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Showing posts from February, 2014

16.24 & 16.26 Koko Head on Oahu, two hikes six days apart. 16.27 Kuli'ou'ou Trail 16.28 Aihualama Trail

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This blog covers the last four hikes although it focuses on two 'Koko Heads' . We did not change outfits for different shots on the hike, Maude, but in fact, hiked it twice. It is an amazing place, an unusual challenge. Koko Head from a mountain to the north. Behind the peak exists a very attractive crater and rim. Koko Head Hike 2, the beginning of sunrise on Sunday morning, from peak. On the way back to the top only to go down again having just passed the best aspect of the hike, time on the rim. One cannot visit the Island of Oahu without attempting this hike. It is a local gathering that is usually crowded with both fit and out-of-shape people competing against one another and the clock. After the Japanese attacked the island, a railway line was constructed so that soldiers and supplies could be transported to the summit of Koko Head. That is the trail. We find it a particularly beautiful spot as well as an incredible work-out. To reach the top, som...

16.25 Olomana in Oahu: 'You ain't lived if you haven't done it'; you'll live longer if you don't.

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The third peak, beyond and below our target, see next picture down. The target, Olomana, far left corner and beyond. Half-way down, Jenni pauses in a terrific frame, on the edge of a cliff. Using ropes, feet and other parts of the body to ascend...safely. Looking down at the third peak, an incredible place, a fascinating visual, perhaps majestic. This conversation took place immediately before the hike, although it would be more accurate to call it a mountain climb. The trailhead is positioned inside the grounds of the Royal Hawaiian Country Club, a rather exclusive place. Although by the end of the hike we were covered in mud, sweaty, boots only resembling footwear because they were on our feet, the editor suggested we take a shower at the country club. We do like her spirit. Back to the conversation with the gate-guard: “You do know this hike is extremely dangerous when the trail is dry. When wet, it is treacherous. You should know it has been raining fo...

16.23 Waipoo Falls in Waimee Canyon, the exquisite surroundings, Kauai.

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Jenni calls for a raft: 'Let me show you some real white water rafting, Big Deal," she exclaimed. This is the weir that drains the river just before the 'real' cliff. Position is indicative of the beauty of this region (editor not excluded). For the duration of the hike, the rain held off and we had the privilege of viewing some fine sights within the Waimea Canyon. It is a wonderful place which elicits opportunities to see nature providing a continuous display of outstanding mountain faces, deep colors, flowing water, some animal life, a remarkable canyon, thundering waterfalls and an all round experience difficult to match. It is one of those places that does no need the sun to set off its beauty although it helps. In fact, we don't think we've seen much of a sunrise or sunset while in Kauai. Perhaps it's our position on the island or the season. On our return from the hike, it began to rain followed by winds that we thought might be...

Hawaiian action: 16.18 Paradise, Kona 16.19 Sleeping Giant, Kauai 16.22 Makaleha Bamboo Forest, Kauai and others...

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A stroll in Paradise, south of Kona; a struggle in Makaleha Forest, Kauai. One of the few tame scenes in Hawaii. Jen trudges up an exceptionally steep road for a mile while we take photos from the car. As much as we wanted to join her, someone had to struggle taking pictures. A gentle scene before entering one of the densest forests ever. Talking of dense...(Makaleha) Some cliff walking up, over and down Koko Head, Oahu. Hiking along the cliffs we found this charming spot south of Kona. Our first day in Kauai, we head for Nounou; yes, yes and visited the sleeping giant. As protection, he keeps the trail muddy, making it difficult to approach him. The Sleeping Giant. Apparently his head and feet prominent as he sleeps in the rain. See below for foot tickle. After reaching the peak in rain and fog, we exclaim, "Touchdown, Chargers". Okay, okay, it's only a joke (Seahawks?) We found a hike, adventure may be a far better word, which ta...