This atoll was a major military base for the Japanese during WWII, and there
are tons of artifacts strewn around the island. At one time over 3000
military personnel were stationed here. Every day we've walked in search of
guns, bunkers, bombs, planes and buildings. And we have not been
disappointed. Some days, the local kids guide us. When they are in school,
we just wander on our own.
We've found:
- zeros
- betty bombers
- bunkers
- live artillery shells
- live bombs
- 127 mm howitzers
- machine shop
- generator shed
- hospital building
- large fuel and water tanks
- huge storage areas
- gun emplacements
- sunken ships
- railroads
- air field and runways
- Japanese gravesite or memorial
- rebutments (?) for plane storage
And many times, we don't know what we're looking at. The jungle is working
hard to take over the land and conceal all the evidence. Pigs and chickens
dig amidst the rusty relics. Coconuts grown on old buildings. Vines twist
themselves around the guns.
But still...no glass balls.
 |
| One of many generators |
 |
| The locals are using this engine cowling to cover their well |
Another boat has arrived here. S/Y Jennifer from Sweden
(www.yacht-jennifer.nu), with 7 people on board. We were treated to a
wonderful dinner aboard yesterday. Today we all tromped through the jungle
on another junk-hunting mission. They are moving quickly and will only be
here another day or two.
2 comments:
Your stories and the photos are such a pleasure. Its probably not easy to upload images on dicey internet connections, but it's completely fascinating to look at the things you guys are finding. Thanks so much for posting it! (And fingers crossed that you find some green glass balls soon!)
Hi Naomi and John. me Elisabet in the purplecolored t-shirt, and Ulf are back in Sweden again since 12 of May. We have continued to sail in our own boat, a Jeanneau 42 DS, a great deal of time. Hope all is well with you gyes. I have a picture of at least Naomi on my blog. Scroll down to the bottom of the page if you are interested. http://elisabetlingo.se/?page_id=1236 Greetings from Sweden
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Hi - thanks for leaving a comment on the blog! Cheers - John and Naomi