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, some
1,200 feet above ground level, one needs to walk up 1,048 steps which are railway sleepers or ties set
at an awkward distance apart, unless one has a long stride. The first section is steep, the next steeper
and then even steeper until it is bloody steep. One section has a bridge of sleepers with a fall of
at least 20 feet below. Our editor had nightmares about this but agreed to do the hike again as a sunrise
sojourn. As they say in classical circles, we owe her 'big time' for this concession.
A wonderful shot of Jenni, above Maunalua Bay, by a 'slightly biased' husband.
'Bandit' spotted in dive at 8 0'clock. We shout for editor to use her wicked 'red pen' but no—she saves
that for us. In background, mountains of Molokai. As an aside, we would think it's a good time
to keep the rotor going.
On Monday, we opened with this hike and then extended it to the rim, a favorite place of ours.
We cannot go on record and over-sing the praises of the rim and its breathtaking views, so we won't.
Instead we'll let you know that we took twenty-six minutes to reach the peak last Monday and only twenty
this Sunday. It obviously proves that we are better on weekends than on weekdays. An interesting statistic
is that this latter time equates to rising a foot a second over the twenty minutes period. We are trying
to remain ever so humble so we won't state for the record we think this was quite a good time. We might
also point out that no one was able to overtake us as we raced up—those that tried found themselves tripped
off the trail—we play rough.
Nice to see you, thanks for coming around. Admittedly, you look a little tired, sweaty and dirty.
We don't know whether she is summoning train driver to stop, declaring victory or stretching.
We considered it too dangerous to ask. (1,048 steps to peak but who's counting).
Apprehension caused by the rising winds—we are not too fond of high winds at height, we tend to 'wobble'.
We have time to think of the issues of the world as we wind and wend along the mountains.
We have arrived at the conclusion that regretfully, we have nothing to add to the world, at least
not more of a contribution to make than say an ant but for one thing. Government finds us useful
because it taxes us. At the time of writing, ants are still exempt although we would not bank on this
tax haven status indefinitely. Why this pondering, you might ask? We were thinking of Hawaii and the
world of lies, sorry, we mean diplomacy. We don't believe the Japanese will try for Pearl Harbor again.
We are allies these days and besides, they sell us far too many Toyotas. However, we would be a little
concerned about China—they are a different kettle of sushi.
Diamond Head Volcano stands before Honolulu. Real island living in foreground...'forewater'?
Jenni takes a breather on the rim post sunrise, an incredible spot. In the area surrounding and
including the crater, there is a connection between man and nature, certainly some of the best aspects
of the natural elements, from our perspective.
Bear with us. We are beginning to think beyond all comprehension that Oahu is our favorite island.
There was a time when we would never have entertained such thoughts, even during a nightmare. After all,
there is no Mauna Loa or Kea, where is Haleakala and Waimea Canyon. No sir, it seems like sacrilege.
Yet, we feel that way but for one smallish problem. The irritation is Honolulu. It reminds us too much
of Los Angeles, a negative for us and we believe, Oahu itself. But...we might have a solution.
What's the problem? It's downhill all the way. Jenni well into the sloping journey.
It's all about location... location. Volcanoes produce splendid real estate hundreds of years hence.
Moving to the right of picture, a neighborhood in the valley.
Onto the solution: We suggest we dig a moat around Honolulu, separating it from Oahu and selling
it for a few trillion dollars to the Chinese. 'Float' it as they used to say in financial parlance. While we
still have the advantage, let's deal from a position of strength. This will help with the national debt even
if for only a year or two but will make Oahu the most beautiful island in the world. We realize there are a
few things still to iron out but we hope to do much more hiking and provide the finishing touches while
in deep contemplation then.
A splendid view of a ...road...move to the right.
Maunalua Bay, another of many wonderful views from the crater rim at Koko.
With those very wise words, we'll say goodbye and offer humble appreciation to a core of very supportive
people who encourage, tease and most of the time, make life a more pleasant experience for us. We are indeed
very grateful. We are about to go on vacation in San Diego where we intend to contemplate a new approach
(to/about/instead of) the blog. We'll be in touch.
Thank you all and until we meet again, G-d Bless.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A few more pictures as we take a leave of absence.
White-rumped-shama with a beautifully colored breast, can't tell much about the rump.
Whales 'blowing smoke' adhering to strict beach 'no-smoking' restrictions.
Sunrise above the skyline of Honolulu.
On Aihualama Trail, we discover an 'environmentally friendly', green, airport metal...um wood detector.
'Good morning sunshine, we actually beat you up this morning.' Looks a little grumpy.
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