April 17, 2013
An urgent phone call in the afternoon from home, apparently the fire has rekindled and traveled east and south, encouraged by the westerly wind. Capt. Charlie rushes home to check out the situation. Soon Rexplorer arrives, and with neighbor Russ, begin to head off the flame that has jumped across the road to our backyard. Three fire trucks and about ten firemen confront the fire on the east side. Soon other government departments also arrive as the fire continues on the east toward our other neighbor's house.
Russ using the garden hose to wet down the grass as the flames threaten to advance closer.
Line of fire snaking across the hillside toward our neighbor's home. It actually butts right up to the edge of the yard as firemen ward off its fierce assault. The flame eventually round the lower field and continue eastward.
Burning continues through the night. Kagman is visible in the distance. By morning, a small flame, with a short burst, eventually dies.
April 27, 2013
As no other hikers are available for this Sunday hike, either by being off island or having other commitments, CC and Rexplorer decide to take Sukha dog to go down the Xterra Trail and check out the fire damage which we expect to be extensive. The fire has obviously jumped across the trail, but we are not sure which are the contact points.
As no other hikers are available for this Sunday hike, either by being off island or having other commitments, CC and Rexplorer decide to take Sukha dog to go down the Xterra Trail and check out the fire damage which we expect to be extensive. The fire has obviously jumped across the trail, but we are not sure which are the contact points.
The air is still a bit hazy, and smoky smelling. Both sides of the trail suffer large patches of damage.
Sukha pauses to survey the damage to his favorite hiking trail. The view is opened up to LauLau.
The hill sides are barren, covered with ashes. Only the thickest parts of tree growths are spared.
A burned golf ball. We are surprised to find a whole bunch of burned golf balls in this area, far away from any golf course!
A lone tree standing, held by the rock base, with only the top portion of the tree unmolested by the flames.
This grove of CC's favorite coconut trees, remain unharmed, being tucked away in the valley below the fire zone.
May 3rd, 2013
Rexplorer, CC, and neighbors Russ and Cheryl decide to take a hike to the Achugao area where the fire originated. Stopping by this lean-to and see the burned trees. We begin the hike just before 5 p.m.
Burned coconuts.
The fire has burned all around Mt. Achugao, opening up the entire area. The original trail disappears as we near the foot of the mountain, but we don't seem to need a trail. Cheryl, Russ, and Rexplorer start up the steep hillside.
Cheryl uses one of our favorite climbing technics as Rexplorer gives words of encouragement. The loose rocks and fallen pine needles make the steep slope slippery.
Top of the Achugao ridge. Fantastic view of the old Palm Hotel and San Roque village.
Crossing over the ridge top, we see the view of Tanapag all the way to Smiling Cove. Burned branches are visible in the foreground.
Standing on top of Achugao ridge, Happy Snows are glad they venture up and be able to enjoy the view not many people have ever seen.
Going up maybe tough, coming down is a whole new challenge. Russ is practicing the one-legged balance.
Everyone on their own to find the best direction down without tripping on the loose rocks.
As we continue our tour over the ashy grounds, we notice many of this type of "foxholes", some with strong fortification, some are just a shallow hole dug into the ground.
Part of the Paradise Valley overlooking the ocean beyond San Roque village.
A surprise find of an unexploded bomb wedged between two rocks.
Pine needles browned by the fire but still gracefully hanging on the branches.
Holding a small bottle with his ash-covered hand, Russ is trying to read the writing on the bottom.
A bomb shell.
Another fortified hole right at the edge of the cliff, with a vantage point of the entrance to the valley.
Another view of the valley below. From this edge, it's a straight drop into the valley. We finish our tour from here, completely satisfied with this rare opportunity to tromp all over the hillside and see the unobstructed view of the valley, the coastline, the foxholes and the bomb.
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