• Home
  • Browse
  • Search

OptimImagery

  1. CNMI ON LAND
  2. SAIPAN 2012

APRIL 30, 2012: FORBIDDEN ISLAND

Trek to Forbidden!
Read More
Forbidden Island overlook is, I believe, about 475 feet above sea level.  The trail down to the shore is about 1 mile long (and starts slightly lower than the overlook, so likely drops about 450 feet in that distance).  Looks like an excellent day for a hike!<br />
<br />
As you look through the album, feel free to leave comments (see comment link to your lower left -- you may need to scroll down a bit, depending on your screen size).  In the space where it says "Comment on:" you will likely want to choose "This Photo" from the drop down menu.  Otherwise, the comment will appear on every photo in the album (which is fine with me, but not likely what you'll want).
1 / 15

Forbidden Island overlook is, I believe, about 475 feet above sea level. The trail down to the shore is about 1 mile long (and starts slightly lower than the overlook, so likely drops about 450 feet in that distance). Looks like an excellent day for a hike!

As you look through the album, feel free to leave comments (see comment link to your lower left -- you may need to scroll down a bit, depending on your screen size). In the space where it says "Comment on:" you will likely want to choose "This Photo" from the drop down menu. Otherwise, the comment will appear on every photo in the album (which is fine with me, but not likely what you'll want).

  • Forbidden Island overlook is, I believe, about 475 feet above sea level.  The trail down to the shore is about 1 mile long (and starts slightly lower than the overlook, so likely drops about 450 feet in that distance).  Looks like an excellent day for a hike!<br />
<br />
As you look through the album, feel free to leave comments (see comment link to your lower left -- you may need to scroll down a bit, depending on your screen size).  In the space where it says "Comment on:" you will likely want to choose "This Photo" from the drop down menu.  Otherwise, the comment will appear on every photo in the album (which is fine with me, but not likely what you'll want).
  • I think you really descend about 1/2 of the 450 feet along this stretch, which plunges pretty much right down to the beach, as you can see in the next video.
  • To watch the video, click on the triangle in the middle of the above photo.  That will open a new window.  Depending on the speed of your internet connection, you may need to click on the PAUSE button and allow it to buffer a bit.  Then click on the PLAY button (same as the PAUSE button, except when it's already paused) and enjoy.<br />
<br />
Music by Kevin MacLeod of   <a href="http://incompetech.com/">http://incompetech.com/</a>
  • Just about down....
  • We took a look at the little "between the islands" swimming hole and decided to hike on over to the "Hidden Forbidden" cave and "Cool Pool."
  • This video chronicles the trek to, and some time in, the Hidden Forbidden cave.
  • AAAaahhhh!  It's nice, cool, and refreshing inside the Hidden Forbidden Cave (certainly compared with what it's like out in the sun).  For those of you somewhat familiar with this area, I'm standing in the Cool Pool as I take this shot.  Usually I would be about waist deep in water.  Indeed, water is often up to a level just a couple of feet lower than their shoes.  I was standing in about ankle-deep water as I took this photo.  I've never seen it this shallow.  The water, however, was still quite refreshing and cool.
  • Brian enjoys the view at the "Seaward Window" of the Hidden Forbidden Cave.
  • Well, I didn't mean the view THAT direction, although it was quite nice.....
  • .....I meant the view in THIS direction!  The ocean was as calm as I have ever seen it out this "window."<br />
<br />
By the way, BECAUSE of the Cool Pool being so shallow, I decided that it was an ideal time to attempt some night photography from down here (usually ferrying the camera, tripod, and other equipment across the Cool Pool can be a bit risky).  So I returned the following night for some shots.  If you would like to see how they turned out, click on the following link (you'll need to "backtrack" back to here, since that will not open another window):<br />
<br /> <a href="http://www.optimimagery.com/NOCTURNES-1/CNMI-NOCTURNES/SAIPAN-NOCTURNES-2012/22745565_qGg5RW">http://www.optimimagery.com/NOCTURNES-1/CNMI-NOCTURNES/SAIPAN-NOCTURNES-2012/22745565_qGg5RW</a>
  • Usually traversing the pool requires a bit of a swim.  Today it just required a little (very refreshing) wading.
  • Just outside the Hidden Forbidden Cave, ready to climb 450 feet or so back to our vehicles.
  • But first, gotta get a couple more shots from the Forbidden Island side of the ridge.
  • Music by Kevin MacLeod of <a href="http://incompetech.com/">http://incompetech.com/</a>
  • Looks like everyone is ready to charge up the hill!
  • No Comments
  • Photo Sharing
  • About SmugMug
  • Browse Photos
  • Prints & Gifts
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Contact
  • Owner Log In
© 2022 SmugMug, Inc.