The purpose of this trip was to visit and hike the National Parks of American Samoa – rain or shine! The parks are located on several islands, including Tutuila, Aunu’u, Tu’a, Ofu, Olosego, and we traveled by small local ferries and small planes! An adventure all around.
In Pagp Pago, located on Tutuila, we stayed at the lovely Sadie’s by the Sea, and as advertised, it was right next to the sea. It had rained during the night of our arrival and was still overcast but I was able to take an early morning walk to watch the sunrise through the clouds. Yes, it was hot and humid and the lens of the camera and binoculars were fogged for quite some time.
Sadie's by the Sea
I walked into town on the first morning, only a short distance from the hotel. The area was quaint with some colonial types of government buildings. As I was strolling back to the hotel for breakfast it poured. I was soaked! But I did have a rain jacket to protect the camera.
Let sleeping dogs lie. Tiptoed past him on my way to church
St. Joseph's Church. Was told Mass was at 7. It was not until 8:30. Gave me plenty of time to get back to hotel for breakfast! I did walk back to Mass and a very nice women behind me made sure I had a bulletin. She was precious.
I had my favorite breakfast – fresh papaya and pineapple! A good start to the day. In a perfect world, I would get up early, walk the beach, come back for a fresh fruit breakfast and then take a nap! This fit the bill. We later visited the National Park office and took off in a local bus up the mountains. We did a little bird watching (my influence???) and bat watching. But the rain was so intense that it was decided not to hike the steep trail that day.
Women weaving a basket in the traditional manner at the National Park headquarters. Apparently, a cruise ship was there the week prior and bought all of the T-shirts!
Tapa cloth motif.
The guide at the Tauese P.F. Sunia Ocean Center. He was engaging and most likely is fantastic for the school children that visit this museum. This is a highly recommended stop on the island - an incredible presentation of the oceans and marine sanctuary.
Lots of fruit bats.
Golden plover.
Later in the day we took a bus then local ferry to Aunu’u. This is a small island where we were served a feast for lunch. The men do the cooking in the traditional style and the local dishes were indeed very tasty. This is also the island where the American football great Junior Seau’s family lived. After lunch we visited the crater and did a little hiking, ocean observations and birding.
Ferry departure.
Not this one!
Tsunami warnings are very obvious. You will see signs on the buses and various other postings intended to provide everyone with information for what to do in case of this emergency.
Ferry in the high waves. We all survived! No doubt everyone held on for dear life!
This is where we are going!
Junior Seau's family home on Aunu'u.
Lunch preparations.
Our tour guide Pika. Great guy.
Wive of one of the cooks. She is really sweet.
We all were taught how to weave our won plates for lunch!
Here is my lunch on my freshly woven mat!
Des, our tour guide in training. She is a sweetheart!
And yes, I have a soft spot in my heart for these island dogs. Do you think my Shorty would like a new mate?
This one gave me a kiss. He almost fit in my suitcase! He also reminded me of my dog Chocolate when I lived in Yap.
Coastal view Aunu'u.
The water was incredibly blue and warm. Loved swimming there.
Areial view of Ta'u.
Tsunami information on buses. Think of this as our winter storm Nor'easter storm warnings.
Canister to be struck to signal an impending tsunami.
We flew to Ta'u the next day then hiked the National Park. After a lunch on the island, we were transported in these ferries to the island of Ofu.
Don't let these calm pictures fool you. Once we departed the waves and winds were high and again we all held on for dear life. The man next to me held on to my hand so he would not fall out of the little ferry. I promised him I would not let him fall overboard!
Will finish this current blog now and continue on one more a bit later with stories about Ofu and Olosega islands and the traditional ceremony they had for us at Vaoto Lodge.
Stay tuned..................................
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