Banaderu Climb

With several hikers off island and others very busy, we do not expect many participants for this Sunday's mountain climbing to Suicide Cliff. So it is not a surprise that four (actually five) of us meet at the Korean monument in Marpi at 6 a.m. 
Despite some good rainfalls in the Garapan area the previous day, no sign of any precipitation in Marpi area. 
An anxious PanPan with Scout, Soccerfish, CB and CC wait for a few minutes at the parking lot, then all agree to start the hike. 

A narrow opening around the bougainvillea plant behind the monument leads us to the trail head. Following the yellow caution tapes tied to the trees, we are able to follow quite easily through the rocky trail.

Crab hunters have set up crab traps along the trail. Currently no takers...

SoccerFish and CB taking a stroll through the thick boonies trail.

Soon enough the climb begins. There is a series of relentless rocks and boulders that test our lungs and legs. Even the very enthusiastic young PanPan starts to drag himself slowly up the steep incline. An occasional rest and catching of our breath bring us to the next level.

The first lookout has a clear view of the road below and the ocean beyond.

Another steep climb and a rest, Scout and SoccerFish are ready to tackle the next phase.

A hollowed out tree along the path.

Nearing the top, CB takes a few steps down the trail before coming to the field of cadena de amor where we have been blocked from continuing on the trail in December, 2015. Nowe we wonder if the field and beyond are still overgrown and blocking the trail. If that is the case, we plan to turn around and go back down the mountain.

We are pleasantly surprised that the trail continues through the field. Although Scout and SoccerFish have taken a detour and are coming from below the trail. SoccerFish is now finding his way through the field. We have noticed, however, that the vines seem to have been sprayed with weed killer even though the resilient new vines are starting to grow over the dead ones.

We are delighted to see the cactus plant at the end of the trail, signaling that we have arrived! It has taken us just over one hour to reach the top.

We enjoy the snacks in the cool gentle breeze, and "endure" SoccerFish's nonstop story and joke telling. It is a pleasant spot to share our goodies. 

Suddenly an apparition appears out of the boonies...Waldo catches up with us. He has started his hike fifteen minutes after us. We continue to enjoy our snacks.

Soon Scout has to leave for an important appointment. The rest of us stay and relax and feel no rush to go anywhere.

We finally decide to head back down. Waldo uses the old metal had rail to step down. Going down the steep slopes are usually very tough on the knees.

Taking a rest on the big tree trunk next to the big cave on the cliff. This is our favorite spot to catch our breath and to have a peek out at he ocean through the trees. After this rest, Waldo decides to take a detour to explore some more.

Interesting.

CB and CC are the last two standing!

We are very happy that the Banaderu trail is completely open. It is a great hike both ways. We look forward to doing it again soon...