Rep. Flake Returns from His Own Marshall Islands "Survivor" Adventure
A U.S. congressman returned last week from the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) where he spent an unusual tropical vacation. Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) a consistent supporter of the RMI on the Hill, left Washington, D.C. behind to spend seven days of solitude on an uninhabited island there.
Flake flew to Kwajalein and then traveled three hours by boat. He was dropped off on a 50-acre islet to experience his own survival experience. "The water was warm, beautiful, and clear, with lots of fish to eat."
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The fifth-term representative for the 6th Congressional District, first broke the news of the trip during an interview Friday on an Arizona cable TV program, Chandler in Focus.
"For years and years I wanted to get to an island and live off the land -- seven days and 7 nights -- to see if I can do it."
He said he arranged the trip all by himself, "I could have taken whatever I wanted, but I didn't want to take any food."
His minimalist pack included snorkeling gear, a pole spear, and a personal water desalinization pump.
"I did pack some salt and pepper, hoping I'd have something to put it on."
It seems he survived okay on coconuts, crabs, and fish, although he said he saw far more sharks while fishing than he expected.
There was a lot a solitude. What did he miss? A chair with a back. Also, sleeping in a hammock gets a little old. The equator nights are as long as the days, he said.
"I had great experience, loved every minute, but am glad to back."
On a side note, Rep. Flake stopped on his way back at the Marshallese community of Ebeye.
According to a blog by Mormon missionaries in the Marshall Islands, Rep. Flake, who is a member of the church, spent some time with LDS young people on mission. Flake, who once served in a Mormon mission in southern Africa, then wrote letters to their parents in commendation of their work on Ebeye.
This is not the first time Flake has been on Kwajalein. As a member of Congressional Delegations (CODEL), Flake has visited the Marshall Islands several times, in review of the Compact of Free Association relations between the U.S. and the RMI.
- - Aenet Rowa, Yokwe Online, September 6, 2009
