Truk lagoon is another of Micronesia's incredible undersea phenomena. It is almost 40 miles in diameter and reaches depths of 300 feet. Aside from the sheer beauty of the undersea coral reef beneath the clear water, the bottom of Truk lagoon is the final tomb for more than 100 ships, planes and submarines fromm WWII. They create the greatest underwater museum in the world. The wrecks have been transformed into breathtakingly beautiful coral gardens and artificial reefs, home to hundreds of exotic marine animals & fish. It's a mecca to the world's sport divers, underwater photographers and marine scinetists. To diving enthusiasts, Truk offers one of the finest diving experiences. It's a rare opportunity to find so many shipwrecks so close together and so completely intact. Unfortunately, we were unable to rent scuba equipment as there were only two dive shops and the people that were already staying on the island took it all. However, we did manage to rent a small motor boat that would hold the 6 of us. We bought snorkeling equipment at a local market and went out to one of the islands a couple of miles off Truk and snorkeled. In the boat, the fellow taking us cut off the tops of several coconuts and we drank the milk. It was cool and refreshing and tasted great.
Although we wern't able to wreck dive, the coral was gorgeous and we did see some ships partially out of the water. Afterwards, we got a car and drove the island. The native women were just beautiful. They have no television on the entire island and are completely divorced from the outside world. The Air Force was still here until 2 years ago when they all left. I guess we no longer needed a presence in this part of the world. When I exercise in the morning I have a beautiful view of the ocean and am usually listening to my i-pod. Years ago I loaded into it the "Victory at Sea" CD. Being on Truk, near Guadalcanal, and now en route to Guam, it's truly a sureal experience. I understand today is the anniversary of the flag raising on Iwo Jima...we will be there in a few days.
Although we wern't able to wreck dive, the coral was gorgeous and we did see some ships partially out of the water. Afterwards, we got a car and drove the island. The native women were just beautiful. They have no television on the entire island and are completely divorced from the outside world. The Air Force was still here until 2 years ago when they all left. I guess we no longer needed a presence in this part of the world. When I exercise in the morning I have a beautiful view of the ocean and am usually listening to my i-pod. Years ago I loaded into it the "Victory at Sea" CD. Being on Truk, near Guadalcanal, and now en route to Guam, it's truly a sureal experience. I understand today is the anniversary of the flag raising on Iwo Jima...we will be there in a few days.
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