« Gingras Family Visit Part 3--Christmas and Diving | Main | Lonfit Waterfall »

February 06, 2006

Gingras Family Visit Part 4--Fishing and Hiking

So, as the counterpoint to diving underwater to watch the beautiful and unique wildlife, we instead geared up a large boat, stayed on the surface and threw lures in the water to entice the fish to eat them, so we could in turn reel them in and eat them.

Perhaps that's a little over-simplified, but it was fun, nonetheless. Nothing like being at the top of the food chain. :-)

Ok, our morning was spent on a large and very comfortable boat. The Captain took us out in search of primarily Mahi Mahi.


Deep Sea Fishing Web 11.jpg


First up to catch a fish was Michael. We had 4 lines in the water, so when a fish was on one line the other three were brought in. The crew worked very efficiently to make sure all we had to do was sit in the fighting chair and reel in the fish. That sounds a lot easier that it is though. These are large game fish and don't come in without a fight. Granted, a Mahi Mahi or Tuna is no Marlin, but it's still a great fight.

When Michael brought the fish close enough so that we could see it, I was really surprised at how beautiful it was. Such a vibrant blue. I'd never caught a mahi before (or even seen one in person).

When it came next to the boat, the crew again impressed me with their efficiency. One directed it in and got the door open and the other gaffed it and brought it directly into the cooler. If you have a weak stomach, it could be a bit of gruesome site, but the process is still fascinating.

Here's Michael with his spoils. Unfortunately, the color fades when the fish dies, so it's not nearly as pretty, but you can see what they look like (if you've never seen one before).


Deep Sea Fishing Web 04_resize.jpg


Next on the docket was me and a fish. Mine was rather elusive. It took lots of line out and was fighting hard. When we finally got him in, it was a football sized tuna. Perhaps not as impressive as the Mahi Mahi, but a good little fighter.


Deep Sea Fishing Web 02_resize.jpg


Deep Sea Fishing Web 03_resize.jpg


Dad was the final fisherman to get one. He also brought in a nice sized Mahi Mahi.


Deep Sea Fishing Web 01_resize.jpg


Well, after 4 hours, we only brought in 3 fish, but we had a great time doing it.


Here are some other shots as we enjoyed our time on the boat.


Deep Sea Fishing Web 05_resize.jpg


Deep Sea Fishing Web 06_resize.jpg

As we came back into the harbor, the crew filleted our fish for us. For part of the tuna, we enjoyed a little sushi. It wasn't yellow fin tuna, but it was quite tasty. There's nothing better than taking your catch from the sea and in a matter of minutes, fillet it and eat it raw (with a little soy sauce and wasabi of course). Yum. :-)


Deep Sea Fishing Web 07_resize.jpg


Deep Sea Fishing Web 09_resize.jpg


Here's our party and crew back in the harbor.


Deep Sea Fishing Web 10_resize.jpg


Next stop was back home to cook up some of that tasty fish. Michael helped make a delicious meal of the fillets.

After we had our fill of the fish, we packed up our gear and went North for a short hike to Hilaan beach (AKA Shark's Hole and Lost Pond).

On the way there, we stopped by Two Lover's Point. Here's a picture of Julie and Michael there.


Julie & Michael_resize.jpg


Here is everyone hiking on the beach.

Hilaan Beach Web 01.jpg


Julie, Michael and I ventured into the jungle in search of Lost Pond (it's not very lost if everyone finds it, is it??). Unfortunately, like many trails on Guam, this one had about 10 different branches going off it. So, we took a couple wrong turns and found ourselves in very think growth with the pond nowhere in sight. However, we did come across a number of coconut crabs (a land crab that eats primarily coconuts and is considered a delicacy here). Since none of us were wearing the right gear to be trail blazing, we turned around and headed back to the beach.

Since I couldn't let the jungle beat me, I decided to go back and make sure I could still find this lost pond. I did, but as usual, the mosquitoes were voracious, so I didn't savor the discovery for very long!

We stayed out on the beach until the late afternoon, then hiked back to the car.

Here's another shot of the beach.


Hilaan Beach Web 02_resize.jpg


After this picture perfect day at the beach (which also happened to be New Year's Eve), we returned home. That evening Anna and I went to a New Year's party for work and everyone else stayed home, packed up and got a good night's rest for the very long journey home the following day.

Early the next morning, we took everyone over to the airport and said good-bye. It was a great visit and we really enjoyed having them come see our home in Guam. Not just anyone would travel halfway around the world just to come say hi!

We can't wait to see them again soon!

So, until the next adventure.

--Jim


Posted by jim at February 6, 2006 12:30 PM

Comments

What up big fella? I was just going through some e-mails and remembered you had a site and saw these amazing shots. You take care of that beautiful lady of yours and I'll do the same on this end (How did we get so lucky lol). I'm off to Kuwait in Jan for 7 months, but its not convoy duty so I wont complain. Oh yeah, I'm still bragging about knowing you before you make it on the PGA tour to all of my buddies. Funny, your drives get farther and farther each time I tell the stories too.

Take care Jim and best wishes this upcoming year.
Eddie

Posted by: Eddie at December 28, 2006 07:14 PM

Post a comment




Remember Me?