We decide to start a new tradition of taking a group photo at the beginning of our hike just in case anyone decides to leave early during the hike and misses the after-hike photo.
Brian, RedEye, CC, Rexplorer, Giggles, Sparky, Thor, Rachel, Tina (two newbies), Ewok, Chops, CB, Cutie, Boy, and Scout. From the church we proceed towards Marpi St. and a grassy field.
Having obtained permission, during a previous hike, to walk through the field, we approach the woods. Boy decides to do a little sniffing while Scout wants to make sure he doesn't run off to check out other dogs in the area.
Rexplorer, Brian, and Scout trekking through some tall grass, and entering the boonies of Paradise Valley.
The thick forest is humid, with slippery rocks, roots, and fallen tree trunks. After Rachel scrambles under the tree trunk, Ewok bends low to follow, with Tina, Chops and others waiting their turns.
This gabion is one of two constructions found near the base of a stream bed, for erosion control to protect the village of San Roque.
An "emotional" Chops reacting to the appearance of this large shell held by Ewok.
A collection of war artillery and ammunition.
What is everyone looking at?
Arriving at the first cave, Rexplorer gives a little lecture and background of the cave and its significance.
Rachel leading the pack, with Tina, RedEye, Ewok, Chops, CB and Thor following up the slope to the cave. The ground is covered with soggy leaves and slippery rocks.
Then comes the very steep approach of loose sand and rocks, where four "legs" are better than two to make it to the top to see the iron gate.
This is actually considered as the Last Command Post where the last commander General Yoshitsugu Saito held out until the end. When he was wounded by shrapnel, he committed Sepuku, and his assistant completed his suicide by shooting him in the head instead of the traditional beheading. His American counterpart, Holland Smith, gave him a funeral with military honor.
The entrance of another cave.
This cave overlooks the cave above. Tina is standing on the edge of the window looking down and out. Others are inside the cave, with Rexplorer at the entrance.
While Ewok and Thor are busy taking photos, others are looking around, Tina is posing prettily for photo op, earning herself the hiking nickname of "Cover Girl". Welcome...
Carefully exiting the cave.
Sparky climbs up on one of the ledges, and looks down for a safe descend. After caving, we continue further into the valley to explore some more.
Crossing this large and mushroom/moss covered tree trunk takes some agility in the limbs. On the other side is a deep drop, so Chops has to scoot over for a better landing, while RedEye shows his flexibility.
Finally we find a bright spot in the thick jungle and it's snack time.
After snacks, we turn around and back to our cars. Some of the hikers take the grassy field, and some of us take the original trail through the boonies where we find this bomb. The bomb is about 14 inches long and broken into two.
An old flame tree with an unusual fin-like trunk shape.
Further down the trail, another bomb is located. This one is about two feet long and intact. Also scattered about are ceramic shards and various metal pieces. This area is the last battle ground.
All is present for the final group photo: Cutie, RedEye, Thor, Rachel, Sparky, Rexplorer, Ewok CC, Brian, Cover Girl, Giggles, Chops, CB, Scout, and Boy.
This three-hour hike is short and sweet, with a whole lot of exploration. Everyone agrees it is a five-sneakers.
Mushrooms Gallery
We have found more mushrooms in this hike than most of our hikes so far. The damp and humid atmosphere in this jungle area is perfect for mushrooms to thrive.
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