Gun Beach:
A few weekends ago we wanted to check out a beach close to base but it was closed due to the beach conditions. We've had several different Tropical Depressions pass near the island, which has mostly just caused rain, but there were some wavy days too. Since we weren't able to go to the beach we were attempting to get to we ended up checking out Gun Beach which is on the North-side of Tumon Bay, about 30 minutes from where we live.
This beach ended up being more of a local hangout that a tourist spot, which was enjoyable. The beach was clean and it was wavy. The kiddos enjoyed playing in the waves, but we had to keep a hold on them so they didn't float away. They enjoyed burying toys in the sand, some of which got left behind when they couldn't find them...There was a small trail nearby that Mason walked along to take a few pictures. The colors of the sky and water were so pretty as a storm was in the distance. It was a very nice, relaxing family day.
Gab Gab Beach:
We were lucky enough to steal Mason away for another weekday afternoon for a trip to Gab Gab beach a few weeks ago. We've been here before and the snorkeling is really nice, and lots of scuba divers start out near here. The beach is located on the Navy base and is about an hour from our house. We decided to swing by the Navy's Outdoor Recreation office and rented life-jackets for the kiddos for the day, since the area we like to swim in is deeper water and they can't touch. This ended up being a huge lifesaver for the day because the surge and current were very strong. There would have been no way to manage both of the kiddos solo (while the other adult snorkeled). Woodrow had a hard time adjusting to the life jacket at first, but it took a few minutes for me to realize that he liked to be upright with his "feet straight" instead of horizontal. Theo enjoyed having some freedom with the lifejacket and started putting his head in the water more and more to see the fishes.
One of the funniest parts of the day to me was when Theo asked to jump off this huge ledge into the water. This was the boy who didn't want to jump off the diving board at swimming lessons this summer, but he decided that he wanted to do this. The first attempt he decided he didn't want to do it anymore so Mason ended up going solo, but before we left for the day he asked to go again and jumped about 10 feet into the water.
Ritidian Beach:
Last weekend we were able to spend another fantastic family day and go to Ritidian Beach near the base. We've tried to go to this location a few times since we've been here, but it's frequently closed and has limited hours. The day was so perfect. The water was by far the clearest water we've been in since arriving in Guam and the snorkeling was great. The water was pretty shallow, but it was nice because the kids were able to see lots of fish. Theo's confidence has really improved and he was floating and "swimming" around quite a bit with his face in the water checking out all the fish. It was a really nice beach and it got pretty busy as the day went on, but it never felt crowded. It was definitely a hangout location for the Japanese tourists. We were able to take a lot of fun underwater pictures with our GoPro.
There were lots of moments where I was able to sit back and enjoy
watching the boys play in the water and sand, see Mason snorkel, soak in
the sun and clouds and appreciate all that I have. Days and times like
this made me feel so blessed.
No comments:
Post a Comment