Granny negotiating slippery slope; much easier than negotiating with children.
Don't fence us in or out; over the years we've had some issues with the authorities in Hawaii. Of course,
we are the problem.
You know it’s not going to be a popular trail or maintained when the trailhead, for want of a better
term, is identified as “telephone pole number 5”. Soon thereafter, you discover it’s not so much of a hike
but a scramble. The 2,100 feet climb, without switchbacks over five miles return, does not level until one
reaches the summit. In between, two hazards inter alia, are steep slippery slopes and thick brush, a real
bushwacker. After that little introduction, you might inquire: So what gives? It’s very satisfying to reach
a summit enjoying a good sweat and wonderful views, particularly with nothing more serious than receiving
scratches only. Admittedly, there are a few places, quite a few really, where the so-called path is far too
close to the edges.
Coastline from Kapilau Ridge including port and runway to right.
It was a 'scramble' the whole way along some steep drop-offs. Too slippery, too steep to rely on legs only.
Maui suburb viewed through telephoto from peak.
We tend to keep to the spirit of the law. However, we have noticed quite a few areas in this
state where the fences are used liberally. After vigorous debate, lasting all of twenty seconds, we hopped
the wire at the official end of the scramble and headed or crawled to the summit. What probably summarizes
our feelings was that the editor felt confident climbing through the underbrush because we understand there
are no snakes on the island. Should you know something to the contrary, we’d appreciate you not sharing it
with our enthusiastic editor.
Focusing on the fabulous West Maui Mountains, less so on the flora, from Kapilau Peak.
'The answer is blowing in the wind.' Unusual view of stalks blowing vigorously across the camera
as we face to the side while sun disappears.
Berries abound. How far away are the Hawaiian bears?.
We obviously need rental cars in most places we visit; we did just that in Maui. We spoke to Paul
who sounded like a very interesting fellow when we booked a vehicle some months ago. We had a long chat on
issues of life and then eventually reserved a car. It appears there are a number of informal businesses in
this state, two being car rentals and housing, that we know about. In fact, we have had some interesting
experiences in our travels to these islands. It adds spice to life and sometimes heartburn, too.
Sun penetrates a cloud to throw some light into Ioa valley.
First there was 'Love Potion number 9'. Now we have 'Telephone Pole #5'—the most hidden trailhead of all.
We presumed the car would be a reasonable one, not thinking further about it. We received an instruction
to collect it near row K, opposite baggage claim, under the large tree. An envelope with key and rental
agreement would be stuck to the driver’s window. So far so good. As regards the agreement, we would complete
that on the phone the next day. Huh? We found everything as promised including a parking permit for the airport
which we presented at the tollbooth and paid $ 10. Apparently, we had ‘parked the car’ ten hours earlier
although we’re sure we were on the aircraft at the time . Okay, at least we had wheels. A quick check of the
meters showed we had 155,000 miles on the clock and less than half a tank of gas. Still good as the car was
moving forward.
We think the kicker was when we filled in the agreement orally over the phone (we still don’t know how we
did it but we must be smarter than we think.) Anyway, Paul said: ‘We are not too concerned about
dings and bumps on the car but are strict about the windshield and tyres.’
We could not help but retort: “Paul. You’ve left no spaces on the car for any more dings, scratches or
bumps—it's already filled to capacity.” We exaggerate not.
Finally, although the car was obviously left open in the lot for ten hours, we received bold, written
instructions as well as an oral reminder to ensure that we lock the car after leaving it under the tree
on our return to the airport. We’re still thinking about that one.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
"Instead of a Flood"
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