At the end of the “expedition” to Melanesia, we had a brief stop in Palau – the next chain of islands to the west.  It’s a part of Micronesia.  Don’t ask me who/how it was decided what is Melanesia vs. Micronesia, or if there is a Macronesia.  On the one full day we had, we went on a boating and snorkeling tour of the area called the “Rock Islands” – hundreds of mushroom-shaped formations popping up out of the beautiful turquoise water.  Local regulations require that native operators are the only ones who can boat in the area, so it seemed isolated and pristine.

Sadly, I didn’t know we would be boating all day and didn’t take my camera.  Let me just say this…the islands and snorkeling were the most spectacular I’ve ever experienced!  I don’t think there’s much else to do in Palau, but if ever I get the chance again, I want to snorkel, scuba, and boat here again – with a camera!

I can only provide two photos, one of a stunning rainbow over one of the island resorts, and one of our best-ever sunsets.