Top of the Chao

A top priority of this move was to live healthier, simpler lives.  Its funny, but I can honestly say we've been more active out here in these couple weeks than we were in the last two years in Omaha.  Conveniently enough (its always easier to exercise when its convenient), we live on a steep road heading up to the peak of the entire island - Mt. Topachao - which makes for a beautiful yet challenging hike.  Because we're so fortunate to have such easy access to this, I've made it a goal to hike Topachao several times a week.

At the peak of Mt. Topachao prominently stands a statue of Jesus Christ facing west with open arms.  The statue serves as the finish line to the hike, but also reminds Topachao's visitors that Saipan is a very very Catholic island.  Once at the top of Topachao, you'll find the best views of the entire island.  And when I say entire, I mean you can literally see every inch of Saipan, you can see the ocean all the way around it, you can even see the islands Tinian and Goat Island to the south (and on a clear day you can see the island Rota even further south).  The view from top really puts things in perspective because you literally see how tiny the island truly is.  The top of the Chao gets you a good workout, an opportunity to hang with Jesus, and some peace and quiet to really reflect on where we are!

North

West - Downtown Garapan

South - Tinian in the distance.

East - the airport is in the distance.