Wake Atoll
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Wake Atoll is a small, L-shaped lump of coral reef at the top of a submerged mountain in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. To find it on a globe or map of the world find the Hawaiian islands and follow the arch of the archipelego west until your finger crosses the International Dateline. The atoll is property of the United States and is little more than a permanent aircaft carrier between Hawaii and Asian side of the Pacific Rim. Which probably expalns why it was the first peice of real estate fought over between the US and japoan during WWII. It also has a sign at the air termianl boasting " Welcome to Wake Island, where America's day begins." It is the first place to vote during US general election days. As far as things to do, one can dive, fish and surf the reef that rings the island. The current seems pretty strong, so a trip to Alaska may be in store for the inattentive practicioner of said activites. For safer avenues of fun, there is an interior lagoon, to explore. Access seems to be limited to US government employees, and military aircraft in need of a quick fuel-up. So, unless you have the right connections, you probably won't get to see it anyway.
