An adventure by Walt F.J. Goodridge

On April 7, 2014, I helped arrange a trip to Pagan for a scientific research group. I was fortunate enough to be able to tag along and ended up spending a few days on the Northern Mariana island of Pagan. Here are photos and videos from my once-in-a-lifetime adventure!—Walt F.J. Goodridge

Where is Pagan?

Pagan is a volcanic island in the Mariana Islands archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, belonging to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The island was formerly inhabited*, but the inhabitants were evacuated due to volcanic eruptions in 1981. Pagan is located about 320 kilometers (200 mi) north of Saipan, the main island of the Northern Mariana Islands. With an area of 47.23 km2 (18.24 sq mi), it is the fourth largest island of the Northern Marianas. The island is a double island consisting of two stratovolcanoes joined by a narrow strip of land with a width of only 600 meters (660 yd). The southern volcano 18.075°N 145.725°E, is 548 m (1,798 ft) high with a caldera approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) in diameter, consisting of four craters joined together.

*While there has been no official re-settlement of the island, there have been “pioneers” over the years who have embarked on individual and group-sponsored return to the island.

Slideshow

If memory serves, we met at the dock at about 10pm for a briefing/orientation by the ship's owner

By about 6:00am the next morning, we passed Anatahan

Inside the bridge with one of two captains!

I think that might be Sarigan! I missed our sail-by since I think I was busy being nauseous on the cabin floor. — I think that was Sarigan! I missed our sail-by since I think I was busy being nauseous on the cabin floor.

Destination Pagan! Visible by about 3:00pm — Destination Pagan! Visibe by about 3:00pm

The research team and everyone comes on deck to enjoy the majesty of the final approach

Before we actually dock, some of the crew do some fishing in preparation for their evening meal.

We approach from the south but will actually drop anchor just beyond an inlet close to the Pagan airstrip.

The two captains are on deck to monitor the approach.

Speed boat is dropped over the side as the scientists and researchers prepare

Since I won't be eating with the rest of the folks, I prepare some lentil soup for myself before going ashore.

The captain and crew make several trips taking research as well as supplies from the Mayor's office for the small group of residents.

Our "maritime uber" and drivers will remain anchored a few hundred yards off the coast for the duration of the expedition.

Supplies and equpment are off-loaded and everyone participates in the task.

The researchers and government officials set up camp.

One of the local residents and dogs go for a walk

Solar panels left from a previous expedition

Craters from bombs dropped on the island during World War II

The Pagan airstrip! Experienced pilots only, please!

Communication cabin on the island equipped with a satellite phone for communicating with Saipan.

Posing with Sandy and one of the government representives

Jamaican explorer....travels the high seas...and...wait for it...

...claims the island in the name of Jamaica and Bob Marley!

I can confidently say I'm probably the first Jamaican to visit Pagan!

posting with the Black,Green and Gold...

FYI: Meaning of the Jamacain flag colors="Hardships there are, but the land is green and the sun shineth."

A church and a few other structures still remain from when the island was evacuated in 1981.

Relics of World War II: a crashed Japanese Zero fighter plane

I know some of my Saipan tour clients would appreciate this!

The ridge of rock you see in the background is actually lava. The molten lava stopped just beyond this WWII gun.

A helicopter brings additional supplies.

Two of the seven local residents: Pioneers who left Saipan to live a more natural life.

Recreating a scene from the movie Castaway.

There's no way you can imagine how hot black sand gets under the midday sun!

A school of dolping frolick on the coast every morning at about 7am

Getting my daily one hour dose of sunlight!

No mosquitoes, no flies, but scorpions abound! Inspect your tent before you go to sleep!

Getting to the heart of the matter. A lesson in harvesting the coconut tree "heart."

ahh, life on a tropical island! The beauty, the tranquility!

Pagn residents (2014). Seems like Bob beat me here thanks to a painting by Anna Villagomez!

Attorney Joe Hill provided a Pagan Guestbook in anticipation of documenting future visitors to the island!

Click the image to watch the interview I did with the Pagan Pioneers https://youtu.be/SmGeq_9TsxM

oral hygiene....on the black sand beach of Pagan

The young pioneers from Saipan enjoy a relaxing afternoon

They treat me to some music and shell crafts

Spondylus shell jewelry! You can still find these rare shells on the island

Time for refreshments and electrolytes, the natural way

Helicopter approaches. It's about a 2 hour flight from Saipan

Some of the researchers go for a late afternoon swim

This was my home on Pagan for a f ew days

Final shots...the crew and I head back to the ship

We're circling the island getting a full view of all coasts...

My adventure to Pagan!

Here are some random video clips of the trip to and several days I spent on the Northern Mariana island of Pagan in 2014! This first video—published in June 2020—has previously unreleased clips.