Mt. Tapochau

What better way to welcome the new year than to get to the highest point of the island and enjoy a 360 degrees vista? That is exactly what we plan to do for our Sunday hike. While some of us park at the Koa Lane, some park just outside of Coral Isle Condominium. Nine hikers begin an open air walk upward. This hike offers no boonies, no muddy trails, no shade. Fortunately, the sky is clear but not sunny, and the breeze is strong.

Part way up the road, we meet a group of tourists, a little lost in their search for the early morning sunrise. They have turned around before reaching the top, not being able to get a clear view, most probably for having trouble driving on the very rough road. We offer advice on where to park for a better view. 

Giggles and Rexplorer coming up to a section of the road in really bad condition. Tapachau Road has been unpaved and rough for a long time. The condition has definitely been exacerbated by the recent increases in rain storms.

Curious cats Chops and CB checking out an abandoned house. RedEye gets ready to join them.

Near the top of the mountain, looking northeast.  

At the top of Mt. Tapochau, 1554 Ft. high, looking at the western lagoon, with five prepositioning ships floating just outside of the reef.

A broad view of Susupe and Chalan Kanoa, and the ribbon of reef circling the lagoon. 

Sabana meadows and boonies, with southwestern island beyond, and Tinian in the distance.

Southeast view of Laulau Bay and the airport runway, and Naftan Point, where many of our hikes have taken us to interesting discoveries and adventures.

Settling down for a relaxed rest and snacks. CB, Rexplorer, Cutie, Chops, Ayaka, Alice around the "table", RedEye and Giggles on the ground. Jesus statue in the background.

Looking at east coast, north of Kagman. 

Chops offers a cracker to CB with a well-versed "prayer".

Celebrating her birthday Giggles brought her own birthday cake! Four carrots mark the cake (does that represent forty years?? :-) Alice gives a helping hand, while Chops makes sure the cake is cut properly. Notice the woman in the background? Remember the group of tourists who have missed the sunrise? Apparently they have decided to leave the car and to hike all the way up to the top to enjoy the view. 

  

What a cute group of happy hikers! It is a great way to begin our hiking journey for 2015. Cutie, CB, Alice, Ayaka, Chops, Rexplorer, Giggles, CC, and RedEye.

On the way down, a final view of Garapan and the beautiful lagoon with some unusual choppy waves.

A sad reminder that all is not well in road maintenance. 

The hike from Koa Lane to the top of the 1554 ft. summit is only 3.3 miles. It takes us 2 hr. 40 minutes, including the rest stop at the top.