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Locked Gate Welcome - Ritidian, Guam


On President's day Monday, we were hoping for a good time at the beach.  Sunday we had stayed home because Araya wasn't feeling very good, so I had high hopes for Monday.  I wanted to go to Ritidian, the nicest beach on Guam, I'd heard.  We drove north, up to the Air Force Base, took a left turn, headed to the northern most point of the island. The road got rough, bouncy, swerving, pot-holes rough.  Then we came around a corner and saw this most amazing view of the ocean.  The road drops down from there, to the shore, and to a gate.  Which. Was. Locked!  

Locked.  After all of that.  In honor of President's Day.  If I had only known.  Heads drooping, we drove off.  Rob found a little road to explore.  At least we could look around a bit before heading back.


The kids got out of the car and set out on a photo hunt.


Flowers, butterflies, and brown tree snake research.  And a man who came by in his pickup and stopped for a minute to talk.


He asked what we were doing?  
Just waiting while the kids took some photographs. 
Where are you from?  
We answered.  
He paused.

Why don't you folks go down the road to my place.  I've been cutting down coconut trees today.  About 20 of them.  The gate is locked.  Just park to the right, and you can walk in.

He went on his way.  A kind and trusting stranger.

What could we say for what turned out to be such a nice gift.


One gate, locked, shut us out.  This gate, though locked, welcomed us in.


Down, the little paved lane, to a garden, some shelters, and then to a pristine beach.


Quiet.  Except the sound of the waves on the shore.  
Blue.  Sea and Sky. 
Shells in the sand.  Sea gifts.
Red coral sand.  Red Hibiscus.  
Orchids. Coconut trees.  
Quiet.  Peace and Quiet.

(You can just follow along with the pictures.  Word will just get in the way on this little vacation to one of the most beautiful private beaches I've ever experienced.) 











 






















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  1. Cheryl SternMarch 7, 2013 at 9:08 PM

    That's Aurona beach...the place and beach we went camping at right before christmas with a church group. You must have talked with MR. Mckeever's(from the Ordot church, History teacher at GAA)Uncle. His Uncle owns that cool camping spot(a park like setting)...and yes it is an awesome beach...glad you got to see it & experience it!!! Yay! :o) ....Cheryl Stern

    ReplyDelete
  2. SharonMarch 7, 2013 at 11:27 PM

    beautiful! what a blessing!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. HeidiMarch 8, 2013 at 3:23 AM

    What a gift! I love the hospitality he gave, love the way a generous stranger saved the day.

    ReplyDelete

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