Pago Pago (pronounced Pango Pango) is the capital of American Samoa. In 2000 its population was 11,500. Tourism, entertainment, food, and tuna canning are the primary industries. From 1878 to 1951, this was a coaling and repair station for the U.S. Navy and known then as United States Naval Station Tutuila. Houses have been built on the steep hills not far from the seafront, and most of the shops line the street in front of the dock itself. You never have to venture far from the dock to start shopping, as locals will come in strength to the dock to present their merchandise and crafts. Pago Pago remains a small town with a couple of banks, convenience stores, restaurants and the Haydon Museum. Pago Pago is hemmed in by towering mountains including Mt. Matafao, the highest point at 2,142 feet and the impressive Mt. Alava that forms part of the National Park on the north coast. Taxis and rental cars are available. Taxis are expensive and it's important to agree on the price before getting into a meter-less taxi anywhere on Tutuila. Be firm on the agreed number of people in the taxi as well as the exact location. Our experience here was a driver agreeing to our requirements but as we got going in the taxi he noted a location much closer to the one we wanted, in short I gave him a quick lesson on listening to people before just agreeing to get us in your car. I told him to take us to our requested location or just stop the car, he dropped us off at the originally agreed National Park Service Tourist Office. There are also a fleet of 'aiga', local family buses, they run unscheduled services. Traveling by bus is an experience. The buses are brightly colored and run by a timetable that is known only to the driver. Through the house quality sound systems, most buses play bass pounding island music. Note, these buses are great and go to pretty much to all the sights on the island, the drivers are friendly and they are inexpensive.
With our new National Park Tourist Passports in our pockets we headed up the steep 1.2 mile road to our day hike on the Mount 'Alava Trail. This challenging trail runs along the ridge on the top of the mountain for about 7 miles, great views on both sides. The weather was perfect for our hike, we had two other guests from the ship join us today, Connie and Jennifer. The trail itself was in good shape and was as wide a vehicle the whole way, lots of trees and shrubs along the way which really only offered us peek a boo views - but a great hike. This is our third time here in Pago Pago so we were looking for something different to do today, Connie had mentioned a hike a few days ago so I said that I would look into it, so here we are.
At the end of our hike we took some pictures at the trail head and not looking forward to the long hike back down the road to the main town and the ship. Just as this thought was entering my mind a white super cab pickup truck happened to come by and stopped. The woman passenger got out and asked if we were from the ship, we said yes, she then asked if we wanted a ride back to the ship. Talk about a wonderful blessing and incredible timing we of course said yes. Jan and Connie jumped into the back of the seat, I jumped into the back bed like a local. Jennifer bailed on the hike earlier and found a Funky bus to take her back to town (for a dollar) - worked out well for all.
These locals chatted with Jan and Connie and very nicely dropped us another short hike spot at Blunt and Breakers Point Trail giving us great vistas from some great pictures.
Within easy walking distance back to the ship we stopped in at Sadie's by the Sea for a late lunch, great music, swim the ocean and pool. Back on the ship by 4:20 (4:30 all aboard time) for a great sail away and another incredible sunset.
Quote of the Day. A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. - Lao Tzu
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