We use them every single day almost unconsciously. We use them to go up; we use them to go down; and, we even use them to go round and round. We are, of course, talking about steps.

We start with the legendary Spanish Steps at the Orote Peninsula in Sumay that drop down precipitously from the cliffline to the shoreline. Only a few of the original steps remain. Most have yielded to the ravages of the sun, the sea, and man since they were built in the 1700's.

The archaeological findings nearby attest to long habitation of the area by ancient Chamorros who most likely used nature's stepping stones to reach the sea 30 meters below to do their fishing.

For the Spaniards, however, there is strong speculation that the steps were built in order to reach a fresh water well along the shoreline. Those unlucky soldiers who served as water carriers had a dreadful climb to the forts on top of the cliff. But, there are those who would argue that the water carriers were probably indentured servants from the local population rather than soldiers of the Spanish crown!

On the same peninsula, there are also steps known as the Japanese steps which we know for certain were built in 1946 by Japanese Prisoners of War during their incarceration at Sumay. The structures to which the steps led have long disappeared over the past 50 years but the steps remain in exceptionally good condition. Judging from the masonry technique used, the POW's evidently took great pride in their work.

In true soldierly fashion, they dedicated their work to their comrades held on Rota,the island immediately north of Guam.

At the top of these steps, all 67 of them, is one of the finest places to visit on the island, the Guam Museum, located at Adelup Point, west of Agana. I suppose one could say that you go up these challenging steps if you want to step back in time, historically. Logically, the steps to the Guam Museum are Guamanian Steps.

This contraption is called a people mover and requires only two steps to move you a long way, horizontally: step on and then step off. Similarly, this device also requires only two steps to take you a long way, vertically: step on,step off. We found steps that led nowhere at all. We even discovered some for those who believe in the old saying that when in danger or in doubt, run in circles, scream and shout. At East Agana, it is hard to miss these American Steps, constructed by American Seabees, members of Naval Construction Battalions that have been rotating in and out of Guam for many years. On top of these 177 steps are a Christian Church and the Christian Servicemen's Center which has been providing home away from home for Service men and women for about four decades without fanfare.

With regard to steps from the church to a Higher Place, well, we could not readily see the steps but we could see the tranquil blue yonder and what appear to be the outline of pearly gates.

So far, we have seen steps that go down to bring something up; steps that go up to bring something down; and, even steps that simply go round and round. By day's end, we discovered the mother of all steps from a local standpoint. In the jungle, we found these steps, beautifully aged and covered with fine moss. It is a set of steps from the 1920's that conspired with nature to produce a perfect gift for the backyard of a coconut connoisseur: a set of antique Chamorro Steps that run right up to a lovely bunch of coconuts.

Speaking of steps, next time you plan to step into the jungles of Guam, whether you are a native or a novice, check in with the Taotaomona, Guam's first people, before you enter. I forgot to do that on this trip and lost an expensive camera with priceless film which were supposed to be shown with this episode. Honest!