Boonie Stomping in Guam on 4 June 2006

Monday, 12 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

From the time John told me we were moving to Guam, I started reading the local newspaper, the Pacific Daily News, on-line as well as two Guam blogs. I would check one particular blog, Latitude 13, everyday. Latitude 13 is a smart, funny and very Guam-positive blog. It gave me a local’s perspective regarding life on Guam.

It was on Latitude 13 that I first heard about Boonie Stomps. It’s a public hike every Saturday to a beach, waterfall, cave or WWII monument. The Boonie Stomps are rated easy to very difficult and, when reading the announcements for upcoming stomps, I noticed the easy ones are few and far between. So, when I saw an easy hike listed in the newspaper for the first Saturday we were here, we decided to give it a go.

As we got out of the car at 8:45 am, the thermometer read 94 degrees. Racing through my mind was how do I get out of this since it was my idea in the first place. John and Logan were not about to turn around so I just kept drinking lots of water in the hopes that I wouldn’t succumb to heat exhaustion. Really, what was I thinking?

There were between 30-40 people at registration but I was more concerned with why they were offering gloves for sale. I figured at $1.00 a pair I’d best get all of us a pair.

The hike was a half mile STRAIGHT down a hillside on an unmarked path. There were big spiders perched on the trees and bushes along the way. We actually used these same spiders as landmarks on the way back up the hill so they became less manacing and more of a useful tool. The gloves were used for grabbing onto a tree or bush as I slid down the hillside ~ all I could think was “best three bucks I spent all week.”

Was the hike worth all the effort?! You bet. We ended up at the beautiful Ague Cove with no one else around except us hikers.

We met a couple of really nice people. Most of the hikers had their snorkel equipment with them and spent most of their time at the cove in the water (note to self: buy snorkel gear). The hike was actually on private property but the BoonieStompers had been given special permission.

Personally, I would not have rated this hike as easy. Let’s just say I am a little scared to attempt medium or difficult hikes.

After 10 stomps, you get a free t-shirt! I’ll let you know when I get one LOL

Posted in Boonie Stomping, Guam, Hiking, Travel | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments »

Hafa Adai Guam

Sunday, 11 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

Hafa Adai is the local Guam greeting. We've been here a little over two weeks and are settling in nicely. There is a little culture shock to deal with but that is to be expected coming from Germany to Guam. How much more different a locale could we get? My impression so far is very positive especially with the people of Guam. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. The beaches are wonderful and the food is delicious. The only two negative aspects so far are the boonie dogs (strays) and the amount of litter scattering the island!

After looking at several rental properties, we jumped at the chance to live on Andersen Air Force Base. It seemed FG was at the right age to be on base and close to school, activities and friends. FM and I have never lived on base before so this will be a new expierence for us. I know we will have to get use to the "drop in" which I haven't had to deal with since my single days in the Tetons. Any advice from you long-time posties is appreciated.

We did find a gorgeous rental property that had everything we wanted including a pool and view of the ocean but the monthly rent was $4,500. Ouch!

Here's a photo of what $4,500 will get you in Guam:

Heres what 4,500.00 a month will get you in Guam 2006.JPG

Home Sweet Home:

We love the palm trees in the yard and the golf course is only 2 streets down the road. We have government loaner furniture which is actually very nice. Our hold-baggage and car were awaiting us when we arrived so now all we are waiting on is the household goods.

Posted in Guam, Travel | 3 Comments »

Auf Wiedersehen to Germany

Sunday, 11 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

On 19 May, with a heavy heart, I said “Goodbye” to Germany. After living there for 5 years, I knew I would miss the following the most:

* Good friends ~ both German and American.

* The close bonds of the Army family.

* Everyone being OK with having a beer at 9am after a 10k wandertag.

* The autobahn.

* The pristine environment .

* Traveling through Europe without jet-lag.

* Efficient and economical mass transit.

Of course, there is so much more I will miss.

Logan and I flew from Frankfurt to Chicago where we met up with my John. Then it was onto Guam, via a 5-night stay in Honolulu. Since Hawaii is the closest Army post to Guam, John in-processed while we were there. Yeah, I know ~ tough assignment. I was hoping Hawaii would give us a chance to ease into island life but the weather was actually cool and we were so jet-lagged we didn’t know if we were coming or going. We did have a gorgeous room at the Outrigger Reef on Waikiki for three nights and then at the Hale Koa AFRC the last two nights. I highly recommend both when you are in Waikiki.

While in Honolulu, I got the chance to have dinner with one of my favorite couples of all time. They were neighbors of my family when we lived in Puerto Rico many, many years ago. My Dad and Perry were very good friends and my sister and I would babysit for their son, Eric. Ironically, Eric was in town visiting with his wife and HIS son. OK, it did make me feel a little old seeing the “baby” I used to sit for with a son of his own, but hey, I was a young(!) babysitter at the time. Anyway, I can’t say enough about Eric’s parents ~ they are so nice and so interesting to be around. I’ve truly been blessed in all my travels to have met the most wonderful people. The trick is to staying in touch with all of them ~ thankful for all the social media outlets which make it easier and easier.

After departing Honolulu for the 7.5 hour flight, we ended up in Guam still jet-lagged, sleep deprived, and HOT. Getting off the plane in Guam felt like opening an oven at 450 degrees. I have to say the only other time I felt that same sensation was getting off the plane in Memphis, TN ~ in August ~ after traveling in from Jackson, WY.

We were greeted at the airport by John’s entire team from the University of Guam which was so nice of them since it was a Friday night. They made us feel so welcome. Let the new island adventures begin!

Posted in Germany, Guam, Travel | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment »

Joining the Crowd

Saturday, 10 June, 2006 by Beachbums1

I finally joined the crowd and have started my own blog. Going to call it Beachbums because we’re lucky enough to live in Guam with access to many gorgeous beaches. To be honest, the real reason I decided to blog is I got tired of trying to keep everyone updated on our hectic lives via e-mail. Bear with me as I learn the ropes of the blog world. Feel free to give me advice!

Mostly this will be for family and friends but I’m hoping it will be an inspiration for others to travel more. Traveling is such an important part of our lives and I love sharing stories, photos and advice. Most of the updates will be about my adventures with regards to moving to, living in and traveling around Guam. If you know anyone about to move here, they may want to check this blog from time to time.

Posted in Blogging | Tagged , | 1 Comment »

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