Spanish Steps Hike

Beautiful Spanish Steps Beach

Today, we hiked down to a lovely spot called Spanish Steps at the tip of Orote Peninsula, where the Spanish created a steep, cliff side trail to bring water from the well down in the jungle below. We drove from up the house, after my morning coffee with Kurt and Mary and raisin bran for breakfast, with the kids eating also.

After changing into my swimwear, I applied copious amounts of sunscreen on my person and await for the family to get ready to leave. After a false start, we were soon on the way, all of us crammed into the Acura MDX. It only was about a five minute drive to the trail enterance. There was a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean from the trailhead.

I really did not need the sign to know the path was STEEP!

Soon, the trail dropped so steeply that there was a rope that would run most of the hike down.  We grabbed onto rope and began cautiously making our way down the 30 meter descent into the jungle. It was slow going, as we had to be accurate in our footsteps and grab onto the rope with both hands so if we fell, we would would not plunge over the cliff.

It was worse than it looked!

Shortly, we made our way down a final steep ledge and down we went into the jungle, passing by the old Spanish Well. After seeing the Well, we continued through the lush rainforest, which looked exactly like rainforests in South America and Africa. After a ten minute hike, we made it to the beach and the ocean.

While we were there, we found a propeller blade.  It appears to be from either a Douglas SBD or a Japanese Zero.  That is not as odd as it seems, the Zero used a license built version of the same propeller the SBD used.  Sometimes a commercial success can come back to bite you like an eel.After examining the propellor for markings, we carefully returned it to the jungle

SBD or Zero?

We swam in the water for about an hour or so, relaxing in the nice warm water of the Pacific and swimming around. However, the fun came to an end, when an eel six inches long, white and spotted, came out of the water by Emerson.

Spotted eel, good for scaring girls (and me)

After Kurt and Mary confirmed Kristyna's eel tale, we got out of the water and prepared to hike up the steep precipice of the cliff back to our car.

At the top, we got in the car and headed home. When we arrived, a friend of Kurt's (Chris) who works with him came over and I was introduced to him. Then Kurt had the kids take naps, and as I type this, I am resting in my shared room, and Kristyna has gone to babysit possibly.

Jack

Sent from my iPad

Happy 4th of July!

This morning, I awoke at 0615 about fifteen minutes earlier than my usual wake up time to prepare for the long and busy day. I had my usual morning coffee with Kurt and Mary and talked with them about the upcoming day. I would be going to FreedomFest 2012 with them and I was excited. There would be games, snow cones, cotton candy and even old cars and a caribou! Then, I had toast and scrambled eggs, kindly made by Mary.

Before that however, Kurt and I were called upon as needed players in a soft ball game near the track where the fair was being held. We were in such a hurry, we forgot sunscreen and when we got there, Kurt had me finish parking the car and locking up, so he could get to the team before they forfeited the game. However, he soon came back and announced that all slots were full, so we turned back around and headed back home where we had breakfast.

At 0930, I set out with Kristyna to volunteer for an organization called "Fur Ever Kind of Love" a dog adoption/rescue organization. I helped set up the tables with doggie treats and other goodies for dogs that would visit the booth. When the Thomases arrived, I split with Kristyna to join them. We wandered around the track, having fun looking at the booths and having snow cons, hot dogs, hamburgers and chips!

We visited the caribou, which I had my picture taken with and I also got to watch a martial arts demonstration about defending yourself and take downs, by a former Army instructor.

Jack and the Caribou.  Jack is standing, not sitting and does not have sunglasses on.

Then, Kurt and I visited the classic cars, which included two Ford Mustangs, an Impala, a Chevy Nova, and best of all a SeaBee HMMV! (Humvee).

Jack in the Humvee

Pair of 1960s Mustangs

Jack and the Carryall

We also watched a schoolmate of Kristyna's perform in a one man band, who played several rock songs I recognize and did an incredible job playing the national anthem as the parachutist jumped onto the football field from the HSH-21 MH-60 helicopter.

MH-60 Helicopter

Parachutist who just jumped from the MH-60

After the fair, I found Kristyna and her friend and we headed back to the gym, where I played my first pickup game of basketball with Mitchell and his buddies. Turns out my team almost won, we lost 9-10, oh so close! Then I worked on perfecting my shots, then Kristyna suggested that I start home so I could finish studying for my scuba class tonight. I agreed and we came home with Mitchell's buddies and hung out in Kristyna's room, all talking as we played on our electronics.

Tonight, I have my scuba class from 6-8 with Mary, which I think I will do well in. Afterwards, we are coming home to a party that Kurt is hosting for the 4th!

Happy 4th everbody, and remember freedom is not free and those who died to preserve our freedoms!

Jack

Sent from my iPad

The Hike to the Corsair with Guam Smith and his companion Mitchell

This morning, I woke up at 0630 as usual.  After freshening up, I joined Mary and Kurt on the back porch for the usual morning coffee routine. We were discussing our morning plans and we decided Mitchell and I would hike to the old Orote Airfield; then into the jungle to see the crashed Corsair Kurt told me about.  Whilst waiting for Mitchell to wake up, I hung out in the living room, catching up on Facebook news and listening to music.

Then around 0930 Mitchell and I went down to the Jeep, after diligent searching we found the mosquito repellent and set out on the hike.  It was rather good for Guam weather, slightly humid and breezy.  However it was rather a long hike, going on the old runway and then through a really rough and moss covered jungle trail.

A long hot hike through the jungle

It seemed to get even more humid as we hiked along, dodging spider webs, leaping over logs and avoiding poison frogs!

Blue Guamanian Poison Dart Frog - Before stepping on!

After what seemed to be eternity, I believed the end was in sight, thinking I saw the Corsair through the trees and vegetation.  But, alas, it was a few more minutes afterwards that I caught sight of the warbird hulk. The engine was gone, the cockpit was totally looted, the rear fuselage and tail was gone, just the middle section of the Corsair was there. I sat, or rather stood, in the cockpit while looking around.

Jack in the F-4U Cockpit

F-4U firewall

Examining the fuselage

Fuselage details

Right Wing

Corsair Left Wing

Corsair Fuselage

Then we began the long and wretchedly humid hike through the jungle back towards home. It was miserable because of the distance and the humidity.

Mitchell gets a Poison Dart Frog, or not.

Nonetheless, Mitchell and I had fun walking back to the house.  Once we got back, I took a shower then a small road trip with Kurt and Mary to drop off their Jeep for A/C work and then returned home for a delicious lunch of chili.

Jack

Sent from my iPad

Shopping and Scuba Lessons

Jack Arnold after Scuba Training

This morning, I awoke at 0630 and after getting ready for the day, had morning coffee with Kurt and Mary on the porch outside their house. After this, I hit the scuba textbook studying like mad until 1100.  By this point I had finished both the open water manual and the dive computer manual.

Mary asked me if I would like to come along to the NEX to do shopping.  I said I would very much like to go so I could purchase some toothpaste and motrin. Kristyna decided to tag along on the store to obtain clothes and other goods. Then after we hit the store, we went to the comissary amd bought the weekly groceries.

When we returned home, I began skimming through the books again just so that I could retain info.  At the class, we first were introduced to the rest of our dive mates, before hitting the knowledge review sections of Chapters 1-3.

On the chapter quizzes Mary and I both averaged about 90%, which we thought was pretty good. Our next lesson is on Wednesday, at 6-8 Guam local time as usual.

So this was our day and more fun to come!

Jack

Sent from my iPhone

Marlboro Caves and an eventful day

This morning I got up early and hung out in the living room while Mitchell was sleeping. In an hour (I got up at 7), the little kids came out to watch their daily fill of Aladdin. Then Kristyna came out and we waited while Kurt began making a breakfast of pancakes and sausage.

Next, Kurt invited his friend Joe, who happens to be the anti-terrorism officer of Naval Base Guam and his family to have breakfast. Then as we ate breakfast, we planned the outing for the day; going to a cave where we could swim called "Marlboro Caves."

The caves are located on the southern half of the northern part of Guam. After a short drive and a hike through the jungle to see the cliff side, we made our way down to the cave. It required careful clambering down the steep descent. Also, both on the trail and cave there were were very slippery mossy rocks.

Jack and Kurt

I was very thankful for my water shoes, which my Mom so thoughtfully packed for me and had excellent grip and were very comfortable.  Finally, we made our way down to the cave and prepared to swim.

The water was about 85 degrees, extremely comfortable, and I swam for a little bit. Then Kurt and Joe asked me if I wanted to explore the other side of the cave which required getting out of the water and climbing up the rocks in the cave, which, like early mentioned rocks, were very slippery and required careful navigation.

In the deeper cave,  Kurt suggested I jump off the ledge of the rock, which was roughly about ten feet. There were rocks on the ceiling that I had to be careful not to hit when I jumped. The first time, Kurt shined a flashlight so I could see when to jump.

Jumping Jack, not much of a flash!

I did not hesitate and after judging my jump, I took the step off the rock and leaped with my head down as not to hit the rock on the ceiling. I cleared the rock and soared towards the pool at surprising speed which was quite exhilarating indeed.

Before I could think anything else, I impacted the water and soon swam up to the surface, pleased that I had my first cave rock jump.  I did this jump two more times then swam a bit.

For lunch I had an orange and a granola bar to satisfy my appetite, both of which were very good. After lunch, we swam some more or in my case explored another, smaller cave with Joe, and lounged on a rock.

Then we got the startling news that Joe's and our cars had been broken into. We quickly got up and ran up the steep hill to assess the damage. The back left passenger windows on both of the cars had been smashed.

After trying to figure out who had done the deed, we made our way to the police station, filed our report and made our way home.

Jack

Sent from my iPhone

Sumay Bay Bunkers, the River and More

This morning Kurt and his friend Joe went down to Gab Gab Beach, to go scuba diving and I went along to hang out on the beach. I also got to see some Japanese bunkers/pillboxes in Sumay Bay off Orote Point. I explored a little bit inside them and then walked along aside the beach. 

Then we went home and left to get a new bumper installed on Kurt/Kristyna's Jeep. While we were at the place, I saw two wild boars that they had captured recently.

Then we got to witness some actual cock fighting, though no cocks got hurt badly.

Then our young guide took us on a hike through the jungle to the river. While on the hike, we had an alba fruit which tastes like a strawberry and lemon combined.

Then we made it to the river, where there was an old Japanese machine gun outpost. And then Mitchell and I swam and had fun swimming in the river.

We then had a delicious lunch consisting off halibut, marlin, rice and steak, with the friendly locals. Then, we left and with Kristyna driving the Jeep, we are on the way home.

Jack

Sent from my iPhone

Exploring Apra Harbor

Today Jack appears to be exploring Apra Harbor in Guam.  Apra Harbor is a deep-water port on the western side of the United States territory of Guam in the Mariana Islands. The harbor is formed by Orote Peninsula in the south and Cabras Island in the north. To the south, the harbor narrows and then widens again to form an inner harbor. The southern end of the harbor is the location of Naval Base Guam. The northern end is the commercial port, which handles about 2 million tons of cargo a year. Coordinates: 13.44°N 144.67°E 

So far he has sent these photographs.  We look forward to narrative.

Apra Harbor North Pillbox outside 

 Apra Harbor North Pillbox outside

 North Apra Pillbox Inside

 North Apra Pillbox Inside

Tons of fun at the Base Gym and a Movie!

Today, Mitchell and I went down to the Naval Base Gym and played basketball on the half size and full size court. We were mostly practicing our shots and Mitchell and I did amazingly well considering I have never been on a real court.  I even got a few two pointers in the full size court, where the Harlem Globetrotters have played sometimes.

Then, Mitchell's friend Melissa met with us at the basketball court and played a little bit with us. We got drinks and then headed back home and Melissa left to go back.

After resting a while, we decided to head down to Mitchell's friends Kayla and Austin's house and go down to gym and played racquetball.  Turns out I am way better than I expected for the first time at racquetball!  Had several intense matches while the others watched.

Then, we headed to the mini-mart and got refreshments and hung out at the Subway next door to the NEX Mini mart. And I mention it was about 98 and very humid out while we walked about a couple of miles each way!

I am back at the house and waiting to go to the 4:00 showing of Avengers at the base theater

Jack
Sent from my iPhone

Good Morning from Guam

Orote Airfield today

The Thomas' house is just feet from where the World War II Orote Airfield flight line.   There is also a mass burial site for the Jap defenders of the island.  Quite an interesting area.

The first US aircraft to land at Orote Airfield, a Marine TBF Avenger

The Saga of Flight 201

Today, I had a delicious breakfast at the Like-Like Drive Inn, with Patrice and Zack, her youngest son.  My breakfast consisted of French Toast and bacon.  It was a delightful breakfast, I talked to Patrice about many things, about Hawaii, the office, and Guam amongst other things. Then I was dropped off at Honolulu International at 1105, and by the time I made it through the rather efficient security line, it was 1125, well ahead of schedule!

Then, I made my way to Gate 8, where I found that our flight from Guam would be coming so that I would've ready. I received a constant stream of updates from Mom on the standby by seat openings before the flight arrived. I sat next to a friendly older couple who were going to Guam who I learned their names later, and talked to them for a bit a out Guam.

Then, they started giving out seat assignments to passengers after the regulars had boarded and I eagerly watched the United mobile site for seat assignments and then when my name slipped to number one, I was called up. Then I boarded the flight and proceeded on my eight hour epic journey to Guam. The service was decent and the food was actually pretty good. I spent my time listening to music, sleeping, playing games on my iPhone.

I had a good flight, and now am safe at the Thomases, hanging out with Mitchell and Kristyna.

Jack

Sent from my iPad

Made it to Casa del Thomas!

After the 8 hour flight from HNL, I landed at PGUM at approximately 1745 local. I debarked the 777 and entered the airport and quickly went to the baggage claim area/customs area and sorted things out with the customs officer, who was surprisingly friendly. After a bit of confusion, I finally got in contact with Kurt and Mary and arrived at their home at about 1845 local time, passing Asan Beach where one of the Marine groups landed, and witnessed a beautiful sunset. Sadly, no pictures of said sunset, but I will get one in these two weeks.

I am happily rooming with Mitchell.  Kristyna is currently attempting to be IT Assistant to Mitchell who is trying to get on the Thomases Wi-Fi on his Kindle Fire.

Well, talk to you guys later!

Jack

Sent from my iPad

On Board, headed to Guam

Jack reports having had a great morning, a great breakfast at the Like Like Drive in Restaurant in Honolulu with the Li family.  He is grateful for their kindness and hospitality.  He hopes to see them at the End of the Year Party.  He made it out to the airport safely and this time managed to get a very nice aisle seat, 31H, on the starboard side of the aircraft.  The seat is reported very comfortable, which is good because the programmed flight time is 07+14.  All seems to be well.  He will land in Guam according to the flight plan at 1731L on Thursday, which is 0131PDT on Thursday.

His flight can be live tracked RIGHT HERE ON FLIGHT AWARE.

Sitting on the Balcony watching the subs go by!

I got to watch Atlantis Submarines taking their boats out for the day off Waikiki!

Balcony view, morning drinks!

Dinner at Da Kitchen

I just got back to my hotel room after a delicious dinner with the Li Family at "Da Kitchen." Which, according to Patrice, is a prime example of local or "Hawaiian" food. For dinner, I had Fish and Chips "Hawaiian style.”  This is Mahi Mahi in the breaded form of the English "Fish and Chips."

For dessert, I had Banana Cream Pie, pictured above. It ties with the Fat City version, in my opinion and that is saying something.

The Plan of Tomorrow, I will go to breakfast with the Lis at the famous "Liki Liki" Drive in, then head over to the airport to try and catch my flight to Guam.

 Mahalo!

 Jack

 Sent from my iPhone

Bumped on the way to Paradise

Due to overbooking, I failed to get on United 164 at 0830 and the 1000 United 3 became a 1210 departure. So, I found myself anxiously awaiting my name as the boarding progressed for United 3. Just as I gave up hope, I heard "Final Call for Passenger Arnold." Several things registered in my mind, one was that I had never heard them calling out my name, having paid close attention to the gate announcements. Second, I heard my name being called and rejoiced, for I finally was going somewhere other than Los Angeles. So I grabbed my backpack with iPad, and carry on bag and strode quickly to the lady at the gate. "Arnold you say? You are Jackson? Alright, you will be in 14D." I smiled warmly and thanked her and boarded. The flight proceeded nicely, as I had a nice aisle seat close to the front lavs and door of the 757-300. I had a nice old couple next to me in the middle and window seats, who I later learned were Diane and Jerry. I did not talk with them much until an hour out from HNL, but we discussed our vacation plans and flying experiences. After landing at 1540 local time, and passing a couple of Hawaii F-22s in revetments and F-15s holding by the runway upon which we just landed, we made our way to the gate and deboarded afer exchanging well wishes with Diane and Jerry. After getting a hold of the local A&A (Arnold and Arnold) adjuster, Patrice, who Mom had arranged to pick me up and take me to the Ala Moana Hotel where I currently am writing this post. After a successful pick up, Patrice dropped me off at the Ala Moana, and will return in an hour or so, with her family so we can go out to dinner. Well, it has been a long day so I wish to tell you readers, Mahalo! Jack

KLAX to KHNL

Finally off and enroute!

On the way to LA

My trip is beginning, with our drive from the office to Los Angeles, with a stop to have dinner with Lauralee in Long Beach at the Yard House restaurant. Then it is on to our hotel at the airport! Phase 1 of my voyage to Guam is underway! More updates as the journey progresses.  Just saw some AH-1 Cobras practicing on the Assault Landing strip near Camp Pendelton. Jack