Cyclone Meena weaved its way through
the Cook Islands veering off only miles from the main
island of Rarotonga [MEENA
TRACKING MAP]. The northern and eastern coasts
of the mainland were the worst hit, with Avarua Harbour
suffering the bulk of the destructive force of the
high seas early in the morning of the 6th of February
2005. Having already lost his bar to Sally [see the
HISTORY
& GALLERY pages] The
Trader was more than prepared, stripping the bar of
its fittings and stock the day before: even the deck
was dismantled and removed to safety. And with good
reason: see the photographs below
[click to enlarge]. The high tide hit as the eye of the cyclone narrowly missed the main land of Rarotonga. As predicted 'phenomenal' seas attacked the north and east of the island: including Avarua Harbour. The island of Rarotonga was lucky not to have suffered more (predictions
were of greater devastation than in Hurricane Sally), but Trader Jacks was not.
Traders Part III entered production shortly after the cyclones abated: just three days after the storm, The Trader reopened for business beneath the still-sturdy roof, serving drinks to friends old and new from a converted shipping container. Working title: 'JACK IN A BOX: MEENA AND LEANER'! ...
And 6 months later, locals and tourists alike heralded the re-opening of Traders [III]. You can't keep a good bar down! MORE ON THE OPENING HERE
