In this video we hike in the National Park of American Samoa on the Lower Sauma Ridge Trail. This moderate 0.8-mile round-trip hike offers stunning views of Tutuila island's rugged coastline and the blue waters of the South Pacific.
This video includes:
0:13 Driving Instructions to the Trailhead
0:57 View of Pola from the Trailhead
2:18 Fruit Bat Drinking Water off Leaves
3:05 Finding an Ancient Tool Grinding Stone at an Archeological Site
3:53 View of the Pola from the End of the Ridge
4:26 Exploring the Tidepools
6:42 The Ancient Tia Seu Lupe (Star Mound)
The trail drops 275 feet in elevation to the ocean. It goes through a healthy forest filled with native plants and wildlife, including the elusive Samoan flying fox.
The trail leads to a Tia Sea Lupe, an ancient archaeological site thought to have been used for snaring birds and as a look out for invaders from neighboring Tonga. Along the trail, there are exhibits that interpret these archaeological findings and the significance of the sites.
At the end of the ridge, take in views of the Vai'ava Strait National Natural Landmark, an area that has long been an important part of Samoan culture and tradition. The nearby Pola Island, which is visible from the trail, is a nesting ground for seabirds and is an important cultural site for the village of Vatia.
Please remember when you hike this trail yourself to come prepared with plenty of water, bug spray, and sturdy hiking shoes. The weather can change quickly, so be ready for both sun and rain. If you do go all the way down to the tide pools, be VERY careful of the ocean, it's dangerous. Most importantly, leave no trace and help preserve this pristine South Pacific paradise.
20 сен 2024
