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Post by fots2 on Jun 16, 2011 0:43:18 GMT 8
Hi dmether,
I am not sure what the author is talking about and he seems to be sucking up to somebody. Interesting though.
Thanks for posting this. I like to see original reports whenever possible. It beats reading selected information from them written by another person at a later date.
I did read that Grande Island was retaken without opposition.
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Post by The Phantom on Jun 16, 2011 5:35:42 GMT 8
Well done Fots.
Want a DAY trip next year, maybe a banka out early in the morning, our own unofficial invasion.........
Chiming in on Fort Wint's possible usefulness in holding back the Japanese in 1941/42..............
Don't think it would have been feasible to defend it at all.
It was no Corregidor or other Manila Bay Fort with interlocking fire and massive prepared bunkers/ tunnels.
It was alone. Flat as a pancake, sitting in a bay surrounded by hills the Japanese could have pulverized it from with artillery as okla mentioned.
Seeing the steel doors and bars still intact reminds me of the fact that Grande Island was in U.S. hands until 1993, that fact seems to have kept the scrappers away.
Interesting to see the steel doors in place with the barred backup. I'm guessing the cell like bars were to protect the innards when the steel doors were open to let in some air from the outside. Want to look for similar bar remains on Corregidor.
I also read the reviews and saw an interesting comment. The guest was given the tour of the Batteries and also the off limits Submarine entrance? What and where is that?
Most reviews of the facilities were the same horrendous experience. Except one, a HOMER for sure, which gave the place near 100 on everything.
P6,000.00, $140.00 a night? Are you kidding me? P1,500.00, $35.00 a night gets you a great place on Corregidor. Not much fighting took place on Grande Island it appears, we let it go in 1941 without a fight and the retaking in 1945?
Just wonderful fots.
Pupunta ako doon 2012.........
Battery Trevor looks like Battery James in better times.
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Post by fots2 on Jun 16, 2011 10:08:40 GMT 8
Good comments there Mr. Phantom. I agree, Fort Wint would not have lasted too long. As with other 'what ifs', the delay of the Japanese using Subic Bay as a resupply port would not have changed the outcome significantly. The comment regarding "off limits Submarine entrance" is misleading. I do not think we can take the words literally or we would have heard about such a place. Actually I think I know what this person is talking about. As you walk a road away from the resort you come to a beach. At the end of the beach the road continues but there is an off limits sign there. The electricity for the island is via submarine cable from the mainland. The cable landing in nearby. This is probably the "off limits Submarine entrance". I spoke to one of the staff who does tours for any guests that requect it. As expected the guide knows where to find structures but comes up short on accurate history. A tourist could be told anything. That room rate does sound like a joke doesn't it? Someone like you with experience of pricing in the province caught that quick. Have a look at this link of the Special Promo rate. www.grandeislandresort.com/april2011.html To be fair though, the banana boat ride is included in that room rate.
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Post by The Phantom on Jun 17, 2011 5:42:03 GMT 8
Your posted sign spoiled my big adventure finding our secret underground Submarine base,( like the Germans had in France).
So all I get is a well constructed 3 sided sign instead? Old U.S.Military sign it appears.
Your camera doesn't miss much! ...................................................
Skip my commentary here if you wish.........
As to the comments about the lack of good food and terrible service most guests talked about............
I'd find out what conditions the employees were living under on the island, what was their pay and what do THEY get to eat every day?
How long do they stay on the island before getting to go home for a time? (I really do find these things out when I go somewhere, I know, what good does that do anyone? I complain to those in charge, for what it's worth.)
I'd guess their quarters suck and their food also, kept on the island to long before getting to see family, with low pay.
An absentee BOSS staying on shore most nights with no accountability, as the guests reported.
I'm surprised The Subic Bay Authority puts up with that.
They usually watch that in their area, wait, he's on an island you have to pay to get to............
2:30PM trips only?
Suncruises needs to run that place also........ trips from Corregidor to Grande island? A package Tour?
Tourists are already tired by 2:30PM, in the hottest part of the day to want to venture out there in any number.
They need a 9:00 AM boat. Are they managing it to just survive for some reason?
But you're right Fots, there is the Banana Boat ride though the trash thrown into the bay..........as most guests mention.
Who says I'm pessimistic?
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Post by fots2 on Jun 17, 2011 8:44:37 GMT 8
I would stay at the resort but it would have to be MUCH cheaper. Having a home base with a Fort out the back door would be convenient. The last ferry from Grande Island to Olongapo leaves at 7pm. I was told that most employees go home on that trip. I have no idea how many people work the night shift. By the way, I did not even see the banana boat and wondered where it was. It must be tied up in dry dock over at Olongapo I guess.
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Post by makoy on Jun 18, 2011 23:15:43 GMT 8
amazing fots
we've been living here in the freeport zone (subic) for 4 years now and this (grande is.) is one of the places ive never been to. one of my favorites here is the mt sta. rita naval link station.
it's much closer to access the island via camayan resort/ocean adventure.
just wondering if i could tag along on your next trip to the island.
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Post by fots2 on Jun 19, 2011 13:22:35 GMT 8
Hi Makoy,
Sure, no problem there. The next trip will be to find more of the remote structures but we can certainly visit the batteries so you can see them. The best time to return would probably be in February when the weather is great and the vegetation has had time to die after the rainy season.
Ocean Adventure is closer to Grande Island as you say but it presents a problem to get there when I don't have a car. The ferry terminal is easy to get to and much closer to my hotel.
Karl will probably come too, he knows the island well. If you are working we can plan for your day off, we are flexible. We will let you know as we get closer to trip time.
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Post by makoy on Jun 19, 2011 21:25:35 GMT 8
great! unfortunately i am not part of the working class anymore ;D. ill be glad to drive you to camayan wharf and even show you former storage bunkers of the usn along the way.
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Post by makoy on Jun 19, 2011 21:27:52 GMT 8
if i may add, the peak of the dry season falls around april-may. at these dates vegetation will be at its leanest.
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Post by fots2 on Jun 19, 2011 21:55:52 GMT 8
You are absolutely correct about vegetation at that time of the year however the is one big negative thing...HEAT. A bit earlier is much more comfortable.
The trip to Grande Island for the above report was May 2nd of this year. It was so hot I had to go back to the Resort to buy more water. I remember one short section of the road that had asphalt pavement for 10 meters or so. I could feel the heat radiating up from it under my chin. No breeze away from the coast.
I just suggested that time frame to give our bodies a break. Even March was very nice hiking weather this year.
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