Southern Tip of Guam

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Thursday, October 28, 2010

First a celebration of Lincoln’s 11th Birthday on October 27, 2010.

Now, just a few facts directly from the “Cultural and Historic Sites Guidebook”.

Political Status: Unincorporated Territory of the United States of America

Capital: Hagåtña

Location: 13.48 degrees North, 144.45 degrees East

Land Area: 212 square miles (549 square kilometers) and it is about 30 miles in length with a width of 8.5 miles at the northern tip and a maximum width in the south of 11.5 miles. The island was formed millions of years ago when a pair of volcanoes sank beneath the ocean leaving only their twin peaks above sea level. Southern Guam is made up of volcanic hills, which rise to a maximum height of 1,334 feet above sea level.

Native Inhabitants: Chamorro

Official Languages: English and Chamorro

Currency: US Dollar

Time: Greenwich Mean Time +10

Population: About 180.000

Climate: Between 75-86 degrees Fahrenheit (26-30 degrees Celsius); averaging 81 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius

Seasons: Dry season between December and May; rainy season between June and November
Rainfall: Annual average is approximately 80 inches

Ocean Topography: Guam is the tip of one of the highest mountains of the world. The Marianas Trench, the world’s deepest ocean site, lies just 70 miles east and south-southwest of Guam. The deepest point, the Challenger Deep at 11,022 meters, lies 90 miles west southwest of Guam.

We decided to start our sightseeing tour with the southern tip of the island. FYI names in parentheses are the original Chamorro names. We start in Umatac (Humatak) Bay where Ferdinand Magellan first encountered Guam in the year 1521. The Magellan Monument and the San Dionisio Church ruins are directly across the road from each other. The monument is on the bay side as you can see from the picture. Magellan was the first European to interact with Chamorros.
Next in Umatac Bay was the Kastiyun Nuestra Senora Dela Soledad, or Our Lady of Solitude. In the 1800s the fort was built as a look-out by the Spanish. It has a spectacular view of the bay as you can see.

The cemetery in Merizo (Malesso) is a perfect example of the burial practices of the Chamorro people. There are two Merizo massacre sites where Japanese soldiers massacred dozens of Chamorros during the tail-end of their occupation of the island. We did not visit these sites as the hike to get to them is very difficult terrain. FYI , we will probably not be doing much sightseeing of the interior of Guam since most of it requires hiking over very difficult terrain and through dense jungle. It is not for the old and out of shape. We will do what we can. Also in Merizo is the Kampanayan Malesso’, a bell tower built in 1910. Across the street from the bell tower is the Komnentun Malesso’. It is the last historical remnant of Spanish-era housing for Catholic missionaries and village priests on Guam. The building is still in remarkable good shape. It is a good look at the construction techniques of early Spanish architects.

Next up was Bear Rock just outside of Inarajan Village at the inlet of Bakanan Akfayan. It is a totally natural phenomenon which resembles a bear standing on its hind legs.

And last, but not least is Saloklula’ Pool. This natural salt-water pool is also just past Inarajan Village. The pools are just beautiful and a great place to picnic and swim.

We just stopped at Ipan to take a picture of the miles of beach. Don't forget to click on the pictures to enlarge them for full effect of the beautiful scenery.

Hope you enjoyed today’s tour and we’ll see you again soon.

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Comments

[Lois Verseman]

Your Blog
Thank you or the tour of Guam. I'm sure you are havng a wonderful time. I've enjoyed the pictures and will look forward to more blogs.

[Jerri]

Guam
Good Morning Andrea, Really enjoyed this post--alot of work went into that. Sweet picture of Lincoln. Keep on having fun!! You two have the greatest time. Jerri