JANUARY 2, 2010: TOILET BOWL FORMATION
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After a brief walk through tangan tangan forest, the trail opens up to a path which parallels a cliff overlooking some of the clearest and most refreshing-looking water on earth.
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Then comes a bit of a challenging climb down to the best viewpoint. Notice all the ancient coral shapes embedded in the limestone cliff.
The "Toilet Bowl" formation is just behind Olga here, at the bottom of the cliffs. The seas were calmer than usual when we were there, so the swirling action which gives it its name was not as apparent as sometimes. However, you can still see on the following video how water passes through a semi-circular tunnel to surge into a hole (the "bowl"). Imagine what this may do if the waves were just a bit more powerful, and I think you will agree that Toilet Bowl is an apt name for this formation.
OK, I guess you have to use quite a bit of imagination.
If you are curious as to exactly where this place is, click the "Map This" button above the photo and you will get an interactive, Google Earth-type of aerial view.
Looking toward Tinian. Starting to approach sunset, so we decided we needed to get to the cave and back to the vehicle.
Toilet Bowl formation is behind Olga here. Notice that refreshing-looking water down below. Now, imagine that you are hot and hiking in a place with high humidity. Almost makes me want to jump into the screen right now!
"Now let me think. Where DID I set my camera?"
"Oh THERE it is!"
Inside the Naftan Cave. You can see the mouth of the cave (where we entered) with the "Map This" function.
Ah! NOW I know was was needed to complete that last photo!
The blue "ribbon" you see at the far end of the cave is where we entered.
Olga: I didn't know until here how much you like to dangle your feet!
Now, down to Obyan and to the top of a WWII Japanese gun battery emplacement.
Inside the very bunker that she was on top of in the last photo.
