Micronesia. Check out some of my other trips on my web site at Feel free to send me any comments at

Transcription

1 Micronesia I just came back from almost a month in the South Pacific. It was a long distance from Alaska, as I racked up over 25,000 frequent flyer miles on this trip. But, it was well worth it as Micronesia is that rare combination of physical beauty, perfect weather augmented by a culture centered on human kindness. Here are a very few of the pictures that I took. Primarily it was a trip for SCUBA diving, but I tried to give an idea of some of the beauty above sea level. The islands are not developed by western standards. But, they enjoy a wealth that few every experience. Check out some of my other trips on my web site at Feel free to send me any comments at LEWolfe@yahoo.com. Thanks, Larry ~

2 Micronesia The Federated States of Micronesia has approximately citizens and is located in western Pacific Ocean about 2,500 southwest of Hawaii. It consists of four main island groups of the Caroline Islands, Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Yap. Palau, part of the Caroline Islands, is now an independent nation, and is not considered a part of the Federated States of Micronesia. There are over 600 volcanic islands and low-lying coral atolls in Micronesia. The highest point is over 2,500 ft above sea level. This was the location of some of the most fearsome battles in WW II. Truk Lagoon (Chuuk Island) is filled with Japanese wreckage sunk by US forces in These wrecks are well preserved at a relatively shallow depth ( feet below the surface). The cargo holds still have their bounty intact after these many years. The clear warm water makes this an extraordinary scuba diving experience. Micronesia was under United States control until 1991 when the islands gained total independence. The government is representative and the economy still revolves around subsistence farming and fishing. Fruit exports, fishing rights and U.S. financial aid generate additional cash revenues. These beautiful islands have significant tourism potential, but it has grown slowly because of the island's poorly developed infrastructure and isolated location. These tropical islands enjoy consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. Most of the islands enjoy over 300 inches of rain annually that is over 25 feet of rain per year. It is very humid year around.

3 This is Kwajalein Atol. This is in the Marshall Islands and is a high security area of the US. This is one of the space launch locations where many, many satellites are launched here. And, this is where the bogeys are launched to test our missile defense system.

4 Where is Micronesia? It is in the South Pacific just about on the equator. It is part of the region known as the Pacific Islands. They consider the indigenous people from Hawaii, Taiwan, Tahiti, Samoa, Fiji, etc to be their kin people. However, this close genetic grouping did not prevent them from centuries of warfare. There is still animosity between the peoples of some of these islands.

5 This picture is a typical scene in this beautiful part of the world. It is perhaps the most beautiful place on earth. Not only the islands and weather, but the people and their culture.

6 My first stop was Yap Island. I stayed in Colonia which is one of the more developed locations on the island. They use dance as a way of passing down the culture and traditions of their ancestors. Upper body clothing has been optional for hundreds of years and still is today. This is the location of stone money large (and heavy) circular stones which is used for public tender. Also, Yap is known for its incredibly beautiful sea life including giant manta rays. There are over 130 islands that make up the State of Yap stretching nearly 600 miles.

7 This is the hotel in Yap. It is made from natural fibers (mostly). We had no phone or TV, but we did have electricity sometimes. Oh, and lots and lots of mosquitoes. It was very beautiful in its natural setting.

8 The local street signs. This was on one of the major intersections in Yap. It is very hard to get lost with only one paved road. Check out the stone money bank. Not the traditional bank

9 This is a picture of the famous stone money of Yap. This piece is approximately two feet in diameter. It is quarried in Palau and taken to Yap by boat. Stone money is much like the western concept of home equity. No one can put equity in their pocket, and it can not be used in direct purchase at a store. Like home equity, stone money has a value determined by a local expert. Once value is established, that value can be used for the purchase of goods and services. Some of the factors in determining the value of this stone include how long it took to quarry it, how many lives were lost in the transportation to Yap, etc.

10 The diving in Yap was wonderful. We saw lots of giant manta rays. On one dive I was hanging out in an underwater canyon. Something caught my eye. I turned around to see a giant ray with a 10+ ft wing span. They are gentle creatures and easily frightened. I just stayed at that depth. The giant ray gracefully moved its wing over my head as I hovered. I was no more than 5 feet from an eye what checked me out as it glided past. What an experience!!

11 This is the captain of our dive boat. I took it as the boat shifted so it came out blurry. Notice his teeth. They are red. This comes from chewing betelnut. Betelnut is a nut that grows abundantly in Micronesia. The locals chew it with leaves. It turns the mouth red as the natural juices mix with saliva. The nut gives a euphoric state of mind to the person chewing it. It is widely used on the island by all ages and completely legal. And, you thought that it was the sun, sea and temperatures that made the South Pacific lifestyle so laid back.

12 The next stop was the Palau Republic. The republic consists of 5 main islands and at least 200 smaller islands known as rocks. The Germans occupied Palau in the early 20 th century. The Japanese ruled these islands after the end of WW I to the end of WW II. Palau was their main South Pacific headquarters and there are lots of war reminents.

13 Palau passes its myths, history and culture through the use of Story Boards. The story boards can be any shape, and they are often the shape of sea creatures. This myth is of a magical man who caused fish to come up to a village through a tree. He became famous as he was able to feed the entire village. Another man in the village was jealous and cut down the tree. This stopped the free lunch, and caused harm to the village. All of the story boards are hand carved out of local wood.

14 This is one of the Men s House. It is a little strange. Women have all of the power, but this building was built so the men could discuss and make decisions for the villiage. The rulers of the village were selected by women, and the royal linage comes only through the mothers. Everything in this building is natural with no nails, cement, etc.

15 This is one of the beams inside the Men s House. These cords were made from coconuts and weaved in this beautiful pattern serving a decorative and practical purpose.

16 Palau was the Japanese headquarters for their occupation of the South Pacific. Many of the buildings that they built are still standing. Here is the same building when it housed the Japanese high command and currently where it is the home for the Palau Supreme Court. I visited the building and found the head of security who was gracious enough to give me a tour. The building is much the same as it was originally. One thing stood out immediately the doors were very short by today s standards. This is where the Palau jail is located. The jail is left unlocked, even if there are prisoners inside. I asked my guide why to which he answered, Where are they going? We know every clan on the islands. The Japanese took all of the land and enslaved the people. They destroyed any record of the original owners. So, the vast majority of court cases is to determine who were the original owners. These cases are very contentious and can last for years. Once the clan is decided, they need to meet to determine who in that clan can actually occupy the land. The Japanese treatment of people is well documented. It was no different here. Horrible tales of inhuman treatment.

17 Two more of the original buildings. The top building was the main communication building for the entire South Pacific. Recently, it was the Palau Museum (notice the entry way). Now a new museum is just out of the picture to the right. The bottom picture is of the local community college. Originally, it was a barracks for Japanese troops. The US used it for a hospital, and now it is a school.

18 A season of The Survivor was shot in Palau. I ate lunch on that island between two of the dives. Our dive guide (US) worked on the show. He gave some insights into what really happened. He said that most of the series was scripted and the contestants were directed on what to say and do. Many of the challenges were rigged with many, many takes until it was done just as the director wanted. I guess that the producers are not going to leave it to chance when that kind of money is involved.

19 This is the office of the President of Palau. I just walked into the office from the street and spoke to his secretary. As fate had it, The President had just finished his weekly radio broadcast when I arrived. He was leaving the office and I met him! A very cordial person. It was truly a pleasant experience. It was much the same when I met the Prime Minister in the Czech Republic. Both very close and accessible to the people they govern. As I left I thought of what a different experience this is from what we have to endure with our current President neither close or accessible. Some would say that is because there are those who would want to hurt our president. The first two presidents of Palau were assassinated, yet they feel that having a President close to the people is more important than personal safety. Maybe Palau can give us a lesson in how a democracy should work.

20 The final stop was to visit the magnificent island of Chuuk. The outer barrier reef forms a natural barrier and is dotted with coconut palms. The high islands in the central lagoon made this a perfect place for the Japanese to repair their damaged vessels. This was their Pearl Harbor and the US forces exacted a heavy price. That action along with its vast, shallow, beautiful lagoon is one of the world s premier wreck dive sites. More than 50 sunken ships are visited by divers from all over the world. The vast selection of artifacts are still a marvel to anyone who visits this beautiful lagoon.

21 Here are some of the more notable wrecks and their locations. I lost my spare dive computer on the Fujikawa. It is a Genesis hockey puck. So, let me know if you happen to find it. 1- Shinkoku Maru One of Chuuk's most beautiful wrecks, the Shinkoku was a large oil tanker that now rests upright on an even keel. The bow gun and most exposed structures are overgrown with luxurious corals, hydroids and sponges, all of it swirling with thousands of fish. In the bridge you can admire the encrusted engine telegraph and helm. The galley still holds an interesting array of dishes, utensils and a large stove. 2 Heian Maru Originally utilized as a submarine tender and cargo ship, the Heian Maru measures 510 feet in length, making it the largest ship in the lagoon. The small aft hold still contains ammunition, while near the galley, divers can admire an assortment of teacups and plates. 3 Nippo Maru This cargo ship with a length of 353 feet suffered little damage and makes for an intriguing dive. The holds contain a full battery of 5-inch guns and there are four Japanese antitank guns on the starboard deck in hold number four. The galley and aft part of the superstructure are accessible. The Nippo features the most picturesque bridge of all wrecks, with the sponge-encrusted helm and engine telegraph engulfed by a cloud of silver sweepers. 4 Susuki Destroyer Known as Patrol Boat 34 at the time of sinking, the Susuki is so shallow, even snorklers can enjoy this prolific wreck. The wreck is best known for its engine room, but divers will also find gas masks and other fascinating artifacts on the deck. The wreck boasts colorful soft coral and sponge growth as well as countless species of fish. 5 San Francisco Maru A mysterious and deep dive, the San Francisco still cradles many large, well-preserved war relics. Tanks rest on the main deck, while the forward hold contains mines. In the fourth hold, two trucks make unique photo subjects. 6 Hoki Maru Although this wreck is only partially intact, it makes for a spectacular dive. The aft hold is full of trucks and road equipment. Other holds contain an assortment of bombs and sake bottles. The masts and superstructure are adorned by crimson sponges. 7 Fujikawa Maru This fairly shallow cargo ship is considered one of Chuuk's "must dives." The Mitsubishi-built ship features a bow gun encrusted by multi-colored sponges and coral. The bow is blanketed with soft corals, fans and sea anemones, while the holds contain a water tank, ammunition for the bow gun, propeller blades, cowling and many other aircraft parts. There are also partly disassembled fighter planes together with fuselage parts and other equipment. The superstructure with pilothouse, baths, staterooms, galley and engine room are easily accessible and quite interesting. 8 Yamagiri Maru This Japanese freighter came to rest on her port side after she was hit repeatedly during air strikes over the lagoon. Almost completely intact, the Yamagiri is endowed with fantastic soft coral and varied sponges. The holds contain a variety of artifacts, including huge 18-inch artillery shells. 9 Sankisan Maru The Sankisan sunk after suffering a hit to an aft hold full of ordinance, causing a devastating explosion. However, what is left of the wreck makes for an excellent dive for both snorklers and divers. The shallow masts are endowed with dense soft coral growth, while the cargo areas hold truck chassis and ammunition.

22 The next few slides are of actual Japanese equipment and munitions that are on the sunken ships of Truk Lagoon. I was amazed at how accessible these ships were. This diving is for more advanced divers as most require penetration into small and dark places. Everything was perfectly fine with one exception. I was diving on the Yamagiri with a diver from Portugal. We were going down into the ship through a small hatch. He was ahead of me and entered the area feet first. This is very unusual as most divers enter head first to be able to see. It is very easy to back out with neutral buoyancy. I followed him head first. The time it took the Portugal diver to get allowed the lead diver to get far enough ahead that we could not see his light once we were inside. We were in an area that seemed about 10 feet cubed. The other diver began to panic and started flailing around. I noticed what was happening, so I turned off my light and found a spot as far away from him as I could get. (One of the first thing panicked divers to is begin to grab breathing equipment from anyone around them. I did not want to lose my regulator inside that hull.) He was getting pretty agitated, and it took him a few minutes to find his way out. I waited a few more minutes just to make sure he was far away. I could not see inside the ship because he kicked up a lot of silt from the hold. I cautiously found my way out and continued the dive. As you can imagine, I never dived with him again.

23 Box of rounds Loose rounds in the hold A Japanese tank Bottles and bottles of Sake

24 A tracked vehicle, probably a bulldozer The engine room Another Japanese tank Taking care of nature

25 A torpedo A truck. I touched the rubber and it felt normal Ever want to sit in a Zero cockpit A Zero spare engine

26 A Palau sunset taken from my hotel room.

27 A sunset from the dive boat in Truk Lagoon

28 Micronesia That is just a very few picture of my trip. I hope that you liked them. Check out some of my other trips on my web site at Feel free to send me any comments at LEWolfe@yahoo.com. Thanks, Larry ~