Well, some disappointing news: they discovered a broken part of the ship which needs to be repaired before we can begin our cruise and they couldn't find anyone on the island who could repair it. So, we are delayed for at least a few days while someone flies to Singapore with the part, has it repaired there, and then flies it back to Guam to reinstall. It's disheartening to be set back and likely to have our time at sea cut short, but these things happen and since we are already here, I'll enjoy and make the best of my extended time in Guam. Here's what I've been up to so far:
I spent just about 24 hours in Honolulu in between flights. It was beautiful and the hotel Annette and I stayed in was an easy walk from the beach. I got to enjoy the ocean, the perfectly warm weather, and some really good food including takoyaki and spam musubi. I'm looking forward to having a little more time there on the way back from the cruise!
I've been in Guam for about a day and a half now. Yesterday, Annette and I went looking for the trailhead to climb Mt. Lam Lam, the highest peak in Guam from the deepest point in the Mariana Trench is the largest elevation change over a short distance in the world. We couldn't find the trailhead but instead took a long, scenic drive around almost the entire island, stopping along the way at overlook points, historical sites, and a stand where someone was selling mangos in his garden. Afterwards, we met up for lunch with a few people from the Univeristy of Guam who were interested in talking to Annette about eDNA research. They also gave us directions to find the Mt. Lam Lam trail and suggested some spots for snorkling so we'll have plenty to do in our downtime here.
Today, we'll still be loading our gear onto the ship as planned so that we can be prepared for when the ship is ready to set out. Annette and I will also start sleeping on the ship, so I'm leaving the fancy hotel where I've spent the last two nights. I've got to say, the past few days of island hotels have been a real treat! I've spent a /lot/ of time by my window with an ocean view, on my room balcony, or on a pool chair by the beach and its been fantastic. And on the ship, I'll still have an ocean view!
Hopefully my next update will have better news. Cross your fingers for us!
P.S. picutures are here
