Lam Lam and the Nudies

Groceries are super expensive on Guam. That's why Darren and I tank up on gallons of water and go to Cost U Less!

Saturday morning we traveled an hour to the very tip top of the island in order to explore Ritidian Point. It used to be military land and restricted to islanders, but 40% of it is available to wander. And they are strict about the off limits land--Darren and I got chased off one of the roads.
The beach is super nice and expansive in the National Wildlife Refuge and a lot less populated than Ypao Beach.
After a few sermons on the radio on the drive home, the end of church and potluck, Darren and I pursued another climbing area the island climbers had told us about--Window Rock at the Talofofo Caves. Along our drive to the caves, Darren and I concentrated on our favorite Guam car game which consists of spotting the ubiquitous 2010 donut signs before everyone else.
Darren walking by Talofofo Bay on our way to the trailhead
We scrambled around a half a dozen caves. Some would require ropes and other gear to explore further.

One of the caves pops out into a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Rarr!!!
Descending from some jingus, rusty anchors at Window Rock. Bolts near the ocean should be titanium, but the ones here are made of stainless steel and will soon rust. Good thing they were just bolted!
Around 5PM we met some folks to climb Guam's tallest mountain--Mount Lam Lam! Although it is 1,332 feet from sea level, some say it is the tallest "mountain" because of its close proximity to the Mariana Trench.
Our plan was to hike at dusk and watch the sunset and then descend with light from the full moon. Instead Lam Lam was socked in with fog and occasional pouring rain which gave the place a sort of eery feeling especially around the crosses on the peak. There are numerous of these because every Easter many local Catholics haul up another cross processional style.



On the way down, the rain began to fall with more ferocity and we slipped and slid down through the mud. It actually made the relatively easy hike more memorable.

Sunday we went diving with Mike, Scott, Chad, and Chris in Piti. The fellas are obsessed with nudibranchs. I was so impressed that they could find the little guys! (photos by Scott Parker)

We are not quite as seasoned Guamanian divers and were just as excited about the more macro animals--except for the sea cucumber that sprouted all sorts of weird sticky strings all over my fins and leg. It was gross.