And we have a storm folks. Typhoon Wutip is headed our way. Closest approach expected Saturday, bringing tropical storm strength to Guam and Yap as it passes between the two islands. Though it seems to be veering towards Guam more and more. Check my weather page for further updates.
I don’t think I mentioned it lately, but the wind turbine that GPA installed several years ago that powered my neighborhood has been down since early September. The turbine featured this collapsible system that allowed GPA employees to lower the turbine when typhoons or other high winds were expected, or for servicing.
Apparently the turbine was damaged during storm preparations a few months ago and it cannot be fixed by GPA. They’ve sought assistance from the French company that sold the turbine, and the generator is offline until further notice. That’s a drag. I really think they need to deploy more wind turbines here on Guam to meet our energy needs instead of building more fossil fuel plants. It gets pretty windy here, especially during dry season when the trade winds are blowing.
Once again, I am reposting the hiking schedule for the Guam Boonie Stompers here on my site… I intend to post these to the calendar when I get a chance, but at the moments, let’s just post this list here. Heading into the dry season, the Boonie Stompers post some of their signature hikes at this time of the year: The Southern Mountains hike, Anao Point, Mount Jumulong-Manglo and Tarzan Falls are all great hikes and must-see places on Guam. One of my New Year’s Resolutions is to get back into hiking, so perhaps you will see me on the trails some Saturday this year.
22 Dec Ghost CaveDifficult 3 hours for 2 miles We trek through one of Guam’s central rivers to get to amazing rock formations that are rare to see. We wade through the river that goes through a long rock tunnel. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, swim suit, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Riverwalking and some sword grass.
29 Dec Alutom FallsMedium 3 hours for 2 miles We hike to a cooling and scenic waterfall in central Guam. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swimsuit, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Steep slopes, mud, and climbing with a rope.
Jan 05 AnaoDifficult 5 hours for 2 miles We descend the northeastern cliff to the coastline and head north for a view of the massive landslide from the 1993 earthquake. Bring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Hiking over rough rocks and a long ascent.
Jan 12 La Sa Fua RiverMedium 3 hours for 1 miles We explore the waterfalls of a southwestern Guam valley. Bring: 2 liters water, swim suit, water shoes, hiking shoes, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Some steep slopes, wet rocks, and walking in water.
Jan 19 Mt. Santa Rosa Cave Difficult 3 hours for 0.5 miles We explore a unique cave along the volcanic/limestone geological junction. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, long pants, insect repellent, lunch, camera, and flashlights. Special condition: Climbing in narrow cave passages with water.
Jan 19 MOONIE STOMP Atillong AchoDifficult 4 hours for 2.2 miles We hike down a long narrow ridge with excellent views, then climb over the two volcanic black rock hills, Atillong Acho, to the coastline. Bring 3 quarts water, hiking shoes, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent. Special conditions: Steep slopes, sword grass, walking over rough rocks.
Jan 26 Tarzan Falls with Cross Island optionVery Difficult 6 hours for 7 miles We journey to a series of three cooling waterfalls in central Guam, a great family hike. The more adventurous can continue on to Lower Sigua Falls and out to Turner Road. Bring: 2 quarts water, hiking shoes, gloves, swimsuit, sun screen, lunch, insect repellent, and camera. Special Conditions: muddy trail, several hills up and down, slippery rocks.
Feb 02 Mt. Jumulong-MangloMedium 3 hours for 2.2 miles We hike up to the large cross on top of a mountain next to Mt. Lamlam. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, rough rocks, and steep slopes.
Feb 09 Ben’s Falls Difficult 4 hours for 0.7 miles We journey to 2 waterfalls in southern Guam. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, water shoes, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Walking in water, swordgrass, and climbing one steep slope with a rope.
Feb 16 Sella Bay Medium 4 hours for 1.5 miles We hike to the scenic bay to snorkel and explore the old Spanish bridge, Spanish oven, and ancient chamorro latte. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, swim suit, snorkel gear, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera.
Feb 23 Ija to Mt. SchroederVery Difficult 5 hours for 4 miles We hike to hell and beyond! We begin with the long uphill climb to Mt. Sasalaguan with its outstanding views, then traverse through Atete to Mt. Schroeder with its great views. Bring: 4 quarts water, good shoes, gloves, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and camera. Special conditions: Sword grass, little shade, a lot of steep climbing, and a long hard hike.
Mar 02 Lower Sigua Falls Difficult 5 hours for 6 miles We trek over the hills of central Guam to two great waterfalls. Bring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, steep slopes, walking in water, little shade, and a long hike.
Mar 09 Taguan North
Mar 16 Southern Mountains to InarajanVery Difficult 7 hours for 12 miles We hike up and over Mount Jumujong Manglo to Inarajan. Bring: 5 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, sun screen, insect repellant, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, little shade, a lot of climbing, and a seriously long hike.
Mar 23 Pagat Loop Difficult 4 hours for 2.5 miles We descend the cliff and through the limestone forest to explore the coastline with a great view north and then head to the ancient Chamorro village and cave. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, swim suit, water shoes, flashlight, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Stretches of steep climbing, walking in cave water, and over rough limestone rocks.
Mar 30 LajunaDifficult 4 hours for 4 miles We descend the northeastern cliff to the coastline and head north for a view of the massive landslide from the 1993 earthquake. Bring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Hiking over rough rocks and a long ascent.
I am reposting the hiking schedule for Q4 of 2018 here from the Boonie Stompers Facebook page. When I get some time in the next few days, I will post to my calendar here. Or maybe not. I’ve kind of decided that the Time.ly calendar is kind of a pain to schedule things.
HIKING SCHEDULE:
06 Oct Upper Lonfit Very Difficult 5 hours for 4 miles
We hike to the picturesque Lonfit Falls, then hike to the upper reaches of the Lonfit River past an endless series of waterfalls, including swimming, jumping, a flume canyon, and a rope swing. Bring: 3 quarts water, get wet shoes, gloves, sun screen, insect repellant, lunch, snacks, and a camera. Special conditions: extensive walking in water, slippery rocks, steep slopes, mud, sword grass, a long hike, and mosquitoes.
13 Oct Tak’hilo Falls Very Difficult 6 hours for 4 miles
We hike to the tallest waterfall on Guam with excellent views along the way, then walk down a pristine jungle river in a steep walled gorge with 3 major waterfalls that allow jumping and swimming. Bring: 4 quarts water, hiking shoes, gloves, sun screen, insect repellent, camera, lunch, and snacks. Special conditions: Mosquitoes, very steep slopes up and down, walking in water, sword grass, and more mosquitoes.
20 Oct Sinisa Falls Very Difficult 5 hours for 6 miles
We hike over the hills of central Guam to Tank Farm, then visit a secluded, beautiful 50 foot falls. We then hike along two rivers with many smaller waterfalls to end up at Lower Sigua Falls for jumping and swimming. Bring: 4 quarts water, get wet shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, snacks, and camera. Special conditions: Rope climbing, steep slopes, slippery mud, and walking in water.
27 Oct San Carlos Difficult 4 hours for 3 miles
We journey to a picturesque 40 foot waterfall with a great swim hole. Then we follow a beautiful pristine jungle river to a smaller waterfall with good ledges for jumping, swimming, eating lunch, and relaxing . Bring: 3 quarts water, get wet shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Steep slopes, walking in water, mud, rocky slippery river walking, and climbing down with a rope.
03 Nov Canuon River Difficult 5 hours for 3 miles
We explore a tributary of the Tarzan River, hiking up the river in a deep gorge with huge boulders to hike over, under and around, rock formations, waterfalls, and small swimming pools. Bring: 3 quarts water, waling in water shoes, gloves, swimsuit, sun screen, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Hiking over rough rocks, walking in the slippery river, possible overgrown trail, some sword grass.
10 Nov Tarzan Falls
17 Nov Agafayan Falls & River Medium 4 hours for 2.5 miles
We enjoy views, fight through tall sword grass, then descend to the Agfayan River ledges for jumping, sliding, and swimming. We then hike up the picturesque middle falls, enjoy the shaded Agfayan Falls, continue to Cannonball Falls, and circle back to the start. Bring: 3 quarts water, get wet shoes, gloves, sun screen, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Sword grass, walking in water, slippery rocks, and a fairly long hike.
24 Nov Tony’s Falls Easy/Medium 3 hours for 1 mile
We take a great family hike to cliffs overlooking the Asan battlefield, then follow the open ridge down , with both an easy and medium trail option to Tony’s waterfalls, where the jumping and swimming are great. Bring: 2 quarts water, get wet shoes, gloves, swim suit, sun screen, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Some sword grass, rocky trail, walking in water, and moderately steep slopes.
So that was a few days without power. It died out late Monday afternoon, and it just came back about two hours ago. Good thing, as we were about to go buy a generator tomorrow if this continued. Super hot last night. No power, not a breath of wind, really muggy. Ugh. It was miserable.
Color Guam fared pretty well. The breadfruit tree behind the studio blew over, luckily in the opposite direction and not into our building. However, the power line into the building went with it. It’s probably going to take awhile for that to get repaired. The power authority is prioritizing other areas now.
Super typhoon Mangkhut is headed towards the Philippines and it is now a Category 5 monster. Current track has it passing just north of Luzon and barrelling straight towards Hong Kong by next Sunday. Good luck people.
We have a typhoon heading for us. Looks like closest approach will be tomorrow evening. Current track has it passing just north of Guam, but that can certainly change. Check my weather links page for all the details.
I spent the day securing the house, putting up the shutters, packing stuff inside, doing laundry, gassing the vehicles. A thousand things to do – and now securing my work place. I am tired. Bone tired.
Ya got trouble, my friend, right here,
I say, trouble right here in Guam.
Trouble with a capital “T”
And that rhymes with “T”
Which stands for typhoon!
Looks like this is going to be a doozy. Maybe Category 4 super-typhoon by the time it gets here on Tuesday, September 11. That forecast says 165 knots – which is like 189 mph. Goddamn. I hope this thing veers away.
The storm has a name now. Tropical Storm Maria is moving away from Guam and the Marianas to the north-northwest at 10 mph, with maximum winds of 65 mph.
Here’s the storm track one last time…
I’m at work, and the power’s still out back home. Checking on that now, but I think it might be awhile. Here’s the situation about a mile down the road from my house.
Downed power poles and lines on Cross-Island Road by Tarzan Falls. Roads closed at this time.
That’s it for storm updates. Going back into stealth mode now…
Made it through the night. A palm tree blew down last night. Actually happened while I was outside bringing the dogs in. That was the height of excitement for us.
I’m surprised that the trash collectors came through overnight and picked up my trash. Coolio. Power’s still out. Not coolio.
Don’t have any position updates, I know it past around 3 am and things are slowly calming down. I think it churned right over us because it was pretty rowdy for a few hours there. Last storm track had it going over southern Guam.
So the power went out around 9:00 pm tonight. Winds are picking up but nothing really sketchy yet.
Might as well get some shut eye. Though it is funky how now I can still be connected on my phone, check the radar and forecast, even post here from my phone.
Just got back inside after clearing stuff up outside. Still not much activity; some rain, a little wind. The literal calm before the storm. So I stuck the Guam radar image over there on the sidebar just now. You can see the swirls…
Heading into town to secure the art studio now. While the windows are not a worry, the ceiling in the studio has a few leaks. Need to make sure the buckets are placed in the right places and everything is secure outside in the parking lot and behind the building.
Latest forecast #5 predicts a closer approach around 4 am tomorrow morning. Things are calm right now. Forecast calls for 39 mph winds tonight. Debating whether I put up shutters or not. Probably not. Need to secure stuff in the yard and carport though.
Shades of 2002, when Typhoon Chata’an hit right around Independence Day
Tropical Depression 10W is churning away south of Guam right now. Closest approach expected in 36-48 hours. Tomorrow night, Thursday morning. Going to be a wet July 4th.
Here’s the latest like I’ve gotten from the Guam Boonie Stompers Facebook page:
HIKING SCHEDULE:
16 JUN Southeast Coast Difficult 6 hours for 5 miles We hike along this remote Asiga coastline with a few stops to cool off in the water. Bring: 4 quarts water, hiking boots, water shoes, swim suit, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Long stretches of walking in water, over rough rocks, no shade, and possible hazardous surf.
23 JUN Gun to Tanguisson Medium 4 hours for 1.8 miles We pass below the imposing cliffs of Two Lovers Point, visit latte, and explore the coastline with a cooling dip in the ocean. Snorkeling if waves are low. Bring; 2 liters water, hiking boots, swimsuit, water shoes, snorkeling gear, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Some walking in water and over rough rocks.
30 JUN Option 1: Mt. Tenjo to Maguagua Medium 4 hours for 3.7 miles or Option 2: Mt. Tenjo to Tarzan Falls Difficult 5 hours for 5 miles We hike from Mt. Tenjo to one of two waterfalls. Along the way we will see some of the remnants of the defensive positions taken up by U.S. forces at the time of WWI and WWII. Bring: 3 to 4 liters of water, hiking boots, long pants, long sleeved shirt, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, swimsuit, and camera. Special conditions: deep swordgrass, steep rocky slopes, possible climbing with a rope and long distances.
Jul 07 Liberation Stomp Easy 4 hours for 2.5 miles We travel to several sites for short walks to historic features for the Liberation of Guam in July 1944. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Short climbs and possible mud, slippery slopes, and swordgrass at Mount Alifan.
Jul 14 Tinta, Faha, Priest’s Pools Easy 4 hours for 1.5 miles We hike to the Merizo Massacre Sites of World War II and then cool off in the freshwater pools of the Pigua River. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swim suit, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special condition: mud.
Jul 21 Invasion Hike to Tony’s Falls Difficult 4 hours for 1.5 miles We retrace the 21 July route of the U.S. Third Marine Division from Asan to the heights above and end up cooling off at a nearby waterfall. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swim suit, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass and steep slopes.
Jul 28 Libugon to Fonte Swim Hole Medium 3 hours for 2 miles We’ll visit the ruins of the historic site U.S. Navy radio station. Then we’ll hike to the 1910 dam and explore the valley downstream and cool off in the pools. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, water shoes, gloves, swim suit, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, and steep slopes
Jul 28 Moonie Stomp – Mt. Jumullong Medium 3 hours for 2.2 miles We hike up to the large cross on top of a mountain next to Mt. Lamlam. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, insect repellent, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, rough rocks, and steep slopes.
Aug 4 Guatali Falls Difficult 5 hours for 3.2 miles We hike from the central mountains of Guam into a pristine valley with 2 waterfalls and a swimming hole. Bring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Walking in water, climbing with a rope, and a long hike up and out.
Aug 11 Ylig Bay to Tagachang Medium 4 hours for 2 miles We explore the headlands, beaches, and reefs of eastern Guam at Yona. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Walking in water, a short stretch of rough rocks, and possible surf.
Aug 18 Tinago Medium 3 hours for 3 miles We trek to a series of waterfall cascades in southeastern Guam. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swim suit, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Possible slippery mud.
Aug 25 Tarzan Falls Medium 3 hours for 1.4 miles We journey to a series of cooling waterfalls. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swimsuit, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and camera.
Sep 01 Ben’s Falls with Mt. Lamlam option Difficult 6 hours for 3 miles We journey to 3 waterfalls on the Sella River in southern Guam. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, water shoes, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Walking in water through rocky river, steep slopes through swordgrass, and climbing waterfalls with a rope.
Sep 08 Tagu’on Medium 3 hours for 1.2 miles We descend 256 steps to a rugged coastline of northeastern Guam and snorkel if the water is calm. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swim suit, snorkel gear, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Walking on rough rocks, in the water, and possible surf.
Sep 15 Waterfall Valley Medium 4.5 hours for 1 miles A couple of short hikes to a series of waterfalls in southeastern Guam. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swimsuit, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Walking in water, slippery mud, and climbing with a rope.
Sep 22 Mt. Finansanta & Geus River Very Very Difficult 7 hours for 5 miles Our hardest hike, three difficult hikes strung together. We visit 2 mountains with fantastic views, a pristine jungle river, and swim, jump, and slide spots. Bring: 4 liters water, strong shoes, gloves, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch and snacks, and camera. Special conditions: Sword grass, steep slopes, walking in water, slippery rocks, more sword grass.
Sep 29 Cetti Seven Falls Very Difficult 5 hours for 1.2 miles We descend into the Cetti Valley and then climb up all 7 waterfalls. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Steep slopes, swordgrass, walking in water, and serious rope climbing. This stomp is for experienced boonie stompers.
This post on Kevin Kelly’s Cool Tools blog is the funniest thing I’ve stumbled across in a long time. I sent this on Whats App to somebody the other day and he thought it was an actual advertising circular I was sending him.
My favorite? Either the 8 function electronic multi-tool (AC/DC current tester, meat thermometer, gaydar, searchable bible, paternity tester and corn on the cob holder) or the 12 hp, 4500 watt noise and fume generator (“take it camping and destroy the peace and quiet of everyone around you!”)
