16.02 Kapilau Ridge, another part of the West Mountains
Granny negotiating slippery slope; much easier than negotiating with children. Don't fence us in or out; over the years we've had some issues with the authorities in Hawaii. Of course, we are the problem. You know it’s not going to be a popular trail or maintained when the trailhead, for want of a better term, is identified as “telephone pole number 5”. Soon thereafter, you discover it’s not so much of a hike but a scramble. The 2,100 feet climb, without switchbacks over five miles return, does not level until one reaches the summit. In between, two hazards inter alia, are steep slippery slopes and thick brush, a real bushwacker. After that little introduction, you might inquire: So what gives? It’s very satisfying to reach a summit enjoying a good sweat and wonderful views, particularly with nothing more serious than receiving scratches only. Admittedly, there are a few places, quite a few really, where the so-called path is far too close to the edges. ...