Naftan in the Rain

With some hikers declining to walk in the rain, five hardy bodies meet up at Naftan Road by  Hawaiian Rock, determine to walk the train, rain or shine. 

Well equipped with hiking poles, rain coats and umbrella, HandyREdEye, Cutie (with pink umbrella), Chops (with yellow rain cover), and Ewok (with newly improved raincoat) head toward Naftan trail. 

With rain from above, and pooled trenches on the path, RedEye, Chops, and Cutie manage to avoid getting their shoes too wet and muddy.

The cave that gave Kento the Superman name is now partially blocked by new growth trees and fallen branches. It offers an inviting exploration for the future, when the weather is dry.

A side trail takes us to the cliff line where the once sturdy railing has all but fallen apart. HandyRedEye cautiously approaches the railing without leaning on it. 

First time to set eye on the spectacular view below, Ewok stands near the edge, braving the wind blowing his raincoat towards the edge. Everyone urges him to be careful. We return to the main trail.

The main Naftan trail leads us to the southern tip of Saipan. The main attraction is the cannon.  Ewok checks out the big gun in the bunker. RedEye is taking a really close look at the cannon making sure it is in good condition.

Cutie cautions RedEye not to damage the barrel.

This rock has been used for target practice with bottles and cans. Now there is a real target caved into the rock face. Chops, Cutie, and RedEye trying to see who can aim at the center with their poles.

Ewok takes the warning of "Don't go too close to the cliff edge" as a new challenge, while Chops stops at a good distance.

Satisfied with ensuring that the cliff is really a steep drop, Ewok returns to us safely.

Despite a light drizzle, we must have our snacks.

HandyRedEye, Cutie, Ewok, Chops, and CC enjoy the snacks and a photo taken with the ground a bit more slanting than the actual landscape.

After trudging through the wet and muddy trail back to the car, we take another shoe shot. This group is much easier to identify than the large group from last week. So far, no one has taken up the challenge to ID the fifteen shoes at Old Man.

HaneyRedEye shows proof of the muddy condition of the trail. It was a fun hike...