Hi, folks![:)]
Here’s another picture I took while in Saipan recently.
This one was also taken on Managaha Island, off the coast of Saipan. It’s a big cannon that was installed in a huge concrete bunker, the remnants of which you can see behind me and the gun. There are several of these on this tiny island, a strategic location to defend Saipan from the allied fleet.
Here’s the pic:
What do ya’ll reckon that gun is, 200mm or so? Didn’t have a ruler on me at the time!
And can you believe those skinny legs haul my 260 pound keister around all day? Gotta do more calf raises!
Howdy, T-Man!
Yeah, I’m thinking maybe I oughta change my name to J-Lurch!
The gun, hmmmm…maybe a five-incher. Perhaps larger. There was a plaque there with info on it, but it was so sun-faded, I couldn’t read any of it.
I finally figured out who you look like J-Hulk. Do you guys get to see American Chopper over there? It’s a doccumentary series on discovery about cycle builders in New York. You look rather like one of the owners of the shop, Paul Teutul Jr. It’s a great show. I feel better now, when I first saw a pic of you, I couldn’t quite put a finger on it. Great pics by the way, Saipan is a beautiful island.
Madda, American Chopper? Nevah hoid of it! I’ll keep an eye out for it, and that handsome devil, Paul!
T-Man, yeah, could be an 8-incher.
The whole place really evokes a lot of mixed emotions. It’s absolutely beautiful, with the beaches, the jungles, the sea and sky…but with all the reminders of the war everywhere you look, it really makes for a somber, poignant setting in which to ponder man’s folly.
Sad business, war.
Hey J-hulk. If I remember it right you’re about 6’5". If I am right about your height that gun could be 8" or so in diameter. You could probably fit me in there, he-he-he.
Dwight, yup, I clock in right at 6’ 5". Right after this pic was taken, the grumpy island staff made me put the cannon back where I found it…[:D]
Peter, yes, that is a nice little beach house in the background. Saipan is full of these kind of surreal images.
The beautifully landscaped airport is lined with old Japanese bunkers!
Right off the coast from our hotel lies the half-sunken remains of an American cargo ship.
A bit further south, a Sherman struggles to make it to the beach, still submerged up to its turret for the last 60 years.
Was that where all the B-29s were? Koblerville, I believe? That’s all around where the airport is now. We toured the area and saw the B-29 “parking lots,” and a lot of buildings and structures that remained, both Japanese and US.
Another cool pic Brian! I can’t belive those grumpy staff members didn’t like you toting that gun out for a picture, man, they get so sensitive these days!! [:D] [:p] [;)]
