Wow! Today was so fun. God has blessed me with the BEST husband ever. I cannot imagine a better person to explore an island with than my Steve. He is so adventurous and encourages and helps me do more than I would on my own. But I'm ahead of myself. Let's start at the beginning of the day.
We went to the airport and found out that the 40 tentative seats to Guam went to 0, but we weren't the only ones out of luck, the other flights with tentative seats were also canceled. But Steve and I made a day of it. What else would you do stranded on a tropical island, but explore it?!
The island is small and we had a vague map so we decided to go around the entire island. Starting at the base we took route 1 to Tamuning-Tumon-Harmon. If you have been to Cancun, Mexico than you most likely know of the Hotel Zone. This area was the Hotel Zone for Guam, but a much less thrilling, beautiful place. We parked walked to the beach and decided to leave feeling gross and uncomfortable, the smell reminded me of each 3rd world country city I have been to.
Next we went to the War in the Pacific National Historic Park Asan Beach Overlook. "Overlook" isn't actually an overlook in Guam; it merely means a beach you look at that has history. I don't remember what we saw here. The next place we went was Apaca Point. This place was pretty cool. The Japanese built a "pillbox" in the rock for a place to hide with their guns. The guns could shoot out across the shore as the U.S. ships came (obviously not great for the U.S., but nonetheless a cool alcove). There was also a cave where they entered the "pillbox." We also came a cross signs that were a little disturbing, but we trudged on anyway. The signs read: Old bombs and shells can kill! Recognize WWII bombs are dangerous, move away and call 911.
Then we came across Sella Bay, Cetti Bay, and Cetti Bay Overlook. Gorgeous view is all I have to say! Well actually the bays are fresh water and silt which prevents coral growth at it mouth creating the bay openings. From this view we could also see the Cocos Island and resort and Mount Lamlam. From there we headed to Umatac Village. On our way we came across a "scenic view" so we stopped and walked back to the area we assumed was the scenic view. Well it just so happens that while we were walking towards the water, I look back. We saw a house but weren't sure if it was the backyard we were in. When I looked back a HUGE pig was coming straight at me so I got Steve's attention and we walked away quickly and he followed! We ended up loosing him at a grate we had to walk over. Haha Umatac Village had a monument for Magellan, as well as some church ruins and a nice beach alcove where the locals were surfing.
Next we stopped at Merizo Pier Park for a short bit. Got a close up look of the water which was beautiful, but surprisingly not clear like I had thought. By the way chickens and wild dogs roam freely all over Guam which reminded me of Costa Rica. We happily left the chickens at Merizo Pier Park to visit the Inarajan pools. Very cool, natural place to swim. They had a diving board as well.
Talofofo falls and Yokoi's Cave was a very strange amusement park. Only stopped to use the restroom because we didn't feel like paying $20 to see some small waterfalls that will be nothing compared to what we will see in Okinawa. There was also some strange creepy music along with gunshots. Very creepy. We did realize that there was a shooting range at the park, but still a creepy place.
After that we stopped at Jeff's Pirates Cove for a late lunch. It was awesome! First tons of pirate stuff, which was fun, but the best part was sitting and eating with the view. There was beach volleyball, basketball, hammocks, and more (I think it is a camp). Absolutely worth the money it cost for lunch. It was expensive.
Last we drove back around to Hagatna to see the Plaza de Espana. The Spanish inhabited Guam before the Americans and then Japanese. Guam has an interesting history that I'd like to learn more about some day. But for now, I am pooped so I'm going to try and find the Olympics on TV to rest and relax for the rest of the evening.
Pictures are on facebook. We forgot our camera so used the iphone. :)
Comments are welcome!
