Pago Pago

Pago Pago, American Samoa – March 18, 2014

American Samoa is a volcanic island with dramatic cliffs that plunge almost straight into the sea and is the only American territory in the southern hemisphere. Pago Pago is another redo from our 2008 cruise. (www.waterunderthebridges.blogspot.com)

Chuck is thinking of getting a lava-lava like these Samoan policemen!

Don celebrated his birthday here at Tisa’s Barefoot Beach in 2008 and we were all eager to enjoy another birthday party with our toes in the sand! Intrepid souls that we are, we hired this funky bus to take us on our own magical mystery tour….up to the summit of Rainmaker Mountain for the scenic views…and then on to the beach.

Hmmmm….maybe we should have paid more attention to that skull on the side of our chariot!

We hadn’t gone more than a mile or two before our driver pulled over to the side of the road. He ran into a convenience store and came out with a big jug of water to pour into our overheating radiator! Oh no!!....we haven’t even begun to climb the mountain yet!! The smell of burning rubber became more and more pervasive as we made our way up the jungle-covered mountain. We were all relieved to jump out at the top for our photo op!

And then, after a white-knuckle trip down the mountainside, we were able to head to the beach. Our route took us past the busy tuna canneries that provide employment for a third of the population in American Samoa. Ruthanne was NOT a fan of the odor!

It was a relief to finally arrive at Tisa’s!!

We were even able to get our same table from 2008!

 We were especially glad to see that Tisa’s was in good shape….there was a sizable earthquake just off of Samoa in September of 2009 that produced a damaging tsunami on the island. Tisa’s husband, Candyman, regaled us with tales of that day.

And finally….the birthday boy….in his birthday attire!