We're Off

Today we are getting ready for tomorrow's trip back out to the rock islands. We are going to be dropped off on a private island near Peleliu, an island of historical significance due to the bloody battles that took place there between the Japanese and Americans during WWII. Tomorrow we plan on snorkeling and spearfishing at a couple of spots on our way out to the island, where we will spend 3 nights before we take a tour of Peleliu on Sunday.
Before we leave; however, I'd like to mention a few things in regard to previous posts. Fist off, I tossed an turned last night because of my neglect to mention one of the most significant sights of yesterday. On our second dive, we were fortunate enough to see, according to National Geographic, the largest coral on earth. They call it the apartment. It is truly magnificent, and is the size of an average American home. We were all the more impressed when we found out that this particular coral species is one of the slowest growing on earth. It grows at a rate of only one millimeter per year. I don't have a good picture of it, so I put in a picture of a shark that was roaming nearby.
Secondly, I wanted to pass on a note in regard to the generosity of the Survivor producers. Due to their donation of various tables and pieces of furniture no longer needed following filming, there is now a furnished and functional youth room in the basement of the church.
Thirdly, I wanted to be sure that our readers are familiar with with what we mean by "rock islands." Palau is composed of over 200 islands, most of them referred to as rock islands. The rock islands are composed primarily of limestone, and have a profile that often resembles the island pictured below.

The mushroom shape is the result of erosion and the activity of limestone-digesting marine organisms. The most famous of the rock islands are known as the seventy islands, which is a group of protected islands whose beauty is best captured by aerial photographs. Good thing, because without a special permit, it is illegal to be within 2 miles of them. This is all the closer we have been.
Note, the reason that this photo is so much prettier than all of the others found on this blog is because we did not take it.
Lastly, we would like to give an update in regard to our resident cockroach here at the guesthouse. After complaining about cockroaches in Guam, we were advised to take a more lighthearted approach to these cute little guys. Actually, until yesterday we had not seen our cockroach since our arrival in Palau. Yesterday we caught him returning to what we assume is now his cush residence, our toiletry bag. There, with only slight hesitation, we left him. I will see if we can get a photograph of him for everyone to enjoy.