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  4. SAIPAN 2014

APRIL 13, 2014: NEARLY FULL MOON AT PUNTAN LAGGUA

One of my favorite wave watching places -- especially for sunrise or moonrise. From what I can find online, punta means "end of a long object," so I assume Puntan refers to a peninsula, although it's pushing it a bit to call this place a peninsula. The closest thing I can find to Laggua is lagua', which means "to step over." So perhaps this was a little jutting-out area which needed to be stepped over to get to someplace else? Not sure -- any locals who know why this is the name, please let me know!
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In the past, I have headed up here when I expected the seas to be rough, thinking that I may get shots of spectacular waves. Now I'm thinking that the best times to go up here may be when the seas are calmer (as they were last night), which allows me to safely get closer to the action. Last night was also ideal because it was about as near windless as I have ever experienced here. The wind constantly comes in off the water, spraying a salt mist. Not only is this very hard on photographic equipment, but it also can render it impossible to have the lens exposed for more than a few seconds before water droplets form on it. So, the relative calm of both sea and air were appreciated.<br /> <br /> Here you see where I set the tripod for the first photo.
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In the past, I have headed up here when I expected the seas to be rough, thinking that I may get shots of spectacular waves. Now I'm thinking that the best times to go up here may be when the seas are calmer (as they were last night), which allows me to safely get closer to the action. Last night was also ideal because it was about as near windless as I have ever experienced here. The wind constantly comes in off the water, spraying a salt mist. Not only is this very hard on photographic equipment, but it also can render it impossible to have the lens exposed for more than a few seconds before water droplets form on it. So, the relative calm of both sea and air were appreciated.

Here you see where I set the tripod for the first photo.

aaatripod

  • In the past, I have headed up here when I expected the seas to be rough, thinking that I may get shots of spectacular waves. Now I'm thinking that the best times to go up here may be when the seas are calmer (as they were last night), which allows me to safely get closer to the action. Last night was also ideal because it was about as near windless as I have ever experienced here. The wind constantly comes in off the water, spraying a salt mist. Not only is this very hard on photographic equipment, but it also can render it impossible to have the lens exposed for more than a few seconds before water droplets form on it. So, the relative calm of both sea and air were appreciated.<br /> <br /> Here you see where I set the tripod for the first photo.
  • And here is the view from atop the tripod. Looking east, and the sun is setting behind us. In fact, you can see my shadow on the far wall, so I guess this is sort of a "selfie," in a way.
  • The tide was coming up, and even with the calmer seas, I eventually had to move the tripod and camera to avoid getting wet. Thankfully, I did move in the nick of time.
  • To me, watching these waves is a bit like watching fireworks. If you happen to catch yourself saying (aloud or to yourself) any "Ooooohhh's" or "Aaaaahhh's," please say so in the comments (find the comment button to your lower left -- you may need to scroll down a bit to find it).
  • The waves and top of the reef here are still in the light of the golden setting sun (We are looking north, with the sun setting to our left).
  • Untitled photo
  • T'was not quite a full moon, but was close to it (96%, I believe). The moon rose a little over an hour prior to the sun setting on this evening, giving enough light to catch waves as they reached for the moon.
  • Later in the evening the sky became nice and gold. Instead of turning the camera skyward, I hoped for catching the reflection during one of the fleeting moments when the tidal pool was calm. <br /> <br /> I hope you've enjoyed the photos!
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