Naftan Re-Opened

This is what Naftan Trail looks like in October, 2015, two months after Typhoon Soudelor. 

Remember we try to hike on it in October. The trail is completely covered with vines for as far as our eyes can see, and we have to stop when there is no way to proceed any further. We wonder how long it will take to clear off the vines and how anyone can find the original trail from Hawaiian Rock to the big gun.

On January 24th, after learning that the trail has been re-opened, we decide to find out if it is really true. At 6:30 a.m. CB, Waldo, CC, Mary, and Linn meet at the parking area for the adventure. After waiting for ten minutes, not knowing whether anyone else will join us, we decide to go ahead.

We are immediately impressed by how wide the trail is. The previously hidden cliff, the existence of which we are not aware of, is now completely exposed. We also don't see much vines anywhere. The trail is wide enough to drive on.

As we happily trek up the road, we suddenly hear someone calling us. Looking back, we see Giggles running, huffing and puffing up the trail, trying to catch up. She arrives a few minutes late. We are very happy to see her...

Waldo and Mary on the wide open road. There are many orange ribbons marking the road and various side trails leading to points of interest. We decide to explore some of the side trails.

A strange looking contraption on the side of this trail. Waldo tries to figure out what it is, but not quite sure.

Another side trail takes us around the cliff line. There are many ribbons marking the trail, leading us further into the boonies.

A metal frame of unknown origin on the ground. We have not been able to identify it. 

We decode not to go too far on this side trail, as we can explore this area on a future hike.  

A previously familiar side trail takes us to the metal railing above the cliff and crashing waves below. The railing is almost all gone. As we wander around the field, we are amazed at how brown the grass and how bare the trees are. This area has not recovered from the typhoon's devastation. Even the recent rains have not helped.  

Someone has left a chair weighted down with rocks. It is quite windy here. Maybe the chair has been blown over here during the typhoon?

Giggles, Mary, and Linn leaving the desert-like field, back to the main road. Part way, we make a side tour into a narrow trail, following a bunch of ribbons and the neatly chopped-off tangan-tangan bushes. CB is still exploring the railing and cliff edge. We come to a dead end on this narrow trail, so we turn back and resume our walk to the main road where we turn left to continue our hike to the point.

The big gun is in the bunker, a little worse off than before, but still impressive. Linn takes a rest on it.

Out by the field, Mary walks over to some rocks, and discovered this bomb disintegrated on the ground. It is marked with a pink ribbon.

We move away a little bit and spread out our snacks. At this point, we find out that CB has taken a right turn on the main road, instead of a left, and that has lead her back to the parked cars. She does not want to turn around, and will wait for us. We enjoy our snacks, the breeze, the visit of a couple fishermen and other hikers.

Forbidden Island in the distance.

Everyone looks relaxed and ready to spend more time enjoying this great spot. But we must return to our cars.

On our way back, the sight of LauLau Bay Resort, comes into view. We find CB safe and sound. It is getting pretty hot.

This is the record of one way straight from the point back to the car. We are surprised that it is 2.83 miles one way. Double that plus all the side trails we have taken, we figure we must have logged in more than 6 miles. A very fun hike.