Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. Stop #3 on my little adventure last month.
Somewhere along the way, we collected rain clouds. They stayed with us. We didn’t deplane here, which was expected — we were already late, and it was raining steadily.
The plane was about half full when we landed. Many of the Pacific Islanders got off. Then many people boarded — whole families — and we departed at over 100% capacity, if you count lap babies.
I was curious about this airport. So, checked it out on Google Maps.
The airport is constructed on a reef and connected to the island by a bridge. The runway is 5,751 feet long — quite generous for the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Of course, there is absolutely no margin for error.
Kosrae is the second-largest island in the Federated States of Micronesia, with 42 square miles and a population of about 7,700. Mount Finkol is the highest point at 2,080 feet. It’s a lush, mountainous island with young, sharp peaks. The government is the state’s largest employer, and the main attraction is diving on the coral reef that surrounds the island.
If I were even ten years younger, I might consider visiting. There are two modest hotels.
A flight like none other.