederick Luis Aldama (Paperback – November 27, 2015)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	64675 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

Visit the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the remains of the original penal colony. Marvel at the well-preserved buildings, including the Georgian-era Kingston Pier, the beautifully restored Georgian and Victorian cottages in Quality Row, and the picturesque cemetery where many of the early settlers were buried. The surrounding landscape is a photographer's dream, with rolling green hills and stunning ocean views.

Immerse Yourself in Nature's Bounty

Norfolk Island's natural beauty is nothing short of breathtaking. From lush forests and towering Norfolk pines to secluded beaches and crystal-clear waters, this island offers a wealth of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Embark on scenic hikes through the national parks, such as the Norfolk Island National Park and Botanic Garden, where you can encounter unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth. Keep an eye out for the vibrant green parrots, known as Norfolk Island green parakeets, and the iconic red-tailed tropicbirds, which nest along the cliffs.

If you're a water lover, Norfolk Island also has plenty to offer. Dive into the crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life, go snorkeling in the coral reefs, or try your hand at fishing for some of the island's famous deep-sea species.

Indulge in Culinary Delights

No trip to Norfolk Island would be complete without savoring its unique culinary offerings. The island's fertile soil and oceanic surrounds provide the perfect ingredients for a diverse array of flavors.

Take a stroll through the bustling markets, where you can find fresh produce, local crafts, and handmade souvenirs. Sample delicious local dishes, such as the celebrated Norfolk Island pine honey, succulent fresh seafood, and mouthwatering dishes inspired by the island's rich heritage.

Join the Island's Vibrant Community

One of the most remarkable aspects of Norfolk Island is its warm and welcoming community. The locals, known as Norfolk Islanders, are proud of their heritage and are eager to share it with visitors.

Participate in cultural events and festivals that celebrate the island's history, music, and art. Engage with the locals and listen to their fascinating stories, passed down through generations. Don't be surprised if you find yourself caught up in a lively dance or learning traditional crafts from the island's talented artisans.

Plan Your Trip to Norfolk Island Now

While the rest of the world rushes forward, Norfolk Island remains a haven of tranquility and timeless beauty. Whether you are seeking adventure, cultural enrichment, or a moment of serenity, this captivating island has it all.

Book your trip to Norfolk Island and immerse yourself in a destination that will create memories to last a lifetime. Experience the enchanting past, indulge in culinary delights, and make lasting connections with the vibrant community. Don't miss out on this hidden gem in the South Pacific.

While I Can Still Remember: Norfolk Island

by Frederick Luis Aldama (Paperback – November 27, 2015)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	64675 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE

While I Can Still Remember is the story of Norfolk Island. This work of historical fiction begins with a prologue that introduces a monolithic Norfolk Island pine at its ‘birth’ as a seed over 650 years ago. The story then takes us to the present where the old tree – Lone Pine – has always stood on a limestone cliff at Point Hunter on Norfolk Island. At the base of its trunk a sapling – Piali – clings to the cliff.

The island is waiting for Piali to grow strong enough to take over from Lone Pine, whose time is almost over, so the sapling’s survival is vital. The old tree has been the keeper of the stories of Norfolk Island and these stories must be passed on to its successor so that the species will remain intact. If they fail, every Norfolk Island pine tree on Earth will lose its bark, its branches, and the species will become extinct.

So the stories begin of visits by Polynesians over centuries and Captain Cook’s discovery of the island in 1774. We experience the first British settlement in 1788 which coincides with the settlement at Botany Bay that year. We read with horror of the brutality of a succession of governors who oversaw the prisoners living a fate worse than hell at their hands. We discover the island’s silence and emptiness in 1814 when the settlement is abandoned until 1825 when it’s resettled under an even more brutal regime. And then a glimmer of hope under Alexander Maconochie’s rule where prisoners are finally treated as human beings worthy of reform. When Maconochie’s term finishes, the brutality resumes until the British leave again in 1855 to settle in Van Diemen’s Land. Now we learn about the Mutiny on the Bounty and its far-reaching consequences for a small group of sailors and Tahitians whose descendants settle on Norfolk Island.

But time is running out. Lone Pine is becoming forgetful and unable to continue passing on the island’s history. His and Piali’s bark is itching, a sure sign that their bark is about to shed. Suddenly the Norfolk Island pines begin to shed their bark and drop their branches. The same is happening on the mainland of Australia. The situation is grim. Their friends – the fairy terns and green sea turtles – are desperate to halt the progress of the pines’ extinction. They call upon the island’s flora and fauna to group together and find a way to help Piali store every last detail in his trunk, branches and leaves. Is he up to it? Can he absorb everything in such a short space of time that Lone Pine has absorbed over centuries?