Arrival on Maui, an island of Hawaii.
'Jenni of the slopes', well below the ridge.
Would that be one hump or two? Trying out the telephoto lens(e).
Arguably, the highlight of our trip to this island is to backpack into Haleakala Volcano and, of course,
hope that it remains dormant while we are active. In fact, we hope it continues sleeping forever or at least,
while fellow hikers visit. Anyway, that’s the plan and hopefully the period leading up to the Maui crescendo will
be just as good. We follow through on Hawaii Island with attempted ascents to Mauna Loa and Kea peaks, great
favorites of ours. Both protrude above the surface by nearly 14,000 feet each.
While we left San Diego in weather that was reaching the 70’s each day, many parts of the country are frigid
in a manner of speaking. Who has the energy or inclination to do anything in below freezing temperatures?
Moving west to the Hawaiian Islands seemed a good strategy in case Southern California caves into the
Canadian winds, eh! Talking of Canada, we have met quite a few Canadians already. Today, a group arrived
from Calgary. Who can blame them leaving winter in their great but cold country?
Attaboy! Captain Dudley arriving to give us a ride down. Oops, the blade is stationary.
New Zealand, Drakensberg South Africa, Peru or Hawaii, who knows? Haleakala at rear.
Jenni going higher.
We won’t even discuss airplane travel, well, maybe a little. Each time we see aircraft fly, we marvel
at what still appears to be a miracle. When we lift our baggage, we pause (often because of the struggle) but
mostly, as we consider how much weight an airplane lifts and all by fooling around with the movement of air.
Then we struggle to deal with the security arrangements on the ground. The security men and women do a fine job
in creating a sense of frustration, thereby removing much enjoyment from flying. Thank you for listening while
we put back our shoes, jackets, find our wallets, repack the laptops, gels, belts and stop thinking of the guy
who was so intimate with our thighs.
Our editor appears to have been a bad girl, (at last). She was stopped for an extra baggage search. She had
forgotten to remove a penknife from her emergency kit. We thought there was going to be a lockdown of the
airport in Honolulu. What we found interesting is that the ‘eagle-eyed’ security personnel missed the dangerous
weapon in San Diego. It seems the Hawaiians are sharper than Californians. Good spotting, we thought, although
the greatest danger that could arise from an attack with said knife would be an infection if somehow the skin
could be penetrated.
An interesting position from which to view the breakers.
Some sun, some clouds and a whole lot of pleasure mixed in with sweat.
Today we enjoyed a sharp but shortish hike of near to 1,600 feet and 5 miles. It seemed longer and steeper
but that could be too much vacation and cake in San Diego, over these last two months. We’re probably out of
order but we like to blame our editor for the delicious baked goods she produces which are far too tempting
against our lack of resolve.
Until next time…
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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