8.17 Mauna Kea, Finishing 'Unfinished business'; the Call of a Mountain

When our editor asked whether we were ‘psyched up’ for the full Mauna Kea hike, we jumped in the
car and shouted, “Let’s go”. We think that probably counts as ready and willing. The fact that it was late
afternoon meant that she had to haul us from the car saying, ‘I mean next week, not now.’

Sunday: We left our new residence, south of Kailua, and drove two hours to reach the Mauna Kea
Visitors Center, 9,200 feet above sea level. In order to reach the peak on this fine day, it would mean
climbing 4,600 feet over 7-miles through rain, mist, snow flurries, freezing cold at times and powerful
winds at the summit. The wind was so strong at the peak that we crouched as we made our way up the last
100 yards or so. We are not ready for free-flight just yet. We averaged better than 1,000 feet per hour
over 4.25 hours. What else is there to amuse oneself on a slow Sunday.

Scene from the moon, taken from the Mauna Kea Peak

Staggering colors, without any organic growth

Perhaps a majestic sight dusted with snow

Early going on a sunshine day

On completion of the experience, the level of elation was very high—this guy was flying. Like most
things in life however, there is a balance. They tell us it’s the adrenaline. Once it left the body,
the ‘flying’ became more like ‘crop dusting’, for want of a better analogy. Nevertheless, the two ‘sisters’,
Mauna Loa and Kea, have had a profound effect on this ‘pilot’—something personal, something that will endure.

First sighting of human activity, 700 feet below summit

One of the highest lakes (Waiau) in the USA at 13,100 feet. No rain at that altitude. It is permafrost that melts.

Snow covered cone in Hawaii, huh!

For those who have played sport at competitive levels, it is not news that the test is both physical
and, very much mental. In sport, a simple honesty exists that allows truth to surface. To compete against
one another, the clock or perhaps more importantly, to test oneself, is the ultimate. It takes away
rationalization that is prevalent as we often seek excuses for our inadequacies, failings or plain fooling
ourselves. Today, was such a test. The conclusion, of course, is only pertinent to us, whatever that may be.
The experience was as tough as we have ever faced; we think the pictures provide some idea of the variety and
magnificence of this mountain. Bear in mind, mist shielded the views of the great Mauna Loa, which was a slight
disappointment. The latter mountain is overwhelming.

Nature after destruction, no care of time

Snow dusted cone was elusive, never seeming to reach although sighted early on trail

Mauna Kea is a premier astronomy station housing the finest international observatories, below the
peak. On first sighting, one could believe one had arrived on a different planet because of the remarkably
shaped white buildings in the middle of ‘nowhere’. In addition, following the tough climb and we suppose,
change of oxygen mixture, the emotions tend to be a little volatile. As we crested, the laughter burst forth
together with a few tears. Perhaps, the latter were only raindrops mixed with perspiration.

Team's last bit of energy at summit, Mauna Kea

The final ascent—snow, high winds, bitter cold and triumph

The proof, Surveyor General's Mark and dirty boot at 13,796

We passed three people on the trail, the only hikers for the day according to the rangers, and met
up with two on the summit. We reciprocated the taking of photographs at the peak on this memorable mountain
and trail with a mixed couple, an American male married to a New Zealand woman. An interesting aspect is
that we were all between the ages of 55 and 65. Where are the ‘young ones’?

Incredible scenes hidden at the summit

We are finished with Mauna Kea...for a while; she's one tough woman.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey


Scenes on Mauna Kea, most near summit:

Don't weep, Mr. Mountain Cone