The parting of the Pacific Ocean...oops, wrong sea.
Stopping for a break as we head for higher ground to observe the sunset. (See note to right about large photo's)
Our editor came up with the smart idea of combining a decent hike with a sunset. Who could argue
with that? However, when it came time to begin thinking about a turn-around, we, being you know who,
were too excited about finishing the ascent up the mountain and acquiring a vantage point at the trail
peak. Unfortunately, the problem with sunset hikes is that should one stay for the climax, a good part
of the return journey can be in the dark. That’s what happened—1.4 miles in mostly poor light, including
a mile with flashlights on an extremely rocky trail. Of the 1,600 feet descent, at least half of that was
very tricky as we had to think about foot placement for every move. The human bone is no match for
volcanic rock.
A 'sultry blonde' sun cooling for evening, at last.
Nevertheless, it was well worth it and all part of the experience. We believe it makes one
stronger and tones the skills—that’s the theory anyway. What’s fascinating on these islands is that
by traveling sometimes less than 10 miles, there is a different weather pattern. At the end of this
particular hike, say the east side, there is a much higher rainfall than in the western part. We’re
talking about five miles between the two extremities.
We spoke too soon. It looks incredible fiery—don't touch your screen.
Golden reflections; we are all privy to such treasures.
We’ve been undertaking some deep thinking which we believe is showing dividends. We think our
latent wisdom is surfacing after dormancy for years. We write this with utmost humility, which of course
shows how humble we really are. We were thinking of the photograph of the cruise ship we took the other
day from atop a mountain. We estimate the distance of about four miles ignoring the concept about crows
flying all over the place. Stay with us here. So we purchased a telephoto lens(e), hiked up a steep mountain,
walked a few miles and took a picture. Isn’t it more intelligent, we ask, for a person to drive up to the dock,
get out of the automobile, use an ordinary camera and take a close-up shot of the ship? It seems so simple.
What have we been thinking?
Brighter than anything on earth, the incredible sun and its dual reflection off the Pacific. Still not
bright enough to light up the editor.
It took the camera's flash to identify a stray editor finding her way down a mountain in darkness.
In a sad way, we are pleased that we don't have to explain our actions to the late Rose and Harry.
Haleakala conclusion:
We remained on the trail but diverted to a secondary path on the second day and climbed to a
vantage point that provided a wonderful perspective of parts of the park. Besides the smooth
look of the sand and small volcanic rock forming mountains, hills and mounds that provided vistas
of color and form, the action from the clouds and mist complemented the ground wonder. It truly
is a beautiful place; one that is in a process of growing and reforming itself after natural chaos
and destruction many years before. We often wonder at the time scales set for man and nature.
Whereas man has but three score and ten years to accomplish his/her function, nature is in no rush.
Should Haleakala require a hundred or a thousand years to replenish itself then it will take the time.
There’s no hurry.
Looking out into the wilderness after morning prayers.
One of Jenni's favorite places, makes sense.
We rested for the afternoon because of rain again knowing the next day was going to be a powerhouse
adventure. We would cross the whole park, more than nine miles and ascend 3,500 feet to arrive at the
summit or rim where our car waited for us. Being a Friday, we needed to get out the crater and back
to Kihei in a defined time. We left at 7:15am although we intended leaving a little earlier, the sun
rises later in winter. We saw magnificent sights once again, stopped for breakfast at the third cabin
and then pushed towards the rim. Our editor, with a full pack but the kitchen sink, showed that crater
and its walls no mercy. She was unforgiving as she headed through, up and over the magnificent crater.
We whined extra in order not to hurt the poor volcano’s feelings—we think it likes to be thought of as
tough and merciless. Truth be told, we were bursting with pride as she rose from the crater floor to
the summit. We have known her a long time and she still shows us a side we did not know existed.
Okay, Editor, does that make up for our bad behavior? (Although this praise follows closely from a
recent blog, it was written ten days earlier—sub-editor's note.)
Stepping off trail for a view of a different part of Haleakala, growth taking hold.
We met a couple of young women who were either doing day-hikes or in the case of one, would be spending
the night in camp. In the old days, we might stop and talk with females about subjects boys and girls discuss
including: 'Are you busy tonight?' These days we often ask: 'How much weight are you carrying in that
backpack?' Nevertheless, we meet many young people along the way whose parents ought to be proud of their offspring.
This is very heartening, especially in a world in which we are disappointed to admit: ‘We no longer comprehend.’
As we approach the 'finish line', a fond farewell to Haleakala, until next time.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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