Guam Cozy Mountain Lodge

This was the smallest Guam ladies retreat as so many of the ladies couldn't get off work this year.  One group was leaving on vacation next week so had to work...another had just returned from a funeral the day before so she was forced to go back to work.  But we had a FANTASTIC time of growth, sharing, food, fun, and fellowship with those who were there.  Here's a few of the highlights...

(And I completely forgot to get a group picture! Urgh.)

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Bird Island Beach

One of the famous lookouts in Saipan is at Bird Island.  It is a bird sanctuary. (The Marianas actually has several wonderful bird sanctuaries.  Scientists frequently come to the island to study the birds and even move some birds to the surrounding deserted islands to protect the various species.) Sadly, I didn't make it out to the lookout to have any pictures from up high to post.  (But I have a million pics at home from the lookout for my viewing pleasure.)

[On a side not, I recall my first Bird Island lookout view in 2003.  I had to take a picture with some Japanese girls because they were intrigued by my blue eyes. ha ha.]

On this particular day, four of us (including Perry) did the hike down to Bird Island.  It's a fantastic beach where you can hear the waves crashing....watch the birds soaring....and enjoy the solitude as most of the tourists don't know the hidden trail down to the beach. 

The trail down the side of the cliff is narrow but the slope is gentle.  (In cases where it gets very steep, then there are ropes to help guide you.)

Though I didn't get a picture of  Bird Island from the official lookout, here's one through the trees as I hiked down the cliff.

Below, Perry is more than ready to escape his hiking papoose for the beach.

It is not advised to actually go out to bird island as the currents are very strong through here.

Perry knows his time on Saipan has come to end as he longingly gazes out at the ocean.