67.05 Punta de Hidalgo: Chinamada: Not just a taste of heaven but a large hug, too, and the usual 'slug' to the top.

  From the outset of this hike, a person immerses oneself in rugged beauty. There's never a moment when one is not gazing, entranced or surrounded by fascinating plant life, distinctive mountains and coloring and less frequently, views of the ocean and even the town. Of course, upon acquiring altitude, the views below and into the canyon and across it, add an additional dimension of perspective. More height adds further exposure to previously hidden mountains and features as well as to distant sights including rural dwellings and other structures nestled into the mountain slopes. While surrounded by these multi-faceted attractions, one continues the climbing struggle, often balanced on precarious edges. The trail is extremely well-constructed including much variation, steep and frequently, alters its direction. These components add further to the previous comment about it being an unusually varied experience. 

  Upon reaching the peak, additional views comprise farmland, a few structures that provide accommodation and even a restaurant. From the opposite side of our commencement point, in typical European style, those wishing to attain a perspective of the surround from height, are able to drive a vehicle to a section of the mountain. From our experience of the island roads, we would think the drive would be an adventure itself. 

Jen commences the hike up by walking down. Go Figure! The target is the to the left of the third peak. See below for further elucidation.
From the destination point, we look down to the peak mentioned in above photograph. (This was a couple of hours later...heh!...obviously).
A solid climb the whole way and always on the edge, one of Jen's favorite...or should that be least favorite positions.
On a tough day such as this, for some, it can be a little prickly.
Early morning wake-up call. I noticed this lovely woman as I passed her home.

I turned around and felt flattered that she was following me.
We reach an edge and view part of the Atlantic, particularly the two rocks through the gap ('V').
This icon, Punta de Hidalgo Lighthouse, has always been a favorite. The distinctive tower seems to resonate with one of us. It's also visible from a few different hikes, making it a little treasure. (Heck, no accounting for taste or sense.)
That's her ever so slightly rebellious poise. Because I'm a quick learner, after fifteen years of experience, I discovered I should not suggest she should speed up or only rest once she has reached the top of a little hill. It has been a great learning experience for one of us in trying to understand my woman.
Through the gap, a relaxing view while one of us recuperates...um...enjoys the ambience.
Jen drops down before climbing once again.
Through another gap, we spot our commencement point.
Jen tries one of her smarter tricks by taking the gap and climbing through the arch.
Following her 'Arc(h) de Triomphe' adventure, she seems a little disjointed, maybe confused.
For reasons I have never understood, at times when she's a little uptight with me, she issues challenges. For example, she might dare me to crawl through that little bush ahead.
...or run down to the bottom of the canyon as a challenge. The funny thing is, I enjoy it. Sometimes I feel like a puppy...but she won't let me have one.
I need another view of the icon.
The reddish hue is fascinating and easy on the eye...lousy on the feet and legs.
We're near the top looking down on the mountain of the opening picture.
This is where we ate brunch. The mountains ahead are another destination when we commence this hike from the opposite side....long story. At this peak, there is a restaurant (closed often) and a few places to stay. It's ideal for those wanting 'to get sleep high'.
A little fascination with the trees. On lonely days, I talk to them all.
No shortage of companions with which to converse.
Turn-around position.
Remarkable.
Fantastic trail for the entire route with incredible views and a unique atmosphere. This is the typical width although in many places, it's a little 'tighter', much narrower.
Jen returning finally. No rests on the way down other than a stop for an unfortunate fall.
  In the previous blog, we wrote about the concept of kindness, specifically, being on the receiving end from complete strangers. We should have added, in what we consider, a beautiful few minutes as we observed the kindness of stranger toward an apparently 'hostile' recipient. 

  We had hiked to the peak of Mauna Kea on the separate island of Hawaii also termed: the Big Island. That in itself, both the hike and views, are splendid. Funnily enough, as with the previous blog, both locations are large islands, one in the Atlantic, Hawaii in the Pacific. A sergeant in the US Marines halted his vehicle on the way down when he saw a car that was obviously stuck on the side of the road. We know the driver had been positioned in this undesirable situation for quite a while—few had stopped to assist. The marine did not hesitate. He approached the woman and set about helping her. 

  Long story short. On her back window and rear bumper were bold stickers with the words: 

   

                  "Help us keep US Armed Forces out of Hawaii." 

  Of course, Hawaii also happens to be an integral part of the USA. Thought we might mention that in passing. "Impressive deed, indeed, Sergeant!"  

 

  A lesson we learned might be that acts of kindness should not be dependent upon the nature of the recipient. (We would exclude at least wicked people...). 

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey 

A day of Cacti, Water and Mountains