Pohnpei: Take 2

Back in May, I was sort of talked into a trip to Pohnpei. It was sold to me, talked up, I thought I needed a break from the island. I had only been here for 3 months at that time and I half-heartedly bought my tickets hoping for a nice time, but like so many vacations I had taken before, it was going to be alone.

At the time, I didn't think this was a big deal. But I know now that I wasn't really all that excited about it. So much so that I think it was the reason I missed the plane. Yup, I missed the plane to Pohnpei. I even woke up at 7 am, got all ready, waited...took a nap...and then, I realized as I headed to catch my flight, I didn't really know where to go.

I flew in 3 months before; I was processed like everyone else, given a tour, introduced to more people than I had ever met and then led to my room to decompress. I didn't know where the airport was.

It sounds funny considering the island is so small. I was told to arrive an hour early which sounds reasonable. In the States, you are told to show up 3-4 hours before your flight because of security. The truth is, there is a one hour window for checking in and then they lock the door. I found out later the reason for this is because the same officers that check us in also have to check the arrivals in.

So, at least I can say that my failure to make it to Pohnpei the last time, ensures I know exactly what to do this time.

The interesting part of this: I'm leaving for Pohnpei again tomorrow. This time; I'm leaving with my fiancee', to get married! I never expected that this would be happening when I arrived on island 10 months ago. But it is and I am very happy. Pictures of the trip will be posted when we return on the 12th of November.

Swashbucklers Ball *updated*

Swashbuckler: is a term that developed in the 16th century to describe rough, noisy and boastful swordsmen.

When I first started researching Kwajalein I ran across the Kwajalein Yacht Club website and subsequently discovered the Swashbucklers Ball.

I was really hoping that I could get out here before the last one but I ended up on island in February so I've been waiting for this event for months now. I was not dissapointed. It was so much fun!

One of the reasons I've grown to enjoy these events so much is that the local home brewers usually provide some delicious libations. I LOVE micro-brews so this is a very special treat for me.

Here is a list of our selections for the evening:

The decorations were awesome:



Gallows, booty and all:

I Heart Plovers

There aren't very many kinds of birds on Kwajalein. I was a little bit surprised by this. We have what looks like a house sparrow, white terns and plovers as permanent residents. Everything else we see is just passing through.

I've heard reports of ducks and I've seen cranes and frigates but that's about it.
I'm guessing it's because we are so small and so far away from other land masses. The one bird I half expected to see but haven't is the sea gull. I haven't seen a one.

My favorite of our regular birds is the plover. They are so cute and every single one of them has different markings. Some have white tummies, some have big color patches, others look just like sand. They have funny little personalities too and trying to get close to one is darn near impossible.


Click here to hear a recording of the plover.

Can You Believe I Still Don't Dive?

Diving is one of the most common activities amongst Kwaj residents and when I moved out here I fully inteneded to give it a try. I've been here for 9 months now and have yet to take the certification class and get started diving.

Check out the Kwajalein Scuba Club website, it's pretty amazing.

One of these days....