September 11, 2012
It was getting late in the day, and we decided we would head back to the boat and then continue on from this point the next day. There is a highway that bisects the island and could get us back to Apia in about 45 minutes.
As we headed up over the mountain, we noticed some immense trees that towered over the landscape. They turned out to be Aoas (or Giant Banyan Trees). This species of tree actually starts its growth on the top of a host tree, then shoots out roots to the ground and strangles its host. This tree would be tall on its own, but perched on top of another tall tree, it is massive.
When we got back to Apia that evening, we were both feeling much better and more upbeat than we usually do at this time of the day. We’d had a great day of touring the island, but I think the bigger reason was being able to spend the day in an air conditioned car! We looked forward to being able to spend a day in the car again tomorrow. -Cyndi
