Dear Friends and Family,

The Manta Rays are famous in Yap. Susan was able to see several. One swam about 2 feet above her with a wing span of at least 12 feet it is an almost scary experience except that these giants are just gentle creatures.  They feed on plankton only.  Mantas come to mate and give birth in Yap’s lagoons.  A female carries a baby in her womb for 12 months and then gives live birth to just one baby manta. The baby already has a wing apan of 5 feet at birth.  The baby clings to the mother after birth for protection for about a month until it learns to feed on plankton, then it is on its own often food for sharks.  Mantas have markings on their under belly which is like a finger print for us, unique to  the Manta.  Many of the Mantas on Yap have been name and Susan discovered the Manta she had the close encounter with is named “Chicken” because it has a marking like a chicken’s foot on his underneath.   The Mantas below and above in the photos are females and the one below is named “Dottie” because of the spots on her underside.The reefs surrounding Yap have very healthy fish and beautiful coral. Outside the reefs, lots of black tipped sharks patrol the area. Smaller fish move together to form a “fish ball” to have some protection from the larger predators. 

We stayed at the Manta Ray Bay Resort and parked outside the infinity pool was a schooner 100 years old and brought from Indonesia.  It is part of the resort and Yap dive center and serves as the restaurant.  We always had a delicious meal there.  At 4:30 everyday, a cannon would fire from the ship to announce Happy Hour. We also took a tour of the WWII plane wrecks on the island.  There was an old Japanese bunker with a great view of the island. We also visited a Yapanese village and learned about their culture.

We learned about the beetle nut which everyone here on Yap seems to chew.  We have seen the beetle nut being chewed in India and other countries.  Our guide said that it is like having a cup of strong coffee. Some also chew tobacco with the nut. It is certainly a different habit that stains the teeth and is addictive.  The Yap people are very friendly and helpful.  Their island is very remote with mostly divers and snorkelers frequenting the island now.  The island speed limit is 25 miles per hour and we thought it was laid back on Saipan.  With the trade winds blowing, the weather is balmy and not too hot.  We think you would find this island interesting and if you are a diver, the waters are pristine with a water temperature of 86 degrees F.  We next head to Palau via Guam for a layover.  Yap is country #126 for us. It has been a fun adventure.

Watch for our next post and remember to be good to yourselves.

Cheers,

Susan and Jim