So you\u2019re on Guam, ready to explore the sights. You step out of your hotel in Tumon and see rows of shopping, restaurants, and sandy shores not far away. But if you think the beauty of Guam lies on a strip in Tumon, you are very much mistaken. Get away from the buildings and the asphalt, and be ready to be amazed. I\u2019ve found that the true beauty of Guam is off the beaten path.<\/p>\n
You may have heard locals talking about boonie stomping. While the title doesn\u2019t sound like much fun, explore the old adage, \u201cYou can\u2019t judge a book by its cover!” If instead you heard about refreshing waterfalls, cool breezes, a bird\u2019s eye view, and a turquoise blue hue waiting for you, there\u2019s no doubt you\u2019d want to explore this prospect. If you\u2019ve ever done a hike on Guam, you have experienced the great boonies of our beautiful island. If you haven\u2019t, what are you waiting for?<\/p>\n
As you may have already figured out, it doesn\u2019t take very long to travel from one end to the other. So venturing off the beaten path to do a stomp won\u2019t take hours to drive to your chosen spot.<\/p>\n
Stomping on Guam is great because you won\u2019t have any bears or wildcats in the bushes waiting to get you. The snakes here aren\u2019t poisonous. And your reward at the end of your trek? The sunsets, especially in summer, are breathtaking.<\/p>\n
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If you\u2019d like to strike out on your own, be sensible and bring a few things like water, light clothing, sun block, a hat, and wear a worthy pair of shoes. Some hikers also bring gloves for protection against sword grass. Some rookies grab at this treacherous greenery to steady themselves, and end up with long paper cut-like wounds.<\/p>\n
Many hikes end at a pond, waterfalls or river, so a swimsuit is always a good idea. Especially if you\u2019re going to swing off the rope at Tarzan Falls. For the most part, cell phones will get a signal, though there may be some dead spots, depending on your provider. (I put mine in a waterproof zip lock bag). Be prepared \u2014\u00a0the weather is also unpredictable. You may start your hike on a sunny morning and end with a rainy afternoon.<\/p>\n
A word of caution: don\u2019t go alone, please take someone who knows the area, or go with a group. I\u2019ve gotten lost a few times; it\u2019s easy to get turned around and find yourself lost in the middle of the jungle. You\u2019ll rarely find signs, railings or markers along the way.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019d like a local perspective, ask one!\u00a0\u00a0I\u2019m sure everyone has a favorite boonie stomp! They\u2019d be more than willing to share their stomping stories. My favorite boonie stomps?\u00a0Tarzan Falls and Sigua Falls. Try one!<\/p>\n