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  4. SAIPAN, 2013

JUNE 17, 2013: ACCENTUATING THE MUNDANE ON A SUICIDE WALK

Don't worry: It's not what the title may lead you to believe. On Saipan, there is a walkway which starts at an important historical / commemorative site (Last Command Post) and proceeds up to Suicide Cliff, where local families leapt to their deaths when the Americans took the island toward the end of WWII. The walkway is over 3 miles long and gains over 550 feet in elevation. Then, from Suicide Cliff there is a trail which returns to Last Command Post, probably involving about 3/4 of a mile or so (and, of course, the same elevation difference). So, it can make for a nice morning of exercise.
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Here you see some of the blooms of one of our glorious flame trees. In the back ground is Suicide Cliff. There is a walkway from here up to there, which winds around over a distance of nearly 3.5 miles. The elevation gain is >550 feet. Then there is a trail which descends to the right of the cliff you see here (outside the photo, but you wouldn't be able to see it anyway because it's down in the trees) quite steeply back down to Last Command Post.
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Here you see some of the blooms of one of our glorious flame trees. In the back ground is Suicide Cliff. There is a walkway from here up to there, which winds around over a distance of nearly 3.5 miles. The elevation gain is >550 feet. Then there is a trail which descends to the right of the cliff you see here (outside the photo, but you wouldn't be able to see it anyway because it's down in the trees) quite steeply back down to Last Command Post.

aaaflametreecliffs

  • Here you see some of the blooms of one of our glorious flame trees. In the back ground is Suicide Cliff. There is a walkway from here up to there, which winds around over a distance of nearly 3.5 miles. The elevation gain is >550 feet. Then there is a trail which descends to the right of the cliff you see here (outside the photo, but you wouldn't be able to see it anyway because it's down in the trees) quite steeply back down to Last Command Post.
  • I take this walk every once in a while, usually without carrying much weight (a little water). However, this time of year I generally get to thinking about upcoming trips and a desire to at least be able to do some short mountain hikes while I'm stateside. So, I start carrying a pack with my camera equipment. I thought if I was going to lug the stuff anyway, I may as well key in on the little things I (and most other walkers) usually pass without giving significant notice.
  • There is magnificence in the mundane, whenever we look for it.
  • Untitled photo
  • Saipan Noni tree: Many of the locals believe this will cure you of anything which could possibly ail you. The fruit is made into juice, and the leaves are used to make tea. They may use other parts of the plant, too (I don't know). It's my understanding that controlled studies have indicated that it may be useful for certain serious intestinal problems. Other claims, as far as I am aware, have never been substantiated.
  • Still a ways to go......
  • These markers are embedded in the sidewalk on the way up. The 0-mile marker is actually probably at least 1/8 mile from where I parked the car, so I see this as the 1.12 mile marker (This becomes significant later).
  • Leaves on the sidewalk.
  • Leaves against the sky. <br /> <br /> <br /> Even though the leaves are not what I am used to for figs (I've grown figs in the past), I believe this is a type of fig tree (the FRUIT, as you can see, looks figgy). I think this is Ficus (the genus name for fig) tinctoria, but I'm not aware of any common name for it.
  • Another leaf against the sky.
  • Still another....
  • Still a ways further.......<br /> <br /> Shade is certainly welcome!
  • There is something about dead trees. I'm not sure why, but certain ones just seem to have a real visual punch.<br /> <br /> If you agree, take a look at the following:<br /> <a href="http://www.optimimagery.com/CNMI-ON-LAND/SAIPAN-2012/JULY-4-2012-DEAD-FLAME-TREE-AT/24001596_XQjNsz">http://www.optimimagery.com/CNMI-ON-LAND/SAIPAN-2012/JULY-4-2012-DEAD-FLAME-TREE-AT/24001596_XQjNsz</a><br /> <br /> -- OR --<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.optimimagery.com/Travel/JANUARY-AND-FEBRUARY-2010/JAN-31-2010-HAWAII-VOL-V/i-ZJbtMDH/1/X3/hj%20tree-X3.jpg">http://www.optimimagery.com/Travel/JANUARY-AND-FEBRUARY-2010/JAN-31-2010-HAWAII-VOL-V/i-ZJbtMDH/1/X3/hj%20tree-X3.jpg</a><br /> <br /> -- OR --<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.optimimagery.com/Travel/JULY-AND-AUGUST-2011/YELLOWSTONE-VERY-QUICKLY/i-tjtcfrw/1/X3/lo%20mammoth%20hotsprings%20dead%20tree%20with%20reflection-X3.jpg">http://www.optimimagery.com/Travel/JULY-AND-AUGUST-2011/YELLOWSTONE-VERY-QUICKLY/i-tjtcfrw/1/X3/lo%20mammoth%20hotsprings%20dead%20tree%20with%20reflection-X3.jpg</a>
  • Sometimes it's good to turn around and look behind you. Saipan Lagoon in the distance. You can see Managaha right-of-center near the horizon. Notice the red patches through the forest: Most of these are flame trees. A few are African tulip trees.
  • Alright! 3.12 miles!
  • And, as we approach the top, the marker SAYS 3.12, so for me this is a 3 1/4-mile marker. See: I told you that extra 1/8 mile would make a difference!
  • Flame tree blooms.
  • After a short rest, time to start DOWN the trail to complete the loop.
  • Looking back at the Suicide Cliff parking area and monument.
  • Probably the quickest way down, but I think I'll pass.
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