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  4. SAIPAN, 2013

DECEMBER 8, 2013: HONEYCOMB CAVE

SAIPAN CAVING
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James and Tom in the first chamber of Kalabera Cave. The second chamber requires serious rappelling, so we were content with the first. Fran awaited above (see the top of the ladder at the upper right, with the cave opening in the background).
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James and Tom in the first chamber of Kalabera Cave. The second chamber requires serious rappelling, so we were content with the first. Fran awaited above (see the top of the ladder at the upper right, with the cave opening in the background).

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  • James and Tom in the first chamber of Kalabera Cave. The second chamber requires serious rappelling, so we were content with the first. Fran awaited above (see the top of the ladder at the upper right, with the cave opening in the background).
  • The same number of us coming out as went in. Always something to smile about.
  • Sirena Cave was once made into a tourist place. It has since fallen into total disrepair. For anyone on island who happens upon this cave, I don't recommend entering: I have heard that there is some kind of natural poison gas somehow generated by natural decomposition of stuff inside it. I have also had friends who descended into it and became ill, so that makes what I heard about the gas very convincing. I believe that the owner actually had a forced-fan ventilation system when he allowed tourists in.<br /> <br /> If you are curious about the story of Sirena, see the following: <a href="http://www.optimimagery.com/TRAVEL2012/OCTOBER-2012-GUAM/26054040_crwfZL">http://www.optimimagery.com/TRAVEL2012/OCTOBER-2012-GUAM/26054040_crwfZL</a>
  • Fran photographs a green tree skink.
  • Fran enters into Honeycomb Cave.
  • Inching down into the depths. The floor does tend to be significantly slick in here.
  • A grand room of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
  • James either shows us his knowledge on old bottles or finesses us with his stories (I don't know enough to know which).
  • Actually, I was kidding on the previous caption. James had considerable interesting information about these bottles, from WWII time period. Here, if I remember correctly, he is holding a WW II era Japanese beer bottle. You will see the writing on the side better in the next photo.
  • Cropped portion of the previous photo, showing the pristine condition of the fingertip of James's glove. Actually, notice the Japanese characters in the surface of the glass. I've got to admit that I am pleasantly surprised at the respect locals (and tourists) show to these artifacts in leaving them lie. They have become important cultural artifacts from an intense and important part of our history -- and the appropriate place for them to remain is right here in the cave.
  • Japanese sake bottle, again from WW II times, which has started becoming encrusted with limestone.
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