Wednesday was Independence Day. While we had the day off, it is not celebrated that much in Am Sam. Especially compared to Flag Day (aka Dependence Day). Dependence Day celebrates the Samoans ceding the island to the United States - we get two days off for that celebration and everyone goes crazy - big parties and celebrations. They didn't even have fireworks for Independence Day. We did get apple pie - thanks Liz.
Anyway, I guess it would be weird for Am Sam, a U.S. Territory (aka colony) to celebrate Independence Day. But I digress. Never wasting a week day off - we waste enough weekends, I tagged along with New Guy and his folks (who are visiting for the week) for the day.
First we went snorkeling at Fagaalu.
You normally can see some turtles in the area. New Guy says that he saw one, but not sure if we believe him. However, the Coletti's saw six turtles on the same day. go figure. After snorkeling we drove to the north side and the village of Vatia. The drive to Vatia is great,
and the bay is really cool.
After Vatia we went to Tisa's Barefoot Bar. The ava was not that bad, so we did a little snorkeling. We then did a little drinking. We went back to Palagi Village, cleaned up and went over to the Castro's for a BBQ.
Nikki's folks were also in town for the week - this must be family week. They brought Fred the Cadillac of coolers.
Pretty sweet. Coolers on the island are like two or three times as expensive then ones on the mainland. Fred might be able to trade it in for a used car. As with any Castro BBQ, it was a huge success.
However, after a busy day, I was tuckered out. I left around 9 pm. About 15 minutes later, I heard the neighborhood dogs going crazy and a lot of noise coming closer to my house. I opened my door and found this...
I guess the remaining party goers were not happy that I left. They organized an angry mob to get me back to the party. Of course, one can't go against an angry mob, so I went back to the party. That angry mob might have been the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me - man, I am going to miss this place.
It was special because two federal judges traveled to Am Sam. to hear the appeals. Senior District Judges Consuelo B. Marshall and Terry J. Hatter Jr. from the Central District of California served as Acting Associate Justices on the panel along with Chief Justice Kruse, Associate Justice Richmond and Acting Associate Justice Ward as well as the Samoan Associate Judges. 
Over two days, the Appellate Division heard ten cases. The off-island judges were really great and I think they enjoyed their time in Am Sam - Judge Hatter even got a manskirt. 
I promised them that if I ever appeared in their courtroom that I would wear my manskirt.
drives this Car (aka Barbie)
Guess it is back to MGD and Vailima. 
The sea was angry that day, so the blow holes were very active. 
It made the walk to the beach even more beautiful. We reached the beach during high tide, so we didn't have much beach to work with 
and had to walk through the water to get to it.
But who cares. 
We snorkeled for a long time - I saw a ton of fish, including whole schools of fish that just swam right around me. Pretty awesome. It got a little cloudy and with the breeze, we were actually cold getting out of the water. Never thought I would be cold when it is 80 outside, but it is winter here. We walked back along the airport fence, which was a little overgrown. 
On our walk back, I was reminded why it is called Airport Beach. 
New Guy also got nailed by a blowhole wave, sadly I only got the end of it.
We decided to stop at Maliu Mai Beach Resort 
for a drink 
and enjoy the great view. 
Another nice Sunday at the Beach.
It is tiny island (1.9 square miles) off the eastern coast of Tutuila (my island). You have to take a small boat to the island. 
There are perhaps two or three cars on the island. It is kinda great. We walked around the island for most of the day. 
Nice trails and decent beaches. 
We spent some time at Markus' private spa area. 
The water was a little rough, but still enjoyable. One of the highlights is the Pala Lake - or Quicksand Lake. It is aptly named. Sadly, we didn't make it to the Quicksand Lake - too much time at the beach. But we did see the Red Lake 
as well as the Ma'ama'a Cove. 
A beautiful, 
but potentially dangerous area. 
The waves can hit the cliffs and sweep away anyone too close. 
Bonnie was thinking about going in for a swim. 
For a minute, I thought we were in Ireland cause of the grass.
The Art Shot - 
We did see an old ship wreck. 
At the end of the day, we swam in the harbor area. 
Surprisingly, it is really clean water. After Anun'u we went back to Tisa's Bar (I think New Guy's folks like that place - third day in a row they have gone for a visit). After Tisa's, eleven of us went to Hong Kong House for dinner. The eleven of us got the meal for four plus a dish of house chow mein. After the eleven of us had our fill of food - we still had leftovers. Can you say supersize me?