TRUK (CHUUK)
Chuuk — formerly Truk, Ruk, Hogoleu, Torres, Ugulat, and Lugulus
— is an island group in the south western part of the Pacific
Ocean. It comprises one of the four states of the Federated States
of Micronesia (FSM), along with Kosrae, Pohnpei, and Yap. Chuuk is
the most populous of the FSM's states. Geographically, Chuuk is
also part of the larger Caroline Islands group. Chuuk means
mountain in the Chuukese language and was known mainly as Truk (a
mispronunciation of Ruk), until 1990.
It is not known when the islands of Chuuk were first settled,
but, based on archaeological and scriptural evidence, these islands
had originally been settled more than 2000 years ago. It is not
known with certainty where the original inhabitants came from.
Based on archaeological evidence, it seems that, after about 200
CE, there was no continuous settlement until about 1300 CE. With
further archaeological work, it is possible this gap could be
filled in. However, because Chuuk is not high on the archaeological
agenda (See List of archaeological sites sorted by country), it is
improbable that such a developed study will begin soon. It is
probable that people came from Pohnpei and Kosrae to the east,
based on many legend and language similarities.
As part of the colonial territory of the Caroline Islands, Truk
was part of the Spanish, then German and the Japanese empires.
During World War II, Truk Lagoon was the Empire of Japan's main
base in the South Pacific theatre. A significant portion of the
Japanese fleet was based there, with its administrative center on
Tonoas (south of Weno). Truk was the base for Japanese operations
against Allied forces in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Operation Hailstone, executed by the United States in 1944,
culminated in one of the most important naval battles of the war at
Truk. Twelve Japanese warships, thirty-two merchant ships and 249
aircraft were destroyed, although the larger ships had received
advance warning and were already at sea.
Truk is a very popular destination for divers because of all the
war ship ruins at the bottom of the lagoon. They are protected as a
world wide recognized historical preserve.
Chuuk was one of six districts of the Trust Territory of the
Pacific Islands which were administered by the United States under
charter from the United Nations from the end of the Second World
War to the early 1990s.
On July 2, 2002, heavy rains from Tropical Storm Chataan caused
more than thirty landslides that killed forty-seven people and
injured dozens others, in the state's deadliest weather disaster.
The landslides occurred throughout the day, some within just
minutes of each other.
MOGA MMVIII (2008)
Welcome to Mark Twain Lake -
John F. Spalding Recreation Area.
John F. Spalding Recreation area is located
on the North side of Mark Twain Lake. This area has many different
attractions and a quiet, remote location. There are many
opportunities for hunting, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, or
bird watching.
(Source for information
can be found on the Clarence Cannon Dam
website.)
Out here, we have placed a number of caches
for your hunting pleasure. The area is accessible year round with
the exception of a special Handicap Hunt. During off season, you
must check in at the district office and let them know you are
hunting caches. Some areas of the recreation area can be gated so
you would have to park and walk in. Letting the office know will
prevent a meeting with a ranger and having to explain why you were
back there in the first place. During regular season, usually from
April - October, the area is wide open. Check the website for more
information. US Army Corps of
Engineers - Mark Twain Lake.
These caches were placed by Eagle Scouts Kyle
Jones and Kevin Linn, both from Troop 760, Boone Trails District,
Greater St. Louis Area Council. Please remember to trade up when
trading items. Check out the local businesses while in the area and
make sure you check out the South side of this beautiful
lake.
This cache is placed in the John
F. Spalding Recreation Area which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers, St. Louis District, Mark Twain Lake. A special thanks
to Allen Mehrer, USACOE Forester, who provided the Ammo Cans and
recommended where to hide them.
