An Eagle Ray makes it’s pass as a tug boat patiently waits for a container ship to enter the port of Saipan. I have come to the realization that the shipping industry plays a crucial role around the world. As we live our complex lives, we take for granted the significance and importance of an industry so old and complex.
The people of Saipan were fortunately spared from the wrath of Typhoon Goni. The typhoon brought massive amounts of rain followed with decently strong winds. Although we were spared, there is still a ton of work to do. Having such a busy schedule, it’s days like this where I can take a step back and work on things a little closer to home (Closer to home meaning the fallen trees that surround my home). If you’re looking for a decently cheap but highly effective machete, purchase a Martindale Machete at Joeten’s Ace Hardware or a local hardware store.
A view of Managaha Island from the port of Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. Typhoon Goni (the second typhoon to pass through the Mariana Islands in a span of two weeks) will be making its closest approach (to Saipan) at approximately 4AM Sunday. Once again, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature.
Forecast
The past month has been a bit difficult for the community of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. A severed fiber optics cable literally disconnected the island of Saipan from the entire world for three weeks. Two weeks after, the island was ravished by an unsuspected super typhoon over night. This led to shortages in fuel (gasoline & diesel) and water (potable and non-potable). It is safe to say that life is very different for the entire community. As of today, it appears that two typhoons may embrace us with their presence in the next week or so.
This past weekend was filled with adventure. Saturday was filled with 12 hours of fishing for the 2015 Mahi Derby. The morning was filled with crying reels and the sound of fish hitting the deck. Unfortunately, our biggest bull was only 17.05 lbs. The biggest fish that day was around 24-27 lbs. Although we didn’t win, we had a great time battling the creatures of the deep blue. I took this photo while we were leaving the harbor. The boat belongs to Rufin Jr. Inos.
Saipan Looking East
A view of Saipan looking East. At this point in the ride, we were heading back to the hanger. It was somewhat difficult taking panoramic photos due to the wind gusting past the helicopter. If you weren’t prepared for it, you could literally drop whatever your sticking out of the cockpit. The timing of the photo was perfect because you could see the vegetation as well as the sea grass beds in the lagoon. Overall, this was a very great experience.
Garapan, Saipan
A unique view of the “city” of Garapan. Garapan is a village on the island of Saipan that comes closest to a city on the island. Hotels, restaurants, super markets, department stores, etc. If your ever visiting the island of Saipan, be sure to drive through the village of Saipan!
MV ASUKA II AERIAL
MV ASUKA II AERIAL STERN
A few shots of the MV ASUKA II from a helicopter. Each time the ship leaves port, a helicopter is used to drop flowers down onto the passengers on the vessel’s departure. Talk about great customer service! The ride was exhilarating.
MV ASUKA II
I was able to tour this baby while it was in port. The MV Asuka II is a cruise ship that was visiting Saipan on its final leg back to Japan.
Mt. Tapochau, Birds Eye View
The weather has been somewhat cloudy in the Mariana Islands. Its probably due to the passing storm, supposedly the strongest storm of 2014 (Typhoon Vongfont). Took a drive up to the highest point on the island, Mt. Tapochau. This drive MUST be done with a 4×4 capable vehicle. The past few months have been rainy, causing the roads to deteriorate.
This picture was taken looking south, looking towards Tinian. You can also see the island of Aguigan (Goat Island) in the distance. I took the picture around 12-1230PM. I was hoping for more blue and less clouds, but Mother Nature can be like that at times. This was a 30 second exposure done with a polarized filter + an ND filter.
Ginen Marianas 