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Post by fots2 on Oct 30, 2009 8:34:46 GMT 8
Phantom, thanks for the details of that unfortunate incident.
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Post by The Phantom on Oct 31, 2009 4:16:04 GMT 8
Also in that area, in a tangle of vines and near a ruined Officers Quarters was a destroyed safe. the door off, and no where to be seen. Stood about 3 ft high? Thought I had found the gold...............
Following the Trolley line is especially rewarding as Karl and Fots will attest. It's amazing how extensive it once was and still is if you are willing to walk slowing, sometimes in thick vines and heat with no breeze what so ever.
Exo took me on a trip 3 or 4 years ago, me in shorts, him in long pants, off the back of Topside where the old Golf course was and we ended up at 5 large storehouses, #74 thru #78 on the side of a hill deep in the jungle, served only by the trolley lines. Storehouse Artillery Engineer and Q.M.C. buildings. They are still there, some showing lots of battle damage, some you could still use today. Exo then said we would just go down the hill to the road below to get back to the hotel, like straight down a cliff face! When traveling with EXO always dress like you are going to the worst place on the island just to be safe. If he says we are only going to Topside to look around, wear leather gloves and all, he'll say, "Wait a minute, let me show you something...............right down there."
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Post by fots2 on Oct 31, 2009 19:09:14 GMT 8
Those are big buildings Phantom. As you say, there are no roads here so you see these buildings totally within the jungle. Medical Storage Building some buildings are damaged but others are surprisingly intact bedpans and tin cans a section of the old rail bed beside the buildings
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Post by The Phantom on Oct 31, 2009 20:37:31 GMT 8
Great shots Fots.
A bed pan on the ground after all these years..........Don't want to know it's stories......... Porcelain seems to last in any environment.
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Post by fots2 on Nov 1, 2009 18:20:12 GMT 8
Hi okla, Here is a 1933 photo of part of the steps from Middleside to Topside. The grey concrete to the left is a water tank which is still there.
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Post by okla on Nov 1, 2009 23:52:44 GMT 8
hey fots....i am continually amazed at your ability to come up with pertinent photos, whether new or "oldies". These are definitely the steps that I had my "wonders" about. Besides visualizing inebriated GIs negotiating these stairs I can also feature sadistic NCOs requiring rookies to run them, for some minor offense, with full field pack and a Springfield .03 at port arms. Thanks again for your ongoing efforts to keep my queries answered. There are probably many more in the works. The "rock" seems to have an inexhaustible supply of little "riddles" that gnaw at one's "innards", as my old Ozark mountain grandpappy would say.
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Post by oozlefinch on Sept 8, 2012 8:50:59 GMT 8
Re: The warehouses in Reply #12. For a humerous aside, I was on the island in '87 with Al McGrew when were in one of the Coaster buses heading downhill past Geary when he pointed up the hill at a building that he said he had been trying to get to, without success, for a couple of years. Later, I pulled out my maps and located the structures and saw that a trolley line had once gone in to them. The next day when we were coming down the hill again I had them stop, told them I would be back in a couple of minutes. I had to hop over numerous trees (I was younger then), but in a couple of minutes I found the structures. I went back out and Al said, "You didn't find anything, did you?" I said, "Sure, I found them." Al then said, "You SOB, I've been trying to find them for two years". Well, that was Al. It does go to show, however, what a good set of maps can do for you. I had made a couple of copies of the '36 map that came with RAILS TO DOOMSDAY, by Charles Small, a nice paperback that covers construction on Corregidor and Carabao from the point of view of railroad enthousiasts. I think it's a worthwhile addition to any of our libraries. Unfortunately, it's been long out of print, but I did see several copies available on Amazon. On a further aside re: maps, I was able to help Navy Warrant Officer Ed McCarthy find the site of the NCO Club. Ed had been born on the island when his father had been in charge of the NCO Club. The map was extremely helpful, and it made me feel good to help Ed reconnect with his family roots.
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Post by fots2 on Sept 8, 2012 10:02:17 GMT 8
oozlefinch, I certainly agree about the value of using maps for guidance. There are so many structures hidden off-road today that finding exactly what you are looking for is darn near impossible without them. You will also come across surprises in that the last five years or so of construction is not recorded on the 1936 map. This can be a bit confusing. Today I am completely spoiled by carrying a GPS unit. Little is hidden now and it provides a great level of confidence in that I am where I think I am especially when walking alone. It also records the location of any points of interest. Your desire to wander off to find the structures you mention is impressive. It sounds like we share a fascination for Corregidor Island. After many trips I still get excited about my visits. I wonder if it is possible to have a forum members “get together” someday on Corregidor. To explore the island and then shoot the bull at McArthur’s Café at the end of the day would be a great time. The seat at the head of the table is reserved for okla. Hey, something to think about…
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Post by okla on Sept 9, 2012 0:10:22 GMT 8
Hey Fots....I am very flattered by the "invite", but at my age, I realistically know that it can never be. But if this gathering ever does materialize, you can "bet your bippy", that 'ole Oklahoma is there in spirit. Thanks again for including me in the "guest list". Cheers. Postscript...If I, hypothetically, ever actually made to "The Rock", there would be a very strong possibility that I would not return home (my choice).
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Post by fots2 on Sept 9, 2012 8:12:53 GMT 8
Life is unpredictable buddy. I hope something works out for you someday. Cheers.
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