American Samoa, Day 2
Trip Start
Sep 09, 2008
1
9
23
Trip End
Sep 30, 2008
Ofu,
Manu'a Islands,
American Samoa
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
We took a long beach walk yesterday afternoon - the shore is covered in pristine coral fragments, shells, and is free from trash (unfortunately, I can't say this about beaches on Tutuila). Simply a beach in its finest form. After the walk, we returned to our cottage (larger than the Waikiki hotel room, but a lot less expensive). As the sun got lower in the sky, we noticed many small birds (White-Rumped Swiflets) and figured they were gorging on the MANY mosquitoes (yeah, they got those, too - in fact, there are 14 species of mosquitoes in American Samoa). Once outside to see the Swiflets, we also saw our first Flying Fox (really big daytime bats for the rest of you). I'd guess his wingspan at about 2 feet or so and flying very much like a large bird. He jumped in the banana tree behind our cottage and began lapping up the sap from the banana bud. After a brief time, he moved on to another tree. All in all, we saw about a dozen of these guys - VERY COOL!!
This morning, we were up with the sun and enjoyed a great breakfast courtesy of Deb and Ben. Deb looked at the tide chart and let us know that the best snorkeling today would be right then. We got into our special snorkel suits (UV protective wear) and hiked down to the National Park beach.
Another Park Site Bagged!!
As special as the beach at the Lodge is, this one goes way beyond. I really can't describe it other than to say it may be the perfect beach...clear aqua water with numerous coral heads protected by a barrier reef. Visually stunning on the surface with the imposing volcanic cliffs, we were unprepared for the beauty of the reef and the aquatic life contained within. We were impressed with the snorkeling on Oahu, but it paled in comparison to Ofu Island. Thank goodness we bought the waterproof jacket for the point & shoot camera...the images almost capture the wonder of being here. We spent a good three hours in the water, then came back to the Lodge for lunch. After an afternoon nap (this place sucks your energy away), we returned for surface photos. We walked along THE road about two miles - trying for the bridge to Olesega Island - but turned back when it became obvious we'd be late for dinner. Hustling along the road, we saw many more bats, a bunch of birds and a LOT of things to delay us.
We made it back in time for dinner, which was delicious...trying to figure out tomorrow's agenda (namely cramming as much as possible into the limited time before the flight out), we mentioned our disappointment in not getting over to Olesega, which would be yet another island to capture. Deb offered the Lodge truck for our use - in return for driving their daughter to school, we could use the truck!
So tomorrow, it is off to Olesega for a little photography, then back in the water at the National Park Beach before flying back to Tutuila.
