Ladder to Obyan

There are two beautiful beaches on the East side of the island. Obyan and Ladder are on the shores of the Philippine Sea, with surfs lapping onto the sand. There is a trail connecting the two beaches. Two years ago, we hiked from Obyan to Ladder. This time, we decide to reverse the direction and hike from Ladder to Obyan. As the holiday season approaches, friends and hikers are busy getting prepared, and perhaps traveling, so we expect the number of participants will diminish somewhat. Sunday morning, five of us pile into one car and head to Ladder Beach.

Golden morning rays shine brightly on CB and Chops, as we take a moment to enjoy the wonderful view from this little pavilion on the cliff above the sandy beach. RedEye and Cutie look around at the other buildings.

We take the steep staircase down to the beach, where several very impressive caves are. This is  a popular camping beach where campers can sleep under the shelter of the caves. Although we notice water drips from the roof, probably a rainy season phenomenon. Cutie surveys the surrounding.

A walk-through cave.

Chops posing for CB.

The main cave.

On our way to the cross-over trail, we see the remains of the war, an indication that a lot of action has taken place all along the coastal area.

RedEye and CB on the trail. There are several farms along this trail. Actually, this is a drivable road connecting the Ladder Beach Road and Obyan Road.

A very flat foot!

As soon as we reach Obyan Beach, Chops decides to go into the water. CB decides to join her.

A moment of relaxation, and cooling their feet. At this early hour, we have the whole beach to  ourselves.

The Wow girls!!

We find a nice and shady spot to have our snacks, and planning to have a proper picnic on this beach one of these days.

We cross back to Ladder Beach for this photo, with RedEye, Cutie, CC, Chops, and CB. All agree it has been a most enjoyable hike.

Awww! We find this note on the car, from WonderWoman. She has missed us! Sorry, WW...

Naftan Tube

Loud crackling thunders that shake the island in the middle of the night, frightening many people and animals. But comes Sunday morning, it's windy but clear. Several hikers cannot make it, partly due to the weather, and partly due to other personal issues. But eight hikers gather, once more, at the Hawaiian Rock parking for our third venture into Naftan. After a long absence, Dora brings her niece Sofia for her first Saipan hike. Giggles, HandyRedEye, Cutie, Chops, and CC complete the group.

We notice the road is more washed up in one week's time.

From the upper trail, RedEye wants to take a side trail to show Sofia the old war time gun emplacement pit. With rain and neglect, the area is overgrown with vines and bushes. RedEye, Sofia and Dora.  

Near the turn off to the lower road, all of us are so busy keeping our eyes on this long stretch of puddle, and picking our way carefully to get to the other side, that we miss the turn off and nearly reach the end of the lower road before we realize our mistake. Here Chops, Sofia, and Dora are back to the turnoff where CC has just tied a blue&white ribbons to mark the spot.

RedEye coming down the slippery part of the cross trail. The trail is a little bit overgrown and at one point it is actually hard to follow, but we make it. It is a beautiful woodsy trail.

Two clusters of mushrooms covered by fallen debris. 

From the lower road, we find the turn off to the rock island beach. The approach at the end is  a little steep. Cutie on her butt-walk.

Giggles follows with firm grip on the rocks.

On the beach, we see today the tide is low enough for us to walk freely on the beach. Cutie, RedEye, Giggles heading further down the beach for a good spot to rest. Chops is beach combing.

Next to the rock island is this reclining buffalo.

While we are walking, a dog suddenly appears, looking nervous and lost. It has a collar, but a bit thin. We hope it finds its family.

Giggles, who is well known for bringing unique snacks (cupcakes etc.) announces that she has brought a cake. It so happens today is Sofia's birthday! The cake is presented, we sing a rousing Happy Birthday, and Sofia cuts the cake for everyone. Bet she will always remember her 15th! Giggles promises to start celebrating with birthday-of the-month cake.

Giggles showing RedEye the roll of rope she brings on the hike, for emergency purposes. 

Not to be outdone, Chops whips out her bundle of rope she always brings on the hikes. These two ladies win the "girl scout" award.

Sated with cake and snacks, we take our group photo with Cutie, Sofia, Dora, Giggles, RedEye (doesn't he look happy surrounded by all the girls?) Chops, and Capt. Charlie.

The Tube. This is the main menu of our hike. RedEye volunteers to go up first. Although the tube is not very long, as we can see clearly the top opening, it is somewhat narrow and steep. Here RedEye is making good progress. Meanwhile, Cutie and Chops decide they will not go up the tube, so they turn around to go back up hill by the same way we have come down.

Two-thirds way up, RedEye is stuck at a high ledge where his leg refuses to bend and lift up. Dora decides to go up to give him help. 

With her legs straddling on the sides of the tube, Dora tries to give RedEye assistance. But there is not enough maneuvering room. So RedEye decides to come back down, and Dora moves aside for him to turn around. 

RedEye slides back down. Good job, RedEye, for almost making it to the top. The bright spot behind RedEye's head is the top opening of the tube. When RedEye comes back down, Giggles decides to accompany him back to the hillside trail. With Dora already reaching the top, Sofia and CC follow up the tube, using legs, strong grips on the rocks and the rope, making it to the top of the tube.

The top of the tube is quite narrow. As we three make it out, we begin to try to find our way back to the lower road. We instantly become lost, as there is no sign of any trail. 

We figure by following a parallel path to the coastline, and then turn right for the road, we should be okay. Brave Sofia follows without complaint of panic.

In the middle of the jungle, we fine war time souvenir of beer bottles.

After crashing through thick foliages and unmarked ground, we finally see ribbons and a trail leading back to the lower road.

Happy Dora. We're saved! 

With initially missing the turnoff, the tube experiences, and then getting lost in the woods, the hike takes nearly four hours. It is very much fun.  

Naftan Beach

Saturday's rain seems to be non-stop. We hold our breath for a better Sunday hiking morning, as we plan to start from Hawaiian Rock once more. Except we don't plan to go to the big gun. Instead, we will find the trail to the beach. Sunday early morning, though not quite sunny, is not raining. We meet at the parking area with RedEye, Cutie, Chops, Ewok, Spicegirl, Scout, Aaron, Boy, and CC. 

CC makes an announcement to declare the winner of the "Shoe Guessing Game". Ewok wins the prize, even though he has gone counter-closkwise instead of the instruction for clockwise! Chops misses only by mixing two very similar looking legs. :-) CC presents a can of AlmondRoca to Ewok. 

The Naftan trail is, although muddy, much drier than it was last week. Soon we see the ribbons marking the cross-over path to the lower Naftan trail. This path seems to have been somewhat neglected. Although passable, it is overgrown. Cutie finds her way through the thick foliage. 

Chops, Spicegirl, Cutie, and RedEye seem lost in the jungle.

A surprise find in the jungle, probably by a fisherman.

A detour from the lower trail takes us to the beach. The path we take is a bit steep. Cutie gingerly lowers herself.

 

A stop on the ledge overlooking the water. We are half way down. Cutie takes a closer look.

 

View from the ledge.

 

From the ledge is another steep drop. Ewok getting ready for the challenge.

 

Chops seems to enjoy a comfortable seat, the next move is not quite as comfortable, dropping down a cliff.

 

Scout waits at the bottom of the cliff with a helping hand, and Spicegirl recording the action.

 

Coming down backward, and carefully placing her feet, with Scout's help, Chops makes it to the beach.

 

A big Hi-Five for the success, with Spicegirl, Chops, Aaron, Scout, and boy. Scout goes back up the cliff to find RedEye and Cutie who are taking a more moderate path down. Scout will guide them down.

 

With everyone successfully making it to the beach, it's snacks time. A sudden rainfall forces everyone to scramble further down the beach for shelter. RedEye and Cutie enjoy the scenery, while everyone else enjoys the food.

 

The Rock Island.

 

Scout shows the group a "tunnel" that goes from the beach to the upper landing. RedEye checks it out to decide whether to climb up. Boy waits for his turn.

 

Cutie, Spicegirl, Chops, Ewok, and Scout waiting for RedEye's decision.

 

While everyone is hesitating, Aaron decides to go up the tunnel. With that, Scout and Spicegirl have to follow. The rest of the group decide to forgo the adventure this time, and take the regular path back up to the trail.

 

RedEye's mishap, falling forward on the slippery rocks, skinny his elbow and perhaps cracking his tooth. Helpful Ewok pointing out the two injured locations...

 A fun hike brings everyone back to the cars. CC, Cutie, RedEye, Chops, Boy, Spicegirl, Ewok, Aaron, and Scout.