14 July 2019
We packed up and hit the road just after 8 am today. It paid to be away early as we didn’t meet any traffic, so it made the drive out that bit easier and quicker. We headed north for the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm. On arrival, we booked on to the farm tour, and then had coffee and cake whilst we waited. It was a lovely spot, and I suspect they might make more money of tourists these days than they do off pearls.
The tour was absolutely fantastic. The pearling industry was all about the shells for many decades – wild pearls were just a bonus. The mother of pearl harvested in this area produced the majority of the world’s buttons before plastics came along and sent the industry into a downward spiral. After that, the industry moved to cultured pearls. We learnt about how pearls are cultured, via a small nuclei (object) being implanted in an incision made in the oyster flesh. The oyster senses the irritation, and it cover’s it with layer upon layer of mother of pearl to try and smooth away the irritation. We also saw a pearl being harvested. The tour guide cut the oyster open and there was a lovely round pearl inside. It was valued at $1051! After that, we learnt how pearls are valued, based on shape, lustre, size, imperfections and colour.
We all tried a bit of the pearl meat as well, served raw with a bit of lime juice.
After the tour, we headed for our camp for the night at Kooljaman, at Cape Leveque.
What a contrast to Pender Bay! There was a resturant, a cafe and a large gift shop. Full on. We headed down to the swimming beach and Bill and I had a dip. Then it was time for beer and snacks, and sunset viewing.
Infinity pool at Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm.
Sunset at Cape Leveque
Travelling the Big Island 