Sa'ilele

      Sa'ilele is a small village on the northern coast of American Samoa.  It's main claim to fame, besides what you will shortly see in photos, is that it is the home village of the former Governor.  Sa'ilele can only be reached by driving along the main coast road well east, way past Pago Pago, passing Tisa's, and then you cut north up and over the central mountain ridge of Tutuila. The road winds way up, then way down again, offering views such as these:

Main road on east end of Tutuila, on way to Sa'ilele

Approach to Sa'ilele from road

Same, clear view

Looking west along Tutuila coast

     But then you arrive; first thing to see is the beautiful church (falesa); also here's a photo of the one and only street which runs right along the beach:

Falesa in Sa'ilele

The only road in town

     Cyndi and I drove out here last Saturday with Kelly, her friend Carolyn, Steph and Chris.  We obtained permission to be on the beach; a necessary step as all village property is private.  Then we spent the afternoon on the beach - walking, swimming, snorkeling and yes, finding shells.  It's the best beach for shells yet found.  Here are some pictures of the scene:

Looking east down the beach.

Kelly beachcombing

The beach in Sa'ilele

Cyndi walking along

Palm trees line the edge

Coral rubble on sand

That's Steph and Chris down the beach

Our shade tree

Closer view of nearby islet.

Rocky point at east end of beach and village

Who's that looking for shells?  It's me

Both of us looking for treasures.

Coconut crab in a borrowed home, on the beach.

Past the rocks on the east side is yet another beach, no road to it, just walk over:

View from rocky point.  The good times just never end.

Next beach down.  Quite isolated.

Here's a short video of the beach, looking east:

     The trees offered shade, the beach swimming and shells, and the whole scene was picture-perfect.  On the return trip we stopped at Tisa's to take full advantage, and had one of their famous pina colada drinks whilst sitting on their veranda overlooking the sea.  Pleasant company, great beach, beautiful day.  What a nice way to spend Saturday!  Here's our group:

Cyndi and Rick

Steph and Chris

Carolyn, dancing, and Kelly

     Here's a photo looking west, on the way home.  Also, one of the road going up, back to civilization, such as it is here:

Leaving Sa'ilele, looking west

The road up.  Steeper than the photo appears!

So, just another day in American Samoa.  Sigh.