The tsunami created 2 very different types of people: (1) people who lost immediate relatives, homes, belongings, and saw complete devastation or (2) people who escaped with out much physical damage. Everyone on The Rock has been emotionally impacted by this horrible tragedy, but those of use who fall into category #2 experienced an odd week-after. Once dealing with the events and emotions of day one, we didn’t have too much to do. American sent relief efforts (though publicized) did little and needed relatively little help, and the truly effected families weren’t seeking to much non-family help. Thus, we felt helpless but were bored. Stores were closed, school was closed, and there isn’t always much to do on our little island. To do something active, get outside, and take our minds off the emotions of the week, Max and I spent 2 days tackling the Samoan outdoors.
Friday: Mt Alava
After our final staff meeting of the week, we decided to hike Mt. Alava (part of the National Park). We walked about 40 minutes from Utulei through Fagatogo (stopping only to buy him some $18 women’s socks...they were out of men’s) and Pago to the road to Fagasa. We were planning on walking up the mountain road to Fagasa when we passed by one of our schools janitors, and she offered to give us a ride. We gladly accepted and in Samoan style hopped in the back of the pick up. She took us up the top where the National Park begins, and we couldn’t have been more thankful.....it would have been a very steep several hour walk. The Mt Alava hike takes about 2.5 hours up, and the walk is along the ridge line. Most of the trail is through rainforest, so it’s shaded but overwhelmingly hot and muggy. The second half of the hike definitely kicked my butt a little. (Though not even close to the Grouse Grind, Dad). The view from the top was amazing and I got some good shots of the island! The way down is much easier, as it’s mostly down hill. I was relieved to see the end, though, and get out of the sweaty jungle. I managed to snag a ride back to the main about 15 seconds off the trail. Max now claims that I need to go everywhere with him since it’s so much easier to get rides if you are of the fairer sex.
Saturday: Nu’uuli Falls
On Saturday I wanted to go to Fagatele Bay, but just I was about to head out Kate called to remind me that we shouldn’t swim in the ocean water for at least 2 weeks. We needed another adventure to fill our time, though, so I suggested trying to find Nu’uuli Falls. I only had one clue: Near Family Mart. Max and I took the bus to Family Mart (a little convenient store on the main road) and decided to walk down the side road next to it. A few seconds later we stopped a man to ask if we were going in the right direction. His response, “Ya, just go straight and you see it right there” (he pointed just up the road). Oh, Samoan directions.....After a 10 minute walk down the road there is a split... Left or right? We decided left, were lead to someone’s front yard and decided to turn around and go right. We took the dirt path up a little hill and heard the angry barks of dogs. Soon 4 viscous dogs were bolting our direction. We semi-fended them off with some rocks and a few shouts of “Halu! Halu!” We were about to give up and retreat when we heard a whistle and a man’s voice. The dog’s owner called them off and welcomed us up the hill. He introduced himself as Leota, and then introduced us to his well-trained guard dogs. The 2 most viscous were none other than Lassie and Puppy; hardly intimidating names. Lassie warmed up to me quickly and was soon licking my hands and nudging my legs to play. Leota pointed us in the right direction and let us take the path through his property. We hiked through the forest, crossed a small river, and after a few more minutes through the dense foliage we came to an amazing clearing! A waterfall pour down from dark jagged rocks and emptied into a beautiful pool. It was like a secret oasis tucked perfectly into the rainforest. I was so excited to jump in, and the water was the perfect temperature. We stayed at the falls for a few hours. I swam for an hour and then just sat on a rock thinking and embracing the awesomeness around me.
Sunday:
After 2 days of adventure, it was time to get back to work. All sunday I worked tirelessly on my latest projects, the American Samoa Tsunami Relief Fund and Tsunami Stories blog. Hopefully they will be up and ready to show to the public by tomorrow or the next day... I’m still waiting on the official approval from the powers above. But stay tuned for this great way to help out the students of American Samoa greatly affected by the tsunami!
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