Author Archives: Thomas
COVID-19 Update
The Parallax View

Color Guam Now Streaming Video Lessons
Check out Color Guam’s new online course at Color Guam’s Website. Painting kits, courses, and of course our coloring book are all available at our online store.
Happy Easter To All
Something To Listen To While We Wait…
A Grim Meter
Working From Home
Coronavirus Hits Guam
Coronavirus K.O.’s Festpac, Marathon and More
So Long, And Thanks For All The Fish
SETI@home: SETI@home hibernationWell that’s a bummer. I started participating in SETI@Home back in 1999, and I have been running the software on every computer I’ve had since. Well almost: In 2005 SETI@Home moved to a new architecture called BOINC, and I was hesitant to sign up for a few years. Instead I doubled down on another distributed computing project I joined called Folding@Home; I felt bad that I could be using my computer’s spare cycles to work on the cure for cancer instead of looking for little green men. The idea of doing all this distributed work around the world on a common goal really interested me, both intellectually and technically. I actually got a bit obsessed with my ranking amongst all the users. Seems like a lot of other people did too... Around 2008, I started reading about another distributed computing project, something called BitCoin. The idea was to distribute the ledger amongst all the participants, and reward their efforts in computing the transaction with digital BitCoins. I was really intrigued by the idea, but I didn’t want to sacrifice my standings in SETI@Home and Folding@Home rankings, especially for something that had absolutely no value at the time. Man, I am still beating myself up for that decision. I actually started up with another BOINC based project a couple months ago, Einstein@Home, but I am not as enthused about that project. Primarily because Einstein@Home really bogs down my computer. I signed up for ClimatePrediction.net as well, but they seem to be a mothballed project like SETI@Home will soon be. So I guess I will just be folding proteins now full time instead of splitting between two projects. Till then I can admire my stats page for SETI@Home and Folding@Home.
On March 31, the volunteer computing part of SETI@home will stop distributing work and will go into hibernation. We’re doing this for two reasons: 1) Scientifically, we’re at the point of diminishing returns; basically, we’ve analyzed all the data we need for now. 2) It’s a lot of work for us to manage the distributed processing of data. We need to focus on completing the back-end analysis of the results we already have, and writing this up in a scientific journal paper. However, SETI@home is not disappearing. The web site and the message boards will continue to operate. We hope that other UC Berkeley astronomers will find uses for the huge computing capabilities of SETI@home for SETI or related areas like cosmology and pulsar research. If this happens, SETI@home will start distributing work again. We’ll keep you posted about this. If you’re currently running SETI@home on your computer, we encourage you to attach to other BOINC-based projects as well. Or use Science United and sign up to do astronomy. You can stay attached to SETI@home, of course, but you won’t get any jobs until we find new applications. We’re extremely grateful to all of our volunteers for supporting us in many ways during the past 20 years. Without you there would be no SETI@home. We’re excited to finish up our original science project, and we look forward to what comes next.
Betelgeuse Betelgeuse Betelgeuse
Thank You Schoolhouse Rock
I could go on… “So if you’re happy (HURRAY!), or sad (AWWW!), or frightened (EEEEK!), or mad (DRAT!), or excited (WOW!), or glad (Hey!), an interjection starts a sentence right.” Man, that shit is just burned into some neurons in my brain.
Volcano Erupts in Philippines



The Seed Jar
Hiker Dies In Fall At Talofofo Caves
A man died Saturday morning after he fell 100 feet inside a Talofofo cave, according to the Guam Fire Department.I checked the schedule in the post below, and yes this was the regular Saturday morning Boonie Stompers whose schedule I repost quarterly. My thoughts go out to not only this poor man, but everyone involved. You know, one of the things I remember about Mick Pexa was going on these Saturday Boonie Stomps and he would occassionally attend as well. Here’s a Youtube video posted by KUAM News with the story:
GFD spokesman Kevin Reilly reports that it happened just before 11 a.m. A Caucasian man estimated to be 50 to 60 years old fell while climbing inside the cave.
Q1 2020 Boonie Stomps
And the year 2020 is upon us. Here is the list of Boonie Stomps being put on by the Guam Boonie Stompers on Saturday mornings for the 1st quarter of 2020. Hikers meet at the center court of the Chamorro Village to sign up and get directions for that day’s hike. I believe the cost is still only a couple bucks, and you get a free t-shirt if you complete 10 boonie stomps. I don’t get much opportunity to go on these hikes anymore, watching my kids play soccer is my current Saturday morning jam, but maybe I can catch a hike once soccer season is over in the late spring. It’s a shame, since many of these hikes are truly epic boonie stomps. Anao Point, La Sa Fua River, Pagat, Southern Mountains, Tarzan Falls, these are all great, iconic hikes on Guam. Many are long marches to remote mountains and waterfalls. I have many fond memories of going on these hikes, plus my only taotaomona story I can tell occurred hiking to Inarajan Falls about 20 years ago.
- 04 Jan Talofofo Caves Medium 3 hours for 0.8 miles We explore the extensive cave system overlooking Talofofo Bay including Window Rock. Bring: flashlights, 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, long pants, sun screen, insect repellant, lunch, camera, and a flashlight. Special Conditions: Crawling in caves.
- 11 Jan Anao Difficult 5 hours for 2 milesBring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special Conditions: Hiking over rough rocks and a long ascent.
- 18 Jan La Sa Fua River Medium 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.
- 25 Jan Tarzan Falls with Cross Island option Very 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.
- 01 Feb Mt. Santa Rosa (Piggy) 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.
- 08 Feb Fadian Difficult 3 hours for 1 miles We descend to this scenic cove below the cliffs to swim and snorkel if the water is calm. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, swim suit, snorkel gear, gloves, insect repellent, sun screen sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special Conditions: A steep hill to climb and hiking over rough rocks. Possible surf.
- 15 Feb 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.
- 22 Feb Hilaan, Lost Pond & Shark’s Hole Medium 3 hours for 2.6 miles We hike north from Tanguisson Beach and snorkel at Shark’s Hole of the water is calm, also visit the fresh water pool for a cool swim in the jungle behind the beach. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, swim suit, snorkel gear, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special Conditions: Hiking over some rough rocks and in the water.
- 29 Feb Ague Cove Medium 3 hours for 0.4 miles We descend to a cove ideal for swimming and snorkeling if the water is calm. This will be a cleanup hike. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, swim suit, snorkel gear, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special Conditions: A steep slope to ascend and a few rough rocky trail areas.
- 07 Mar Southern Mountains to Ija Very Difficult 7 hours for 8 miles We climb up Mt. Jumullong-Manglo to enjoy the views, descend steeply to the long open Southern Mountains trail, passing Mt. Bolanos and Ilichos to reach Atete, crossing over to Mt. Schroeder, and making the long steep downhill climb down the ridge to Ija. Bring: 4 quarts water minimum, hiking shoes, gloves, sun screen, insect repellant, hat, lunch and snacks, and camera. Special Conditions: Sword grass, little shade, a lot of climbing, and a very long hike.
- 14 Mar Mt. Lamlam North Very Difficult 4 hours for 2.2 miles We explore the ridgeline of Guam’s tallest peak. Bring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and camera. Special Conditions: Swordgrass, rough rocks, and steep slopes.
- Mar 21 Mt. Jumulong-Manglo 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, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special Conditions: Swordgrass, rough rocks, and steep slopes.
- Mar 28 Mt. Schroeder to Inalajan Very Difficult 6 hours for 4.5 miles We hike up and over Mount Schroeder from Merizo, make the steep climb up the shoulder of Mt. Ilichos, hike up to reach Atete, and make the long trek over the southern badlands, with a short side trip to the falls, to reach Inarajan. Bring: 4 quarts water minimum, hiking shoes, gloves, sun screen, insect repellant, hat, lunch and snacks, and camera. Special Conditions: Sword grass, little shade, a lot of climbing, and a very long hike.
Vermeer
in painted quiet and concentration
keeps pouring milk day after day
from the pitcher to the bowl
the World hasn’t earned
the world’s end. -Wisława Szymborska

2019 Q4 Boonie Stomps
HIKING SCHEDULE:
- 28 SEP Inarajan Falls Difficult 4 hours for 5 miles We hike over the hills of southeastern Guam to the best waterfalls in the Western Pacific. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Long walking in sun through open, hilly terrain, climbing a steep slope with a rope, some mud.
- Oct 05 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.
- Oct 12 San Carlos and Lonfit Swim Hole Difficult 4 hours for 3.2 miles We journey to a secluded waterfall and a swimming hole in central Guam. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Steep slopes, walking in water, mud, rocky river, and climbing with a rope.
- Oct 12 5:30 PM Moonie Stomp – Mt. Jumulong-Manglo 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, sun screen, sunglasses, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, rough rocks, and steep slopes.
- Oct 19 Cetti 7 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.
- Oct 26 Upper Lonfit Falls 5 hours for 4 miles Hike 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 liters water, get wet shoes, gloves, sun screen, insect repellant, lunch, and a camera. Special conditions: extensive walking in water, slippery rocks, steep slopes, mud, sword grass.
- Nov 02 Manunu and Clint’s Falls Difficult 4 hours for 3 miles We explore a new sixty foot waterfall in the Cetti-Manunu valley. Bring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera.
- Nov 09 Agfayan Falls Medium 5 hours for 2 miles We journey to a secluded waterfall in southeastern Guam. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Some swordgrass and walking in water.
- Nov 16 Ben’s Falls to Mt Lamlam 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.
- Nov 23 Taleyfac Falls Medium 3 hours for 1 miles We walk the Taleyfac River to the falls and explore the dam. Bring: Swimsuits, 2 quarts water, shoes that can get wet, gloves, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch and a camera. Special conditions: Walking in water, climbing with ropes, swordgrass.
- Nov 30 Tony’s and Asan Falls Easy 3 hours for 1.3 miles From Asan overlook we hike down to Tony’s waterfall. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swim suit, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass and steep slopes.
- Dec 07 Sinesa Falls and Lower Sigua Very Difficult 5 hours for 6.2 miles We hike over the hills and through a gorge of southern Guam to World War II tanks and two waterfalls. Bring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, water shoes, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Rope climbing, steep slopes, slippery mud, and walking in water.
- Dec 14 Dante River Very Difficult 6 hours for 6 miles Explore the stream leading up to Dante Falls in Southeastern Guam. Bring: 4 liters water, hiking boots, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, steep slopes, and walking in water.
- Dec 21 Maguagua Falls Difficult 4 hours for 2.5 miles We head to a unique waterfall in central Guam. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass, steep slopes, and climbing with a rope.
- Dec 28 Priest’s Pools Easy 3 hours for 2 miles We hike to the freshwater pools of the Pigua River with waterfalls, jumping, and swimming. Bring 2 liters water, gloves, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch and camera. Special condition: possible muddy trail and mosquitoes
Guam Boonie Stompers Schedule July – September
- 06 JUL 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
- 13 JUL We have two hikes: 9AM (Tinta, Faha and Priest’s Pools) and a MOONIE STOMP 530PM Sella Bay
- Tinta, Faha and 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.
- 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.
- 20 JUL Liberation Hike 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.
- 27 JUL We have two options for hikes both at 9AM: Invasion Hike to Tony’s Falls, and Tony’s Falls Only.
- Invasion Hike 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.
- Tony’s Falls Easy 3 hours for 1.3 miles From Asan overlook we hike down to Tony’s waterfall. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swim suit, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Swordgrass and steep slopes.
- 03 AUG Waterfall Valley Medium 4.5 hours for 1 miles A couple of short hikes to a series of waterfalls in southeastern Guam. Bring: 2 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.
- 10 AUG We have two options for hikes both at 9AM: Pagat Loop or Pagat Only. 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.
- 17 AUG Tinago Falls 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.
- 24 AUG 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.
- 31 AUG Fintasa and Laolao Falls Difficult 5 hours for 1.6 miles We journey to 2 cooling waterfalls in southeastern Guam. Bring: 2 liters water, hiking boots, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Some walking in water and climbing with a rope.
- 07 SEP Mt. Finansanta with Gues 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.
- 14 SEP 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.
- 21 SEP Upper Sigua and Alutom Falls Medium 4 hours for 2.5 miles We hike to two cooling and scenic waterfalls in central Guam. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, gloves, swimsuit, sunglasses, sun screen, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Steep slopes, mud, and climbing with a rope.
- 22 SEP Mt. Tenjo to Maguagua Medium 4 hours for 3.7 miles We hike to historic features along the Mount Chachao to Mount Tenjo ridge. 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.
- 28 SEP Inarajan Falls Difficult 4 hours for 5 miles We hike over the hills of southeastern Guam to the best waterfalls in the Western Pacific. Bring: 3 liters water, hiking boots, swimsuit, gloves, sun screen, sunglasses, insect repellent, lunch, and camera. Special conditions: Long walking in sun through open, hilly terrain, climbing a steep slope with a rope, some mud.