Sliding Rock

Sliding Rock consists of a natural volcanic rock pool fed by ocean waves. When the tide is high, the waves crash over the rocks and create a fun current that flows through the pool. When the tide is low, the pool is calm and relaxing.

The walk there:

There's a good surf break nearby. This spot is too rocky, but it's a nice picture anyway:

Out front is a popular fishing spot:

Approaching the pool:

The pool:

Ned and Lisa demonstrating relaxation:

Me:

Great advice on the drive home:

West End

My Mom and I took a trip through Leone to the west-end of Tutuilla. Leone is one of the largest villages on the island, and the landing place of John Williams, the first Christian missionary on Tutuilla. It's also home to the oldest church on the island. Welcome to Leone:

Leone village:

Classic image:

Further west were some nice beaches and another church (they're everywhere):



Great view:

Around sunset every day, the island's bats start coming out:

Since my truck lacks tail-lights and seat belts, we turned back when it started getting dark.

East End and 'Aunu'u

While my Mom was here, we drove to the east end of Tutuilla.

Entering Sua County:

Celebratory wall:

Shipwreck:

We decided to take a trip across the channel to 'Aunu'u Island off the south-east coast. There's a village with a few hundred people, a couple churches, and an elementary school. The island is about 1 mile long and 1/2 mile wide:

This requires catching a boat at the landing:

Dock lines:

The boat leaves when the Captain decides it's time. Obviously, it wasn't time:

Me:

Mom on the boat:

The boat also transported cargo (there's a fish in the bag):

Landing on 'Aunu'u side:

Rusted items on beach:

'Aunu'u Elementary School:

Beach:

There's a quicksand lake, although it's not as impressive as one would hope:

Palagi Beach

All the way back in September, we went to Palagi Beach at the far west end of Tutuilla. As you can see, it was low-tide at the time:



Gwen, Pirate Chris, and me:

Howard Dean

In his role as Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Howard Dean vowed to visit every state and territory of the United States. As his tenure ends in about 10 days, he barely made it to the last stop in his quest -- American Samoa.

We went to see him speak at a fundraiser for the American Samoa Democratic Party and were impressed with his knowledge of Samoan culture, customs, and laws (not to mention the fact that he flew coach; if you've ever been on the Honolulu - Pago Pago flight, you know what a risky decision that can be).

Hanging with Howard Dean in my man-skirt and beads:

Governor Dean charming the locals:

They served an excellent Samoan buffet. Matt, enamored of Doug's charm and wit during dinner:

It was exciting time for American Samoa to shine in the national spotlight. Next up, our own quarter!

A'oloau Bay

Saturday, Ned and I planned a hike to Massacre Bay on the north side of the island. We drove up, past the great views, to the top of the mountains:

We found the trailhead and starting hiking down the steep trail through the jungle. Luckily, I had my trusty machete:

What I didn't have was a map. Had I, we might have realized we weren't hiking to Massacre Bay but to A'oloau Bay. Not that it mattered as we eventually came upon this:

Aoloau Bay:

Aoloau Bay:

The steep hike back up was exhausting. Fortunately, at the top we ran into some Samoans rolling a log up a hill (really). They stopped their project and opened some fresh coconuts for us to drink, providing me with refreshment and an excellent new coconut-opening technique. Basking in my post-coconut glory:

Me vs. Durian

Alden was given a durian fruit and was kind enough to share it with the palagis. I was very excited, but I can't say the same for anyone else. While Alden ate bite after bite (while grinning and proclaiming it the "fruit of the gods"), I was able to gulp down about five bites, and everyone else about one or two. It tasted like a mixture of onions and rotten cream.

Me and durian:

Alden cutting into it:

It smelled sweeter on the inside than the outside:

Snowy is extremely famous in Lions Park (where I live). His life is the stuff of legend. He was not effected by the durian smell, as to be expected from one who has experienced what he has. A true gentleman canine:

Check out Andrew Zimmern attempting, and failing, to eat durian on Bizarre Foods:

News and Weather

For my off-island readers who would like to follow life in American Samoa, check out these links:

Samoa News

Weather, Marine, and Tide forecast