Day at the beach in Larsens Bay

For those who plan to come out for a visit, American Samoa is not exactly a major tourist destination. Tourism is not heavily promoted here. If you want elaborate tourist resorts with stretches of long white sandy beaches then you will have to also plan visits to Western Samoa, Fiji or Tonga. But, as you have seen, AS does possess some beautiful, dramatic scenery, and hidden little beaches like this one in Larsens Bay. We spent an afternoon at this beach a couple of weekends ago. Check it out...

After a nice hike through lush tropical vegetation you emerge to find this beautiful/secluded little beach.

Native wildlife

More scenery courtesy of Nick - need to give him proper credit:

Me and the ladies getting wet

We spent the day at this beach with our neighbors Betty and David and their three sons - Toa, Tupu, and Clarence - the "boys" as Frankie and Juliana call them . Betty works with Cheryl at the library and David is the director of the Historical Preservation Office in American Samoa.

Betty holding Juliana. Toa, Clarence and Frankie on the rock.

Tupu otherwise known as 'dudeman'. He likes to say dude

After a nice, long day at the beach we had to hike back

Of course I had to carry princess Juliana most of the way - her legs "hurt"

Toa and Frankie waiting for the old folks

Walking back through the forest.

Julibear crashed out shortly after putting her on my shoulders for the walk back. A good day...

First day of school

Frankie and Juliana are attending a private school called Pacific Horizons. They have to wear uniforms on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. A couple of shots of their first day of school and few other shots of the girls that I liked....

Cannons and Shipwrecks

The Japanese never invaded American Samoa although it was on their list. Remnants of World War II defenses are scattered around the island:

Good view of Pago Pago harbor from the cannon site:

Nick and I stopped to explore a shipwreck on the east end of the island:

Our new ride

We finally bought a new vehicle. Check out the new "JRod". I looked at alot of vehicles but this one spoke to me and Frankie really like the leopard skin interior.

Girls and Friends in AS

The girls have adapted well to AS thus far and seem to be enjoying themselves. They like going to the beach, running around in the rain in their bathing suits, and playing with their new friends and the numerous stray dogs running around the neighborhood. We still don't have TV or intenet but the kids don't seem to miss it much. They have rediscovered how to "play" and always seem to find something to occupy themselves. Photos of the girls in action:

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Frankie holding a pua flower which grow on the trees in our yard

Frankie and one of the dogs she has befriended - "Lily"

Yes, they have McDonalds in AS - still one of their favorite restaurants

Frankie getting cocounut tree climbing lessons from Auntie Bua

Frankie, bua and Malea

Frankie and Juliana's new puppy - Koko. Koko was abandoned and rescued by Cheryl. We decided to give her a new home.

Another shot of Koko

Juliana with pua flower

Juliana in our house at Lions Park

Nick and the girls at Lions Park

Taking a break from playing with neighborhood dogs

Best buds

Frankie and Juliana holding an injured purple-capped fruit dove