Climbing Sokez Rock

One of the things that I've wanted to do was to be up on Sokez Rock when the United plane landed. I've climbed Sokez once before and it was an awesome experience. I had no problems talking myself into doing it again when Mike and Alex asked me to join them.

 

 Alex is our mate, but today he was also our guide. He has climbed just about everything there is to climb on Pohnpei.

 

 Before you even get to the rock you have to climb up through the forest that surrounds it's base. Mike and I agreed that doing this was actually harder than the vertical climb up the rock.

 

 Once you get through the forest part you are met with this view. Somewhat daunting but we weren't backing down now.

 

 A friendly local questioning our sanity I'm sure.

 

 And up we went.

 

 The view from the top looking towards the airport.

 

Looking straight down, yep it's a long way.

 The Maritime Wing sits in silence. You can see just how close we are to the island's rubbish dump here, providing us a 'lovely' smell when the wind is right.

 

 Alex taking a well deserved break.

 

 The reason way we are on top of a very big rock. To be honest it wasn't as spectacular as I imagined, but it's a been there.

 

 About to land.

 

 A quick time-delay photo to celebrate the occasion.

 

 The top of the rock is covered with pineapple plants. They are definately in a safe location.

 

 Climbing down is often more dangerous than climbing up. But with no time-pressure we stopped for a few pictures.

 

A great experience to share with Mike.

 The not-so-steep part.

 

Steady as she goes.

 



The climb down through the forest across giant roots and moss cover boulders was challenging and we were glad to be back at the car. A quick swim in the ocean for a much needed cool-off and then it was back to wives and children.