The flight to Palmyra is about 4.5 hours. The plane is a comfortable Gulfstream 1 turboprop.

One of the nice things about a plane this size is that the plane is open to the cockpit, and you can go up front and talk to the pilots and take a look out the front windshield.

Jason and Scott getting some refreshments during our flight. The plane was fully stocked with snacks (a vital component of any successful adventure) and drinks. On this trip we were restocking some of the provisions for the island so we could have landed anywhere and been well fed for a couple weeks!

Palmyra Atoll is the second largest of 10 atolls under U.S. jurisdiction. The island consists of 680 emergent (above water) acres, 15,512 acres of submerged reefs and aquamarine lagoons. The climate is humid equatorial tropics. It has light, variable winds with an average of 175 inches of rain a year.

The pilots circled the island before landing so that we could all get a good look and take some photos. Looks like we are lined up perfectly for a great landing. It was amazing how much faster we suddenly seemed to be going when we approached the runway.

We received a very warm welcome from the island staff. We soon discovered that everyone has multiple skills and jobs that contribute to keeping the island running smoothly.

Looks like Palmyra has been invaded. Jason (professional filmmaker), Paul (TNC), Keith (divemaster), Lori (TNC), Anders (TNC), Charlene and Derry, Jenn (from UC Santa Barbara), Karin and Scott, Alan (NOAA/NOS/CCMA), and . . . who is that guy on the end? Was he trying to avoid going back? Was he there all week?

While Palmyra is part of the United States, it is an uncontrolled port. So you need a passport to come here and must go through immigration when you get back.

Scott and Karin in front of the welcome to Palmyra sign.