PART 2 - SAIPAN

Our time in Saipan was short of a week, yet it was very special. Some from Guam came over for the small convention. The island is about half the size of Guam at 12.5 miles long by 5.5 miles wide. How best to describe it? Well to me it felt like a mini Mexico with no American tourists.....they were all Japanese.The Beautiful South Pacific.

We hiked down to the shores of Forbidden Island

Maybe you'll recognize some of these folks?

The official Saipan transport vehicle

Two WWII Sherman Tanks are within snorkeling distance of the coast.

The Battle of Saipan was costly. 43,000 people lost their lives on this little island.

Notice the stainless steel welds still shine like new.

Nearby the tanks....this ray was probably the most graceful thing I've ever seen in water.

A nice afternoon cruise up the coast with Tommy. Next time he'll likely ask for a few more cc's.

And yes....the great snorkeling continued.

Staredown on the isle of Managaha. I let him win!

Next up: New Zealand