Hikes 6 and 7: Swinging Bridges & Waihee Ridge Revisited

Digging in

A favorite revisited--a definite aura present

Hawaii 50.01: Searching for two golden (tarnished) oldies

The well trained mule..um..husband. Sorry fellas, setting of a bad example.

Aloha,

‘Easy and medium level type hikes today’ even though we did two.
“No way,” our dear editor answered, ‘medium and strenuous.’ Clearly, a dispute was at hand. We suppose there have to be disagreements on the road (nice if that was the worst) and here we were facing off. With no end in sight to the tension building, our editor proposed a solution. ‘I’ll accept your rating of “easy” notwithstanding my aching body and blistered feet providing you do the cooking tonight. What do you say to that?’

‘Probably the two most difficult and strenuous hikes ever,’ we replied in sheer panic. Hell hath no fury as a woman questioned.

Strutting out in the early stages

Maui, an island of course, is typical of many of the islands we have visited. There is particular feel to an island and this one is no different. Could it be that most islands seem to be surrounded by oceans? We don’t know. As we often state, we’re not intellectuals—there’s not much that we do know. However, we may need to return to San Diego soon for a holiday. The workday begins, if one is conscientious, at 3:30am. Whereas we no longer have the old work ethic, we certainly have full days. Watching the sun rise as our stocks fall has a certain symmetry to it. Nevertheless, there is a calmness and tranquility at 4am we find very relaxing—it has nothing to do with the fact that our editor sleeps during this time. Please don’t even go there.

Lost for a change. Couldn't find the ocean

After coming across black bears on mainland, Jenni finally convinced not a grizzly

We observe some differences from other parts of the world. Of course, there is the odd bit of water, quite a few hobos, hippies, many cemeteries, narrow roads, Ford Mustangs and a multitude of different churches, mentioned in no order of importance. Last Shabbos, we went for a late afternoon stroll and noticed many people staring at us and some even smiled. ‘Aren’t people friendly and nice over here,’ we mentioned to our editor, ‘look how they smile.’
‘Don’t be a dummy, Sweetheart,’ she replied in a pleasant tone, ‘they’ve probably never seen a man in long trousers and a tie before.’ She was right. People only wear shorts and in some cases, no shorts.

Swing bridge and the other swinger

We did a short hike in the latter part of the morning (Wednesday) followed by a return to the Waihee Ridge climb. This area is particularly beautiful and has an aura about it that is embracing. Whereas last week, the clouds covered most of the views, it was only towards the summit that we were again in the mist. We find that the cloud formations over the mountains on this island are most attractive. In fact, we look at clouds in a different light these days.

Jenni reaches summit--again in clouds

Tranquility in closing

We wish you a great Shabbos and an enjoyable weekend.

Aloha,

Jenni and Jeffrey