Cowtown Loop

A sudden downpour nearly spoiles our hiking plan early this morning. Fortunately, after two weeks of non-action, the hikers are determined to get together before several of us are going off island. At the predawn meeting time of 6 a.m. nine of us eagerly pile out of two cars, turn on the flashlights, and proceed toward Banzai Cliff in the dark. It is cool and breezy, one of those beautiful Saipan mornings that affirms our love for this island. 

The sky begins to lighten when we arrive at the Cliff. We take a moment to view the waves crashing against the rocky shoreline. As we enter onto the narrow trail, Bruiser is assigned the first hiker position, claiming the prestigious job of clearing spiderwebs.  

A light shower brings out Chops' latest fashionable rain gear of hooded thin white plastic trimmed with red tape and fitted nicely around her shoulders.

Not to be outdone in the rain protection department, Cutie whips out her pink umbrella, and Jane dons her see-through yellow parka. They appear to be looking at something interesting. Unfortunately, we don't know what it is. The trail is quite dry and passable, despite all the rainfall lately. With Bruiser clearing the path, the rest of us have a pretty easy time.

At the end of the trail, we take a left turn to the Cowtown Beach to check out the surfs. It is high but not too rough.

Newcomer Carey taking pictures of the high surf, and Spicegirl, with her own rainwear fashion, is enjoying the scenery.

At Handy's insistence, we take a detour into the Cowtown grounds to reminisce the hay days of this famous outpost. With passing time, so goes our memory. Unsure of the exact locations of the outdoor movie screen and concrete benches, the corral, and the snack bar, we can only guess and promise to research for old photos.

The field is at one time used as a motorcross race track with old tires as bumpers. We notice this large lizard sunning on one of those tires. 

One of the structures left standing in Cowtown.

What better place than right in the middle of the trail for a snack break? We have made it our habit to plop ourselves down to satisfy our hunger. Lots of goodies soon disappear, lightening our load and filling our tummies.

A group photo to commemorate our visit to Cowtown, L to R: Capt. Charlie, Chops, Spicegirl, Carey, Cutie, Handy, Alice, Jane, Bruiser.

On the "dump" road back to LCP, Spicegirl spots this weird looking tree with spikes (looking like a bunch or Kisses candies) sticking out on the trunk and branches. No one know what it is. Handy goes to check it out. Chops will research and report.

Once again, Handy wants to share his knowledge about this Taotaomona tree. It is indeed a very impressive specimen. We enjoy sharing the story of the "lady in white". 

A surprise encounter of this spectacular "wedding veil" mushroom right on the side of the pathway to the LCP. We only hope no one would destroy it as it is plain sight. It is supposed to be an aphrodisiac.

CC jumps up in surprise while taking the close-up photo of the mushroom, apparently having squeezed the drinking nozzle and wetting her pants with the ice cold water.

A quick stop at the roadside cave that contains old machine parts, bottles and cans. The road to LCP has many interesting looking caves, rocks and cliff face that invite future explorations.

Bruiser notices this on the rock face, thinking that they may be mushrooms. Upon closer examination, it is determined that these are honey combs, confirmed by the buzzing bees around them.

Finally arriving at Last Command Post. We want to have a picture of these "newbies", or not too new hikers, by the big gun.

Although today's hike does not involve difficult hill climbs or caves, it is very interesting to discover things that we would not notice if we have been in the car of on a bike. That is the fun of hiking and exploring. We rate it a five sneaker experience. 

NAFTAN IN THE RAIN

The sky is overcast and clouds are hanging low. As agreed, Handy and CC meet up with Bruiser, Jane, Dora and SpiceGirl by the airport entrance. It is still pitch dark, Handy misses the turnoff to Obyan, but after the third time, we are finally on our way, skirting the west end of the airstrip, onto the potholed Naftan Road. We soon past Ladder Beach. Bruiser is driving a regular sedan and has to pick his way very carefully around the treacherous holes. It was still quite dark when we see a sign that appears to be Obyan Beach. After a slight hesitation, we turn right onto a seriously washed out road. We are a bit worried about Bruiser and his three ladies, whether they can make it down. With skill and brawn, Bruiser does just fine. We park at the Obyan Beach, and make our way uphill to the lower trail.

Handy and Dora having a serious discussion while SpiceGirl, Jane, and Bruiser wait for them to finish and get on with the hike on the lower trail.

What a perfect set up for a picnic. We find this near a farm on the lower trail.

We find the ribbons marking the connecting path from the lower trail to the upper trail. Part of the path is on an old road deep into the forest. This large banyan tree on the "road" showcases the "four beauties" :-)

Not to be outdone by the ladies, these two dudes want to be showcased too.

Pit Stop at the cross over trail.

On the upper trail, and the rain starts to come down. Having been forewarned of possible rain shower, Bruiser shows up prepared with lightweight rain ponchos. Dora brings a rain jacket as well.

Handy, without rain gear, Dora, and SpiceGirl brave the downpour on the upper trail toward Naftan.

Looking like Big Bird in the jungle, Jane explores behind huge boulders. 

This unexploded bomb is bigger than the one we have seen in Marpi. It is marked with a red ribbon. 

Going off trail, we find this foundation, and an intact pedestal, a first we have seen in the boonies. 

A base for holding a large Japanese cannon. The steps go to the bottom where a tunnel is connected to an adjacent holding tank of some sort.

This is the tank connected to the base above. Now it is occupied by a very happy spider on this web of glittering rain drops. 

After examining two of the cannon base structures, we climb back down the rocky pathway, around the big rock above a cave, and return to the trail.

Bruiser and Jane charmed by the tree tunnel, stop for a photo op. 

Taking a side trail see the ocean view, we are surprised at how windy it is. Here SpiceGirl and Dora find the strong wind refreshing and fun.

The rough coastal shore and its boiling white foam. The railing at this spot is quite rusty and rickety. One does not want to fall down this cliff.

Handy stops and looks back at this windswept golden field, maybe it reminds him of hometown in Missouri? 

Hikers in motion. Finally at the very southern tip of Saipan. Naftan Point is one of the favorite diving spots for the strong and hearty. But no one will jump from this spot though. Jane exercises great caution, with Dora's help, in taking a closer look down the cliff.

This is the big gun we come to see at Naftan Point. It is slowly rusting away, but still very impressive. 

We find a less windy spot, smack dab in the middle of the trail, for our snack time. After the hungry hikes wolf down the snacks, a group photo tells it all. By now, the sky clears and we dry up a bit and return to Obyan, happy with another great hike.

The rain, wind, and lack of a formal location for snacks have only satisfied everyone's spirit of adventure. We rate this otherwise tame hike a five-sneakers.