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.