Discovering West Tinian

Today Liz and I explored the west side of the island. It was a long day, and she worked her mule (that's me), very hard.

Our first stop was the 107th Seabees monument. Most of the roads still in use on Tinian, and the airfields, were built in less than 4 months by the US Navy Construction Battalions (the Seabees) during WWII. At that time, Tinian became the largest airport in the world!

Our next stop was the site of an old Japanese village, situated under a grove of large flame trees. All that was left, other than foundations, was a wonderful old arch. There was also a grove of bamboo nearby--still being harvested and used by the natives. We also found a single, small, grave marker at the end of the road. There was no info on the grave site, so we don't know who was buried there.

Traveling farther north, then taking a road east, we traveled up the side of Mount Laso. This is the highest point on the north end of the island. There is also an ancient Japanese shrine there. At some point in time the Japanese had built a large shrine at the very top of Mount Laso, right in front of steep cliffs that drop off to the east side of the island (the same cliff side where the Japanese defense caves had been). Unfortunately, the jungle had overgrown the site to such an extent that few of the ruins could be seen, and the view of the east side of the island, and of north fields and the old airport, were almost completely restricted.

We also saw a most unique tree along the road to the top of the mount--a tree with roots that came down from its branches! It was very strange, and marvelous at the same time.

On our way to Unai Chulu beach, where the American Marines invaded the island of Tinian and where there is an old Japanese bunker, we passed and old tank or half-track in the middle of a field. Of course, Liz had to take some pictures! The field was filled with weeds that had sharp burrs and prickers. Our legs were actually bloody when we finally made our way out!

After Unai Chulu beach we traveled almost due east to the airfields. There are four very large runways that run almost the entire width of the island, and many connecting roads. It is amazing how the jungle has crept in on this massive Seabees project! In some areas the runways are almost completely covered with brush.

The paper has stated that a contingent of Marines is due to arrive on Tinian in March for training. It is also reported that Tinian might become a holding ground for captured terrorists. It should be interesting to see what the Marines do when they arrive!