|
|
Post by chadhill on Apr 25, 2011 9:32:49 GMT 8
The beaches at Quinauan Point, February 2005. (photo courtesy of John D. Lukacs)  |
|
|
|
Post by chadhill on Jul 9, 2013 8:50:40 GMT 8
 This aerial view, taken in 1961 by the late Colonel John Olson, is the earliest post-war photo of Quinauan that I am aware of. Many accounts say that most of the jungle was destroyed during the battle. Here, 19 years later, we see that it has largely grown back. Yet during my 1986 trip, most of Quinauan was a grassland. A trip by Karl and Conrad earlier this year showed that was still the case. What happened to Quinauan between 1961 and 1986? I've read that there was a logging camp there before the war; did loggers return? Was there a devastating fire? |
|
|
|
Post by cbuehler on Jul 10, 2013 2:48:57 GMT 8
Now that black and white photo from '61 is a first for me to see and probably most everyone else as well! It is exceptionally informative and tells us that Quinauan reverted to jungle after the war. Note that the canopy is dense but low and, as is typical in the area, the undergrowth not very dense and is passable on foot with some bolo work to be expected.
This is in contrast to Longoskawayan which was apparently fairly clear and grassy even at the time of the war. All of these points are wind swept in the afternoons,but Longoskawayan/Lapiay, being exposed at the southern end, are especially so. As I had mentioned in a previous post, tall growth is not prevalent as a result.
Some of the many Points along the coast are still covered in growth just like that shown in the photo.
I would venture to say that Quinauan point was progressively cleared for cattle or goat pasture when the small village became more populated, perhaps starting in the 1970's? A lot of old barbed wire and fencing remains are to be found there today indicating that it has been used for this purpose for some time.
Karl may be able to provide some more insight here.
CB
|
|
