CORREGIDOR STATUS FOR TOURISTS - REPORT 16 FEB 2021 ONWARDS

[Karl Welteke]

AS OF 22 JANUARY 2022, THE FERRY PROVIDER FROM MOA TO CORREGIDOR HAS CEASED OPERATION UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

SEE FULL REPORT OF 22 JANUARY 2022 HERE


CORREGIDOR REOPENS  
Karl Welteke's comprehensive report on his visit for the 76th "First Flag Raising Anniversary" 16 February 2021



For about 15 years now, I was fortunate in participating in the tradition of commemorating the raising of the 48 Star Flag on the 16th Feb. 1945 by the 503d PRCT. Here is just one URL to remind you about this effort: corregidor.proboards.com/thread/1766/flag-pole-monument?page=3

I was absent from the Philippines for 15 months and I desired very much to visit Corregidor again and to try to raise the Flag, even in this trying time caused by the virus from abroad.

I just spent 4 days on Corregidor, from the 15th to the 19th of Feb. 2021 and I always try to record what I see and I was able to do it again. Today I will start with the first day of that visit, the 15th of Feb. The other days will follow and other special posting about this or that venue, I saw.

First Day, the 15th of Feb, 2021, Monday.   (Distance Covered: 14.25 Km)

Left home by car, 6am arrived at Villa Carmen, about 0745 Hours. The husband of Imelda was waiting for me, told me where to park. I drove down to the beach and offloaded my stuff which included 21 liters of water.

During the Virus from Red China Crisis, I had to get permission to travel and get documents from my Barrio Barretto Barangay Captain, his Medical Department and then from the Police Headquarters of Olongapo City. Since it is conveniently located at Barrio Barretto, which was easy. It went smoothly, done that drill now three times, although for other purposes.

I had to communicate with the Corregidor Foundation Inc. (CFI) Coordinator, Madam Melody, to get that office’s permission and submit a signed age waiver form. That also went very smoothly plus Madam Melody had to communicate with the Villa Carmen boat people that I was cleared to visit Corregidor.

The waters of the North Channel were very calm; it seemed the ship traffic was busier now. At the north shore, Bottomside, a lonely Coast Guard man checked my arrival. He asked me, "where from?" I said from Olongapo and that I was coming home to Corregidor. Then he checked the passenger list, I was the only one and said,  "Oh, Sir Karl, welcome back!"  By the way, my boat fee was 3000 peso for this trip and I had to pay that again when I left on Friday, the 19th of Feb. (When I did leave on the 19th, I had to pay 300 peso more for parking.)

Then I checked in at the CFI Admin, paid the 300 peso entrance fee and 4000 peso for 4 nights stay at the rooms of the former Gen. MacArthur Café. A surprise was that the previous café manager is now a CFI employee and I will pay my food and drinking bill at the CFI Admin. A light beer is 80 peso; a Red Horse Grande Bottle (1 liter) is 135 peso. (Other charges: Carlos meal, 2 eggs, rice, small pork & beans can 220 peso; rice with fried chicken or pork shop 250 peso; 2 slices of toasted bread, butter, 2 eggs 150 peso).

After I checked in into the room I met the CFI on-island manager ,Fidel. He briefed me that the flagpole at the First Flag Memorial/Marker is ready and he would meet me there at 1pm after his men prepared the grounds for visitors. He and the CFI Office informed me earlier, that tomorrow, the 16th of Feb, the tourist traffic will start again. During the day I had other indications that things were picking up. A group of men arrived from Bataan and said that they were the trolley drivers for tomorrow. Plus the former Gen. MacArthur Café said she had an order to prepare 14 lunch plates. Apparently, the visitors have that option to order that or bring their own.

I learned the Café specially ordered Pork and Beans for me, so I had to order the “Carlos Meal” 2 eggs, rice and the pork and beans. After that famous meal I was ready to march. No transportation is available.

Then I marched off and walked 1.5 km, up the road to Middleside, the Pacific War Memorial Zone Gate is still in good shape, but no more guards.  I also noticed that the South Road that starts there is completely grown over with grass, but that has been the case for many years now. From the on-island manager I learned that is no longer a security contract. He also said that there is a maintenance contractor to run the power generator (power on from 6pm to 6am) and the water pump at James Ravine. (In the morning, I saw about 4 or 5 sweepers though and during the walks, I saw single sweepers, sweeping here or there).

I had a close look at the former Aviary Park residence, once occupied by the Kwiecinski family for 7 years plus and now sometime is used by the CFI Executive Staff or as a VIP lodge. Took a number of shots of the Middleside Barracks, they are beginning to lose the fight against vegetation overgrowth. Battery Way looks OK. The “Mile Long Barracks” looks good for the most part, but at the east end it is also beginning to lose the fight against vegetation overgrowth, and so is the Telephone Exchange.

Then I had a look at the Museum, outside, it was closed, then the Cine, the Pacific War Memorial, the Eternal Light (The light, which is now solar powered, remains on 24/7.) Then it was time to remember Tom Aring, “Phantom”, his ashes are resting here. And I remember his lovely family who I met here on their solemn journey with his ashes. Next was the Bachelor Officer Quarters, I never went inside before.

Then I had a close look at the Lighthouse area, not too much has changed except that most of the tourist spots were closed, this darn virus, we've got to win that battle!

Then it was almost 1:00 pm and I had a rendezvous with the CFI Personnel at the First Flag Memorial/Marker. They were preparing the venue for tomorrow's visitors. One dead tree was cut out of the way and the grounds were swept.

I proceeded then to Battery Cheney thru the woods, going along the rail line to the battery. Battery Cheney is also losing the battle against the vegetation overgrowth. Then my camera run out of battery power.

Without my functioning camera I started my return trip, following the road, counter clock vice, down to Middleside. At the Youth for Piece Marker, I met the CFI crew again; they were, cleaning up that marker. Then the short-cut from Middleside down, which was in good shape, then the shortcut to the Rowhouse from the former Middleside Memorial venue, one could tell it is not being used anymore. I had trouble finding the start and had to use my bolo.

The post war Corregidor School Houses are still there and the plaques. The end unit which was used as a residence by various people in the past is now empty. At the CFI employee residence building, also no change, maybe more dogs.

Then down to the South Side where I met my only monkeys today, one did not run away and was watching this Americano interestingly. Then back to my room, clean up, enjoy the evening. My meal tonight was fried chicken, not bad. The trolley driver sent over some polutan (snack bites while one is drinking, talking, socializing), I sent back a Red Horse Grande.

Here are just 12 sample images of the first day, more to come in the future; in time; it seems I’m always busy up to my ears.



Z046. The former MacArthur Café, it did change names, but today it is still referred to as MacArthur. In back are at least 6 aircon rooms and the price has dropped to 1000 peso a night. First thing I settled in and got ready for my first march.





Z047. Battery Way is one of the first tourist spots and the place is kept shipshape. All the plaques are still there to inform oneself of its amazing history.





Z048. This is the east end of the “Mile Long Barracks”, the growth of brush and frees, next to and touching the walls, worries me. Brushes and trees are also growing inside at the east end. I believe they contribute to the destruction of the concrete.





Z049. The solar power for the Eternal Light at the east end of the Pacific War Memorial recently was restored and CFI had something in their web page and or Facebook page.





Z050. I never shot this view before, because on this trip was the first time that I went inside the Bachelor Officer Quarters (BOQ). We see the Fort Mills Cine and look across the Friendship Memorial.





Z051. This structure became a casualty of the virus from abroad but also because of other reasons. This was the Dining Tent built by Sun Cruises for the Corregidor visitors because the Corregidor Inn underwent a massive and expensive renovation. The tourists had to be fed here and it is located Topside on Corregidor.






Z052. This is the 503d PIR Marker or the First Flag Marker where T/5 Frank Guy Arrigo accompanied by Pfc Clyde I. Bates raised the flag on the 16th Feb. 1945 under fire.





Z053. Then, I walked to Battery Cheney along the Trolley Line in the woods. This is Bomb-proof Magazine along the way, it is deep in the woods now, there is no change here.





Z054. This is No. 2 Gun of Battery Cheney; the rear of the battery is now completely overgrown. It is now impossible to drive a vehicle to this battery because of a number of fallen trees on the road to here. They would have to be cut first and maybe some grass also, so the driver can see the road.







Z055. My Garmin handheld device GPS Track for this day to check the flagpole at Topside, Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills.






Z056. My Garmin handheld device GPS Track Data for this day to check the flagpole at Topside, Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills, done on the 15th Feb. 2021.





Z057. My Garmin handheld device GPS Track Elevation profile for this day to check the flagpole at Topside, Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills, done on the 15th Feb. 2021.

[EXO]

Karl,

I want to thank you, not just for posting, but for the comprehensive record of the walk you've just taken us on. We "regulars" would be with you if we could, but that Wuhan Flu has prevented us from travelling, and boy, do we miss it! The saddest photo for me, strangely, was the Dining Tent which Sun Cruises had built up at Topside. In its day, it really was a world class venue, even though the food itself mightn't have been.

Also noteworthy was that MacArthurs today is just the same as it was maybe fifteen years back, a bare bones place. All the additions, the huts, the store, and the outdoor kitchen, are gone. That's an indicator of how the Wuhan Flu has set Corregidor back.

I've long advocated that Corregidor should be a National Park, an Ecology Park, where the preservation should be sympathetic with the environment. Seeing the place sent back in time like this isn't quite what anyone would have wanted.

Paul

[Karl Welteke]

DAY 2 - 16 FEB 2021 - The 76th Anniversary of the Jump

Second Day, the 16th Feb. Tuesday,

Today is the day to raise the 48 Star Flag on the spot where it was raised 76 years ago. The Corregidor Foundation (CFI) went out of their way to support it. They got permission from higher Authority to open tourist visits to Corregidor. They hired the Camaya ferry craft to bring visitors Tuesday and Wednesday, the two days that the ferry boat was available. Visitors will come to the First Flag Memorial and they asked me to say a few words.

The ferry will arrive about 0915 hours, so I used the morning time to walk around Bottomside. I learned that the Navy and the Marines had small detachments on the island for security and they have been here about nine months. Naturally as retired service member I talked to them. Both detachments have a NONCOM in charge. They are bunked in two separate, existing structures, south side, Bottomside.

I noticed the tower for the Hotel Zipline (wire to slide down on) is gone. I looked at the Gen. Wainwright’s and Nurses Memorial, the Chapel, and got some Bataan view shots. I also got some shots of people getting ready to receive the first tourist boat this year.

The Camaya ferry craft arrived and met the CFI staff personnel; we got acquainted and made plans for today’s events. A PTV camera crew also came along and interviewed a few people including me.

The CFI On-Island Person in Charge, dropped off his boss at the VIP lodge, and took me topside. He said he meet me 1 pm at the first Flag Memorial and we raised the 48 Star Flag, ready for the tourist visitors. Then, I waited for the tourists to arrive and took some pictures of the Rock Force Memorial, the Aggi Muster etc.

Then the tourists arrived, we walked to the First Flag Memorial, I said a few words and the people enjoyed it and continued their visit schedule.

In the afternoon, I walked to the Corregidor Tailside, had a look at the Coast Guard Station, the Enlisted Men Beach, the former President Quezon Memorial venue and the Malinta Tunnel East Entrance. The Light & Sound Show was used today and the next few days.

Then I took the 92nd Garage shortcut down to the 92nd Garage, had a good look at the Club House, the beach and the tunnel at the east end of the area. The shortcut trail changed at the bottom. Some people were staying in one or two of the cottages and even had a truck, I believe. I did not learn who they were or what the plan is. But they have a deal with the CFI.

Next was the Japanese Garden of Peace, the Philippine Heroes Memorial, and the Navy Intercept Tunnel entrances.

The Mindanao Garden of Peace looked that is being taken care of. The runway of the Kindley Field is grown over with grass and cannot be used.

Then I called it a day, walked back, cleaned up and joined Mr. Jerry Rollin for supper at the former MacArthur Café. We got more acquainted and talked about the present Corregidor situation. He is an elderly gentleman, did not catch his age. He said, he has 30 years plus experience in the Philippines and was a business man in Mariveles. I heard him mention several times that he is the CFI Operation Consultant. I observed that he very much carries out the same role on the island as Lt. Col. Matibag. Here is one URL I found

459771193278830287.weebly.com/jerry-rollin.html

It was great day weather wise; the North Channel was very calm.

Here are a few pictures about the event.

First Flag of Liberation on Corregidor.

76 years ago this happened on Corregidor!






Z058. The Camaya ferry arrives on Corregidor.





Z059. The first passengers step on the Island of Corregidor.





Z060. The CFI Operation Consultant is interviewed by PTV on Corregidor Island.





Z061. CFI personnel and the 503d PRCT Heritage friends raise the 48 Star Flag on the Corregidor Liberation First Flag Memorial/Marker.





Z062. CFI personnel and the 503d PRCT Heritage friends raise the 48 Star Flag on the Corregidor Liberation First Flag Memorial/Marker.





Z063. Some of the Corregidor visitors did make it to the Corregidor Liberation First Flag Memorial/Marker, and I did say some words for the occasion.





Z064. Some of the Corregidor visitors did make it to the Corregidor Liberation First Flag Memorial/Marker, and I did say some words for the occasion.



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Z065. A new reminder about trash discipline was posted but I like the old sign appealing to the people better.




Z066. This is Bottomside, Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills, here the former village of San Jose, the metal stand for the Sun Cruises Zip line is gone.





Z067. This is Bottomside, Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills, here the former village of San Jose, the South West Corner.





Z068. This is Bottomside, Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills, here was the former village of San Jose, now at this spot is the General Wainwright and the Fort Mills Nurses Memorial.





Z069. This is Bottomside Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills; this is the post WWII Chapel. The doors and windows are kept open for proper airing and ventilation.





Z070. This is Bottomside Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills, this 12 Inch gun barrel has not moved. Mr. Rollin told me there had been something in the works to loan the barrel, to a gun carriage, in the US, I believe; but that project got shot down.





Z071. This is a view of Bataan from Bottomside Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills; the power plant in Mariveles has expanded and has 2 stacks now. I believe, further up is also a solar power field.





Z072. This is Bottomside Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills; I shot this image because that boat just got launched to tow a floating tree trunk out of the way of the Camaya ferry about to arrive. I notice a number of tree trunks afloat or stuck at the bottom of this boat landing area.





Z073. This is Bottomside Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills; this Navy 8 Inch gun barrel is not getting any better. It was turned over to the Army and it was mounted at the Road Junction 43.

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Z074. This is Bottomside Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills; the CFI reception party. Today is the first day that officially, tourists are able to arrive on Corregidor. CFI has moved some big rocks to make it happen today, the first day of liberation and thirst time of raising the flag of Freedom since almost 3 years.





Z075. This is Bottomside Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills; the trolley with first Corregidor visitors is loaded and a well known guide is starting his presentation.





Z076. This is Bottomside Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills; the trolley with first Corregidor visitors is loaded and a well known guide is starting his presentation.





Z077. This is Topside on Corregidor Island; this is the path on the Fort Mills Parade Ground to the 503d PIR First Flag Marker.





Z078. This is Topside on Corregidor Island; this is the former Fort Mills Parade Ground, here was one of the Paratrooper’s Landing Fields. I had some time and took some shots of the area. This is the Rock Force Memorial.






Z079. This is Topside on Corregidor Island; this is the Pacific War Memorial area. In back with the dome is the actual Pacific War Memorial. In front is the Philippine, American, Allied Soldiers Friendship Memorial, left is the Fort Mills Cine and next to it is the Pacific War Memorial Museum.





Z080. This is Topside on Corregidor Island; this is the Pacific War Memorial area. This is the main plaque of the Rock Force Memorial; it stands on the east edge of the Fort Mills Topside Parade Ground.





Z081. This is Topside on Corregidor Island at the Pacific War Memorial area. This is the main plaque of the Aggie Memorial; it stands on the east edge of the Fort Mills Topside Parade Ground. This has also been my experience in the service, from the south of the USA many good service people come from.





Z082. This is Topside on Corregidor Island at the Pacific War Memorial area. This is the North-East corner of the Fort Mills Parade Ground and in back is the “Mile Long Barracks” for the Coastal Artillery Enlisted Men.

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U721. I’m now on my way to the Tailend of Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills. This is the former Fort Mills Enlisted Men Beach; you see what the problem is in Manila Bay!



U722. This is the North Entrance to the Malinta Hill Tunnel on Corregidor Island. I’m now on my way to the Tailend of Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills.



U723. I’m now on my way to the Tailend of Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills. Here is a sample view what is happening to many of the trails because of the virus. This is the entrance of the trail to Malinta Hill, it is completely grown over and one has to find another way to get on the Malinta Hill Trail. That trail should be available to most interested visitors.




U725. Today the tourist visits started again, so the gates to the Malinta Hill Tunnel on Corregidor were open.



U726. Today the tourist visits started again, so the gates to the Malinta Hill Tunnel on Corregidor were open. This is a nice view from east to west.



U727. Today the tourist visits started again, so the gates to the Malinta Hill Tunnel on Corregidor were open. While I was here to have look, the trolley with visitors arrived and they will watch the Light and Sound Show in the tunnel. It still costs only 200 peso per person, it is a nice experience that should not be missed.



U728. Then I looked for the shortcut path to the 92nd Garage area, I almost missed it. Once on the trail it is easy to get to this one of 5 concrete trenches we know of in the general area east of Malinta Hill. It was probably manned when the Japanese assaulted Corregidor on the 5th of May 1942.



U729. The handrail on the steps of that cottage is where the shortcut trail to the 92nd Garage ends now, not to my left, next to the 92nd Garage Resort Club House, that is where this picture was shot from.



U730. One of the rooms of the 92nd Garage Resort Club House; in my opinion this large investment, building this resort, with the cottages and this large impressive Club House never paid off. This is historical place. First the Army made it an aviation facility for float planes and balloons (on the other side of the island here). Then the 92nd Coastal Artillery Regiment (PS) took it over and used it for the mobile gun pulling vehicles. When Corregidor surrendered, the Japanese kept the Allied Soldiers and others in this area in deplorable conditions for around 20 days or so.



U731. This is a view of the 92nd Garage area on Corregidor with the cottages of the resort. In my opinion this large investment, building this resort, with the cottages and this large impressive Club House never paid off. This is historical place. First the Army made it an aviation facility for float planes and balloons (on the other side of the island here). Then the 92nd Coastal Artillery Regiment (PS) took it over and used it for the mobile gun pulling vehicles. When Corregidor surrendered, the Japanese kept the Allied Soldiers and others in this area in deplorable conditions for around 20 days or so.





U732. This is a view from the 92nd Garage Resort Club House on Corregidor Island in the direction of San Jose and Breakwater Points.



U733. This is one of two images of a tunnel, with a good size, at the 92nd Garage area. It is located at ground level, at the east end of the garage area and it is fairly close to the beach. This is the 2nd entrance, which is harder to enter.



U734. This is one of two images of a tunnel, with a good size, at the 92nd Garage area. It is located at ground level, at the east end of the garage area and it is fairly close to the beach. It is fairly large, one walks in it upright, this is the cross tunnel to the two entrances.



U735. This is a view from the 92nd Garage Resort, looking west. The tunnel entrance is not to far, straight behind me.



U736. The 92nd Garage is leased out now and some of the entity’s men are using this picnic shade as a dining facility. They also have what I would describe 1 ½ ton truck. But I don’t know nothing, who they are and what they are planning to do.



U737. This is the view of the west beach end of the 92nd Garage area.



U738. After I walked out of the 92nd Garage area, I shot my first picture of the Japanese Memorial Garden. The establishment of this garden is another interesting story of Corregidor, but some else tell that story.






U739. One of 4 images of the Japanese Memorial Garden at the Tailend on Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills. It looks kind of empty without the souvenir vendors. The Buddha or other religious Stature is still there and is in good shape



U740. One of 4 images of the Japanese Memorial Garden at the Tailend on Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills. This walkway leads north and I tried to shortcut to the Philippine Heroes Memorial, the scrub up there was too thick, so I turned around and went via the road.



U741. One of 4 images of the Japanese Memorial Garden at the Tailend on Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills. This is the same walkway as in the last picture; we are just looking the other way now.



U742. The entrance to the Philippine Heroes Memorial; it is still in good shape. I walked thru it.



U743. Nothing changed at the walkway to the entrance to the Navy Intercept Tunnel. Here was an organization that helped defeat the Japanese Navy at the Battle of Midway.



U744. Nothing changed at the walkway to the entrance to the Navy Intercept Tunnel. This was one of the doorways to enter the Navy Intercept Tunnel; we tunnel rats have used this entrance to enter the Tunnel. The Navy Intercept Tunnel Vent was not accessible from the roads anymore and I hooked around the woods to get there. Also the depression on the road near the massive explosion does not seem to sag down much anymore because of reasphalting the road.



U745. Nothing changed at the walkway to the entrance to the Navy Intercept Tunnel. This was one of the doorways to enter the Navy Intercept Tunnel; we tunnel rats have used this entrance to enter the Tunnel. The Navy Intercept Tunnel Vent was not accessible from the roads anymore and I hooked around the woods to get there. Also the depression on the road near the massive explosion does not seem to sag down much anymore because of reasphalting the road. The slid to enter is even narrower now.



U746. This is view of us approaching the entrance to Kindley Field and the Mindanao Memorial Garden on Corregidor Island, the former Fort Mills.





U747. This is one of 7 images shot of or shot from the entrance to Fort Mills Kindley Field and the Defense Positions I-F-1 and I-M-1 on Corregidor Island, the 16th of Feb. 2021. In this shot we see East Point and Hooker Point; Manila in the distance.



U748. This is one of 7 images shot of or shot from the entrance to Fort Mills Kindley Field and the Defense Positions I-F-1 and I-M-1 on Corregidor Island, the 16th of Feb. 2021. This is the Mindanao Garden of Peace to commemorate the alleged Jabidah Massacre. Immediately at right is the entrance to the underground I-M-1 magazine.



U749. This is one of 7 images shot of or shot from the entrance to Fort Mills Kindley Field and the Defense Positions I-F-1 and I-M-1 on Corregidor Island, the 16th of Feb. 2021. The top of the I-F-1 magazine has been rigged as a view deck and indeed one can get real nice views of the Corregidor Island Tailend. Inside the magazine are displays of image views, people commemorating the Jabidah Incident.



U750. This is one of 7 images shot of or shot from the entrance to Fort Mills Kindley Field and the Defense Positions I-F-1 and I-M-1 on Corregidor Island, the 16th of Feb. 2021. This is one of those nice views from the Mindanao Garden of Peace and or from the top of the magazine of Defense Position I-F-1.



U751. This is one of 7 images shot of or shot from the entrance to Fort Mills Kindley Field and the Defense Positions I-F-1 and I-M-1 on Corregidor Island, the 16th of Feb. 2021. This is a view of the west end of the runway of former Fort Mills Kindley Field. The grass is not cut and I believe the airfield is closed. But it is now harder to go further north and east of Corregidor Tailend from here.



U752. This is one of 7 images shot of or shot from the entrance to Fort Mills Kindley Field and the Defense Positions I-F-1 and I-M-1 on Corregidor Island, the 16th of Feb. 2021. This is the view of Monkey Point; inland from it is the location of the famous Navy Intercept Tunnel but also of the terrible explosion when the paratroopers cleared this area.



U753. This is one of 7 images shot of or shot from the entrance to Fort Mills Kindley Field and the Defense Positions I-F-1 and I-M-1 on Corregidor Island, the 16th of Feb. 2021. This is a drainage that runs under the Kindley Field runway and apparently it needed some attention. It is now harder to walk further east and to the north side of the airfield!



U754. This is last picture of this 2nd Day presentation. These are Camaya Resort drivers who got indoctrination with the former Sun Cruises trolleys and the trolley guided tour route. They are departing today via this boat to the Camaya Point or MAAP Pier. Camaya Resort is located at Battle of the Points location at West Bataan.

Note from Karl: All intended pictures of the 2nd Day have been posted, there no other images to follow.

[Karl Welteke]

DAY 3 - 17 FEB 2021

503d RCT First Flag, 76th Anniversary, 2021-02-15 to 19

Third Day, the 17th of Feb. Wednesday

Started early, 6 am; I wanted to look for Col. Bunker’s Dugout and C1, on the way there and on the way back I wanted to look at a number of venues, close and perhaps mark them. I did in this order:

-The water tank across the street from the former Friendship Memorial venue, still the same.

-The 1917 AA gun block and magazine, just below Middleside.

-Battery Ramsey, difficult, some people rigged fishing line to No. 3 gun.

-The Recycle area near Battery Ramsey, the Government Ravine Road is blocked with trash and it will take a walker some doing to get on that road.

-The Masons Memorial, ok.

-Karl’s and John’s Fox-holes, the age shows.

-Battery Geary, over grown, the trail from the road is overgrown.

-Fort Mills Flagpole, ok but no lanyard (line, rope to pull up flag, I think the pulley, sheave on top is gone or does not operate.

-Various roads, to Battery Wheeler need 4 wheel drive, to Battery Cheney, need to clear fallen trees, cut grass and scrub.

-Battery Wheeler, rear of battery overgrown.

-Wheeler Tunnel, ok, someone rigged fishing line to find it.

-Battery Boston’s 3 Inch gun pedestal base, ok.

-Col. Bunker’s Dugout, the trail to C1 is practically gone.

-The gun control near C1, had to use bolo.

-C1. Fort Mills Gun Control, on right side and front had to use bolo, rear and left side are hopeless.

-The 1917 AA 3 Inch gun block and Magazine, ok, the rusty rebar is damaging the passageway walls.

-Col. Bunker’s Tunnel, ok; the road to point above tunnel entrance, had to use bolo a lot, lost the road one time.

-The 1945 Paratrooper First Flag Memorial. The new flagpole is leaning west and maybe should be straightened.

-The steps from the Mile Long Barracks to the Fort Mills Commissary is beginning to be overgrown, had to use bolo and dug under a fallen tree.

-The Fort Mills Commissary is getting overgrown, hard for a vehicle to pass it now on the roads in front.

-The Fort Mills Hospital, cannot be visited with a vehicle less the road passed the commissary gets cleared. The grassy area, all around the hospital is badly overgrown. And vegetation is attacking the hospital directly now, the two entrance stairways are now blocked due to vegetation.

-The Hospital to Middleside Shortcut, is getting bad, had some trouble finding it.

-The entrance to the Middleside Tunnel is still there, ok

-The Stairway to Heaven looks bad because of overgrowth.

-The YMCA, and the Youth for Peace buildings; I had plans to check them out close but gave up because of the vegetation.

-Observed the Camaya Ferry departing, from the road to the CFI Rowhouse. I wanted to be there but I missed it, I misjudged my time. Mr. Jerry Rollin and Madam Melody Bondoc were departing and I wanted to say thank you and good bye.

-After that I had my Carlos Meal at the former MacArthur Café, relaxed, cleaned up and worked the pictures.

A very important event is happening at our new family house today, the concrete for the deck of the second floor and all the beams is being poured today. Our workers will be working late. I ordered 4 large pizzas by long distance.

For this entry, I will present about 50 images!



U755. I started early, passing by the now closed Corregidor Inn, 2 lights were on. There is no transportation, I’m walking.



U756. I stopped by the water tank, no changes there. I also looked at where the early construction rails run by this point.



U757. The SE entrance of the 1917 AA Magazine just under the Middleside in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island.

(Corregidor Historic Society warns people who are unfamiliar with confined spaces not to spend time in this magazine - Carbon Monoxide builds up in unventilated spaces, and starts to have an effect on anyone who stays there beyond a quick to look around. Don't assume you'll notice it. - EXO) 



U758. The gun block of the 1917 AA battery and magazine just under the Middleside in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island.



U759. The tall trees in the Ramsey Ravine, they always impress me, Germans like trees.




U760. The complete GPS track of my walk in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island on the 17th Feb. 2021.



U661. My GPS track data of my walk in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island on the 17th Feb. 2021. No bad for a soon 79 year’s young binata!



U662. My GPS track elevation profile data of my walk in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island on the 17th Feb. 2021. No bad for a soon 79 year’s young binata!




U763. The zoomed-in GPS track around C1 of my walk in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island on the 17th Feb. 2021.



U764. Because I go thru the bushes and don’t like long pants, I do get scratched up some time.





U765. No. 3 Gun (6 Inch) Battery Ramsey in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island some had rigged a nylon fishing line to it. It helped me.



U766. This is part of No. 1 Gun (6 Inch) Battery Ramsey in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island, it was blown up when the magazine exploded in WWII.



U767. This is the start of the Government Ravine Road to where the Philippine Gold, Silver Coins, paper money and investment papers where kept. This road is blocked now do to trash disposed of here. All that gold, Silver Coins, paper money and value papers was dramatically prevented from falling in the Japanese hands during the Siege of Corregidor.



U768. This is the Mason’s Memorial on the south edge of the Fort Mills Middleside exercise ground on Corregidor Island. Masons were busy on Corregidor before the active Army settled in. Many of the civil engineers and contractors, building Fort Mills were active Masons.



U769. This is the Mason’s Memorial on the south edge of the Fort Mills Middleside exercise ground on Corregidor Island. Masons were busy on Corregidor before the active Army settled in. Many of the civil engineers and contractors, building Fort Mills were active Masons.



U770. This is an infantry foxhole of a defense position in Fort Mills during the Siege of Corregidor. It is located at the SW corner of the Fort Mills Middleside exercise ground. John Moffitt discovered another one across the street from this one.



U771. This structure is labeled Plotting Room, Battery Geary and it is located along the access road to the battery. This is another gun battery in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island and this battery suffered twice heavy casualties during the Siege of Corregidor.



U772. Battery Geary in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island suffered twice heavy casualties during the Siege of Corregidor. In the last days of the Siege the center magazine blew up and some of the 12 Mortars got blown away far. The tourist trolleys drive bye here on the way to Battery Crockett, but unfortunately CFI is unable to keep up the vegetation growth. That mortar in view still has a life shell in its barrel.



U773. Battery Geary in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island suffered twice heavy casualties during the Siege of Corregidor. In the last days of the Siege the center magazine blew up and some of the 12 Mortars got blown away far. The tourist trolleys drive bye here on the way to Battery Crockett, but unfortunately CFI is unable to keep up the vegetation growth. This is the left side of Pit B, the left one, and two of the 12 Inch mortar guns were blown under the magazine and are holding it up from collapsing.



U774. Battery Geary in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island suffered twice heavy casualties during the Siege of Corregidor. In the last days of the Siege the center magazine blew up and some of the 12 Mortars got blown away far. The tourist trolleys drive bye here on the way to Battery Crockett, but unfortunately CFI is unable to keep up the vegetation growth. This is the right side of Pit A, the right one; in those magazines soldier survived, in one magazine soldiers had to be rescued by drilling thru the wall. At the very right was a shortcut, walkers could reach the battery from the road above, but it is grown over now!




U787. The walk-in Magazine of the 1917, WWI AA Battery near the WWII AA Battery Boston; the rebar, 100 years old, is destroying the concrete.



U788. The C1 or Colonel Bunker’s Tunnel; it is very large, very long and has another entrance on the other side of the ridge where the tunnel was bored thru. The other opening was near Col. Bunker’s dugout or he placed his dugout near the other entrance. This tunnel is also tall, walkable and has many short side tunnels. It is a little hard to get to now though.



U789. This is the main entrance to the C1 or Colonel Bunker’s Tunnel; it is very large, very long, is tall.



U790. I stopped by the 503d Parachute First Flag Memorial, yesterday we raised this flag here on the 76th Anniversary of the paratroopers falling from the sky and first thing raised the flag here as a signal that Liberty and Freedom returned to Corregidor and the Philippines.



U791. This is one of 2 images of the north side of the so called Mile Long Barracks Topside in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island. Only a few years ago we were able to walk along here but not anymore. Vegetation is getting bad and I ‘m afraid the wild scrub, trees, vegetation are going to accelerate the destruction of the barracks ruins. In this picture, I’m standing near the steps down to the Fort Mills Commissary and I’m looking east.



U792. This is one of 2 images of the north side of the so called Mile Long Barracks Topside in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island. Only a few years ago we were able to walk along here but not anymore. Vegetation is getting bad and I ‘m afraid the wild scrub, trees, vegetation are going to accelerate the destruction of the barracks ruins. In this picture, I’m standing near the steps down to the Fort Mills Commissary and I’m looking west.



U793. In this picture, I’m looking back up the steps from the Fort Mills Commissary to the Mile Long Barracks; I just came down these steps. A few trees are down, vegetation all over the steps; two years ago these steps were clear.



U794. This is one of three images of the Fort Mills Commissary on Corregidor Island; they are shot from west to east. On the road passing bye at this point maybe still can get forced thru with a vehicle but pretty soon it will take some effort to clear this road; it is also the road to the famous Fort Mills Hospital. And further down to the hospital the road is blocked by a massive fallen tree. One can see the vegetation is becoming a problem also to this past important Fort Mills structure.



U795. This is one of three images of the Fort Mills Commissary on Corregidor Island; they are shot from west to east. On the road passing bye at this point maybe still can get forced thru with a vehicle but pretty soon it will take some effort to clear this road; it is also the road to the famous Fort Mills Hospital. And further down to the hospital the road is blocked by a massive fallen tree. One can see the vegetation is becoming a problem also to this past important Fort Mills structure.




U796. This is one of three images of the Fort Mills Commissary on Corregidor Island; they are shot from west to east. On the road passing bye at this point maybe still can get forced thru with a vehicle but pretty soon it will take some effort to clear this road; it is also the road to the famous Fort Mills Hospital. And further down to the hospital the road is blocked by a massive fallen tree. One can see the vegetation is becoming a problem also to this past important Fort Mills structure.





U800. This is the road to the hospital, after you bypassed the Fort Mills Commissary and then the road turns left 90 degrees, this is what you see. This is a massive tree blocking the road to the Fort Mills Hospital; you cannot even recognize the road anymore! I had to use my bolo, to cut around it, circle around this, thru the trees to my left.



U801. One of six images of the Fort Mills Hospital, sad to see, sad to say, it is descending into a tropical jungle like the ancient ruins in Central America. Two years ago it was still in good shape. The hospital should be one of the premium visiting spots, especially for VIPs to take to. This is the first view when one comes from the Fort Mills Commissary.



U802. One of six images of the Fort Mills Hospital, sad to see, sad to say, it is descending into a tropical jungle like the ancient ruins in Central America. Two years ago it was still in good shape. The hospital should be one of the premium visiting spots, especially for VIPs to take to. This is the front and the main entrance to the Fort Mills Hospital. In front is the base for the flagpole. Just recently I found the spot where a Spanish decorative artillery pieces was located at.



U803. One of six images of the Fort Mills Hospital, sad to see, sad to say, it is descending into a tropical jungle like the ancient ruins in Central America. Two years ago it was still in good shape. The hospital should be one of the premium visiting spots, especially for VIPs to take to. Left is the East Wing and right is the hospital east rear entrance, which is located between the East Wing and the Central Wing where the galley was with the 1905 German tiles. Both of those wings have three floors.



U804. One of six images of the Fort Mills Hospital, sad to see, sad to say, it is descending into a tropical jungle like the ancient ruins in Central America. Two years ago it was still in good shape. The hospital should be one of the premium visiting spots, especially for VIPs to take to. This is the west rear entrance.



U805. One of six images of the Fort Mills Hospital, sad to see, sad to say, it is descending into a tropical jungle like the ancient ruins in Central America. Two years ago it was still in good shape. The hospital should be one of the premium visiting spots, especially for VIPs to take to. This is the east rear entrance.



U806. One of six images of the Fort Mills Hospital, sad to see, sad to say, it is descending into a tropical jungle like the ancient ruins in Central America. Two years ago it was still in good shape. The hospital should be one of the premium visiting spots, especially for VIPs to take to. This is the 3rd floor, east side of the center wing. We can recognize the damaged corner of the east wing at left.



U807. This is the entrance of the famous Middleside Tunnel just somewhere under the Hospital-Middleside Concrete Walkway. I did not go inside but I think it still can be easily entered now. When I left the Fort Mills Hospital I decided to use the concrete walkway from the hospital to Middleside. I had some trouble finding it, but once on it, the vegetation overgrowth was not too bad. The intersection of the hospital walkway the Stairway to Heaven has changed a little.



U808. This is the Stairway to Heaven in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island. A winched or pulled-by-wire-rail run once here. It was the mainstay of building all the facilities in Fort Mills on Corregidor Island early last Century. After the trolley system was in operation it was no longer needed and it was converted to a walkway with about 300 steps. I had plans to walk it, but after I saw this, I was glad I did not do it. And I promptly fell on my butt here because of the vegetation.



U809. The Camaya Ferry craft is departing Corregidor Island from the former North Mine Dock. I had misjudged my time and missed the departure, I wanted to be there and thank the departing CFI Staff for all the help they provided, in letting me return to my favorite place of WWII History.

Note from Karl: This 3rd Day Entry/Reply is now complete as of the 3rd of March 2021

[rlbj25]

Thanks for posting your photos, Karl. Its so sad to see the condition of the island. I hope that efforts can be made to gradually restore the island to its pre-China flu condition, otherwise its ability to survive as a classroom of history and as a desirable tourist destination will be in serious jeopardy. All the best.

[Karl Welteke]

This is a temporary entry/reply only. This image has been posted again, only for the purpose of alerting you, informing you, that I added about 50 images each into the 3rd day and the 2nd day of my trip in this thread. I done it in stages because writing all the descriptions is a time consuming action but I done with the edit procedure, so the pictures stay in order, that means the forum viewer does not get alerted of the entries/replies as a recent post.

[Karl Welteke]

DAY 4 - 18 FEB 2021

Fourth Day, First Flag Anniversary 2021-02-16, the 76th on Corregidor Island.

That was the purpose of my visit but this album is about the 4th day visit, the 18th of Feb. 2021, a Thursday. That day I shot 193 images but in this album, presentation, I only use 80+ images and I will present it in segments because uploading pictures with descriptions is a lot of work.

And I will start out with images in this first segment and the next segment will have the report and the walking data.



Zf001. I started walking from MacArthur Café to the Engineering Ravine. I came by here and noticed all the trolleys are left on the island by Sun Cruises Inc. They apparently belong to the Corregidor Foundation Inc (CFI) now. Not a good picture but the story is that the trolleys are still here and are being used by CFI. On the 16th Feb when Corregidor received its first visitors after the Virus Lockdown they were in use. Also during my visit here about 5 drivers from the Camaya Resort/Development arrived here for one day and night and practiced driving the trolleys and learned the visitor routes.



Zf002. This is the road to the engineering Ravine; there are not enough resources to sweep up the leaves any more. The Virus Lockdown and no visitors dried up the CFI resources.



Zf003. This is the east end of the huge Fort Mills Coal fired Power Plant, Cold Storage and Ice Plant. The wild, uncontrolled vegetation is taking over.



Zf004. This is the front of the huge Fort Mills Coal fired Power Plant, Cold Storage and Ice Plant. The wild, uncontrolled vegetation is taking over.



Zf005. We are in the Fort Mills Engineering Ravine on Corregidor Island. Fort Mills did keep up with the times and built a modern Diesel driven Power Plant; this is the front side.



Zf006. We are in the Fort Mills Engineering Ravine on Corregidor Island. Fort Mills did keep up with the times and built a modern Diesel driven Power Plant; this is inside the power plant. All the diesel engines and generators are gone but unfortunately the wild vegetation is taking over.



Zf007. We are in the Fort Mills Engineering Ravine on Corregidor Island. Fort Mills did keep up with the times and built a modern Diesel driven Power Plant. This view is from the west. Immediately to the left in the bushes is a shortcut to the Fort Mills/Corregidor North Shore Road. I used it today when I came down from Morrison Hill today.



Zf008. These two steel fuel tanks are now almost hidden by the wild vegetation. I assume they held diesel for the Fort Mills Diesel Power Plant. They are located, maybe 60 paces west of the diesel power plant.



Zf009. These two steel fuel tanks are now almost hidden by the wild vegetation. I assume they held diesel for the Fort Mills Diesel Power Plant. They are located, maybe 60 paces east of the diesel power plant. Between these fuel tanks and the diesel power plant is a shortcut to the Fort Mills/Corregidor North Shore Road. I used it today when I came down from Morrison Hill today.

[westernaus]

Many thanks for sharing your photo's of your recent trip to Corregidor Island Karl .The island is in a bad way and is going to require a lot of work to get it back to what is was a few years ago . One ponders in thought when that will be , because I believe that Manila is in lock down again .

Your articles are much appreciated and so is EXO'S stoking the coal to keep the engines going .

Again thank you to you both .

[Karl Welteke]

2nd Segment. Fourth Day, First Flag Anniversary 2021-02-16, the 76th on Corregidor Island.

5 data images and the report.



Zf017. My GPS track for this walk, Thursday, the 18th of Feb. 2021, in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island. In this image I marked in the locations of the end of my walk.



Note from Karl: In the above graph I wrote Southshore Road. That is wrong: It should say North Shore Road!

Zf018. This is the time, distance and elevation data of my walk, Thursday, the 18th of Feb. 2021, in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island.



Zf019. This is the elevation graph of my walk, Thursday, the 18th of Feb. 2021, in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island.



Zf020. In this image I marked in the locations of Battery James, Battery Morrison and James Ravine. My GPS track for this walk, Thursday, the 18th of Feb. 2021, in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island.



Zf021. This is the middle part of my GPS track for this walk, Thursday, the 18th of Feb. 2021, in the former Fort Mills on Corregidor Island. This image covers the Engineering Ravine and Morrison Hill.

Report! Fourth and last Day, Thursday, the 18th Feb. 2021.

My goal for this day, mainly to check on venues on Morrison Hill, but also check on a few things in James Ravine first; and in the process to check on conditions of the roads and trails. I walked and checked in this order.

-The Engineering Ravine, most derelict vehicles gone, vegetation is advancing.

-The Engineering Trail to Middleside, it is getting bad.

-The road to Battery James and James Ravine, used by motorbikes only.

-Had a look at the gun storage on the road to Battery James, cleared growth for a better look.

-Battery James, situation hopeless.

-At James Ravine the water pumping venue and the mouth of the ravine, pumping, apparently, needs to be done only some of the time, nobody around.

-Found no trail to the beach, would take some effort to get there.

-At James Ravine, find the three Philippine Scouts grave head stones, found them.

-Find the bridge to the Mine Casemate, found it.

- Look at 1918 underground barracks, used new ways to and back from it, it is harder now.

-Returned via road and went to Battery Morrison, need a bolo-man to get there.

-Looked at telephone hub No 11 first.

-Went up Morrison Hill and found the northern, 1917-gun block.

-Looked at various Battery Chicago sites, including flash light shots under two concrete slabs.

-Looked at the two entrances to the 1917 AA magazine.

-Next I looked for the West Defense HQ Station, found it.

- Just got distance shots of the concrete fuel storage and the in-the-open fuel tank concrete resting bases.

-Descended further to find the 7th of 8 magazine structures and this one is the bombproof one, found it.

-Then descended thru the woods, down the slopes, thru some difficult vegetation to find the large discarded concrete blocks and found them. Fots2 and I once surprised some scrappers getting the rebar. I can report no one else has been there since. This location is near the only remaining Japanese artillery gun, still at its original location.

-Looked for and found the only in-place remaining Japanese Artillery, a tree fell on it but no damage.

-Descended to the Engineering Ravine via the defense position VII-F-2 near the Japanese gun, the ammunition storage of the pistol range on the Corregidor North Shore Road and the short cut down to Engineering Ravine between the Fort Mills Diesel Power Plant and the two in-the-open steel full tanks, which are hidden now due to overgrowth.

-Watched a Philippine Coast Guard Ship and its Corregidor visiting Party, load and depart, about 3 pm.

-Had a look at the Corregidor Inn, it is locked up but one can get to patio dining area.

-Then I went south side Bottomside, talked to a 4 people camping party, and took pictures of the two structures where the Philippine Navy and Marines are staying.

-Then had a look at the two west entrances of the Manila Tunnel. The movie and sound show was conducted today for 17 people from the Coast Guard visiting party.

- The last item I looked today was the Corregidor Chapel, it is beginning to need attention.

Then I called it a day, my legs and arms were scratched up pretty good from walking thru the woods, forgot to put on my long sleeve shirt today.

It got windy today and I begun fearing that my boat tomorrow gets cancelled. During the night when the wind was rattling things outside I continued fearing that. But like so many times before the Villa Carmen boat showed not only on time but like always, earlier. The boat crews know their stuff, when to slow down, speed up, what course to gain a lee earlier etc. One final shock, the Villa Carmen gate keeper, the husband of Imelda who took care of this in the past asked for 300 peso as a parking fee and I parked there 50 times plus before for free. I considered it part of the Villa Carmen deal.

It was another great Corregidor History trip, I was glad I did it, especially to continue the tradition of raising the 48th Star Flag on the 16th Feb. when the Paratrooper did it in 1945, like the Marines on Iwo Jima. Hooyah to all Service Men and Women of WWII and all the people who support them.

Also, I’m thankful that the authorities gave me permission to travel during this virus crisis and to CFI who is enthusiastic supporting this tradition. And thanks to CFI who succeeded to combine this tradition with opening of tourist visits to Corregidor.

[Karl Welteke]

From Engineering Ravine to Battery James.

3rd Segment. Fourth Day, First Flag Anniversary 2021-02-16, the 76th on Corregidor Island.



Zf022. This Biomass power unit never operated as far as I can tell. I wonder who paid for it? It seems to be a total waste of money and effort. I remember that many workers worked for days cutting the wood into small pellets, now they are rotten away.



Zf023. This Biomass power unit never operated as far as I can tell. I wonder who paid for it? It seems to be a total waste of money and effort. The tarpaulins over the machinery are rotten away and pretty soon the machinery will rust to hell. I wonder who thought this was a feasible option.



Zf024. This is the end of the Engineering Ravine and the beginning of the Fort Mills North Shore Road on Corregidor Island. This is just passed the Biomass power unit. Until recently the North Shore Road was blocked by trash and we had to climb over the Hotel renovation trash which was dumped here. But merciful a passage was made, so now we can enter the North Shore Road and the Engineering Ravine Trail.


Zf025. This is the Engineering Ravine Trail going up to Middleside; I had to use my bolo a lot.



Zf026. This is the road to James Ravine and Battery James; it looks like it cannot be used by a vehicle anymore. It seems to the water pump at the ravine is service by motorcycle riding personnel. I can tell you exactly where this spot is; it is right in front of the 155mm GPF gun shelter about 200 feet from Battery James. Later when I returned I cleared the gun shelter.



Zf027. This is the road to James Ravine and Battery James; it looks like it cannot be used by a vehicle anymore. It seems to the water pump at the ravine is service by motorcycle riding personnel. I can tell you exactly where this spot is; it is right in front of the 155mm GPF gun shelter about 200 feet from Battery James. Later when I returned I cleared the gun shelter.



Zf028. Battery James is completely grown over again; it was to nicely cleared a few years ago. In this picture we are looking perhaps at gun #3, left of the display board honoring the battery’s Filipino Crew.



Zf029. Battery James is completely grown over again; it was to nicely cleared a few years ago. In this picture we are looking at the area of gun #1 & #2, right of the display board honoring the battery’s Filipino Crew.



Zf029a. Battery James is completely grown over again; it was to nicely cleared a few years ago. This is a 2010 picture of display board honoring the battery’s Filipino Crew. This plaque was posted by the Philippine Coast Guard and is honoring particularly 1st Lt. Amadeos Garcia Philippine Army (PA); there must be a connection? A large group of Philippine Army Soldiers died here during the Siege of Corregidor. In their honor, I sure would like to see the battery cleared again.



Zf030. This is the Fort Mills North Shore Road in front of Battery James. A large group of Philippine Army Soldiers died here during the Siege of Corregidor. In their honor, I sure would like to see the battery cleared again.