Boonie Stomp #3 - Laolao Falls

We struck out for the unknown on the southern end of Guam. Our last Southern Guam Boonie Stomp didn't go so well for us, but since we were with experienced boonie stompers (Lisa, Jason and their dog Bella) about 25 complete strangers and no less than five (5) guides from Guam Parks & Rec, we figured that we were pretty safe. Enough with the intro - let's look at some pictures!

Bella leads the charge into the wilderness


We think this was someone's house. Maybe it still is. There are chickens and ducks and other miscellaneous beasties living there and I think the car may still run. Saw far more destitute domiciles in the Philippines, and the folks there were quite happy. Proof that a snazzy house (like ours) isn't required for happiness or domestic tranquility.


The first glimpse of one of the two waterfalls we'd visit today. Strangely grassy here. You'd think a tropical island would be all coconut trees and monkeys, but apparently it looks a lot like the African Plains... with waterfalls and palm trees and some really strange-looking dirt (way in the distance). Mars? Maybe...


Kat during one of the (many) photo stops the group took. Photo stops are a good thing. Especially in such a varied environment as this!



We're still kind of puzzled as to how this car got out here. If it was in good enough condition to get out here, then why would anyone leave it? If it was in bad enough shape to abandon, then how did it get here? We're accepting ideas, and promise a prize* to the best one.


Closer, now, to the Mars-style dirt we saw a few photos back. The guides told us that the easiest way to the top is up the steep part. Right...
Regardless, though, that guy in the lower right-hand-side is chargin' hard to check it out!


As you can see, most of the group decided to go up the middle. Incidentally, I think that's one of about two offensive plays the USAFA Falcons have in their playbook: 'Up the middle'. Why mess with tradition? ;-)


The Mars hill, from the side.


...And from the top (we went around to the left - it was less steep, and we beat these other folks to the top all while exerting less effort).


Waterfall site #1. Here, Gwyddon's getting ready to take a voluntary pounding by the water that's falling about 25 feet. Lisa (to the right of the waterfall) is debating whether or not she wants to abuse herself in like manner...


And Gwyddon immerses himself in the falls. He described it like that feeling you get when you first hit the water when diving into a pool - only continuously.


At the second set of waterfalls. This one was fraught with much more danger. Slick rocks, long falls and unfriendly-looking rocks at the bottom. Here, Gwyddon looks off of one of the higher drop-offs to the water and rocks about 40 feet below.


Looking straight out from the falls, you see this magnificent display of untamed nature.


Join us next time for more boonie stomping action!

*at a date which might never be determined