Laderan Tangke 12/8/13
With many of the trails still under the influence of rainy season growth, we decide to take on the Laderan Tangke Trail which is mostly clear year round. To avoid walking out on the long stretch of unpaved road after the challenging L.T. trail, CC suggests that we park our cars at the clearing at Marker #16, the end of the trail, so we can make a easy and quick exit. Twelve brave souls in four vehicles tackle the bumpy and somewhat overgrown road from the entrance of the nature trail. It gives Bruiser/Jane's "Little White Car That Can" a real workout. We eventually arrive at the clearing (which is not as clear as we have thought) and park.
These three smiling faces have just finished a grueling Hell of the Marianas bike race the day before. Bravo. Youth does have its advantages.
Moving figures on the road toward Marker #1.
The trail is thick old growth jungle. Wonder woman and Handy follow Chops.
We are delighted to welcome Boy back from his ordeal. He looks healthy and extremely happy attacking hermit crabs and everything that moves.
Another special feature of this trail is the numerous limestone "forests" of various sizes and shapes, and some spectacular formations. Here the group decide to take a rest: Wonder Woman, Thor, Ewok, Bruiser, Sherpa (previously aka Jane), Cowboy, Dora, and Chops.
Dora and Spicegirl having a discussion as they conquer this part of the limestone buildup.
Is that Sasquatch taking a photo of us?
Ewok guiding Bruiser, Sherpa, and Wonder Woman carefully in case of another encounter with the Sasquatch.
Buiser negotiating a rough drop.
Chops almost accepted our challenge to perform her limbo dance under the fallen tree.
Ewok does a modified limbo dance.
Bruiser checking out an interesting little cave with candle-like items inside. We stop to snack after Marker #14, with the intention to continue onto the Bird Island overlook. However, time is late, so we save that hike for another time.
Happy to exit Marker #16 and back to the parking area with tall bushes. Wonder Woman having taken off earlier, the rest of us stay for this nice photo: Capt. Charlie, Sherpa, Thor, Ewok, Spicegirl, Scout (aka Andy), Dora, Sparky, Bruiser, Chops, and Cowboy. Great Hike...
Banaderu Trail 12/15/13
It is a little touch and go as to whether we can hike the Banaderu trail from the Last Command Post to the top of Suicide Cliff, as heavy rainfall greets us on Saturday night, and the forecast is for more rain on Sunday. We decide to wait and see whether we will need to change the venue on Sunday morning.
Sunday begins with stars in the sky. We gather at the parking space next to the Korean Monument, away from the tour buses, to begin our hike. With just a few clouds in the sky, we are hopeful that we will have little or no rain.
Wonder Woman, Sparky, and Handy looking at this interesting monument, not able to read the inscription. Behind this area is the start of the trail.
With heavy foliage, the trail is dark and rocky. We soon begin to climb steadily, over boulders and slippery roots. We are careful not to step on the roots. Using tree trunks liberally scattered along the trail, we are able to haul ourselves up the steep slope relatively easily. Ewok, Sparky, and Chops looking up ahead for more climbing.
Dora, Cutie, and Cowboy are pleased to have found nice rocks to sit on and rest.
Ewok appears to have four eyes, peering over the tree trunk for any danger lurking beyond.
Handy takes a fall and rips his shorts.
Ewok and Sparky appear to be looking at something interesting, complete with pointing and staring. But actually they wish to have a picture taken of them with nice and smooth chin and neck. Vanity...
Right in the middle of our hike, Dora and Ewok have a biceps challenge. Hands down, Ewok has more hair!
Chops stepping on large stone steps nearing the top of the trail.
Although the weather is beautiful, not a drop of rain throughout the hike, but it is windy. The waters off the Marpi coast are choppy.
Top of Suicide Cliff, where thousands jumped to their deaths. Warded off by the railing, Sparky, Chops, Ewok and Wonder Woman contemplate the current peace and serenity of the scenery.
Snacking at the benches by the monuments, the wind is so strong that we have to use our hiking poles to hold down the table cloth. Still, a strong gust blows the snacks off the bench.
Dora and her healthy concoction of a snack. No noni drinks this week.
We are charmed by the combination of a cross and the statue of the Goddess of Compassion (Kuan Yin/Bodhisattva), and the lotus shape base. Group photo of CC, Sparky, Cutie, WW, Handy, Ewok, Chops, Cowboy, and Dora.
After an unanimous decision not to return on the same trail, we take the main road down. Ewok lives up to his namsake, with his nature walking stick...
Ewok goes hiking...
A thorn between five roses. Ewok looks triumphant. Beautiful blue lagoon in the background caps off our hike. Five Sneakers Hike.
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