Escapade visits Pagan Island

1300 Thursday 30th May 2013
Escapade made a brief visit to Pagan Is. (18 07.2N 145 46.1E) this morning. As usual, we arrived in the dark and hove to waiting for the sun to come up. Principal reason for the visit was for Brian and Felicity to see a real smoking volcano which is a feature of Pagan. The island is also inhabited and we happened upon the vessel from Saipan delivering supplies so we stopped for a chat, first of all with the chap in the dinghy and then a quick hello with the small village which seemed to inhabit the actual boat. They asked if we were going ashore and informed us that visitors are welcome. We replied that we first had to get clearance and permission in Saipan but that we would like to return especially if we were welcome. The Island itself is relatively large and there are signs of crops being grown as well as the few buildings of the village under the palm trees. Not sure how many flat roads there are for my new folding bike.

Blue Marlin

Pagan Island volcano at full steam

Yesterday we visited the Maug Is (20 01.2E 145 13.3E) group which consists of three islands in a ring formation being the remains of a collapsed volcano. As usual we arrived in the middle of the night so waited for the moon to rise before attempting entry then drifted around inside the caldera until sunup whence we had omelettes and hot coffee while enjoying the view before leaving.
Have been motoring for over 24 hours now as we have to get Brian to Saipan in time to clear customs during business hours on Friday. Past Alamagan Is (17 36.1N 145 49.8E) about 2 hours ago and now coming up on Guguan Is (17 18.8N 145 50.1E) which is also an active volcano but not as distinct as Pagan.
Its beer o'clock leading into happy hour at the moment as time has moved on through lunch (salad wraps) to 1700.