tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66301012167582603742024-03-27T13:53:08.511-10:00Not So Great Hiking BlogA not-so-great blog about hiking on O'ahu by a not-so-great hiker.XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-78777172778161027372018-03-09T13:56:00.002-10:002018-03-09T13:59:14.170-10:00Has it really been 5 years?A lot has changed over the last five years since I shut the blog down. Social media has had a real impact on hiking in Hawaii- both positive and negative. On the one hand people are getting out and enjoying the beauty of the island but on the other trails are taking a beating, people are getting hurt, landowners are getting tired of the constant trespassing. The mountains themselves have changed too. There are fences popping up on the summit, the constant onslaught of invasive species, and the general habitat degradation continues relentlessly. I have changed too of course, I'm older and greyer but I hope somewhat wiser. <br />
<br />
The blog, if it survives, is going to change too. Here's a short clip of one of the newly rebranded Uluhe Crew's more recent adventures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LtTjr4SaHRc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="532" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LtTjr4SaHRc?feature=player_embedded" width="640"></iframe></div>
<br />
Aloha and Safe Trails! XJ<br />
<br />
<br />XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-11044874397092419752013-03-16T17:49:00.001-10:002013-03-16T20:39:21.031-10:00A Not So Great Ending <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA75EIN1oZl48TDn10ay0ZF9ywy8oqUuMxvt-iRR-1VC5P8oa23ftSbx-SG-VAW8DrKSoR2XX46qDdXjB4krzrbZrlkr2do1hMErppMabCnknOvJ11nuaaiSFR89MonjJsIuPelNVC9g/s1600/195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcA75EIN1oZl48TDn10ay0ZF9ywy8oqUuMxvt-iRR-1VC5P8oa23ftSbx-SG-VAW8DrKSoR2XX46qDdXjB4krzrbZrlkr2do1hMErppMabCnknOvJ11nuaaiSFR89MonjJsIuPelNVC9g/s640/195.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Aloha everyone,<br />
<br />
Since the start of the new year I've been so busy with life that I've let the blog go. It's been a wild ride over the last few years and I've been to places on O'ahu I never dreamed existed. Today I sat battered and bruised from yesterday's overnight adventure debating the future of this blog and have decided that I'm going to let it die. There are many reasons for this decision but the main one is that I simply can't afford to take the time to do it right anymore. It takes almost as much time to sort and label images then narrate a trail as it does to do the trail itself and I'm simply not able to dedicate that kind of time to it as my kids get older. These trails deserve a full account that will be of some value to those who are seeking clues and information rather than just a brief description with a few pictures. There are plenty of other blogs out there to provide hiking inspiration so the death of this one really won't matter. Perhaps later on I'll revive if time permits... I enjoy sharing the beauty of this place.<br />
<br />
Mahalo to you all of those who've followed my adventures. This hobby has transformed my life and I've learned so much about all the places, plants, and history of this island. I've also met some of the finest hiking partners along the way. Agnes, Bob (aka II), James, Mike and, Sam: thank you all for putting up with my 5 more minute estimates and listening to me tell you we're almost there and for allowing me to take hundreds of group photos and shots along the trail. Also, thank you for keeping me moving when I felt like I was about to die. The last person I'd like to thank that I've never met, the famous Dayle Turner. Without his writings I'd have never even known where to start looking. Thank you to all those who came before me and provided vital information as I sought out old trails which were rarely hiked anymore. I'll still be posting most of my pictures to my Flickr account if you want to keep track of what I'm up to.<br />
<br />
I'll leave with this final thought. O'ahu is probably the most amazing place on earth. The deeper you dig the more if offers up. There truly isn't a better place to call home. <br />
<br />
Safe trails,<br />
<br />
XJ<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlTSfEsG9ncGw70kxjPKlyh7xXSiyhIGbsD_Z2RveBgc_PuwRVntaYkoj2hqjm07Us5MMJ7ikhSTf-zdNx5M96VEiVylbStEBzQUNjgipS0yHE9nbL7NXUt748hIu3-N87HGTA9BkWT4/s1600/DSC_0236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlTSfEsG9ncGw70kxjPKlyh7xXSiyhIGbsD_Z2RveBgc_PuwRVntaYkoj2hqjm07Us5MMJ7ikhSTf-zdNx5M96VEiVylbStEBzQUNjgipS0yHE9nbL7NXUt748hIu3-N87HGTA9BkWT4/s640/DSC_0236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-53171150010999001742012-12-20T11:36:00.003-10:002012-12-21T07:47:14.261-10:00Palehua-Palikea Trail<span style="font-size: large;">December 19, 2012 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8291095695_2d914929af_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8495/8291095695_2d914929af_b.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
Palihua-Palikea used to be an easy trail to get to but when the Nature Conservancy abandoned the Honouliuli Preserve in 2009 and the residual company that was formed from the James Campbell Estate sold the land effectively to the State of Hawaii access to the area became difficult. A friend of ours had attempted to get access about a year ago but her emails had gone unanswered. However, last month she received a reply and the forms we'd need to fill out to gain access to the trail head.<br />
<br />
After some more email exchanges a date was set and I learned that fellow blogger Andrew of <a href="http://punynari.wordpress.com/">Punyari's Island Adventures</a> was also trying to get access. He ended up joining our group for this hard to get to but easy trail.<br />
<br />
We met at lower gate to the winding road up into the Waianae Mountains at 8:30 and waited for our guide for the day to arrive. He and an associate appeared and we began the long drive up towards the dark, rainy looking mountains.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8291901054_e1055cc784_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8291901054_e1055cc784_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The road up to the trail head is an experience in itself. The land here is mostly lease hold and many of the families that call the area home have been here for years. The views from the road of the Ewa Plain, Pearl Harbor, and Kahe Point are gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8291905248_d2e454a387_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8216/8291905248_d2e454a387_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
After about 20 minutes of driving we reached the antenna farm where the trail begins and parked the cars. The initial portion of the trail descends and climbs a few times through a mostly introduced forest of eucalyptus and ironwood trees. The wind, rain, and cold kept me from taking many pictures until we started to enter the more native forest. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8290853091_eebb66ee74_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8072/8290853091_eebb66ee74_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We walked the boulder lined trail buffeted by the strong winds and passed through the iconic rock passageway. Of course I got a shot of everyone in the rocks on the way back!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8292258522_3dfe26bac2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8353/8292258522_3dfe26bac2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
Beyond the the cave like passage way we passed a wider open area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8291922700_0110f5b811_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8073/8291922700_0110f5b811_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Beyond is a small contour section cut into the rock face with a steep drop to the valley below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8292009708_b187fa42d1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8292009708_b187fa42d1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Beyond the contour is the fenced area of the preserve. We crossed a gate and continued along the trail. There are hidden treasures to be found but today we weren't going to be searching for them. Initially the trail passes through a large stand of mixed Cook and <span class="st">Sugi Pine</span>s.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8290886407_779b97b2b9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8362/8290886407_779b97b2b9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we moved quickly up the trail we noted the dead rat hanging from a very well built trap. While the pigs seem to get a lot of attention these rats are just as harmful chewing up fruit and stems killing endemic plants and their offspring. In many cases, just eliminating rodents is all it needed for many species to recover.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8290882159_934e48c31f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8213/8290882159_934e48c31f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Perhaps my favorite spot of the day was the stairway up through the small ohia forest lined with moss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8291947216_07c106c9e2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8291947216_07c106c9e2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Some of the Ohia found in the Waianae Range seem so different from those of the Ko'oalu. For example this particular tree that featured disorganized blossoms with a far lower number of individual flowers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8291965542_fd81304545_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8497/8291965542_fd81304545_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There were several examples of this type of Ohia but I wont' bore you with all the details. The Honouliuli Perserve is home to some extremely rare and endangered land snails. With the weather and our time constraints we didn't have an opportunity to look for them though. However, we did run across several Succinea species. The poor little guys are the famous "Snot-in-a-hat" snails that get their unfortunate name from their shells that are too small for their body. This one cruising along a Kanawao leaf had a nice red pigmentation I've not seen before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8290917355_ee324bec4d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8492/8290917355_ee324bec4d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8290925853_034efbaf2a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8290925853_034efbaf2a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A bit further up the trail we ran across another hanging out on an 'ie'ie leaf.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8291986192_7c9969e9c3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8291986192_7c9969e9c3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A short time later we topped out to the summit of Palikea. There was no view as the clouds continued to blanket everything. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8291989524_f8af583350_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8496/8291989524_f8af583350_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8079/8291275157_f759d5f407_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8079/8291275157_f759d5f407_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We had a quick snack and headed back the way we came.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8291997714_742c9bc351_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8078/8291997714_742c9bc351_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8292016550_683c19461f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8217/8292016550_683c19461f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Along the way back I managed to jump off the trail for a second to take a few shots of this Pānaunau, an endemic Lobelia yuccoides. There were a bunch of these along the way but none in bloom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8292001606_943cb3caba_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8220/8292001606_943cb3caba_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After reaching the cars back at the antenna farm we gathered for a quick group photo.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8290995561_d5acd5e53a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8290995561_d5acd5e53a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ali, Marian, II, XJ, Mrs. XJ, Thomas, and Andrew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite the clouds, rain, and cold wind and our lack of time to search for all the other hidden plants and animals tucked away in the preserve it was still a fantastic day on the trail! I will be coming back to this one again when I can take the time to see all the other treasures tucked away here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8291000479_cf3b5b508e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8291000479_cf3b5b508e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157632296805686/with/8291000479/">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com4Makakilo - Kapolei - Honokai Hale, Makakilo City, HI, USA21.402972691903859 -158.0976819992065421.40112469190386 -158.10020349920654 21.404820691903858 -158.09516049920654tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-86490700663828417612012-12-03T20:32:00.000-10:002012-12-03T21:14:23.584-10:00KSRT- Moanalua Middle Ridge to Tripler Ridge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2N8HKAzT9xNScdVndbWlM0wyg3xoix8TkUf92COhYJwKh2PMbypBOaCGjBdfMz7LGKVvc9B-V56msKalVlqXnXiCQxk8PJO4MGGPNbnsOFVAZ0uWU9_IfN42Uy4qGVg95aJFFymyCA0/s1600/KSRT-MoanaluamiddletoTripler12NSGHB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2N8HKAzT9xNScdVndbWlM0wyg3xoix8TkUf92COhYJwKh2PMbypBOaCGjBdfMz7LGKVvc9B-V56msKalVlqXnXiCQxk8PJO4MGGPNbnsOFVAZ0uWU9_IfN42Uy4qGVg95aJFFymyCA0/s640/KSRT-MoanaluamiddletoTripler12NSGHB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">November 23, 2012</span><br />
<br />
The winter lobelia blooming season is in full swing now and this post will focus more on plants than on the trail. A little over two weeks ago we'd noted the flower spikes of Termatolobelia singularis, a federally listed endangered member of the Hawaiian Lobelia family, had appeared but none of the flowers had opened on our <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/ksrt-bowman-to-stairway-to-heaven-2012.html">Bowman to Stairway to Heaven</a> trek on the Ko'olau Summit Ridge Trail. Joshua Serrano of <a href="http://truffleshuffle808.blogspot.com/">808 Goonies</a> had headed up to check on them a week later and they hadn't opened yet. He did however see a very special plant in bloom but I'll get back to that later.<br />
<br />
Horticultural expert Christopher Wong had flown in from Hilo for the holidays and mentioned that he'd like to head up to the area to check on the flowers and some other rare plants. <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/koloa-gulch-left-and-right-forks.html">The Koloa Gulch Trail</a>, while beautiful, had left me a little unfulfilled because my legs weren't aching so I tagged along after getting a pass for a second trail from Mrs. XJ.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8222044850_a7acd78486_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8222044850_a7acd78486_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing Moanalua Middle Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We shoved off from the park in Moanalua Valley and headed up the old carriage road. It was still cool but the vog hanging in the air and the still air meant it might turn out to be a hot day. We wound our way up through the valley until we reached the junction with Middle Ridge and began the long climb towards <span class="st">Pu`u Keahi A Kahoe.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8222045182_fe87c84b46_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8222045182_fe87c84b46_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We paused briefly from time to time to catch our breath but it wasn't until we reached the big boulder perched on the ridge that we began to slow down and examine the plant life around us. Chris noticed this cricket on the boulder.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8222044454_e9ac86ddf7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8222044454_e9ac86ddf7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We paused for a moment while Chris took some shots of some Ohe Naupaka. I spotted what I thought was an unusually deep green colored Lapalapa that I dropped down to investigate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8220968513_63e61ab4d6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8220968513_63e61ab4d6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Turns out it's actually an Oʻahu Prickly-ash, Zanthoxylum oahuense. That explained the different coloration <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8220968701_df17e7c0dd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8220968701_df17e7c0dd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A little further up we again left the ridge to check out a small stand of Loulu palms. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8222048272_7232e34b54_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8222048272_7232e34b54_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We didn't see anything really noteworthy aside from a keiki palm. Rats eat the fruit of these endemic Pritchardia martii palms and their numbers have dwindled so it's encouraging to see that some of the seeds survive.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8220969423_9e6db381e9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8220969423_9e6db381e9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We climbed back to the ridge and Chris pointed out a Pueo, a Hawaiian supspecies of the Short-earned owl, that had been resting on a tree slightly above us. I snapped furiously trying to get a decent shot of it but I was far too late and the 200mm lens wasn't working miracles for me. Bummer!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7cC9ZM-lodtkd9RVuarc_rRhF-farecFZS8FVhkLCE8maDKo_bqRpaRaLO3olutqQulk8a_oCV9N5PJjiKR6dq5V3LEagw5UPWwcYCI_30rsJAvinxzlTZVyWTCEpqJxf9p88HrPBec/s1600/DSC_0077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7cC9ZM-lodtkd9RVuarc_rRhF-farecFZS8FVhkLCE8maDKo_bqRpaRaLO3olutqQulk8a_oCV9N5PJjiKR6dq5V3LEagw5UPWwcYCI_30rsJAvinxzlTZVyWTCEpqJxf9p88HrPBec/s640/DSC_0077.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We continued along the ridge looking over the side for any plants of interest until running across the little Ohia I'd seen when I'd done the loop trail last year. This miniature version of Metrosideros really doesn't fit into any of the species level taxonomy but it's so different it really seems like it should have its own name.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8220972411_b45ef6e88a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8220972411_b45ef6e88a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8222050322_db7e8b40b0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8222050322_db7e8b40b0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8220971785_c1d6ffcd1c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8220971785_c1d6ffcd1c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I photographed it and it's one full lehua to death before continuing up the ridge towards summit of <span class="st">Pu`u Keahi A Kahoe. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8220973479_f1ac3e8350_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8220973479_f1ac3e8350_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we approached the summit I spotted some Labordia off the side of the trail. Laborda hosakana is found only in the Ko'olau mountains and usually on the windswept windward side. This plant was in various stages of reproduction.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8220974423_356b1d6fdb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8220974423_356b1d6fdb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kāmakahala buds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8220975003_4bff9a89b0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8220975003_4bff9a89b0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kāmakahala Flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8222053284_7c6f177c27_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8222053284_7c6f177c27_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kāmakahala Fruit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Looking back down Middle Ridge the vog ruined the usually magnificent view of the leeward side of the island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8222054084_bcd62ab304_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8222054084_bcd62ab304_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st">We took a left and made the short trek along the summit to the CCL Building at the top of the Stairway to Heaven.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8222054964_d13712260e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8222054964_d13712260e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st">We had lunch on top of the roof and each climbed the scaffolding that hold the two dishes up.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8220977239_ab8cacb1df_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8220977239_ab8cacb1df_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8222059826_abd89b258a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8222059826_abd89b258a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st">The vog spoiled some of the scenery but it's still hard not to appreciate the perspective.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8220978261_d340a91dd1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8220978261_d340a91dd1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8222057826_8cb2916878_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8222057826_8cb2916878_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st">We packed up our gear and headed back to the Middle Ridge junction and continued east along the summit. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8220983521_9ae2e7536f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8220983521_9ae2e7536f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st">Our hunt for Lobelias began as we approached the microwave relay station. Off the side of the trail Chris showe<span style="font-size: small;">d me this</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Oahu Cyanea<span style="font-size: small;">, </span>Cyanea calycina which <span style="font-size: small;">Josh<span style="font-size: small;"> had <span style="font-size: small;">noticed the week before</span></span></span>. I can't believe <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I</span> never noticed it before!</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8220986183_7d92d0c365_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8220986183_7d92d0c365_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This r<span style="font-size: small;">are plant is quite unusual with it<span style="font-size: small;">s sand papery lea<span style="font-size: small;">f texture<span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8220984805_97fec74155_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8220984805_97fec74155_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The blooms had alr<span style="font-size: small;">eady fallen so we couldn't see <span style="font-size: small;">its bi-<span style="font-size: small;">colored pu<span style="font-size: small;">rp<span style="font-size: small;">le and white flowers. Luckily, blogger/hiker</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>Joshua Serrano from <a href="http://truffleshuffle808.blogspot.com/">808 Goonies</a> was <span style="font-size: small;">gen<span style="font-size: small;">erous enough <span style="font-size: small;">to share this image of the <span style="font-size: small;">blo<span style="font-size: small;">om he'<span style="font-size: small;">d seen<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">on the<span style="font-size: small;"> plant about a week ear<span style="font-size: small;">lier.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOjIdE-btE1ViLops3XVdYlgDRw2SPt1BNNLiCN1z-rFR7NSCYlRBMKdO9-QQ_TkAc6xYUIqvhiR1D7DIz5j2QpMGO74sN8wq9m4aFqVXowSRnbDkA72VOn2z7-S0wGIr0ViDM3knrio/s1600/Joshscyaneansthb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivOjIdE-btE1ViLops3XVdYlgDRw2SPt1BNNLiCN1z-rFR7NSCYlRBMKdO9-QQ_TkAc6xYUIqvhiR1D7DIz5j2QpMGO74sN8wq9m4aFqVXowSRnbDkA72VOn2z7-S0wGIr0ViDM3knrio/s640/Joshscyaneansthb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We noted <span style="font-size: small;">a fallen leaf and I discover<span style="font-size: small;">ed this s<span style="font-size: small;">lug happily mu<span style="font-size: small;">n<span style="font-size: small;">ching away on the midrib. <span style="font-size: small;">It had tunneled it<span style="font-size: small;">s way into the <span style="font-size: small;">stem and <span style="font-size: small;">emerged when <span style="font-size: small;">I'd tapped on the leaf. <span style="font-size: small;">The<span style="font-size: small;">re are no endemic <span style="font-size: small;">slugs in <span style="font-size: small;">Hawaii and this is<span style="font-size: small;"> a</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> perfect illustration of the effects<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> introduced <span style="font-size: small;">species have <span style="font-size: small;">on the native ecosystem.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8220983899_d94429c531_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8220983899_d94429c531_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Moving further down the ridge we spotted the T<span style="font-size: small;">rematolobelia singularis <span style="font-size: small;">flower spikes w<span style="font-size: small;">e'd come to visit </span>and we were <span style="font-size: small;">happy t<span style="font-size: small;">o see the<span style="font-size: small;">ir flowers <span style="font-size: small;">had begun to open.<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8222069126_8aaa175a2c_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8222069126_8aaa175a2c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">These endangered lobelia are found only in the Ko'olau mountains on <span style="font-size: small;">O'ahu and<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">are supposedly common<span style="font-size: small;">ly known as</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span>Lavaslope False Lobelia although I've never heard anyone mention them by that name<span style="font-size: small;">. T. singularis is named because it <span style="font-size: small;">normally has a single <span style="font-size: small;">flower spike <span style="font-size: small;">while T. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">macrostachys normally has<span style="font-size: small;"> many.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8222066636_f1c4999c33_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8067/8222066636_f1c4999c33_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their<span style="font-size: small;"> deeper<span style="font-size: small;">, richer<span style="font-size: small;"> purple<span style="font-size: small;"> col<span style="font-size: small;">oration is very striking com<span style="font-size: small;">pare<span style="font-size: small;">d to <span style="font-size: small;">the r<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">elate<span style="font-size: small;">d</span></span> Tremato<span style="font-size: small;">lobelia </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>macrostachys<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> with it<span style="font-size: small;">s lighter shade of pink<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span>.<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">When not in bloom it can be difficult for a<span style="font-size: small;">n amateur like myself to <span style="font-size: small;">tell<span style="font-size: small;"> which species <span style="font-size: small;">I'm looking at. Luckily native plant expert Joel Lau was nice enough to share some of his wisdom on Flickr<span style="font-size: small;"> which I <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">incorporated</span> <span style="font-size: small;">here:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8242556608_3695bf05ef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8242556608_3695bf05ef_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">His suggestion that <span style="font-size: small;">the texture and sheen of the stem of the plant be used <span style="font-size: small;">in <span style="font-size: small;">helping identif<span style="font-size: small;">y the spe<span style="font-size: small;">ci<span style="font-size: small;">es <span style="font-size: small;">is <span style="font-size: small;">due to the <span style="font-size: small;">number <span style="font-size: small;">o<span style="font-size: small;">f flower spikes not being<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> a re<span style="font-size: small;">liable </span>method of <span style="font-size: small;">identification<span style="font-size: small;">. <span style="font-size: small;">A few of my shot<span style="font-size: small;">s with multiple branches on a T. singular<span style="font-size: small;">is and a single branch on T. macrostachys.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8241488065_e1a7fe79f9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8241488065_e1a7fe79f9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We photographed several of these plants, some of which I'd see<span style="font-size: small;">n <span style="font-size: small;">on previous trips, and discovered a few more.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8222068188_d209564d4c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8222068188_d209564d4c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower paparazzi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8220992127_b2610d0c1b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8220992127_b2610d0c1b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8222068372_c8b5a517cc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8222068372_c8b5a517cc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our <span style="font-size: small;">thirst for T. sinularis fl<span style="font-size: small;">ower pictures quenched, <span style="font-size: small;">w</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>e contin<span style="font-size: small;">ued east <span style="font-size: small;">s<span style="font-size: small;">couring the terrain for more plants. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8220991795_65981e9575_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8220991795_65981e9575_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8222072650_409aa4931b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8222072650_409aa4931b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Chris <span style="font-size: small;">found a<span style="font-size: small;"> few young Lobelia oahuensis plants near the dead stalk of<span style="font-size: small;"> one that had <span style="font-size: small;">l<span style="font-size: small;">ived in t<span style="font-size: small;">he area.<span style="font-size: small;"> pre<span style="font-size: small;">viously. </span></span>The<span style="font-size: small;"> O'ahu Lobelia is <span style="font-size: small;">found on<span style="font-size: small;">ly o<span style="font-size: small;">n the Island of O'ahu and is also a<span style="font-size: small;"> listed as a<span style="font-size: small;">n endangered species.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8222073342_0ac80b339a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8222073342_0ac80b339a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8220995905_a81316c760_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8220995905_a81316c760_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I found one f<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">urther down th<span style="font-size: small;">e ridge that looked<span style="font-size: small;"> a bit larger. Sadly, none of them<span style="font-size: small;"> were </span>in bloom <span style="font-size: small;">and I've <span style="font-size: small;">yet to see their huge <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">blue fl<span style="font-size: small;">ower spike that reported<span style="font-size: small;">ly can be as <span style="font-size: small;">long as a meter.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8220996781_0ef09c1b05_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8220996781_0ef09c1b05_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Perched on a windward slope was this Lobelia gaudichaudii. The Ko'olau lobelia has a subspecies that is listed as endangered but without flowers it's nearly impossible for an amateur to tell the difference.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8220991439_09c92bcef6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8220991439_09c92bcef6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ko'olau Lobelia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The real treat was a plant I can't even belie<span style="font-size: small;">ve Chris found. It's way down the windward slope and only a madman like him would discover it! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8220997677_422056a338_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8220997677_422056a338_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We made our way carefully down the wi<span style="font-size: small;">ndward cliffs and tucked away in the<span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">vegetation he showed me a </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]">Cyanea acuminata, <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>he Honolulu Cyanea. Simply amazing<span style="font-size: small;"> that he discovered <span style="font-size: small;">this rarity<span style="font-size: small;"> way down here!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8222078650_526ec391d7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8222078650_526ec391d7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Cyanea acuminata is another endangered species found only on O'ahu. The number of plants left in the wild is estimated at less than 250 according to the <span class="reference-text">USFWS. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(<a class="external text" href="http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/five_year_review/doc2457.pdf" rel="nofollow">Cyanea acuminata Five year Review</a></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8221000705_b26c522301_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8221000705_b26c522301_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't really end up with very good set of shots. It wasn't overly dangerous but it was a little tougher to move around on the side of the steep cliffs. I settled for what I got!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8221001743_51091e10e1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8221001743_51091e10e1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">W<span style="font-size: small;">e climbed back up to the ridge and after talking briefly with <span style="font-size: small;">a pa<span style="font-size: small;">ir of guys from Climb Aloha who were doing some work<span style="font-size: small;"> with</span> the <span style="font-size: small;">contractors building the footings for the <span style="font-size: small;">powerlines <span style="font-size: small;">HECO is replac<span style="font-size: small;">ing</span> we s<span style="font-size: small;">tarted down <span style="font-size: small;">Tripler for our return leg. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8222080580_3b4c972225_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8222080580_3b4c972225_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're alive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">All along the upper reache<span style="font-size: small;">s of the trail were rop<span style="font-size: small;">es strung for the safety of the workers. I found them to be a gian<span style="font-size: small;">t pain in the <span style="font-size: small;">okole as they<span style="font-size: small;"> kept <span style="font-size: small;">crisscrossing the trail<span style="font-size: small;">. I was convinced I'd eventually trip <span style="font-size: small;">on <span style="font-size: small;">their r<span style="font-size: small;">o<span style="font-size: small;">pe but managed to make it down <span style="font-size: small;">sa<span style="font-size: small;">fely.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8221003695_11530c9628_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8221003695_11530c9628_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">We <span style="font-size: small;">el<span style="font-size: small;">ected to take <span style="font-size: small;">Tripler down <span style="font-size: small;">and passed three military looking guys heading up towards the summit. Tripler seems to be getting a fair amount of traffic keeping it mo<span style="font-size: small;">stly <span style="font-size: small;">clear.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8221003891_48604705fe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8221003891_48604705fe_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">As<span style="font-size: small;"> we made our way back <span style="font-size: small;">down<span style="font-size: small;"> the ridge we heard the rumbling o<span style="font-size: small;">f a thunderstorm building in centra<span style="font-size: small;">l O'ahu. That gave us a little more incentive to keep mov<span style="font-size: small;">ing</span> so our<span style="font-size: small;"> cameras stayed mostly in <span style="font-size: small;">our packs. <span style="font-size: small;">I'd <span style="font-size: small;">never been down the lower reache<span style="font-size: small;">s of Trip<span style="font-size: small;">ler so Chris <span style="font-size: small;">lead the way <span style="font-size: small;">to the junction and down a steep spur <span style="font-size: small;">ridge into Moanalua Valley below. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8221006053_9b3ee18f05_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8221006053_9b3ee18f05_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">At some point it <span style="font-size: small;">began to rai<span style="font-size: small;">n<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">huge drops from the over<span style="font-size: small;">cast skies. Strangely, the<span style="font-size: small;">re just we<span style="font-size: small;">ren't many drops <span style="font-size: small;">so we never got soaked. </span></span></span>We popped out on the d<span style="font-size: small;">irt road on the valley floo<span style="font-size: small;">r <span style="font-size: small;">next to marker 12 and headed back to the park and our cars.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8222085720_174719d825_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8222085720_174719d825_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">While this is fami<span style="font-size: small;">liar ground, the extra time <span style="font-size: small;">we spent hunting for plant life really<span style="font-size: small;"> made <span style="font-size: small;">this a memorable experience<span style="font-size: small;"> and I feel fortunate to have been able to see some of these very rare plants up close in their habitat. A big mahalo to Jo<span style="font-size: small;">sh Seranno for sharing <span style="font-size: small;">his photo with me here and <span style="font-size: small;">to Chris Wong for letting me tag along on his plant hunt. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]."><span id=".reactRoot[115].[1][2][1]{comment517061968306115_6327030}..[1]..[1]..[0].[0][2]..[0]"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">More p<span style="font-size: small;">ictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157632105257877/">this t</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157632105257877/">rail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">other</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">s I've done</a> can be view<span style="font-size: small;">ed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Fli</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">ckr</a>. Aloha and mah<span style="font-size: small;">alo for reading!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8222049022_48682748ab_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8222049022_48682748ab_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com1Likelike Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA21.391864566339269 -157.8252983093261721.362296566339268 -157.86478030932616 21.42143256633927 -157.78581630932618tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-8242283895035049912012-11-28T15:25:00.000-10:002012-11-28T15:25:46.332-10:00Koloa Gulch Left and Right Forks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKNa1T_DuvQe7elTq7g3-GY7nKQ2UhyU14LAKAV9EMicrk06aJieiAfrAFFEGtR3BJZPcDoxO_Ca9iumcw1ktpMUEQNu0QCz503X9c2cm5br3SL6_Rchxjc6ZWZ-1fRfPzMh5pdFR7g8/s1600/KoloaGulchNSGHB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKNa1T_DuvQe7elTq7g3-GY7nKQ2UhyU14LAKAV9EMicrk06aJieiAfrAFFEGtR3BJZPcDoxO_Ca9iumcw1ktpMUEQNu0QCz503X9c2cm5br3SL6_Rchxjc6ZWZ-1fRfPzMh5pdFR7g8/s640/KoloaGulchNSGHB.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">November 20, 2012</span><br />
<br />
After last week's injury on the Ko'olau Summit Trail II decided he was taking a couple weeks off from the trail and despite my best efforts I couldn't convince him to change his mind. After considering a ton of trails I finally decided on hitting Koloa Gulch between Hau'ula and La'ie. Much has been written about this trail with its two forks and beautiful falls so I'll keep it simple. Directions are available everywhere on the internet and in Stuart Ball's book "The Hiker's Guide to O'ahu".<br />
<br />
Wanting to beat morning traffic Sam and I agreed she'd just come to my place in Kailua and we'd take the Jeep to Hau'ula. We arrived at La'ie Beach in the early morning light. Setting off eastward we headed for the "White Mansion" mentioned in every set of directs I've read for this hike on the makai side of the road. I think the place is a little creepy with it's monkey statues on the wall and signs of neglect and decay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8207022656_3d96888003_b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8207022656_3d96888003_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We started on the road on the makua side of the highway and passed the memorial to the Boy Scout killed in a flash flood. What a sad story.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8207023088_4f4c7dc941_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8207023088_4f4c7dc941_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Making our way up the road we followed a curve past some unplanted fields and took the barely noticeable trail on the left just before the farm. A pit bull barked and advanced towards us but didn't follow us up the ridge into the Ironwood trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8205933665_cf5d016a72_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8205933665_cf5d016a72_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After a steep climb we gained the crest of the ridge as it headed mauka. A mix of native and introduced invasive plants lined the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8207024562_7f910f2569_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8207024562_7f910f2569_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Eventually the trail forked and we headed down into Koloa Gulch on a very nicely graded trail to the right. At the bottom we made the first of the reportedly 23 stream crossings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8207025434_319dc4bc6b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8207025434_319dc4bc6b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, those shoes <u>are</u> solar powered.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We snaked our way deeper into the mountains mostly on trails but frequently crossing the rocky stream bed. Eventually we reached the campsite with a fire pit filled with old charred wood. The trail continued behind the campsite and deeper into the valley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8207026184_4f4c7d90ec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8207026184_4f4c7d90ec_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we rounded a corner in the stream the remains of an old weir crossing the stream appeared. I didn't notice any other signs of any waterworks like pipes or tunnels but I'm it seems likely that at one time the stream's waters were tapped for agricultural purposes near the coast. I suspect the graded trail down into the valley was built for this purpose.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8207026954_d09a3ef54c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8207026954_d09a3ef54c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The stream makes a "U" then straightens out for a while before doing another "U". Lot's of stream crossings, some side trails, and some rock hoping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8205937807_26a13fd292_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8205937807_26a13fd292_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
More crossings, more rocks. As we got further up the valley the stream's flow seemed to increase as the ground has less time to absorb the water as it meandered downwards towards the ocean.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8207029574_ff60dbe5d6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8207029574_ff60dbe5d6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
To be honest I was getting a little dejected. I had been hoping with the cloudy skies and recent rains that the waterfalls at both forks would be pumped up a bit. The meager flow of the stream seemed to indicate otherwise. I decided to do a few longer exposure shots for fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8205939377_1a3ab393aa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8205939377_1a3ab393aa_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Holding still for 3 seconds isn't as easy as you'd think!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8207030202_9403d0b89a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8207030202_9403d0b89a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Eventually we reached the fork in the valley. To the left is "Kalo Falls" and to the right "Koloa Falls". We elected to start with the right fork.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8205940731_8e57f0fdbf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8205940731_8e57f0fdbf_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Rock hopping our way up the stream bed we passed some decent sized pools.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8205940915_44a263e49a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8205940915_44a263e49a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The right fork is pretty short, roughly .2 miles each way but it seemed longer while we were doing it. Rock hopping really starts to get old after a while!<br />
<br />
Finally we arrived at the pool and small falls that we'd have to traverse to get to the larger Koloa Falls. With the overcast skies and the cool air temperature jumping into a mountain stream just didn't seem to appealing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8207032196_bcc0dedd8f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8207032196_bcc0dedd8f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sam went first (Ladies first right!) and swam up to the little falls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8205942379_da43f72833_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8205942379_da43f72833_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I managed to convince her to sit in the freezing little falls for a few minutes while I dialed in the settings on my camera.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8205942745_e99a3da5ba_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8205942745_e99a3da5ba_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
She scrambled up the green rope on the left side of the falls and shouted back to me that she could see Koloa Falls right around the corner. I double bagged my Nikon and swam over to the rope following her up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8207033244_9023bfea5f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8207033244_9023bfea5f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I grabbed a small split shot of both falls with my waterproof point and shoot but without a wide angle lens it couldn't capture the view.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8205943471_1d497a00bd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8205943471_1d497a00bd_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Koloa Falls turned out be completely worth the trip. It's a real beauty and the flow was adequate for us to get a good idea of just how pretty it is. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8207033762_33555cd7bc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8207033762_33555cd7bc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It's almost got a split personality with a smoother upper section and then rocky rough lower half.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8207036154_fef29deb9e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8207036154_fef29deb9e_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
The pool at the base of the falls is fairly large and takes up the bulk of the valley floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8207035944_c9f0903241_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8207035944_c9f0903241_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sam was still frozen from sitting in the lower falls but I decided to test the waters and swim out to the base of the falls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8205947241_ef1458070b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8205947241_ef1458070b_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8205946755_f2c42808af_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8205946755_f2c42808af_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The water was pretty cold and while it would have been refreshing on a hot summer day it was too chilly to really enjoy on this wintery overcast day so we headed back towards the pool below to return to the fork.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8205948119_59be7dc83f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8205948119_59be7dc83f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I took one last shot of the upper falls before following Sam down the green rope.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8207038526_9782dbc12b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8207038526_9782dbc12b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Somehow I convinced Sam it would be fun to take a few more shots under the little falls. I set up the Nikon on my bag across the pool and we took a few shots in the alcove under the falls.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8205948895_284f990fca_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8205948895_284f990fca_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little alcove is perfect for portrait shots. Too bad it's 4 miles into the valley!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8205949111_646268b896_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8205949111_646268b896_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we departed from the lower falls I noticed this lone 'Awa plant growing on the side of the valley. Piper <span class="st">mysticum was used throughout ancient Polynesia a</span>s an intoxicating drink and as a medicine. `Awa was used as a
sedative, in religious ceremonies, as well as recreationally. The two gods Kane and Kanaloa are mentioned often in legend with 'Awa and many of the springs they opened here on O'ahu were to mix their beloved drink. Lately the earthy tasting drink has made a comeback and there are a few places where it's served locally now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8207039802_f5b59d2af2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8207039802_f5b59d2af2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We returned to the fork and started up towards Kalo Falls. This valley seemed a little narrower.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8205950295_bf65b04fbe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8205950295_bf65b04fbe_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The distance to Kalo Falls was longer too. A bit over .4 miles. We approached a set of falls we'd need to negotiate before proceeding further up the valley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8207041684_c41be311e5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8207041684_c41be311e5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8207041948_a8a75a82d8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8207041948_a8a75a82d8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8207042170_4eef6a5379_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8207042170_4eef6a5379_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
No ropes here, I balanced my backpack on my head and waded across the pool. The water was about up to my shoulders and a short climb up the right side of the falls was all that was required to continue.<br />
<br />
Scanning the stream I found what I believe is the endemic 'O'opu alamo'o, the Bicolor Stream Goby, <br />
Lentipes concolor. I think this remarkable and beautiful little fish deserves a little recognition.<br />
<br />
<i>"O‘opu alamoo was not eaten by the Hawaiians. Many considered this fish to be kapu (forbidden or sacred) because they believed it was related to the mo‘o (lizard)
gods. It was bad luck to find this fish in one’s fishing net,
because it was believed to keep the other fish away. If one caught this
fish in a net, it was customary to throw the fish out of the net with
an exclamation of disgust, in order to ensure a successful catch."</i> - <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www5.pbrc.hawaii.edu/ccrt/taras/site/importance.htm">Univ. of Hawaii Hawaiian Stream Gobies</a></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8205952961_ed41de01c1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8205952961_ed41de01c1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'O'opu alamo'o</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This species is also a world record holder.<br />
<br />
<i>"</i><span style="font-size: small;"><i>O‘opu ‘alamo‘o is perhaps the most remarkable
fish found in the Hawaiian Islands due to its world-record climbing
abilities, and this species has been documented to climb Hi‘ilawe Falls
in Waipio Valley. With a vertical drop of nearly 1000 ft (300 m), Hi‘
ilawe Falls is the highest free-fall waterfall in Hawai‘i and also one
of the highest in the world. It is remarkable that ‘o‘opu alamo’o can ascend a single waterfall of this height, a feat matched nowhere else in the world." -</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.bishopmuseum.org/research/natsci/waipiostudy/students/meet_the_critters/fish/native/Lentipes_concolor.htm">Bishop Museum<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span>Waipi‘o Valley Stream Restoration Stud</a>y</span></span><br />
<br />
Okay, back to the hike! There were plenty of downed trees on this section we had to carefully climb over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8205953217_6ca7c0a704_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8205953217_6ca7c0a704_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After negotiating the trees and more rock hopping Kalo Falls finally appeared in the distance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8205953469_9dc8731c92_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8205953469_9dc8731c92_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately there wasn't a great deal of water to power the falls. However, it was still a beauty. There was a large pool below but neither of us felt like testing the waters.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8205954007_397dcde2d7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8205954007_397dcde2d7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8207044550_674b790e88_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8207044550_674b790e88_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We didn't spend much time here and departed back down towards the fork again. On the return leg I spotted another native fish, the O'opu Nakea. Awaous Guamensis is the only Gobie species native to the islands that is not endemic. As it's scientific name implies they are found in Guam as well as <span class="style9">New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji. The trail was turning out to be an amazing little glimpse into O'ahu's increasingly rare stream life instead of just a waterfall hike.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8207047080_1d7cbc8cee_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8207047080_1d7cbc8cee_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O'opu Nakea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Luckily we still still had plenty of time as it was still before 1pm when I took this shot of us heading back towards the fork.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8207048320_044c336729_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8207048320_044c336729_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Laying upside down in the stream I noticed an endemic Hihiwai, Neritina granosa. These are rare on O'ahu and unfortuantly this one was quite dead. I placed it on this rock for a quick photo and then replaced in on the bottom of the stream where I'd found it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8207049464_fd7a85d8a2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8207049464_fd7a85d8a2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We retraced our steps back along all the stream crossings, past the weir, campground, then back up the long graded trail to the ridge and out of the valley. We stopped briefly to take a picture next to the Koloa Gulch Trail sign before heading back to La'ie Beach Park and the waiting Jeep. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8207052612_8c31effdce_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8207052612_8c31effdce_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This trail was a real surprise. The waterfalls are the main draw but getting to see some of the native stream life was a huge bonus. The agricultural use of water and the altering of streams has wreaked havoc on the animals that call O'ahu's streams home. Many of these species have life cycles which require that they spend time in the ocean. Water being diverted for agricultural use can lower or completely dry the lower sections of streams up leaving these species stranded and unable to reproduce. Additionally, alien predators like these Tahitian prawns, dumped aquarium fish, and intentionally introduced game fish compete for resources which make the situation worse for native species that are already under pressure from their habitat loss.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8207041278_8d1b3688c4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8207041278_8d1b3688c4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Koloa Gulch is an amazing trail and that offers a little bit of everything. Ridge, valley, stream life, waterfalls, mountain apples and more. Please keep in mind that to legally access this trail you need a FREE permit from Hawaii Reserves Inc. A permit can be picked up in the <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&gl=us&daddr=55-510+Kamehameha+Highway,+Laie,+HI+96762&panel=1&f=d&fb=1&dirflg=d&geocode=0,21.647124,-157.921561&cid=0,0,7117259045258586491&hq=reserves+inc&hnear=0x7bffdb064f79e005:0x4b7782d274cc8628,Hawaii&ei=yEu2UNrHHOm0iQLvk4CIAQ&ved=0CJEBEJ4CMAA">shopping center in La'ie</a> and is good for the La'ie Trail as well. As always, watch the weather when doing stream hike, especially if it's in a gulch. Flash flooding is a real concern. Give this one a try, it's a great hike!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKNa1T_DuvQe7elTq7g3-GY7nKQ2UhyU14LAKAV9EMicrk06aJieiAfrAFFEGtR3BJZPcDoxO_Ca9iumcw1ktpMUEQNu0QCz503X9c2cm5br3SL6_Rchxjc6ZWZ-1fRfPzMh5pdFR7g8/s1600/KoloaGulchNSGHB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157632069461652/">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com1Aakahi Gulch Rd, Laie, HI 96762, USA21.628423304541343 -157.9223728179931621.627961804541343 -157.92298981799317 21.628884804541343 -157.92175581799316tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-2675030066698458102012-11-24T08:50:00.000-10:002012-11-26T18:48:22.674-10:00KST- Poamoho to Castle Overnight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zXuFAPfT7bANlzfZ-JkKikW8-0msD7-Gkl3xpRUBcR7QquFXryuUOqiVkecACl1Ko4p6f_N8IcsG12b6V1V69Lu5Gu6DIaH4WTgCCdYJe0vglzEUrQhtMI09XXy41x1hUcyd6uqgy0U/s1600/KSTOvernightNSGHB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5zXuFAPfT7bANlzfZ-JkKikW8-0msD7-Gkl3xpRUBcR7QquFXryuUOqiVkecACl1Ko4p6f_N8IcsG12b6V1V69Lu5Gu6DIaH4WTgCCdYJe0vglzEUrQhtMI09XXy41x1hUcyd6uqgy0U/s640/KSTOvernightNSGHB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
November 12, 2012<br />
<br />
I've been wanting do some more overnights in the Ko'olaus but with work and family it's tough to block enough time. Finally with Veteran's Day approaching I'd obtained another permit for Poamoho Trail with a loose plan to check out some of the things I've never had time to really examine along the summit on rushed day hikes where covering ground is always a priority. To make a long story short, we'd decided to simply hike up Poamoho and hang a left on the Ko'olau Summit Trail and go as far as we felt like going. We had enough food and water for 3 days on the summit which we could easily stretch to 4 if we needed to. My first challenge was that I work two shifts on Sundays- A 6am to 2pm then I return for a 10:15pm to 6:15am shift. That meant I'd be running short on sleep from the very start but I figured I'd manage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1oIPaPp9pOpn9dz473DOGZxKHjNgiV0p5-q9eRJZUvWVfA1m-_RAGUeezlNgY19FhUx08iksOy7ghRRwc9T8AhHPwqqz-Wg8PCeVxtfLMItXSJ7QxobcCubq0OhAdTt1fc9fHC4IgzQ/s1600/002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1oIPaPp9pOpn9dz473DOGZxKHjNgiV0p5-q9eRJZUvWVfA1m-_RAGUeezlNgY19FhUx08iksOy7ghRRwc9T8AhHPwqqz-Wg8PCeVxtfLMItXSJ7QxobcCubq0OhAdTt1fc9fHC4IgzQ/s640/002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After getting off work I headed back to Kailua and started loading
the Jeep. II showed up at 8am and we added his gear and set off in a
packed Grand Cherokee with my mom, wife, and two kids. My mom insisted
on driving the Jeep so we made ultra slow progress up the road into the
forest reserve behind Helemano.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep9Q3YtBjrKfPjumjkbT4-r4GRMVu9zzGPbn8D0vTiJJYGqUCZiNNRIaOreO81w2vu8YEAiYEDgSKcsp6ubKYbWq5L8o84exL92UVRy7q4mhM90JJKs3hQo93yAPCFKE6yty2FtiNGEM/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjep9Q3YtBjrKfPjumjkbT4-r4GRMVu9zzGPbn8D0vTiJJYGqUCZiNNRIaOreO81w2vu8YEAiYEDgSKcsp6ubKYbWq5L8o84exL92UVRy7q4mhM90JJKs3hQo93yAPCFKE6yty2FtiNGEM/s640/004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After passing the second gate we
spotted a family of pigs wandering down the road. There were several
keiki and they seemed fairly unconcerned with our presence initially but
eventually bounced through the barbed wire fence along the side of the
road.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL31TyPXKxJxHvWuMtlGWmqTBlWIk9IkBa36fOnFnXBnfRysxJrDI7CviVTjkBH-rNR8CvUgukd6ZRdPR2aG3J61wsFnlG75VZu4S_IH6cO7tmOwzuKgQLe3sdSfBVjEXuiXzGrZwGvgI/s1600/005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL31TyPXKxJxHvWuMtlGWmqTBlWIk9IkBa36fOnFnXBnfRysxJrDI7CviVTjkBH-rNR8CvUgukd6ZRdPR2aG3J61wsFnlG75VZu4S_IH6cO7tmOwzuKgQLe3sdSfBVjEXuiXzGrZwGvgI/s640/005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We crawled at mom speed up to the end of the road finally arriving at
the Poamoho Trail shortly before 10am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYp3gtp2Ud39vRWLxZgfXqUkQ_vBxtFvQT-L4uE7cFVcc7efnBwLnyTuYy95ccdvL9dFRc_kzqxxYzNJZcL2X_Ep3CaHy-7IoWDYmjU7BrHTsP-WRTvzzvcmI-RZ-HgUn3VRsV9p71Vs/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYp3gtp2Ud39vRWLxZgfXqUkQ_vBxtFvQT-L4uE7cFVcc7efnBwLnyTuYy95ccdvL9dFRc_kzqxxYzNJZcL2X_Ep3CaHy-7IoWDYmjU7BrHTsP-WRTvzzvcmI-RZ-HgUn3VRsV9p71Vs/s640/009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
II and I unloaded our gear and
said our good byes and watched the Jeep disappear around the corner.
Both of us were carrying two three liter Camelbak bladders and few extra
bottles of water in reserve.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WCbiNJAigfUvQtIx8zbr0FBTcbntKprH8WEoEHyj1mSiZlRP7co-xym78EcguwYq5pSp1iTe0okTfUThk97Z27k4M-MrntH8arHE8-7ZExGDvowXT-qpOXqNLQLsb7otfEtuEzg2y1c/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WCbiNJAigfUvQtIx8zbr0FBTcbntKprH8WEoEHyj1mSiZlRP7co-xym78EcguwYq5pSp1iTe0okTfUThk97Z27k4M-MrntH8arHE8-7ZExGDvowXT-qpOXqNLQLsb7otfEtuEzg2y1c/s640/011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The bulk of the
water plus my camera and lenses easily outweighed my other gear.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26hjkEWSt9scdNE9xnpsqDXslVGx2JBFqOLjkZ28BEwoCSLQE8uhnNAX7bh3X1e1bPFerCTPR457AIHoBLZmqjMSWYBdQd-9RkjQOLR1uZShqhZZmJaLykpU361v4pJVFHG2BY19nEF4/s1600/010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26hjkEWSt9scdNE9xnpsqDXslVGx2JBFqOLjkZ28BEwoCSLQE8uhnNAX7bh3X1e1bPFerCTPR457AIHoBLZmqjMSWYBdQd-9RkjQOLR1uZShqhZZmJaLykpU361v4pJVFHG2BY19nEF4/s640/010.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
We
set off on the Poamoho Trail enjoying it's smooth easy grade and open
space. It's easily the best investment as far as effort vs. reward on O'ahu. We
made decent time up the trail and passed all the usual sites along the
way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIjU_MCxWLgWYqOchjLYRMjWsVSBjtu1yk7slfr4PiH1Y8rTwGnhv1sJa64b7uUHo_waXqoTE2LMa5NiJOM07jy5clgIWLneBoLnsNJN_1VD5TiyZD7UxXKGGhtxy46rGMeKernXNDbI/s1600/DSC_0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIjU_MCxWLgWYqOchjLYRMjWsVSBjtu1yk7slfr4PiH1Y8rTwGnhv1sJa64b7uUHo_waXqoTE2LMa5NiJOM07jy5clgIWLneBoLnsNJN_1VD5TiyZD7UxXKGGhtxy46rGMeKernXNDbI/s640/DSC_0007.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first bench</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8h3meO-EeXAmuBvf7xD5Rvo8CTulKEbKIEJE7y0gon_-ME_xGV0WTy5H8j_5MxC8BfwHFcuqXXuqIfmrEgVtCK2oqo0Da7zxuVRQIY_EFjvnGz1iiZVgq9IPOLLXK0Fw5460LPC41_Y/s1600/DSC_0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS8h3meO-EeXAmuBvf7xD5Rvo8CTulKEbKIEJE7y0gon_-ME_xGV0WTy5H8j_5MxC8BfwHFcuqXXuqIfmrEgVtCK2oqo0Da7zxuVRQIY_EFjvnGz1iiZVgq9IPOLLXK0Fw5460LPC41_Y/s640/DSC_0017.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The larger and heavier packs meant we had to get dirty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVkh7wuffYVf6eqamgEDuFqvhaNh4Z3CY75U92jvO72Bt9aBRxffwstXZIMNyE_IvFSH2XAOcozWhKpzvRE3wZLkto5WG7xFCp2Aq3BA9ifnpNP8Ujl17U6FZqxViZUti2aDorNGN0Ls/s1600/DSC_0024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjVkh7wuffYVf6eqamgEDuFqvhaNh4Z3CY75U92jvO72Bt9aBRxffwstXZIMNyE_IvFSH2XAOcozWhKpzvRE3wZLkto5WG7xFCp2Aq3BA9ifnpNP8Ujl17U6FZqxViZUti2aDorNGN0Ls/s640/DSC_0024.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just liked the zig-zag of the limb hanging over the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTXy4wl0h29_s8i3wx87iP4d-cteNFXHd9F-K9b5CbgJOxlxWUIj7IA9vuQmebaszcITTPUQqJGWuTqwboyBk4dUSDi_zzorQJjLKGKYQexZJs-WwNUsaTL7tNpSNJHSrCq6iB6jRhEg/s1600/014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTXy4wl0h29_s8i3wx87iP4d-cteNFXHd9F-K9b5CbgJOxlxWUIj7IA9vuQmebaszcITTPUQqJGWuTqwboyBk4dUSDi_zzorQJjLKGKYQexZJs-WwNUsaTL7tNpSNJHSrCq6iB6jRhEg/s640/014.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue-green Kanawao flowers along the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So far the weather was looking good. Leaving the maintained trail we continued towards the summit and enjoyed the hazy views of central O'ahu.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8198148193_bea81673ec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8198148193_bea81673ec_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A short time later we entered the miniature valley where the trail crosses the stream and then heads towards the summit. This is my favorite part of the Poamoho Trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8199240898_02380f4d8b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8199240898_02380f4d8b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite part of the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we made our way up the valley we noted that although there was water in the stream but it wasn't flowing. As I mentioned earlier II and I were both carrying two three liter Camelbaks plus a few extra bottles of water in reserve. We had both toyed with the idea of carrying only three liters or even just the reserve supplies up and filling up here but the stream isn't totally reliable and here our safe bet of dragging all that water up to the summit paid off looking at the stale bug filled water in the stream. Regardless, we both filled a couple empty bottles with the water and I dumped some water treatment tablets to kill off any bacteria. We both figured we could use it to wash our hands later or pour it out if we didn't need it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8198148811_43237eab42_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8198148811_43237eab42_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Coming out of the valley we made a turn and proceeded up on the straight shot to the KST Junction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8199241662_0a4aa8e00d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8199241662_0a4aa8e00d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Immediately I spotted the pinkish flowers of a Koli'i, Trematolobelia macrostachys, in the vegetation off the trail. This is prime blooming season for the Trematolobelia species and the various flower spikes where in the process of firing off individual blooms. I sat in the brush taking pictures while II shook his head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8198149753_f9faf1f581_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8198149753_f9faf1f581_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8199241874_78dc27db3f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8199241874_78dc27db3f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8199241764_6d13f886ac_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8199241764_6d13f886ac_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Satisfied with the dozen plus shots of the Koli'i I shouldered my pack and headed up towards the Cline Memorial and KST Junction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8199242956_f403037847_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8199242956_f403037847_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I noticed there there were many more Koli'i in bloom at the summit and stopped to take even more photos of them. There was a nice one right below the memorial mere inches off the side of the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8198150871_bed7e55a28_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8198150871_bed7e55a28_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8199243360_ac33f7eb9d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8199243360_ac33f7eb9d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We headed up to the edge of the ridge to enjoy the fantastic views of Punalu'u and Kahana. I've got tons of shots of this landscape but that didn't stop me from taking a few more.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8199244514_d6cbb5457e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8199244514_d6cbb5457e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down into Punalu'u and Kahana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8198152011_e27514e80e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8198152011_e27514e80e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">II scoping out the views above</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8199245746_be1d64bcdc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8199245746_be1d64bcdc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Content with our shots we headed over to the memorial for a timed shot of the two of us before rounding up our gear and heading westward along the KST.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8198153535_00d837c95d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8198153535_00d837c95d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We'd spent the better part of an hour just at the junction so it was now about 1pm as we set off down the KST past the remains of the snail enclosure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8199246966_c8782213fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8199246966_c8782213fc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just a short walk later we passed the old weather station which I'm assuming is no longer in service with the newer one east of the junction now in place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8199247108_d0a401fc47_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8199247108_d0a401fc47_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Beyond the weather station the trail contoured gently upwards along the windswept summit before crossing over to the leeward side of the crest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8199247736_1439ba396e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8199247736_1439ba396e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Our fantastic views of windward O'ahu were replaced with those of central O'ahu.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8199248614_738a2e5b75_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8199248614_738a2e5b75_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With the trail now on the protected leeward side the mud and overgrowth on the trail made progress a bit slower and my pants got dirty!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8199248780_c04d0fa001_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8199248780_c04d0fa001_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After a short stint on the leeward side the trail rejoined the crest and climbed upwards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8198157399_4d5d67d431_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8198157399_4d5d67d431_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The grade is well preserved here as the trail hooks leeward to contour a small peak.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8198157265_0802bab33d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8198157265_0802bab33d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As afternoon rolled on the clouds began to lower. Central O'ahu began to fade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8199250372_9edbb81961_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8199250372_9edbb81961_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The summit fence appeared and we walked westward along it watching for support wires and stakes. While the fence does totally kill the mood its function in keeping people, pigs, and any other creatures that find there way up here out of the protected area helps ensure it's future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8198158463_6303ac2079_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8198158463_6303ac2079_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Later the fence and the trail turn away from the crest and headed leeward. A few yards later the KST turns back to parallel the crest while the fence continues to pull away. The KST becomes very overgrown in this area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8198159051_61e53cf83c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8198159051_61e53cf83c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Eventually the fence returns to the trail which has stayed just to the leeward side of the crest and they continue on together to a point where the the trail actually crosses the fence at a signed junction with an old boot on a stake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8199251804_e1b021a871_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8199251804_e1b021a871_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
By now the clouds had rolled in and there were no views as visibility dropped. The mist of passing clouds swirled around us and we continued westward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8199253010_a67eea8c7d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8199253010_a67eea8c7d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We passed though the helicopter landing zone and noted the rolls of fence and stakes piled up. II was starting to think about finding a place to set up camp but the LZ is just too windy so I suggested we press on.<br />
<br />
The trail took a hard turn leeward to contour a small peak and then rejoined the crest for a short steep climb along the fence. The trail continues right along the crest with the fence and bobs up and down a bit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8198161489_452b2ea177_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8198161489_452b2ea177_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With the wind howling and the visibility reduced the fading sunlight took on a little more urgency. We needed to find a good place to spend the night. We continued along the trail to a small valley to a windswept area where water collects for a intermittent stream to central O'ahu and to a waterfall down into Punalu'u Valley. It looked pretty windy and boggy so I suggested we continue a way to see if another option appeared. We pressed past it a bit but after 20 minutes or so turned back. It was simply too late to be picky and this was going to have to be the spot if we want to set up in the dwindling light. Luckily as we scouted the open area we discovered it wrapped behind the ridge and there was a small area out of the wind. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8198161601_b663651355_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8198161601_b663651355_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With darkness descending rapidly the race was on to get our tents set up. I said a silent prayer of thanks that it wasn't raining and also to request that all the parts of my tent be in the bag. I hadn't touched it since my overnight on Lanihuli and if something was missing this would be a really bad time to find out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8198161675_f9e539a10c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8198161675_f9e539a10c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We had no trouble setting up our tents and were done with light to spare. Now it was time to see about eating dinner. I pulled out my stove to heat some water for a freeze dried pouch of Beef Stroganoff while II was relying on MRE's. The clouds swirled in the clearing as I waited for my water to come to a boil and he for this chemical packet to heat his main course.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8198161785_edbe559807_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8198161785_edbe559807_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was surprised at how hungry I was. I practically inhaled the warm dinner from the packet and added some instant coffee from a packet to the extra boiling water to have with dinner. The overcast skies had meant my water consumption for the day was almost zero. I'd only drank one bottle of Gatoraid back at the Poamoho Junction. We sat quietly wishing for better weather as we finished our dinners.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8199254412_de176ca73a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8210/8199254412_de176ca73a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we finished eating the first round of rain began suddenly. I scurried back to my bag sitting outside my tent and covered it with a small kitchen size trash bag to keep it dry. Almost everything in it was packed in dry bags but I didn't want it to get waterlogged if I could help it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8198161961_461c9b1e5d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8198161961_461c9b1e5d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There were no trees near our kitchen area so I put the LED latern in this small Ohia tree while we cleaned up. The little lantern is a luxury item with limited space but it's nice to have so I've always found room for it.<br />
<br />
The rains started again and we hurriedly packed up our gear and headed for our tents. I'm not sure how II handled his equipment but I basically unpacked my bag and dumped most of my gear in my tent so I'd have room for it inside. I changed into some clean clothes and put my boots and wet pants up under the rain fly of the tent before zipping myself in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8199254958_866ba1cf0f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8199254958_866ba1cf0f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Setting my the space in my tent took a while. I'd unrolled my Snugpak Jungle Bag and my small half mattress earlier but getting my bag and the stuff in it situated in way that would allow me to sleep in the small one man tent comfortably and without breaking anything was a little challenging. When I had everything arranged I realized I couldn't find my Droid 2 which I use for Back Country Navigator and as a backup for my Droid Razr. I spent 20 minutes thrashing around in the tent and then another 10 scouring the brush outside in the dark but couldn't find it. I gave up and settled back in to write a quick journal entry about the day as the tent buffeted from time to time in the wind.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8198162489_9d4c4e0d37_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8198162489_9d4c4e0d37_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'd blame fatigue but the truth is, I simply suck at spelling. campsite, campsite, campsite, campsite, campsite, campsite... </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Done writing an entry that would make an English teacher cry, I made one final sweep of my gear and discovered I had an intruder that had hitched a ride on my stove's plastic case. This little snail is probably a Leptachatina species but I don't know much about these little guys. I put the case and the snail outside so it would have all night to find a more suitable place to live.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8198162283_9d217b7696_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8198162283_9d217b7696_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally settled in I took one final shot of the environment around the tent before zipping up for the night at 7:56pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8199255264_89522df887_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8199255264_89522df887_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Considering my lack of sleep the previous night and the increased pack weight you'd think I'd have slept like a log. Honestly I have no idea how much sleep I did or did not get. I'd agonized about whether or not to bring my Snugpak self inflating sleeping mat. The weight wasn't the issue, size was even though it's only about half the length of a full size. On my Lanihuli overnight I'd awakened at three in the morning half crippled on the uneven, hard ground. I figured it would be worth the padding and the mat did a great job of keeping me comfortable but it provided a slippery surface on my downward sloping tent site that meant I'd awaken to find myself bunched up at the bottom of the tent periodically. That wasn't the worst of it though, the driving passing rains pounding on the tent woke me up. It seemed like it rained for 10 minutes then stopped for 10 minutes alternating all night!<br />
<br />
At about 6am I peeked out of my tent to see what the day might bring. To my disappointment it looked a lot like it had when I'd zipped up the night before.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8198162909_38ba59e999_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8198162909_38ba59e999_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After staggering out into the morning mist I decided to take a quick look around the campsite.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8198163183_708557f28c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8198163183_708557f28c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boggy area near our tents</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8199256016_d624b350ed_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8199256016_d624b350ed_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summit vegetation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With no views I returned to camp to make breakfast. II emerged from his tent and did the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8199256830_75a73ec806_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8199256830_75a73ec806_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a quick warm meal we started repacking our gear and taking down the tents. I took anything wet over to the windy valley and let the strong gusts blast as much moisture off before stowing them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8198163961_8a53bbf581_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8198163961_8a53bbf581_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Cleaning up the kitchen area I found this little Kahuli snail on a bottle wrapper that had come loose in the dampness. Philonesia snails are still fairly common in both the Wai'anae and Ko'olau mountains. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8198164355_6016786d4a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8198164355_6016786d4a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was almost 9am before we had everything put away and were ready to hit the trail. The loose plan today was to head to La'ie and off the summit. Despite the rains during the previous night it seemed like we'd be dry as the departed but the clouds refused to clear so we'd have no sweeping views of the amazing Ko'olau summit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8199257190_14163b0968_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8199257190_14163b0968_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pushing off onto the KST at 0855</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We continued westward down the KST along the fence. It's amazing how much time and effort has been put into keeping this area protected. Every post and section of fence has been airlifted in and carried into position by the contractors. Various sections have been upgraded along the way too with different materials like these heavy, stiff, panels which have been added to the lighter duty wire.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8198164981_453e7b6dcd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8198164981_453e7b6dcd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Along this section were numbered wooden boxes containing rodent traps to help control rats and mice which eat endemic snails, seeds, and plants. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8198165165_5cdc8a9412_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8198165165_5cdc8a9412_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Almost exactly a half hour after departing our campsite we were still working our way along the fence. I was about 20 yards ahead when I felt the fence move and heard a yell. II had lost his footing and grabbed the fence to steady himself. Unfortunately he wasn't wearing gloves and the force of the fall opened up his finger on the dull wire of the fence mesh and blood began to pour out at an alarming rate. He made his way up to me and we tried to inspect the damage but the amount of blood coming out of the wound made it tough to tell what was going on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8198165907_dc930e84f8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8198165907_dc930e84f8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture doesn't do it justice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Drops of blood were flying off his fingers in the breeze spattering his shirt, my pack, and the fence. First order of business was to simply stop the bleeding. I found a couple old paper towels in my lens case and used the roll of painter's tape I had in my bag to wrap the towels tightly around his finger. It appeared to stem the flow of blood and we took stock of our situation. Neither of us had any idea how severe that wound was but the amount of bleeding had me pretty concerned. There was no other way off the summit other than by foot so we elected to take the first available trail down which was the Castle Trail. We cleaned up some of the blood and shouldered our packs again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8198167623_5c28cc5f40_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8198167623_5c28cc5f40_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In surprisingly good spirits as we continue along the muddy summit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite the injury I couldn't help but stop and take a few pictures of this Clermontia persicifolia with fruit and a few flower buds on the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8199260260_e155d358b7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8199260260_e155d358b7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We continued to slog along the summit towards Castle Junction mirroring the fence. As we approached the western end of the fence and the Ohia Makanoe Bog the clouds lifted for a very short view of central O'ahu.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8198170509_57f95e362e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8198170509_57f95e362e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8199263024_985544fae9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8199263024_985544fae9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8198170809_3676283fe2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8198170809_3676283fe2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At the corner of the bog I lost my 77mm lens cap. I paced back and forth along the trail but to no avail. Sigh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8198172575_be35b50b23_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8198172575_be35b50b23_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There was still plenty to see as we pushed through our final section of KST. I turned over this galled Alani leaf to check out the damage to the leaf disturbing this sleepy Succinea snail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8198172107_d02435e134_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8206/8198172107_d02435e134_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We paused briefly at the ribbon coated PVC and rusty metal stakes marking the Castle Trail's upper reaches for a quick picture.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8198173341_79cd1c036d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8198173341_79cd1c036d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With little to see on the way down except the plant life along the trail we made decent time on the upper section of the Castle Trail. At one point I did have to redo the bandaging on II's finger as the paper towels completely soaked though. Unless constant pressure was kept on the wound it bled like crazy!<br />
<br />
We could have taken Papali Trail under normal conditions but with II's finger I figured it was easier to stay on the mostly graded Castle Trail. I have to point out that the Castle Trail is on private property and requires permission but I figured anyone who saw the blood soaked bandages would give us a free pass. I'd rather have taken Papali anyway!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8198177503_922f659101_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8198177503_922f659101_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La'ie barely visible under the clouds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There were few views to be had on the upper reaches of the trail aside from a few Clermotia which weren't blooming. When we reached the Kaluanui Stream I had to pause for a quick shot of the Hibiscus growing there. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8198178725_3870806ce1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8198178725_3870806ce1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Near the old abandoned tent across the stream there's a Hibiscus arnottianus subsp. punaluuensis. The leaves of this plant are huge!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8199271836_d1a7e1cf43_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8199271836_d1a7e1cf43_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8198179399_acd51b3691_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8198179399_acd51b3691_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We began the slow climb up from the stream and wound our way towards the notch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8199272334_2f90b2ce4b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8199272334_2f90b2ce4b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Arrival at The Notch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8198181589_9492cc4990_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8198181589_9492cc4990_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Passing through the gateway sweeping views of the valley and coast below greeted us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8199275166_bdfb9909eb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8199275166_bdfb9909eb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We hiked the long switchbacks along the wall of Punalu'u Valley to the detour where the original path has become unusable. I'd worried a little that II's finger might make this area problematic but he manged it with just one hand.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8198184595_57ce31466c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8198184595_57ce31466c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we descended into the valley the noise of heavy equipment filled the air. Walking along the valley road we discovered it's source, a huge tree eating machine was clearing the hillsides. No losses here, just introduced weedy trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8199278056_c9306ef5a0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8199278056_c9306ef5a0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The work was obviously extensive as evidenced by the mountains of mulch!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8199278212_a48b7a7d86_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8199278212_a48b7a7d86_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8198185963_ede91a34a3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8198185963_ede91a34a3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Nobody questioned our presence in the valley as we made our way down the road. Perhaps the blood on II's shirt and face and our general appearance suggested we were better left alone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8198186387_393df64936_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8198186387_393df64936_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Emerging from the off limits section of the road on to the asphault and continued towards Kamehameha Highway.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8199279152_bcb149c031_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8199279152_bcb149c031_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There's plenty of small scale farming in the valley and it even appears that farming here is on the increase. These huge fields of kalo near the highway are beautiful to watch as they leaves ruffle in the breeze..<br />
<br />
Finally we reached the highway and sat down near the bus stop to wait for Mrs. XJ to pick us up. It turned out to be a long one because of traffic in Kaneohe so in the mean time got some icecream bars and poke from Ching's Punalu'u Store to eat while we waited.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sbuwt6_oU5azsPZUyTZ0vxk_vQHxKY6yWOG90ZfIzj1TUiUkHYsTx5xoQ1YVSeZlb39wbQLmAoI0eCOUi3mF3uaL7XLEWUKuNdnnPww0oEr5niSorkAayTdXrHcxXWUUhGAJvtVtdsc/s1600/188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9sbuwt6_oU5azsPZUyTZ0vxk_vQHxKY6yWOG90ZfIzj1TUiUkHYsTx5xoQ1YVSeZlb39wbQLmAoI0eCOUi3mF3uaL7XLEWUKuNdnnPww0oEr5niSorkAayTdXrHcxXWUUhGAJvtVtdsc/s640/188.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After returning to Kailua we headed up to Castle and had II's hand looked at. Luckily it wasn't too bad and he'll be back on the trail again shortly.<br />
<br />
While our trip was cut short and the length of trail we covered was shorter than most day hikes I've done on the KST it was still fun. More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157632043746141/">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Flickr</a>.<br />
Aloha and mahalo for reading.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8199279272_856c17753b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8065/8199279272_856c17753b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com3Koolau Summit, Koolauloa, HI 96734, USA21.52079461709658 -157.9174804687521.402641617096581 -158.07540896875 21.63894761709658 -157.75955196875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-31292916663644041912012-11-17T17:48:00.000-10:002012-11-26T18:45:25.101-10:00KSRT- Bowman to the Stairway to Heaven (2012)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqGFsoCnbLAgRKh0nKqOct2foX4qRmHBlLBZMoL7GrwN1rPav75NOPqKExWB29p6NMpjfPgO4rqrMZQnaQ7-e74o3RDdZpvGWx3u6GireJygtMXzy8iTB_IMyesvwOEztHFlGstJbA8I/s1600/KSRTBowmanStairwayNSGHB.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqGFsoCnbLAgRKh0nKqOct2foX4qRmHBlLBZMoL7GrwN1rPav75NOPqKExWB29p6NMpjfPgO4rqrMZQnaQ7-e74o3RDdZpvGWx3u6GireJygtMXzy8iTB_IMyesvwOEztHFlGstJbA8I/s640/KSRTBowmanStairwayNSGHB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
November 6, 2012<br />
<br />
It's been over a year and a half since my<a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/kst-bowman-to-stairway-to-heaven.html"> first trip</a> along this very scenic section of the Ko'olau Summit and although I'd returned to do <a class="GFUQPS5BPB" href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/ksrt-puu-keahi-kahoe-loop.html">Pu'u Keahi a Kahoe Loop</a> it was still way past time to revisit this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/8166049315_0469411509_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/8166049315_0469411509_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Instead of doing the full Bowman Trail, we utilized the alternate spur that comes up out of Kalihi Valley.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8165929926_93907aed51_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8165929926_93907aed51_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Banging around in the backwoods of Kalihi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8165930044_4596fc4a8b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8165930044_4596fc4a8b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushwacking to Burnmeister</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/8165930166_cf5b63fa99_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/8165930166_cf5b63fa99_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam and I on the Burnmeister Overpass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After bushwhacking our way to the legendary Burnmeister Overpass we continued a short distance up the valley before taking a steep spur ridge covered in Cook Pines up to the ridge.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSW9XbIRd3CKAF9x-T3F9ZXhShx3qSRXGyX3fRBuNz31nc_uVGh2xZMcU_7pBRiu5Gdboq4HXZF2fC1KU36uyVn24Rdmk9DghOcq-jrEeFlmauRuPvEbAwLXrhJLjDZfRey_ctZnLllNs/s1600/024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSW9XbIRd3CKAF9x-T3F9ZXhShx3qSRXGyX3fRBuNz31nc_uVGh2xZMcU_7pBRiu5Gdboq4HXZF2fC1KU36uyVn24Rdmk9DghOcq-jrEeFlmauRuPvEbAwLXrhJLjDZfRey_ctZnLllNs/s640/024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">II climbing up through the pines.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It looked like we were in the midst of an old Forestry Division project as the ridge was graded and the pines obviously planted there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfixFiAukGgJ6MfSKCyKDu0ndLsdBpNbR15M9_y-OkVuI7zb9iVQF6mSkQ2b5PzGBtyqiTGigEcr8NRjQtsMHqYVgNQgrYRzEROfFh9j_Zn-ZyS8B7eM7ISuJO4w8HTXbidpc6DbcuoJg/s1600/030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfixFiAukGgJ6MfSKCyKDu0ndLsdBpNbR15M9_y-OkVuI7zb9iVQF6mSkQ2b5PzGBtyqiTGigEcr8NRjQtsMHqYVgNQgrYRzEROfFh9j_Zn-ZyS8B7eM7ISuJO4w8HTXbidpc6DbcuoJg/s640/030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned nursery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Curiously, there were also plenty of newer plastic pots littering the ground as well. At one point we passed a dug out area of the ridge where there were still old wooden growing tables. Nothing was left for me to even guess at what was being grown, all the pots had been taken over by Cook Pines and invasive Umbrella trees. A mix of introduced and native forest replaced the pines as we continued upwards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/8165942388_5191be8aed_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/8165942388_5191be8aed_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I spotted a few of these Ko'oko'olau flowers which were much smaller then the various other species I typically see.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8165911531_269a5807fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8477/8165911531_269a5807fc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The forecast for the day had been for scattered showers and about midway up the ridge we got our first passing shower. Luckily it seemed to blow through the eastern side of the valley leaving us mostly dry.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q90KU5c-5hdIofgV-Ufn0cR_R9ER9JgK7fH2RnMh_AQ6Johu75XA2VrJfqgtj_alT4k7i4-XoXDaKrQiIxaQ2uac1079_EamkNz5FvC_KW_lyBicfa_Z2IXgq_xIuHWg7svMqrHUX7g/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Q90KU5c-5hdIofgV-Ufn0cR_R9ER9JgK7fH2RnMh_AQ6Johu75XA2VrJfqgtj_alT4k7i4-XoXDaKrQiIxaQ2uac1079_EamkNz5FvC_KW_lyBicfa_Z2IXgq_xIuHWg7svMqrHUX7g/s640/049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We reached the crest of the ridge and joined the Bowman trail roughly 1.8 miles mauka of the spot where the trail from the elementary school joins Radar Hill Road leaving us with plenty of Bowman's infamous ups and downs to enjoy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/8165911829_18f4606bae_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/8165911829_18f4606bae_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We passed only one of the markers made from old brass artillery shells that were placed here when the trail was first cleared by the military to mark the Fort Shafter Military Reservation before jumping to the ridge that would deliver us to the summit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8165942722_5ef968ab75_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8165942722_5ef968ab75_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It begun to rain hard enough that I'd put on my rain gear meaning that my DSLR was put away and the waterproof AW100 would be documenting the trek until the rains let up. There were plenty of footprints in the mud from both hikers from the weekend and the pigs roaming the forest. There were a few wallows scattered about as well as in areas where they'd been digging up the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8165912167_a376d826d4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8165912167_a376d826d4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A few more ups and downs later we crossed the eroded avalanche area. It always looks worse after you've crossed it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8165920187_c3d722008c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8343/8165920187_c3d722008c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Up ahead in the mist loomed what I call "The Knob". This is the outcropping that has to be contoured to reach the summit area's cloud forest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8165920591_5b21a9ff79_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8165920591_5b21a9ff79_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we approached the Harry Potter book I'd seen last year still languished on the left side of the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/8165920521_583e9898b0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/8165920521_583e9898b0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Before reaching The Knob we had to pass a large cliff which I call "The Wall".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/8165951442_72cd234089_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/8165951442_72cd234089_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Wall"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's not much of an obstacle as the trail simply contours around it but there's a steep climb as you round the backside of it. There are plenty of cables here for assistance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdsOTMi-eLtRqpmVgPoGPFAqgELMfuhyphenhyphenYKI2rAQLTlxWbfOQIE-bKW7DC-mOcgPdifPqVi0yiB6n9azht3zrjVyKlL9Iaf1ufpVVBziuTqSdAip0DBk51p61NCjhVgZIy33QYbjQlyxU/s1600/086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdsOTMi-eLtRqpmVgPoGPFAqgELMfuhyphenhyphenYKI2rAQLTlxWbfOQIE-bKW7DC-mOcgPdifPqVi0yiB6n9azht3zrjVyKlL9Iaf1ufpVVBziuTqSdAip0DBk51p61NCjhVgZIy33QYbjQlyxU/s640/086.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once we'd all made the climb Sam took the lead on the grassy contour around the front of the knob. The trail here is very reasonable as far as footing goes but it's also very steep and a fall into the remote valley below would be serious.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8165921019_53fa4ba3e0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8165921019_53fa4ba3e0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contouring The Knob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/8165921429_2b54195285_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/8165921429_2b54195285_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't slip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On the final portion of the knob there are ropes and cables for assistance. We paused for rest after clearing this last Bowman obstacle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8165924907_87bbd18795_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8062/8165924907_87bbd18795_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam taking a break at the top of The Knob</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next portion of the trail is unique in the Ko'olaus. There's a large depression filled with an Ohia cloud forest. While we caught our breath I snapped a few shots of the trees and of the one yellow Lehua blossom I found.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/8165955804_ebf0c83aea_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/8165955804_ebf0c83aea_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8165925127_c1a99fbbcf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8165925127_c1a99fbbcf_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Ducking and weaving though the moss coated trees is simply amazing. These forests once dominated the Ko'olaus stabilizing the soil and collecting water from the passing clouds. The degradation of these areas has contributed to the decline of many of the endemic birds that once called this habitat home and threatens our islands water supply as nonnative plants do not perform this vital function.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/8165956112_a214c5283a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/8165956112_a214c5283a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't recall seeing these bromeliades growing in the Ohia last year. I don't know how aggressively they spread but their presence in the cloud forest is not a good sign.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/8165956514_12e27e5d38_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7279/8165956514_12e27e5d38_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
About midway though the rains began again and again I had to stow the D90 once more as we worked our way up through the deepening mud. I kidded Sam about her Ko'olau Pedicure as she sank shin deep into the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8165957014_e48c574732_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8165957014_e48c574732_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At the end of the depression the trail turns west towards the summit. This is were I discovered I'd dropped my lens cap. Sam and II stayed while I retraced my steps to where it had begun to rain hoping to find it. I ended up all the way back at the top of the knob and turned back searching the trail as quickly as possible. I found my lens cap about 20 feet from where I'd discovered it was missing! Oh well, I like that section of the trail anyway... We made our way westward towards the summit where I hoped we'd get some kind of a view of Kaneohe and Kailua below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8165957102_9c7f6fd9fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8165957102_9c7f6fd9fc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As luck would have it as we topped out at the end of the Bowman Trail at Pu'u Kahuauli there was a break in the clouds long enough for us to get some decent views and to take a few pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8165957290_bd961faa9d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8490/8165957290_bd961faa9d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It wasn't long though before we were enshrouded again in the mist. After a group photo we moved on for the short .3 mile journey to the summit of Tripler Ridge Trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/8165957382_46300f895b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/8165957382_46300f895b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views gone as the clouds roll back in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is the most challenging section of the trail with exposure to the edge of the ridge and the muddy, steep, and slippery trail.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8165957544_72acf9ec21_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8165957544_72acf9ec21_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't slip!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are two little saddles to negotiate and the most unnerving part are the descents where if you slip there's a real danger you'll slide right off the ridge and down into the windward abyss. It took a while to work though this section but we made it with no drama or scary incidents. A job well done!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/8165926849_12f1d66c2a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/8165926849_12f1d66c2a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe arrival at Tripler</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The summit of Tripler Ridge is one of my favorites on the island. On a clear day it affords views in every direction. Even on this cloudy day they were still amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8165927385_25e9728230_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8165927385_25e9728230_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Hawaiian Electric has been upgrading many of the transmission lines across the island and it appears they're preparing to replace the old towers here with new ones.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/8165927769_d64d9fa801_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/8165927769_d64d9fa801_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The safety lines staked into the ground descended Tripler Ridge Trail and also continued west along the summit. We took advantage of the nicely cut steps and ropes as we made our way past their work site.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8165928101_e2b0d333f2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8165928101_e2b0d333f2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Of course we couldn't resist dropping down into the holes they were digging for the tower foundations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8165959282_862e1e24fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8165959282_862e1e24fc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/8165959492_a44281d28e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/8165959492_a44281d28e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It was interesting to see that most of these ridges are nothing more than hardpacked dirt. You'd expect there to be a rocky core but at least the upper 10 feet in this section isn't! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/8165960306_a2939b4e89_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/8165960306_a2939b4e89_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We moved on past their work site and over to the second tower. I paused to take a few shots of the Trematolobelia singularis, a federally listed endangered species only found in the Ko'olau Mountains which is just coming into bloom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8165930367_b74d3b1db5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8478/8165930367_b74d3b1db5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/8165960978_55375e85a7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/8165960978_55375e85a7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Moving on we proceeded to the old microwave relay station for more photos. Sam's hat flew off in a particularly strong gust and we watched helplessly as it flew through the air in down into the leeward valley. Luckily I was able to spot where it landed so I proceeded down into the valley to recover it. As I did I spotted another T. singularus also preparing to bloom. After recovering the hat I went back to take some pictures of it too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8165930053_32f0da4ae6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8165930053_32f0da4ae6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The last steep climb of the the summit is from the relay to the top of <span class="st">Pu`u Keahi A Kahoe and the junction with the Moanalua Middle Ridge Trail. It's a short but steep climb past a large mossy boulder and I pushed myself up ahead to take advantage of the great angle of Sam and II coming up.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8165961790_b9690324b0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8165961790_b9690324b0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">At the geodetic marker atop </span><span class="st">Pu`u Keahi A Kahoe I was too lazy to unpack my camera and set up a timed shot so we settled for a foot group photo. Cheesy? Absolutely. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8165932517_17557b5595_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8165932517_17557b5595_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st">Off the the distance the CCL Building and the top of the Stairway to Heaven beckoned so we set up down the short but muddy summit.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/8165963272_406922bef9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/8165963272_406922bef9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CCL (Continuous Communications Link) Building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8165963364_4e1771f405_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8165963364_4e1771f405_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Pu`u Keahi A Kahoe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st">There are a couple good views of the winch house and the stairway I tried to take advantage of on the short crossing.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8165963814_db6edc1955_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8165963814_db6edc1955_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/8165933207_d84dfe7381_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/8165933207_d84dfe7381_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st"></span>
<span class="st">It was partly cloudy at the Stairway and we didn't stay very long. A few photos later we began our descent. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/8165933579_ca044347ac_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/8165933579_ca044347ac_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiles because the hard part is behind us!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/8165933941_e5dd8c8c54_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/8165933941_e5dd8c8c54_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The path to earth.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8165934269_5c773c80ae_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8165934269_5c773c80ae_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting off down the stairway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st">The journey down the Stairway to Heaven was awesome as usual. The clouds even parted for a while and I got a few decent shots.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/8165934445_0f42fb3124_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/8165934445_0f42fb3124_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8165934833_8a5d78af59_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8165934833_8a5d78af59_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st"> </span>
<span class="st">We paused again at the Winch House to take some more photos.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8165934963_ed987bc79d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8165934963_ed987bc79d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam's arrival at the winch house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/8165965924_aeb15b24fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/8165965924_aeb15b24fc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Us posing in the winch house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8165936513_ecd0db4d04_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8488/8165936513_ecd0db4d04_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam on the Stairway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st"></span>
<span class="st">I took a few shots of Haiku Valley on the way down with H-3 snaking through it and was happy to discover this Crytandra in flower. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8165935577_20d4b62e6f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8165935577_20d4b62e6f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Later a Ho'awa was flowing right over the railing.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/8165967392_4bf2ef9388_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/8165967392_4bf2ef9388_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">Arrival at the lowest landing meant our day in the mountains was ending. After telling Sam the Mike / Marian story which I won't share publicly, we headed down the final segment to the road in the valley below.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/8165967660_f8d3bc6577_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/8165967660_f8d3bc6577_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaneohe Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8165967988_f456f0eeb4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8165967988_f456f0eeb4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaneohe and Haiku Views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/8165968190_216f178fab_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/8165968190_216f178fab_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contouring on the Stairway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/8165938459_82f633de93_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/8165938459_82f633de93_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sam on the steepest section.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/8165938893_0356272393_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/8165938893_0356272393_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">II tackles the near vertical section where The Stairway is more of a ladder.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st"></span>
<span class="st">After crossing under H-3 we proceeded down the road and then through the bamboo forest to quietly exit the neighborhood.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8165939361_e602310866_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8165939361_e602310866_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massive pillars of H-3 form the gateway to the Stairway to Heaven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/8165969912_0b781e7c85_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/8165969912_0b781e7c85_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bamboo forest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st">Another fantastic day on the trails of O'ahu! </span>
<span class="st">More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157631958821332/with/8165971304/">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading.</span><br />
<span class="st"></span>
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8165971304_affdd1d243_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8165971304_affdd1d243_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-7798950540460936262012-11-07T14:31:00.002-10:002012-11-26T19:13:41.988-10:00Pu'u O Ehu<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAKOTCZLP0y53vQ-ryi_CCE6SaPp1CJWl_IggXItjVt94906sl2ZtXfTK_EVAfjW83bq0dPwDKMIdovT0MVpt-_PuGxv5710wOAYXVbYiAhPlPDQWumrhnfOkmAVVVG39lzcJX-tfvHE/s1600/PuuOEhuNSGHB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="606" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAKOTCZLP0y53vQ-ryi_CCE6SaPp1CJWl_IggXItjVt94906sl2ZtXfTK_EVAfjW83bq0dPwDKMIdovT0MVpt-_PuGxv5710wOAYXVbYiAhPlPDQWumrhnfOkmAVVVG39lzcJX-tfvHE/s640/PuuOEhuNSGHB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
November 1, 2012<br />
<br />
A few months ago I finally got around to climbing Pu'u O Ehu behind the Hamakua Marsh again here in my hometown of Kailua. Back in high school I'd climbed this one several times and a few months ago I'd scouted out the bottom after walking the dike that keeps Kawainui Marsh and Kailua town separated. I'd only climbed to the rock formation a short distance up from Kailua Road but the view had been stunning so I decided I'd have to return and continue the short ridge towards Enchanted Lake.<br />
<br />
With winter approaching we've had many of those amazing still O'ahu days where the Ko'olaus are cloudless but the vog has been relentless! Finally I had a free morning where the mountains seemed clear enough to try this short little hike out. <br />
<br />
Instead of walking I drove over to the Waimanalo side of the dike and parked the Jeep then walked makai on Kailua Road to reach a drainage ditch next to Windward Boats and Outboards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/8164991696_d47627f2c6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/8164991696_d47627f2c6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a few feet the ditch makes a sharp right. I paused to say hello to the scruffy guy that lives up here in the bushes. He'd just returned from the store with a brown bag full of beers. After a short walk in the ditch I took a left to follow the ridge up past his small encampment. I took a picture of the lawn chair but out of respect didn't of his tent and tarp home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8164991964_6518f8a7f3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8164991964_6518f8a7f3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Contouring around the encampment, I followed the old barbed wire fence up the ridge to the rock formation overlooking Kawainui Marsh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/8164956409_e46d8368f7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/8164956409_e46d8368f7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8164968721_4ee630f64a_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8164968721_4ee630f64a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Na Pohaku O Kahalakea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to legend this formation is sacred to the two Mo'o women of the marsh, Hauwahine and Kahalakea.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8164968325_20bab412e0_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8164968325_20bab412e0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Na Pohaku O Hauwahine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hauwahine is from the inland section of the marsh while Kahalakea is from the previous site of a hala grove which once stood where Kawainui and Ke'elepulu met before being separated from each other by the dike system that protects Kailua from flooding.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/8165004160_b75af8f6d8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/8165004160_b75af8f6d8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the waters of Kawainui and Ke'elepulu once met</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to legend, any person coming from the 'ili where Ka'elepulu and Kawainui met had royal blood and took precedence over other Ali'i. This area was called Wai'auia. Today it's home to a Windward Boats and Outboards- doesn't seem right does it?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8165004840_bd0a1560ba_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8165004840_bd0a1560ba_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
From the rock formation the beauty of windward O'ahu in the morning sun was amazing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/8164956679_af6dbf8ac1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/8164956679_af6dbf8ac1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I continued up the ridge a way to the foundation of a water tank that once stood on the hillside.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8164993962_a39443c8bb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8484/8164993962_a39443c8bb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Curiously, there's a mailbox filled with bags and a message imploring people to clean up after their dogs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8164957539_f8656ce009_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8063/8164957539_f8656ce009_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free baggies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The view from the site of the old water tank was pretty nice too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/8164957757_9ba0217723_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/8164957757_9ba0217723_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I departed the ruins of the water tank via the old access road to continue along the ridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8164994782_de27c7095b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8164994782_de27c7095b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Upon reaching the crest I discovered it had been graded and a new fence had been partially completed along the summit. While not fresh, it's clear that the work isn't that old because the earth hasn't settled yet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/8164958885_3e5459718c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/8164958885_3e5459718c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The next stop was the summit of Pu'u O Ehu at a whopping 315 feet of elevation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/8164959883_c404b34ed8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/8164959883_c404b34ed8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The triangulation station and the geodetic marker were required photographs of course!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8164960211_9d8c823534_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8164960211_9d8c823534_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8164996456_e712134a4a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8200/8164996456_e712134a4a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the really great things about hiking this small hill is how it's situated right in the heart of Kailua's geography.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpZLV5faLAdyTJytKElEbqv-OmVJenQRKu1EpkGu-AromJ_e5pINEBr4bPlSkzEz4C7OI7UfSKThp_eA75w_12BEuNv72JtJaxlmiFR4adNEyx20qiRCLcq0lfHZrlMZUi1j-Sm75wYc/s1600/004a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpZLV5faLAdyTJytKElEbqv-OmVJenQRKu1EpkGu-AromJ_e5pINEBr4bPlSkzEz4C7OI7UfSKThp_eA75w_12BEuNv72JtJaxlmiFR4adNEyx20qiRCLcq0lfHZrlMZUi1j-Sm75wYc/s640/004a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvnalwpdktMEX8nXr1N9PYVcZIeLm79dMcfJt9_KySj3HdwXIhp6zux09vtoAt4AWgf1U-NyqyTc9C1I4dBYIClS20MH5Gn6GbYgSt1WVegeGdbkCZHjW5DwzYCf2wvM6sUIOe1rsXQ8/s1600/006a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvnalwpdktMEX8nXr1N9PYVcZIeLm79dMcfJt9_KySj3HdwXIhp6zux09vtoAt4AWgf1U-NyqyTc9C1I4dBYIClS20MH5Gn6GbYgSt1WVegeGdbkCZHjW5DwzYCf2wvM6sUIOe1rsXQ8/s640/006a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite it's small elevation it affords views of almost every feature of the area. Among them:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/8164960345_b895d88636_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/8164960345_b895d88636_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lanihuli</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8164960873_093b1a5a08_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8164960873_093b1a5a08_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pu'u Halo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/8164997878_5709128b29_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/8164997878_5709128b29_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Konahuanui</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/8164962283_86e7c90d37_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/8164962283_86e7c90d37_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pu'u Papa'a</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8164962419_9c3ecec31e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8164962419_9c3ecec31e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ulupa'u Crater- legendary birthplace of man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/8164963771_9dcda8cbdb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/8164963771_9dcda8cbdb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ke'elepulu Pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8164966285_1beff9499e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8164966285_1beff9499e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamakua Marsh</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I continued the ridge to it's end where back in the 1950's it was graded out to make room for housing in Enchanted Lake before retracing my steps back the way I came. Total mileage for the route was just over 1.5 and it was all easy terrain. There's plenty of old rusty barbed wire so I had to constantly watch my step.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8165374369_0364cd23e9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8341/8165374369_0364cd23e9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the way out I had a brief conversation with the guy who's living in the tent about the weather. I still had warm coffee sitting in a cup in my Jeep and he'd already started drinking beer. To each his own I guess!<br />
<br />
More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157631954829323/with/8165374369/">this trail </a>and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/8164969365_89c1309207_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7262/8164969365_89c1309207_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com1275 Akiohala St, Kailua, HI 96734, USA21.387369131829345 -157.7436733245849621.385521131829346 -157.74614082458496 21.389217131829344 -157.74120582458497tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-36274115008207181602012-10-15T16:21:00.000-10:002012-11-26T19:38:09.078-10:00KST- Pupukea to La'ie via Kawailoa Trail<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX65RTUCzOgTk62KUXFLlNlYT_YpVtw5v5FHrrLHGlH9WIQUyxPIxJVYf5pEOqw61sI8CMiGRpPiP0oKLoit9nqxuDdM6z3MARJniyUX4GaI_YVqC-R4ITbmc2So8tpjbq5Kwcs0EvZeQ/s1600/KST-KawailoaLaieNSGHB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX65RTUCzOgTk62KUXFLlNlYT_YpVtw5v5FHrrLHGlH9WIQUyxPIxJVYf5pEOqw61sI8CMiGRpPiP0oKLoit9nqxuDdM6z3MARJniyUX4GaI_YVqC-R4ITbmc2So8tpjbq5Kwcs0EvZeQ/s640/KST-KawailoaLaieNSGHB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">K<span style="font-size: small;">awailoa Trail</span></span> has haunted my thoughts for so long. An old internet
write-up from back in the 90's and then the Hawaii Aviation Preservation
Societies expeditions in 2011 to locate the remains of Ensign Harold P.
Demoss who'd crashed his F6F Hellcat on June 23, 1945 had left me with
an insane desire to experience the old trail for myself. Every time I passed its junction with the Ko'olau Summit Trail about a half mile from La'ie Trail the fires of my desire were stoked again. The problem,
like so many other trails here on O'ahu, was access. Kawailoa is at
least 5 miles from any public roadway. Years ago it was still possible
to get permission from the Army and Waialua Sugar Company for access to
the trail head but these days it's almost impossible for a private
person to obtain access. What a shame too because this is a masterfully
constructed trail through some of the most beautiful and remote areas
of the western Ko'olaus.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Construction on the Kawailoa Trail was start<span style="font-size: small;">ed in <span style="font-size: small;">Ma<span style="font-size: small;">rch of 1934</span></span></span> a<span style="font-size: small;">nd completed </span>by Civilian
Conservation Corps by <span style="font-size: small;">Sept<span style="font-size: small;">ember or October of the same year. Later</span></span> about two miles of the lower trail
were <span style="font-size: small;">lost or</span> destroyed by the army
when it graded out a roadway along the top of the ridge. Stuart Ball's description in the first edition of the Hiker's Guide to O'ahu reads:</span><br />
<i> </i><br />
<i>"Kawailoa
is a bear of a hike through extremely wild and rugged terrain. It
provides few rewards but if you enjoy solitude and a challenge go for
it. The entire trip of for experienced hikers only. Do the hike during
the summer when the days are longer and the weather is drier. Start
early because you'll need every hour of daylight."</i><br />
<br />
Over the last year I'd
considered several plans to hike this mysterious trail but never acted
on any of them. However, with all my usual hiking partners occupied
with other projects I found myself alone for the second week in a row.
Early on September 18th I left Kailua and headed out to the western end
of the Ko'olaus with no clear plan for any particular trail. As I drove
out of my neighborhood I considered a trip up Papali to the KST but
found myself on H-3 ruling that out. Finally I settled on heading to
Pupukea to scout out the Pa'ala'a Uka Road as a possible route to
some of the now inaccessible trails in the area locked away by various
corporate and government interests.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKuGOaAevo41pwEK0FcobEs8eU3f8FSpAbvugdXhfDBvTFE42InSZ5zxEUXuuuFQ1dQV3f9THinb5URslqhjcbHkvknjE-LkZcOQbGjMG50yaBD_8pXmD4r3_KU3K-6j16x78c73uFhA/s1600/001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKuGOaAevo41pwEK0FcobEs8eU3f8FSpAbvugdXhfDBvTFE42InSZ5zxEUXuuuFQ1dQV3f9THinb5URslqhjcbHkvknjE-LkZcOQbGjMG50yaBD_8pXmD4r3_KU3K-6j16x78c73uFhA/s640/001.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the road past the Boy Scout Camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I parked the Jeep at the end of Pupukea Road still
with only a very loose set of plans and jumped the first US Army gate
next to the Boy Scout Camp and headed down the road at almost exactly
8am. The late start was due to me being stuck in traffic due to the
reconstruction of the <span class="st" dir="ltr">Karsten Thot Bridge in
Wahiawa. Heading up the familiar road I arrived at the intersection with the Pa'ala'a Uka Road about 1000 feet later. </span><br />
<br />
T<span class="st" dir="ltr">he</span><span class="st" dir="ltr"><span class="st" dir="ltr"> Pa'ala'a Uka</span>
began as the Wahiawa-Pupukea trail which was finished in 1937 by the US
Army and the CCC. The trail was widened into a one lane road and
renamed Drum Road after the Hawaiian Section Major General Hugh A. Drum
and later became Pa'ala'a Uka Road.</span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYzI3mhtU1Qo2JTnvrUYu5WfDjjVux3JWheroFgJ0w9AEqZRB_y4Yp84Oci4CrFzNlXxQQRmQu0bvCxRkb57hdctrGwg1gSpNRggSBwjQZK-UzdVAyeu5BrzNupR90MoYLMMo4jgAFPY/s1600/002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYzI3mhtU1Qo2JTnvrUYu5WfDjjVux3JWheroFgJ0w9AEqZRB_y4Yp84Oci4CrFzNlXxQQRmQu0bvCxRkb57hdctrGwg1gSpNRggSBwjQZK-UzdVAyeu5BrzNupR90MoYLMMo4jgAFPY/s640/002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I
jumped the gate and began the descent down into the valley. Looking at
the topo map in Backcountry Navigator I knew I'd be winding my way
through a few of these over the morning so I shouldn't get too excited
about the downward grade. Sure enough as I then crossed the valley
floor and started up a small ridge via switchback. Then descended back
into another and passed a gate that led to parts unknown.</span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTojLtqJO7jVovUT-Wpgf2tbmhe50m_GvBKKzvFmM2PdJR78GDcNrbh2diR-ZJ80ILAvf56VrQ-vK8MXA5yad2zwNy68kv4w8pPnIfNyN5wsd4fMZK6goZy3fn4BdvV_FAJYPIEyyT8IY/s1600/005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTojLtqJO7jVovUT-Wpgf2tbmhe50m_GvBKKzvFmM2PdJR78GDcNrbh2diR-ZJ80ILAvf56VrQ-vK8MXA5yad2zwNy68kv4w8pPnIfNyN5wsd4fMZK6goZy3fn4BdvV_FAJYPIEyyT8IY/s640/005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">The dirt road snaked through the valley
before switching back twice to contour a ridge. Here were two gates.
One for the main road and the other branching off. Two pink ribbons on
the side gate piqued my interest but I didn't bother to investigate what
looked like an old road with wooden guard rails.</span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvDLBCwn-OX-7M1sy03rHAfGi3FbHcsxzrL2OiI_3rNo2ruAVI5kFdbzp79whh7M7c0T2F4Yd7_0Z71oU-QT28Uesdyi9bcsOhjwSGm6Q5m2rPR1T9MTMShQmrsaFUDEk0GtpgRwWOv4/s1600/008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvDLBCwn-OX-7M1sy03rHAfGi3FbHcsxzrL2OiI_3rNo2ruAVI5kFdbzp79whh7M7c0T2F4Yd7_0Z71oU-QT28Uesdyi9bcsOhjwSGm6Q5m2rPR1T9MTMShQmrsaFUDEk0GtpgRwWOv4/s640/008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"> After passing this set of gates I continued
down a long stretch contouring the ridge before passing the remains of
an abandoned bulldozer. </span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoCkrigw7MYms7n7rf-j1qzeIBsVNtakZmtqP7p-Tdj4JKWFl4edRGPEByasoZcD8NHVKPz03KvIruHXf_2gN95DdI7ekVGsDzgk1vL1cJyAOgatlJZnRbS1wovNVVlgCZ-F557tr4pc/s1600/009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoCkrigw7MYms7n7rf-j1qzeIBsVNtakZmtqP7p-Tdj4JKWFl4edRGPEByasoZcD8NHVKPz03KvIruHXf_2gN95DdI7ekVGsDzgk1vL1cJyAOgatlJZnRbS1wovNVVlgCZ-F557tr4pc/s640/009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just beyond the curve I arrived at the first bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qR6BwO8Dz4qWdw50G6nZsXa0VLbB0fFbGHP5Spzfj5xl6YfOxBITWTrIzBTB9ixzsTbR4F9I6vXDkUQ44HPkiavmbyLNYcyybVK6ptYTw0kjR9STR2VvPG3IZf9fbZZjalYXSSpR4XQ/s1600/010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qR6BwO8Dz4qWdw50G6nZsXa0VLbB0fFbGHP5Spzfj5xl6YfOxBITWTrIzBTB9ixzsTbR4F9I6vXDkUQ44HPkiavmbyLNYcyybVK6ptYTw0kjR9STR2VvPG3IZf9fbZZjalYXSSpR4XQ/s640/010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The construction appeared to be from the the early part of the 1900's which made me start to wonder how old this road was because I hadn't researched the road's history before the hike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m5gpN9RpiRiDfmWu4WaveD7wZhK0IUueyClI9fGnwm035LTIWst7hQBuUkB3EPC_v94vppm243AuWQy5WUaKjXaddRXChd9a-AaW413-Fsc0URMp7E2gyuqnbLnffGmJ_PpxxEJboh8/s1600/011.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-m5gpN9RpiRiDfmWu4WaveD7wZhK0IUueyClI9fGnwm035LTIWst7hQBuUkB3EPC_v94vppm243AuWQy5WUaKjXaddRXChd9a-AaW413-Fsc0URMp7E2gyuqnbLnffGmJ_PpxxEJboh8/s640/011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Climbing
up a small ridge I passed a solar powered station that looks like it's
probably part of a stream gauge at a bend in the road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP1XkgDO_FuJNlWqdSey2oeWlisgg4NE2f2Ru68hmD_gaMhPSjAR9nIaahQOwD5a7xQMNzRY52LYuKwczTjJ3j2RTdlkF_VFOwfX-5kpXH8T_HslDw1Iaoghqa6zRKVID2fhpyFB7koU/s1600/013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP1XkgDO_FuJNlWqdSey2oeWlisgg4NE2f2Ru68hmD_gaMhPSjAR9nIaahQOwD5a7xQMNzRY52LYuKwczTjJ3j2RTdlkF_VFOwfX-5kpXH8T_HslDw1Iaoghqa6zRKVID2fhpyFB7koU/s640/013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The road dropped quickly into another valley and passed over another stream with a decent sized pool and a survey marker.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptuq_2KPR9La6GCbYDLvzbBzBU9-tEePM5smRWq4OrsbZL1FfBHzT5WyXBr4KuKf8Zg4jqb0eCQwvxYcqNcm-BaJwha-2PIHLIweb4cGiTBJkyGBFdlJHr0_gdtLPl7fR7jIjnb4R9nE/s1600/014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptuq_2KPR9La6GCbYDLvzbBzBU9-tEePM5smRWq4OrsbZL1FfBHzT5WyXBr4KuKf8Zg4jqb0eCQwvxYcqNcm-BaJwha-2PIHLIweb4cGiTBJkyGBFdlJHr0_gdtLPl7fR7jIjnb4R9nE/s640/014.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LYaSlRGe-qPQfi7lmNoZM1ao-oCJs-xqvMch44esliW1GAyh_OWJBT0mKswexQShbgfm5MrtzG8jQP3lrLYzK0pIETRwil_x-NAF7OryzJ-xzvFmAKoaMhc5lOMK514cdX4eMYO-F0s/s1600/015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8LYaSlRGe-qPQfi7lmNoZM1ao-oCJs-xqvMch44esliW1GAyh_OWJBT0mKswexQShbgfm5MrtzG8jQP3lrLYzK0pIETRwil_x-NAF7OryzJ-xzvFmAKoaMhc5lOMK514cdX4eMYO-F0s/s640/015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP1exZ8BlBx9JdZDJ2xIUI9UVM051pZ-F5WjFBYnViFPYaGvXDhZOjiF_f3K5Qp52B_Upy1icechWV2aP89Ew0c685XaNOo9P3O0OO3EdhgeVPdKHLHpWPfBoDfpYc6HzyS5i1ZuKr8c/s1600/017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBP1exZ8BlBx9JdZDJ2xIUI9UVM051pZ-F5WjFBYnViFPYaGvXDhZOjiF_f3K5Qp52B_Upy1icechWV2aP89Ew0c685XaNOo9P3O0OO3EdhgeVPdKHLHpWPfBoDfpYc6HzyS5i1ZuKr8c/s640/017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Again
I climbed up the road out of the valley up to yet another ridge. By
now I was wishing I had a bike, roller skates, a skateboard, or any
other device with wheels to shorten this up! On the side of the road I
spotted a fading sign which I assume is the mileage back to the start of
the road in Helemano.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPRQbF5U9a8bgnOiGSI2cy0dWcQSwrb62cNsUbCFtX-OM4VkLFC8aLFDPifLcMfAcK9_EPJnhvMTJhDGdlP16PChjKk4G6xr4S2LzPvCNAHsNjJ5b9gGD6Xlsu-KtrSwYjAJrQcvdbuo/s1600/024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPRQbF5U9a8bgnOiGSI2cy0dWcQSwrb62cNsUbCFtX-OM4VkLFC8aLFDPifLcMfAcK9_EPJnhvMTJhDGdlP16PChjKk4G6xr4S2LzPvCNAHsNjJ5b9gGD6Xlsu-KtrSwYjAJrQcvdbuo/s640/024.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">A short time later I arrived at yet another
gate. What was surprising was the fact the road on the other side was
paved like it is further up towards Kahuku.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PWQsagk7X_JcwLhyf3Nm3lkxszoYKxvUraWs0Qqe6cDVoUcMydtMJCM-nUrAhbilnatqBZjiAdqLIvnMg1T4KK8UKfGM4ybOwZJYBhkrjtMTHJ0x-DNZKonUbnd5VxYWAywoOXlg-7Q/s1600/029.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PWQsagk7X_JcwLhyf3Nm3lkxszoYKxvUraWs0Qqe6cDVoUcMydtMJCM-nUrAhbilnatqBZjiAdqLIvnMg1T4KK8UKfGM4ybOwZJYBhkrjtMTHJ0x-DNZKonUbnd5VxYWAywoOXlg-7Q/s640/029.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">The
paved road continued to wind it's way through valleys and ridges
passing an area where a more modern bridge had replaced an older one.
It looked a lot like the one I'd seen in Kalihi Valley a few months back
that dated back before 1930. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4xSCSXTm1jV6GxIYIO1K_XnM6PmelMlHxgZmCUunLjek5duNGPUtCGepIq_e-fOYPg92pkvm2bygOY1Zf-KHNcL-DMosd5xKiXlSHESysTEOLu-fMdKWq-zhw-garf6lj92pTNgMfQQ/s1600/DSC_0343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA4xSCSXTm1jV6GxIYIO1K_XnM6PmelMlHxgZmCUunLjek5duNGPUtCGepIq_e-fOYPg92pkvm2bygOY1Zf-KHNcL-DMosd5xKiXlSHESysTEOLu-fMdKWq-zhw-garf6lj92pTNgMfQQ/s640/DSC_0343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"> Around
the next corner the road crossed another hill and then climbed up to an
area below the wind farm being built in the upper areas of Kawailoa
Road. A sign warned construction crews.</span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuS5Tu7kwczm12o4SD1z5JwqsfM3ZTKdtaZLWBhmbnpLChda_aoMu_ZfifW4hiSfKIpy_5nE-bPQEo2DnrR5k7vJMocxyYBUBsLwV0RF60DnT4FgcQlTIPkZlsHRDgz8hJz9L42iO5bLk/s1600/DSC_0364.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuS5Tu7kwczm12o4SD1z5JwqsfM3ZTKdtaZLWBhmbnpLChda_aoMu_ZfifW4hiSfKIpy_5nE-bPQEo2DnrR5k7vJMocxyYBUBsLwV0RF60DnT4FgcQlTIPkZlsHRDgz8hJz9L42iO5bLk/s640/DSC_0364.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5dpZI8fmna_PYjr-RB4wUOF6CKHcsmdNSiht5Or2DHZEmHkSNBPMOUj0yGDKl7H3AF4Njunx4CqU5t-Vr7xIvOoNEhm8MQNOg3ggLFUcFyybvMDcyABaF8zJm5obNsVm-KMlFO8QaBs/s1600/DSC_0369.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq5dpZI8fmna_PYjr-RB4wUOF6CKHcsmdNSiht5Or2DHZEmHkSNBPMOUj0yGDKl7H3AF4Njunx4CqU5t-Vr7xIvOoNEhm8MQNOg3ggLFUcFyybvMDcyABaF8zJm5obNsVm-KMlFO8QaBs/s640/DSC_0369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHORZnJF350eemjCtEGSJm1kCmio_HHjgvnJXJePfmi4G5yfyW5YYCwjrlypYSzG9cMUdEHD9nnFNqgEvAyWvr3B8-z2C125Nkw6QTQXbwqf6-2DJgMz9iWPn7NVXvL4YAK6BTza2aYjc/s1600/DSC_0378.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHORZnJF350eemjCtEGSJm1kCmio_HHjgvnJXJePfmi4G5yfyW5YYCwjrlypYSzG9cMUdEHD9nnFNqgEvAyWvr3B8-z2C125Nkw6QTQXbwqf6-2DJgMz9iWPn7NVXvL4YAK6BTza2aYjc/s640/DSC_0378.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawailoa Wind being built by <a href="http://www.firstwind.com/projects/kawailoa-wind" target="_blank">First Wind</a> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I finally arrived at my destination, The
Kawailoa Trail head! According to my GPS track the journey had been
6.33 miles. The military has been doing some pretty serious training
lately and I was repeatedly overflown by this</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;">UH-1Y Huey/Venom helicopter. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJottbGl37kQtxt8GR4mX3Zzt2ymPSPfutg4-TF_Li86nRxwWq_zKFQ9pig_-q1yZaf71gFGkl_jmyhZ0xxIZa63h0HV8G4XLEAJ5EWyFi17ukq7eHmiaKqJtzU5UIjRj3WWdRErGHR8s/s1600/DSC_0381.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJottbGl37kQtxt8GR4mX3Zzt2ymPSPfutg4-TF_Li86nRxwWq_zKFQ9pig_-q1yZaf71gFGkl_jmyhZ0xxIZa63h0HV8G4XLEAJ5EWyFi17ukq7eHmiaKqJtzU5UIjRj3WWdRErGHR8s/s640/DSC_0381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">To the north in the warning areas I could see
the contrails of the F-22's doing maneuvers and to the west the
occaisonal boom of artillery practice at Schofield. </span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sQiPbA90ymglNr7zAf_lGjqOOnw7yzty_w3qkhtFoLlP5_UKflfgc7Cch7lQiz7bZa4CmNgFnTFR4aDSFgZdUKHHr7oVDEynzJ4cc3TCzC8bOWieGbqUIwVeg2FCl7egvkFqDQ_z2PI/s1600/DSC_0405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sQiPbA90ymglNr7zAf_lGjqOOnw7yzty_w3qkhtFoLlP5_UKflfgc7Cch7lQiz7bZa4CmNgFnTFR4aDSFgZdUKHHr7oVDEynzJ4cc3TCzC8bOWieGbqUIwVeg2FCl7egvkFqDQ_z2PI/s640/DSC_0405.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMQtM_FnGTKfRvtnJ1Vz9djKCb0NvbzYSEdPNlvSTU6pUgzjGHjx6-zWBnWjgvspFQfXzb-oI-cwkkKUCnQgY23XtwGrAjeZR4nKshF76zNvzbw5TjqthGbKlrmNsK7AF7YsrBVLKtPg/s1600/PaalaaukaRD.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMQtM_FnGTKfRvtnJ1Vz9djKCb0NvbzYSEdPNlvSTU6pUgzjGHjx6-zWBnWjgvspFQfXzb-oI-cwkkKUCnQgY23XtwGrAjeZR4nKshF76zNvzbw5TjqthGbKlrmNsK7AF7YsrBVLKtPg/s640/PaalaaukaRD.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st" dir="ltr">Pa'ala'a Uka</span> Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Had I done my homework a
little more thoroughly I'd have known that the first two miles of the original Kawailoa Trail
had been either destroyed or simply overgrown when the army had graded the </span><span class="st" dir="ltr"><span class="st" dir="ltr">top</span> of the ridge into a
road. I wandered up through the guinea grass towards a eucalyptus
forest where I knew the trail would begin. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmdyFAcIqGbAlxdJhVvE3CComi4k2lGaHHiZ7kMeKiXCYiawB_u3-3pp0lHpgkYSIRVljY-1WVFknYYmBPIKBRFLLS1gVB260_RQfuVqB_rhy2DY1EGR9KIDwI0D1Z2LZ4Iuisya7MZo/s1600/DSC_0415.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXmdyFAcIqGbAlxdJhVvE3CComi4k2lGaHHiZ7kMeKiXCYiawB_u3-3pp0lHpgkYSIRVljY-1WVFknYYmBPIKBRFLLS1gVB260_RQfuVqB_rhy2DY1EGR9KIDwI0D1Z2LZ4Iuisya7MZo/s640/DSC_0415.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving<span class="st" dir="ltr">Pa'ala'a Uka</span> Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><span class="st" dir="ltr">At about 11:00 I weighed the idea of
attacking a trail with such a vicious description but the long winding
road I'd arrived on was pretty unappealing so I lied to myself and said
I'd just scout the initial sections.</span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR8gNftBVwVWEvuxdDNfzYM2ROwrP6u3VwKeP7HlhwK7nWwXgUIsJbQ_d9g8wiHT_NlSboaO5P9-izADGxuUgSov65ofStNYSJ1wKpJ5qWSZ3RmRTwOe-PyAJHu06Ejlms3cQdBfu8P0/s1600/DSC_0416.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR8gNftBVwVWEvuxdDNfzYM2ROwrP6u3VwKeP7HlhwK7nWwXgUIsJbQ_d9g8wiHT_NlSboaO5P9-izADGxuUgSov65ofStNYSJ1wKpJ5qWSZ3RmRTwOe-PyAJHu06Ejlms3cQdBfu8P0/s640/DSC_0416.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guinea Grass. YUCK.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"> <span class="st" dir="ltr">Everything seemed to be going pretty well as I
wandered along a mostly wide open path large enough to drive a truck
through. I passed a large puddle encompassing the entire road lined by strawberry guava. Here there were some bizare little
frogs that made a chirping sound as they hopped into the water. </span></span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdxwN7v6yFS2LZtzR-gZxFYSyvbf6QgXU3oq0tOucWuX045-LkPjY1FF9z8aFfzjYJdrXPOCgclSfKe17-DlPIJ_feVo_TfUYeqrA9eZXxgL-BUSy3ZZvyekYSCZWIZ4nbGoeVsFxizk/s1600/DSC_0421.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdxwN7v6yFS2LZtzR-gZxFYSyvbf6QgXU3oq0tOucWuX045-LkPjY1FF9z8aFfzjYJdrXPOCgclSfKe17-DlPIJ_feVo_TfUYeqrA9eZXxgL-BUSy3ZZvyekYSCZWIZ4nbGoeVsFxizk/s640/DSC_0421.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huge muddy pool with the frogs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY92795ZWFTsNVKOP3SGMkpcLTU75xtV2Fe95MDWDjTyXr1qfk9DHbSL8FLa7KyBUKQpbhta6z6dq8h_28dr_3aFDyCnHu6YTNsLHer0PwREmQqphozZ3Iv-aGcuLi9MEoOwjg5QxqkE/s1600/DSC_0423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjY92795ZWFTsNVKOP3SGMkpcLTU75xtV2Fe95MDWDjTyXr1qfk9DHbSL8FLa7KyBUKQpbhta6z6dq8h_28dr_3aFDyCnHu6YTNsLHer0PwREmQqphozZ3Iv-aGcuLi9MEoOwjg5QxqkE/s640/DSC_0423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">The
old road/trail then rolled up and down the ridge line passing some Cook
Pines as the ridge wandered a little to the right then straightened out
with pines lining the ridge on both sides. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMN2CjruxQ-SFQQQjLb5fwwkIXDrhnYe6TFhBxmMYNo-Z7ufHSceEqcj7f0bNbE0fC7Ukz-q67XpgEPAlpzMJMBCl3SMTg7zEatq2JnTr5RUXFCTiiyAQSE60TMUDZuj6tV6LXdweiZE/s1600/DSC_0426.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpMN2CjruxQ-SFQQQjLb5fwwkIXDrhnYe6TFhBxmMYNo-Z7ufHSceEqcj7f0bNbE0fC7Ukz-q67XpgEPAlpzMJMBCl3SMTg7zEatq2JnTr5RUXFCTiiyAQSE60TMUDZuj6tV6LXdweiZE/s640/DSC_0426.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veering right through the Cook Pines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fHKbZYxp2VR6jvVd5-DvUqEM3s64UA3RdKHRSDc7RTM231sg1Typlh29JhblRic2yyNCImjl5wPMtGRHNl0sKD6SjOZIQLr7MFF5WtqARhy2g85sO8h4HBifRXsJZgGKTYQyP0ef_EY/s1600/DSC_0429.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fHKbZYxp2VR6jvVd5-DvUqEM3s64UA3RdKHRSDc7RTM231sg1Typlh29JhblRic2yyNCImjl5wPMtGRHNl0sKD6SjOZIQLr7MFF5WtqARhy2g85sO8h4HBifRXsJZgGKTYQyP0ef_EY/s640/DSC_0429.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Working my way upwards I got another good view of the new wind turbines being built. These things are huge!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM84A8-5qambWW3R3TYws3IQ4gD9tpPzVftlbFeoYCeFcuMcKG6cFTHGlZb9r6-m1_HAUQRlAKexfen1HmdrQl4Wy25zVaGp8ktRnKTKRAeMv3SNU17m9Txa_G0XB41N0fs7c5AuX6Rc/s1600/DSC_0431.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfM84A8-5qambWW3R3TYws3IQ4gD9tpPzVftlbFeoYCeFcuMcKG6cFTHGlZb9r6-m1_HAUQRlAKexfen1HmdrQl4Wy25zVaGp8ktRnKTKRAeMv3SNU17m9Txa_G0XB41N0fs7c5AuX6Rc/s640/DSC_0431.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlcElvDeGrwkm1dg3cl4PEKZPd-SDLEG1wjIVRS8CoA8mFSAA5C_sutGNEqAz6wBY8Ec5I5BBOAUB8N76vRlbsGWaB1RwxPsgvDx9PzhyphenhyphenuFf4ADRXyYHDijaSo3YAaXaLJkZZfQNWJwU/s1600/DSC_0436.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlcElvDeGrwkm1dg3cl4PEKZPd-SDLEG1wjIVRS8CoA8mFSAA5C_sutGNEqAz6wBY8Ec5I5BBOAUB8N76vRlbsGWaB1RwxPsgvDx9PzhyphenhyphenuFf4ADRXyYHDijaSo3YAaXaLJkZZfQNWJwU/s640/DSC_0436.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last of the open trail...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">A little over a mile the
uluhe closed in. Progress slowed as there was no swath to follow and I
was forced to break my way through it or try and high step over the
tangles it formed.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QZlMiez_W-Yk7Lrd_u4Q832jdt8QbNXQDYz5HN47XEGw8_A_i_grFRDax8yrvFA0KAKQuuJrX05xNJ9c2xvBw8_GpnLmpH5FS6P224ykvG_dkGEcqvYU8-omhIH94puf7r1YEprUj7Y/s1600/DSC_0446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QZlMiez_W-Yk7Lrd_u4Q832jdt8QbNXQDYz5HN47XEGw8_A_i_grFRDax8yrvFA0KAKQuuJrX05xNJ9c2xvBw8_GpnLmpH5FS6P224ykvG_dkGEcqvYU8-omhIH94puf7r1YEprUj7Y/s640/DSC_0446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Worse
yet the guinea grass showed up again. I hate that stuff with a
passion. It's tiny fiber glass like hairs and razor sharp blades make
uluhe look soft and cuddly! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rj2ZqQxLbSZYCbnLkSgjGIaJ-Cr81X-mPwVkBrtsrAwIvZpmsTICboHhueAzU5CwACn_r2qJq-y8HrccyjLUIintxfJvTAaERCJ7Dh6iEbP6gbJTmFT9qT9-bzg3lA-dd7hPzk_mg7s/s1600/036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rj2ZqQxLbSZYCbnLkSgjGIaJ-Cr81X-mPwVkBrtsrAwIvZpmsTICboHhueAzU5CwACn_r2qJq-y8HrccyjLUIintxfJvTAaERCJ7Dh6iEbP6gbJTmFT9qT9-bzg3lA-dd7hPzk_mg7s/s640/036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">My
guess is that this remnant grass was brought up on the tires of
vehicles from the fields below when the road was still in use. Several
times it formed dense strands that I hacked away or bushwhacked
around. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRysHHdg455Xxu2vSAjD8UsjfuhlsTQGY0JwgdLodAuHYhKxUkEGhyphenhyphenz8pJz2qtfvUs8nstEeYuN_vtV5P4x1H7VdyakC9XZGBAGFWU5PCFG-ZVg-paxO9IwBJJzu4fk8Yl8r-cEd_mKO4/s1600/038.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRysHHdg455Xxu2vSAjD8UsjfuhlsTQGY0JwgdLodAuHYhKxUkEGhyphenhyphenz8pJz2qtfvUs8nstEeYuN_vtV5P4x1H7VdyakC9XZGBAGFWU5PCFG-ZVg-paxO9IwBJJzu4fk8Yl8r-cEd_mKO4/s640/038.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halapepe a few feet off the right side of the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I worked my way around one of them I snapped a
quick shot of this Halepepe growing off the right side of the trail.
This was starting to look like quite an undertaking.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP5H4iVfn1qOmxILi_5YVp0nyj0MIqKlhvrGRd0JdAkvm2G5FlrszP9HBVEuurHnfnVBxNwoblJdtWBXBCy5FhqvDp2rnNvHVdZrxoh_mmqHHssTPkB3vFfIsYMu5iVebtCnBFNp82qY/s1600/039.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDP5H4iVfn1qOmxILi_5YVp0nyj0MIqKlhvrGRd0JdAkvm2G5FlrszP9HBVEuurHnfnVBxNwoblJdtWBXBCy5FhqvDp2rnNvHVdZrxoh_mmqHHssTPkB3vFfIsYMu5iVebtCnBFNp82qY/s640/039.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uluhe and Guniea grass combine to make my life miserable...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I
continued to fight my way up the ridge on what I assume is still the
remains of the army road. My progress was slow and the sun was beating
down on me relentlessly. The only landmarks along the way were fallen
koa. I passed one and when I reached the second I took a break.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioewLwuXeKyeUp7ONqEMi7bQxVFFNvjBp8I-TxHR9u_AeBlKr4DoUEOZkfmRbn_z0HbxsY1_-iLvEA7NYCZU2fSkOvvKPJsRn63uPiYPvme5DYbFT4dWsyT01AAahZH-lZheiLyuwc4iU/s1600/043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioewLwuXeKyeUp7ONqEMi7bQxVFFNvjBp8I-TxHR9u_AeBlKr4DoUEOZkfmRbn_z0HbxsY1_-iLvEA7NYCZU2fSkOvvKPJsRn63uPiYPvme5DYbFT4dWsyT01AAahZH-lZheiLyuwc4iU/s640/043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Evaluating
my options there was still plenty of time to turn around. I didn't
know the exact mileage of the Kawailoa Trail but it was close to 6 miles
each way and while initially I'd been making good time things were
getting difficult fast. At 12:30 I had about 6 hours before the sun set
and forward movement was at dismal speeds. It seemed prudent to add a
decent buffer for times when I'd lose the trail so I set a turn around
time of roughly half my sunlight at 3pm. I shouldered my pack again and
continued to battle the uluhe up the trail.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrXkeAw81pXG8wVhj5b9ec7hdQRIjkHSOGCn4h2XW9SThcyZwksL9JTKtmoKoNqz05eKvCJnxSATUEVqOrHPXQDmr5QVTxPIvjEfACJm-cuLCaCDEZzlyi2t5i3FgOGQ1tk95Yy8540I/s1600/047.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrXkeAw81pXG8wVhj5b9ec7hdQRIjkHSOGCn4h2XW9SThcyZwksL9JTKtmoKoNqz05eKvCJnxSATUEVqOrHPXQDmr5QVTxPIvjEfACJm-cuLCaCDEZzlyi2t5i3FgOGQ1tk95Yy8540I/s640/047.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still walking along the old Army Rd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlDBl7Y2-6z2Ykf7aiHJRnLotE0825K3mgz_Smf7QU4H8B9cvWvbKis7ImzouWC2bEXz946setU6JEL04cKeAc17ke1CY83lgnmDh4VPAT6FHOqEPbV6n8vtOmQonPMuGQ4X2sLixPms/s1600/053.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdlDBl7Y2-6z2Ykf7aiHJRnLotE0825K3mgz_Smf7QU4H8B9cvWvbKis7ImzouWC2bEXz946setU6JEL04cKeAc17ke1CY83lgnmDh4VPAT6FHOqEPbV6n8vtOmQonPMuGQ4X2sLixPms/s640/053.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note the somewhat crazed look. The heat and Uluhe have combined forces and I've begun to loose it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB028UePnhPXLIL6oQ_5_OEZmO70Bj_euyzPWSbZiLZFNyg2UBqAOor_P25p2cBUOiHL7JPW3yBazF8z9B51H79sSR0HeMjGQ15KIMsvsPbKOcmS45NZ3t7h8LL5USXOBqs9yxNoY6mU/s1600/054.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB028UePnhPXLIL6oQ_5_OEZmO70Bj_euyzPWSbZiLZFNyg2UBqAOor_P25p2cBUOiHL7JPW3yBazF8z9B51H79sSR0HeMjGQ15KIMsvsPbKOcmS45NZ3t7h8LL5USXOBqs9yxNoY6mU/s640/054.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps the end of the Army road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Occasionally there were breaks in the uluhe
and I'd pick up speed for a few yards but I couldn't help but wonder if
these were just to sucker me into continuing!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-YYZ-5cV6N9BDvZpKHiph7mNe3iV3sxZlGQGp6JLmrHghkfT9Y0eGNjCpYuGpCaWPBKy6sXdnM2DenWmmxxomEvGc9d0mEp4b_jYhjHN7OEsTm3i4_D9fMJQgd0o9os91fL5Dtw7R98/s1600/059.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-YYZ-5cV6N9BDvZpKHiph7mNe3iV3sxZlGQGp6JLmrHghkfT9Y0eGNjCpYuGpCaWPBKy6sXdnM2DenWmmxxomEvGc9d0mEp4b_jYhjHN7OEsTm3i4_D9fMJQgd0o9os91fL5Dtw7R98/s640/059.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An open section!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"> About a year ago Nate Yuen of Hawaiian Forest had posted a picture of an old cabin labeled as Kawailoa Cabin but mysteriously there was a Jeep parked in front of it. Having done all of the Ko'olau Summit Trail I couldn't imagine a jeep or any other vehicle ever have been driven to the summit so I was somewhat mystified. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH9QKOSTORxhZQqyMPxXwOWll__TnD9YFpk7NtUCNSEuHTkwBks4Kjo-7IV_F8-dShVByy_uMEakA19SPSyV5VzxJM6EjagoQmHkMCoonkt58sV2vWYr7wgrDWFxofCmg78ih5xPe54w/s1600/312865_2588691921644_735554617_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH9QKOSTORxhZQqyMPxXwOWll__TnD9YFpk7NtUCNSEuHTkwBks4Kjo-7IV_F8-dShVByy_uMEakA19SPSyV5VzxJM6EjagoQmHkMCoonkt58sV2vWYr7wgrDWFxofCmg78ih5xPe54w/s640/312865_2588691921644_735554617_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawailoa Cabin - Circa 1960 - Photographer: Dick Davis, Source: Archives
of Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club, Curator/Scanner: Nate Yuen 2010 —
at Oahu, Koolau Summit Trail, Northern Koolau Miountains. Used with permission.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Looking back now after having down the trail and researching its history in Stuart Ball's latest book I now understand that there was a cabin on the Army Road that ran the crest of the Kawailoa Ridge and that must be where this photo was taken. There was also another Army cabin at the summit of the Kawailoa Trail which has since been destroyed but it's remains can be seen scattered at the boggy junction with the Ko'olau Summit Trail.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0_zS-3sCLhmT_x78dToJZS0m5GRxyewJnnawLREZMRQUa6Rl3N55i78RplVOk1YsgfnuuyZhhfnPYId489ZSQdgCV0ReCezB5JarDtMAc86CAOLNBNnsbR3Hx3nT9W0ar-FzDrG4aVU/s1600/061.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0_zS-3sCLhmT_x78dToJZS0m5GRxyewJnnawLREZMRQUa6Rl3N55i78RplVOk1YsgfnuuyZhhfnPYId489ZSQdgCV0ReCezB5JarDtMAc86CAOLNBNnsbR3Hx3nT9W0ar-FzDrG4aVU/s640/061.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawailoa Trail... Finally!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3-g7ZD3l2DaK_-1LydQJmD0ONEo7Uwtf-bLJtqGdxH4G_nLAuqZp-8JKCH1YWEjAzVLCo3RknMM5Vmo32e406RAZtCISd7TskF2MbG6oNawW0zTNHYqfcbOybe3fEYAMd4oJZgqM6ok/s1600/065.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE3-g7ZD3l2DaK_-1LydQJmD0ONEo7Uwtf-bLJtqGdxH4G_nLAuqZp-8JKCH1YWEjAzVLCo3RknMM5Vmo32e406RAZtCISd7TskF2MbG6oNawW0zTNHYqfcbOybe3fEYAMd4oJZgqM6ok/s640/065.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice big Koa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9U23MIhyGlOF22KmdBFGGTlkPwbLaJXSgFS_DauNdJDaEmUxDiRhnp8e9UQdRmqjwJ7E-dbs7m4rXerbzn4vwUtz4zhFER_uiA8QirQp4pqxcuQFLRzrXZAmGjlNZg6-iT4WoehosaI/s1600/067.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9U23MIhyGlOF22KmdBFGGTlkPwbLaJXSgFS_DauNdJDaEmUxDiRhnp8e9UQdRmqjwJ7E-dbs7m4rXerbzn4vwUtz4zhFER_uiA8QirQp4pqxcuQFLRzrXZAmGjlNZg6-iT4WoehosaI/s640/067.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice open section</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXoU6b22bwJbPdNLOwR8-eJsuASvNz27kozeMDwN-Yc-rzC6vm08aUZLFh7JYeb7NlK5OUaGHD7T8Mwewd8_aUrqW5VAAGQHr4AYOr4iyy4AjjC0P-HrIXUOmYFSc5kmaYglnhkH1zSY/s1600/071.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXoU6b22bwJbPdNLOwR8-eJsuASvNz27kozeMDwN-Yc-rzC6vm08aUZLFh7JYeb7NlK5OUaGHD7T8Mwewd8_aUrqW5VAAGQHr4AYOr4iyy4AjjC0P-HrIXUOmYFSc5kmaYglnhkH1zSY/s640/071.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild O'ahu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs40S6V6gAo3v64bW2vJprkoIaCXu_Ou1wXQQQD0dQmu5Kq22Rl5dlXx4VA0iVqAS1z4jGSz6MRNIijVmBTofTEcbQgOA1kMpBVBLneB4140Jxedb1joOE1bjPxOantad6-jGfb_FDk9A/s1600/074.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs40S6V6gAo3v64bW2vJprkoIaCXu_Ou1wXQQQD0dQmu5Kq22Rl5dlXx4VA0iVqAS1z4jGSz6MRNIijVmBTofTEcbQgOA1kMpBVBLneB4140Jxedb1joOE1bjPxOantad6-jGfb_FDk9A/s640/074.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This feels like the most remote part of O'ahu and if feels great to be here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">At 12:39 I got serious
about tracking my progress and started adding the times into my
waypoints. I was barely moving now. The heat and the uluhe were
killing me as it took almost 10 minutes just to cover a tenth of a
mile. The uluhe reached heights over over 6 feet and I was having to
swim through it. The only saving grace was the heavy pig traffic kept
the trail open below meaning I could still follow their path which,
thankfully, was the same the CCC had built.</span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Fighting my way further up the ridge I passed
another Koa tree which had fallen over the trail which then vanished
so I waded around in the uluhe and climbed up the ridge hoping to catch
sight of some clue that would get be back on track. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LtP3YcDP5ms3V78I69B8Kdk0ooNyFPtrd4uMqdSZm5LKacQBIFc3s9p8uKrb6vces_M4_HGff7_EvHuoJDHROJBmP-aCruZNoJd3QlpoDapualxWV8H08gYs3GQzY0OYkscIpJASzF8/s1600/056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LtP3YcDP5ms3V78I69B8Kdk0ooNyFPtrd4uMqdSZm5LKacQBIFc3s9p8uKrb6vces_M4_HGff7_EvHuoJDHROJBmP-aCruZNoJd3QlpoDapualxWV8H08gYs3GQzY0OYkscIpJASzF8/s640/056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Thrashing
about I finally discovered the trail again which had contoured around
the west side of the ridge and a short time later found the most welcome
sight of the day- a clear stretch of trail.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Working
my way along the contour things were really looking up. While still
overgrown at least there was a path to follow. After about a quarter
mile the trail crossed over to the east side of the ridge for about a
tenth of a mile before switching back. I took a break to change the
batteries out in my old Droid and then continued on. While the trail
was clearer it still wasn't easy. Uluhe was sometimes at shoulder
height along the way. By now I was rating anything below my waist as
fantastic.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_taZsqMSb5xjZ1nVAX9OgHsccf3p_WI_XUlgUE3NKKbgHDv_mKu0iibHUvzDqYJBy6Tmgifdprak4CJ8g805bYeTBxEQ9y5WLoP1NWyRQ-pALaCGK9dvT_MtJWZsmjGHVzx-fhiMNOM/s1600/077.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_taZsqMSb5xjZ1nVAX9OgHsccf3p_WI_XUlgUE3NKKbgHDv_mKu0iibHUvzDqYJBy6Tmgifdprak4CJ8g805bYeTBxEQ9y5WLoP1NWyRQ-pALaCGK9dvT_MtJWZsmjGHVzx-fhiMNOM/s640/077.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Latter I passed under a tunnel that had managed to stay clear since the trail was last used.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcJaR5wDBrGO4BHOwNZ2hna0Cn9RvGQDwUhnJ7ZMIAzxDzCBYSZ9Lfdn3C17U7Rw_GTmFZDakm1-SA6wOnSWAHgM7z6JsdaOtG217K9bwnx7RuqwyFaF6A2BWsCztCL7kEJrZGavHDUk/s1600/078.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvcJaR5wDBrGO4BHOwNZ2hna0Cn9RvGQDwUhnJ7ZMIAzxDzCBYSZ9Lfdn3C17U7Rw_GTmFZDakm1-SA6wOnSWAHgM7z6JsdaOtG217K9bwnx7RuqwyFaF6A2BWsCztCL7kEJrZGavHDUk/s640/078.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">A huge fallen Ohia Tree.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Kt1xp0mEtbOhkWaU4rAY7I5KZVd4r7ZF7ZfKd56D5nW5v5Renf-tZvGqzHwQQDVoPkBfeodUFuGvCi9ueZHNF9dKI7_mqinjuspos_Klu882NuoqpfE8L3lt42h7VWZ-VsqUJh1cZK4/s1600/068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Kt1xp0mEtbOhkWaU4rAY7I5KZVd4r7ZF7ZfKd56D5nW5v5Renf-tZvGqzHwQQDVoPkBfeodUFuGvCi9ueZHNF9dKI7_mqinjuspos_Klu882NuoqpfE8L3lt42h7VWZ-VsqUJh1cZK4/s640/068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">An old metal pipe.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeNahVxxlEwRzlKpQH5h6lc3iadG22PvGOCkIHb-mcophkxsHPCtjV5F4Agqm5GNleJik46QiUsUXE2gSs4EstLnB2fHWaoPsoN9RssqrtMqcIoiSJ0H8dbst869jW4AO3KQwA5lM0Pc/s1600/086.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeNahVxxlEwRzlKpQH5h6lc3iadG22PvGOCkIHb-mcophkxsHPCtjV5F4Agqm5GNleJik46QiUsUXE2gSs4EstLnB2fHWaoPsoN9RssqrtMqcIoiSJ0H8dbst869jW4AO3KQwA5lM0Pc/s640/086.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Finally
some Austrailian Teas I'd read about showed up. Encouraging sign that
at least I was getting closer to the upper reaches of the trail!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig81ggePXcoHC8FCS-Ig1iZTbUAcfIFWHWGXzUb8dP83RJY0UaBAcdNNHp1X3zNS5v4T2HUJLfSD8fZVfwveV8ByKOo0Tqwt37EHIzxauSuDBI0WzA2Rh3PKSaVHCItqyrDlIFyil1F5k/s1600/091.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig81ggePXcoHC8FCS-Ig1iZTbUAcfIFWHWGXzUb8dP83RJY0UaBAcdNNHp1X3zNS5v4T2HUJLfSD8fZVfwveV8ByKOo0Tqwt37EHIzxauSuDBI0WzA2Rh3PKSaVHCItqyrDlIFyil1F5k/s640/091.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian Tea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw8bS7gCkA2Y8V_NrJyfJDFpZISOY49KkRC3sZ7OaiSI1rtZOmM36v0jzt8ZF62QvBEWng5sZ-ZdZASv4ijp9MOi0RlpsHAmAxH3IEVNH4hyumZHzKCcsofoJ7gwblYL2ZBYG4FYbqxY/s1600/092.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw8bS7gCkA2Y8V_NrJyfJDFpZISOY49KkRC3sZ7OaiSI1rtZOmM36v0jzt8ZF62QvBEWng5sZ-ZdZASv4ijp9MOi0RlpsHAmAxH3IEVNH4hyumZHzKCcsofoJ7gwblYL2ZBYG4FYbqxY/s640/092.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More uluhe...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Further
up the ridge the trail crested a vista with a scenic overlook to the
southeast then turned sharply back to the west to contour a ridge.
Rounding the corner there was a washout. It was now 3:50pm.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iW0BGUm1vJkzp8aHZL2EJ0H5hmjS4xms6-maLxfecdYg7pvvW-M02YE7TaWyFgJStVHlfWiAS8_bj9dBB95mHfGXhOCxFoFLf2viOKd3BYSOWGWnJSk_f13F8DqwW8lwdqasms3X5EM/s1600/104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iW0BGUm1vJkzp8aHZL2EJ0H5hmjS4xms6-maLxfecdYg7pvvW-M02YE7TaWyFgJStVHlfWiAS8_bj9dBB95mHfGXhOCxFoFLf2viOKd3BYSOWGWnJSk_f13F8DqwW8lwdqasms3X5EM/s640/104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tea trees increased in number until it became a
forest then I entered a boggy area filled with pua'a destruction and
trails. I circled the area hunting for the trail for a while before
finally finding it again wasting about 10 minutes of sunlight.<br />
<br />
Again the trail moved along the ridge towards the summit then hooked west around another small peak with another washout.<br />
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I
passed another area of pua'a activity and spotted a large lobelia just
off the trail. At times the trail was easy to find and clear, others
scratchy and tough to discern from the pua'a highways.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkxkUQAsWE9elVT2GvcCnfjj9Q40HMvjDt2l1MnKMXThn6McBYppYlNqt1kYoq9JJQZPzM50Bat-YeicPeSHyHflymO1mUcbm4ybWWEyIqz4aiDxxjqdPPEwxRqX0ei5_gexxY7RqW3Y/s1600/110.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTkxkUQAsWE9elVT2GvcCnfjj9Q40HMvjDt2l1MnKMXThn6McBYppYlNqt1kYoq9JJQZPzM50Bat-YeicPeSHyHflymO1mUcbm4ybWWEyIqz4aiDxxjqdPPEwxRqX0ei5_gexxY7RqW3Y/s640/110.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clermontia... probably C. persicifolia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdJrk99qFbFbAI34hmfD39Wz6yrDeT2t-HY4XGn0mGeusCFHX1AsiGYfDsqiieBHDKiFDeChyfYOZGkqN3NiW3ly2KNBn75zb7Lg0zeWiGrtNYmZ2Geu-2G19cFmdOJUy5ul-eLYPvXM/s1600/107.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdJrk99qFbFbAI34hmfD39Wz6yrDeT2t-HY4XGn0mGeusCFHX1AsiGYfDsqiieBHDKiFDeChyfYOZGkqN3NiW3ly2KNBn75zb7Lg0zeWiGrtNYmZ2Geu-2G19cFmdOJUy5ul-eLYPvXM/s640/107.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many massive wallows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">The pattern seemed to
repeat itself over and over. Ridge, west turn, landslide, boggy area
filled with pig activity and lost trail. I passed an old wire hanging
inexplicably across a small valley as the trail straightened out for a
bit before making it's final big left turn to join the final ridge to
the summit. Possibly a relic from the trails historical use by the
army.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhLcuNTUHSMcK8Ft_xbYPxt8HwPCMzDenQDWMwRv1VQkfCuDm-s_xuvguVaFkamyqfU9h3sOiC44DQYqQ6ikO5DO9PBy7fTJUzgtXqhJ2JHqcSxTiHHRrHHpM47r0mDaDfHtOiDBKJSc/s1600/111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnhLcuNTUHSMcK8Ft_xbYPxt8HwPCMzDenQDWMwRv1VQkfCuDm-s_xuvguVaFkamyqfU9h3sOiC44DQYqQ6ikO5DO9PBy7fTJUzgtXqhJ2JHqcSxTiHHRrHHpM47r0mDaDfHtOiDBKJSc/s640/111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">In
the upper sections of the trail conditions improved dramatically and I
was able to pick up some speed as the sun dropped lower and lower off of
Kaena Point. The evening lighting made for some gorgeous views.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDpCMvgoq4Z2x4JH7crCJk_XOmJclqYSJPFs7D37H_PLQeBsh52Qih8550UKMIG-TllHF1osTWFf3L31Tc0w0r32MWsXhzy1kzwA7mKR-uwDGFYdNPbmXFzQWPwkYhrjuQ3ijXvMU-QM/s1600/126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDpCMvgoq4Z2x4JH7crCJk_XOmJclqYSJPFs7D37H_PLQeBsh52Qih8550UKMIG-TllHF1osTWFf3L31Tc0w0r32MWsXhzy1kzwA7mKR-uwDGFYdNPbmXFzQWPwkYhrjuQ3ijXvMU-QM/s640/126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2j1k63J3hzQJwiYnkhHH3nJCykYNlyH6UEdw0_JnrET3YZezM6pQxBeHdIblx-TVUVxiKQkYFPneoyU0uVMhZDjJ3Fh3ibgFBet9S-vELX6ffKjJBdtBpoB8SrEl8aiX24MiIQ8GUmg/s1600/129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2j1k63J3hzQJwiYnkhHH3nJCykYNlyH6UEdw0_JnrET3YZezM6pQxBeHdIblx-TVUVxiKQkYFPneoyU0uVMhZDjJ3Fh3ibgFBet9S-vELX6ffKjJBdtBpoB8SrEl8aiX24MiIQ8GUmg/s640/129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH_kaHsRcmH3XCCvQS19yyrRrnrSZY6iSdUGn7aFIVmRqbQ3d4Fuz7ALHDZSDZGhWCYqrxOyzW7sf2sYhUO5g2iOv32YPnxFsk2xE6tMlD7Mq_pOAfKdvPj3zvj8P0i-EHNjAft3bY2s/s1600/131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpH_kaHsRcmH3XCCvQS19yyrRrnrSZY6iSdUGn7aFIVmRqbQ3d4Fuz7ALHDZSDZGhWCYqrxOyzW7sf2sYhUO5g2iOv32YPnxFsk2xE6tMlD7Mq_pOAfKdvPj3zvj8P0i-EHNjAft3bY2s/s640/131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBBgYsOSkFdpgKfuupo7YFdLLxHu8JZ3XphWamPYMKx0QLgjWi3iUOn7q7cM7YpoO_gUyExlDhSrwL7aN7rauuOTiohbUqL0_73YY3wnzpFwp3r3y5J3KYNYmbS5toIxtJOAJNQXQUJg/s1600/133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiBBgYsOSkFdpgKfuupo7YFdLLxHu8JZ3XphWamPYMKx0QLgjWi3iUOn7q7cM7YpoO_gUyExlDhSrwL7aN7rauuOTiohbUqL0_73YY3wnzpFwp3r3y5J3KYNYmbS5toIxtJOAJNQXQUJg/s640/133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpM0cuRAfXjIAiD42jKpVdZaoEG0SmTr4xTZP81i8YEOTzZMVr4u7-wnJTax7p07ZJRAlBrBN3194hz3t3-2oypzTNyUORl7eZZjVepAXwBndgKaipY7xem75Yn55b_jPO12x5fmM-aM/s1600/135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpM0cuRAfXjIAiD42jKpVdZaoEG0SmTr4xTZP81i8YEOTzZMVr4u7-wnJTax7p07ZJRAlBrBN3194hz3t3-2oypzTNyUORl7eZZjVepAXwBndgKaipY7xem75Yn55b_jPO12x5fmM-aM/s640/135.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqaDdprMJVWpjMwOK36THvKWV8XRtodQFfJMyzdqroNZSKvcHnSNvnE_ey-amhgKfHuppZfXpzOY9LZ69CwQDD8O-io4teffkI9pemSfc_QMht8BmaGe2kKOgTx8DbwU9ofO2OSS3WI0/s1600/136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqaDdprMJVWpjMwOK36THvKWV8XRtodQFfJMyzdqroNZSKvcHnSNvnE_ey-amhgKfHuppZfXpzOY9LZ69CwQDD8O-io4teffkI9pemSfc_QMht8BmaGe2kKOgTx8DbwU9ofO2OSS3WI0/s640/136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxiDT6KVPusSUEzoPDqgZ50b_c0LuRgFHG-IF2K_b1mNuezZyPFz_2uS6bJJ0-_vJRYTVezqhoKWsP_qGIqEAIHUTIWR92k6GJYqV8-Bk08GNprGiSBwdkbZFZf2T2-O8GAuDI6u1PmY/s1600/144.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJxiDT6KVPusSUEzoPDqgZ50b_c0LuRgFHG-IF2K_b1mNuezZyPFz_2uS6bJJ0-_vJRYTVezqhoKWsP_qGIqEAIHUTIWR92k6GJYqV8-Bk08GNprGiSBwdkbZFZf2T2-O8GAuDI6u1PmY/s640/144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr6StnvaDLuKGtaZVgL0m3UoqheAEKappu2D9SLt6ijlFz8fK_EF846_lyhzYEtrnFyJNLmSkZOk1KRb8_cC_0WqruaEaqdth-fmSJO0fxPQ0HinjHFd8tgvMgB24BG4kazayt_p3g8g/s1600/150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjr6StnvaDLuKGtaZVgL0m3UoqheAEKappu2D9SLt6ijlFz8fK_EF846_lyhzYEtrnFyJNLmSkZOk1KRb8_cC_0WqruaEaqdth-fmSJO0fxPQ0HinjHFd8tgvMgB24BG4kazayt_p3g8g/s640/150.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aptS0fFknKrN0Iy4042PFdY4zAy6hlzKahZEAltx0R4g7crCuCE3X4DyhVrkL63VfgZLd-GQyzMrNTWtCnrQv9BvBn3hC502AwLCc4G1MpyHCN0VJCHrJj4EF35Xw9dXSyNqpGo_eHk/s1600/153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8aptS0fFknKrN0Iy4042PFdY4zAy6hlzKahZEAltx0R4g7crCuCE3X4DyhVrkL63VfgZLd-GQyzMrNTWtCnrQv9BvBn3hC502AwLCc4G1MpyHCN0VJCHrJj4EF35Xw9dXSyNqpGo_eHk/s640/153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">At 6:36 I spotted some of the steel matting that had blown off the landing zone near the junction of the Ko'olau Summit Trail.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCUH6cTfJk_8y77gFNCOW33gdeAxM12dR5wL2yX0tKLlK6_HqgLLKaCqRqYQddxAsmP_GjsCubuHUEs9cL1NOVp-Pl47ZugWyU2oYJDxS8URbkfODtazDVdz6ZK8pIgV4mPpEzI74xws/s1600/156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitCUH6cTfJk_8y77gFNCOW33gdeAxM12dR5wL2yX0tKLlK6_HqgLLKaCqRqYQddxAsmP_GjsCubuHUEs9cL1NOVp-Pl47ZugWyU2oYJDxS8URbkfODtazDVdz6ZK8pIgV4mPpEzI74xws/s640/156.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I
breathed a sigh of relief now that I was on familiar ground as the sun
sank into the water and the day quickly turned to night and the mists of
the clouds rolled in. I sat down at where I believe the old cabin was
on the summit next to an old rotted out canteen and caught my breath.
The Kawailoa Trail had taken 7:42 total with lost time, pictures, ect
and measured out at 5.85 miles from the junction with Paalaauka Rd.
The worst of it had been fighting the uluhe in the lower and middle
sections.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkDnJvCmBHi9lO1er3kByFqT_qB1JtlNJfrlTqpUgomUgEqHmnRPsOIpzSNHu4ok9_i-HecakGr7GDAwtkXlMY11br7EBMKDmgA_OtF7RZkB000d-W4DRVc0VcKo7JTtLCqntVwwQneA/s1600/163.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkDnJvCmBHi9lO1er3kByFqT_qB1JtlNJfrlTqpUgomUgEqHmnRPsOIpzSNHu4ok9_i-HecakGr7GDAwtkXlMY11br7EBMKDmgA_OtF7RZkB000d-W4DRVc0VcKo7JTtLCqntVwwQneA/s640/163.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mt. Ka'ala long range radar lit up in the distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Darkness descending
rapidly I hurried to get firmly established on the KST before I lost all
light. I put on my headlamp and headed to the La'ie Trail Junction as
quickly as I could. Off the unknown trail I had no doubts I'd be off
the trail in a few hours now. The muddy trail was like a freeway
compared to the conditions I'd been dealing with earlier.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo279FX7xkXdwucMe8g3knrgQfiVzFa0Np6BIhkUTsp_uaCNHSoduYmBYb66dDPj5a9vGUlILqwZV3TkP1t7YMHLAQd0-Z0faH8SWhrz11FDflQWNGIgSb1e1s5OJg8Hq070C5wbbOpo/s1600/161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMo279FX7xkXdwucMe8g3knrgQfiVzFa0Np6BIhkUTsp_uaCNHSoduYmBYb66dDPj5a9vGUlILqwZV3TkP1t7YMHLAQd0-Z0faH8SWhrz11FDflQWNGIgSb1e1s5OJg8Hq070C5wbbOpo/s640/161.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit blurry but I liked the composition. The summit is amazing at night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I stopped
very briefly to snap a couple shots of the moon and La'ie below but
focused mainly on the dim light of my headlamp and the terrain below my
feet. In the darkness I weaved along the trail and almost missed the
junction with La'ie. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QhK0fIdE2FvFJU3p1TrB3_wixi4_I6XPLqoiz0UnmetAIlq3zKrzdYBUyDakIlLfMwjP3-j0I1gz0_zjF9fuB2dMLgPKIO4JvIgbczVWN4lu38UggqvtIRljdoMGc75UKAFv_MbHcrE/s1600/167.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5QhK0fIdE2FvFJU3p1TrB3_wixi4_I6XPLqoiz0UnmetAIlq3zKrzdYBUyDakIlLfMwjP3-j0I1gz0_zjF9fuB2dMLgPKIO4JvIgbczVWN4lu38UggqvtIRljdoMGc75UKAFv_MbHcrE/s640/167.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I just happened to catch the broken summit
sign as I passed by but would have realized it a few yards later anyway when
the trail splits.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb72KZ0-bkiW9advz9nQb-XIkSLsj5QjayOAFmonKuXNbcvf2linx_1QrFjjqoFbs_6ebRqKFEJTLC8QUrXizyJN1zaJofebtpC-NTP75v9y00Z-tDKWSNkq6tE7grMQh_HVJZ8oaNdc/s1600/168.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKb72KZ0-bkiW9advz9nQb-XIkSLsj5QjayOAFmonKuXNbcvf2linx_1QrFjjqoFbs_6ebRqKFEJTLC8QUrXizyJN1zaJofebtpC-NTP75v9y00Z-tDKWSNkq6tE7grMQh_HVJZ8oaNdc/s640/168.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">La'ie
is one of my favorite trails and I've written enough about it already
so I'll spare you the details of the descent. Familiar sites passed by
the small area of illumination coming from my headlamp allowing me to
roughly gauge my progress. I had called my wife and warned her that I
would need a ride earlier and boy had I gotten an earful so I tried to
time the pickup so I'd arrive first for sure. If she had to wait for me
at the bottom the wrath would be exponential with each passing minute.
When I got to the Cooke Pines that mark the bottom of the trail I very
carefully chose my words in requesting that she please leave sometime
soon and guaranteed that I would be ready when she arrived.</span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I stopped for a few moments to examine the
spiders I kept seeing in the light from my headlamp. I'm no spider
expert but I'd wager this is the wolf spider that carries it's young on
it's abdomen until they are old enough to hunt for themselves. There is
a species of wolf spider endemic to Hawaii, </span><span class="st" dir="ltr"><span class="st">Lycosa hawaiiensis,</span> but I have no idea if this one is a native or introduced species.</span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26hUogPOjPgRNdTzKhPnz19l27lSfVzj2YMY3mDfszb7G9qpt6bw8He3GoG-8qjEEtq5z_j2J9pLkTQ0MuOMTfeZz7mxtnsWlw_v0Vu4on2iffFJvqZ0hcKZJfbTIi-o2cvWQzIvqcr8/s1600/183.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26hUogPOjPgRNdTzKhPnz19l27lSfVzj2YMY3mDfszb7G9qpt6bw8He3GoG-8qjEEtq5z_j2J9pLkTQ0MuOMTfeZz7mxtnsWlw_v0Vu4on2iffFJvqZ0hcKZJfbTIi-o2cvWQzIvqcr8/s640/183.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wolf spider with keiki riding on her abdomen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Going as quickly as I co</span><span class="st" dir="ltr">uld
in the dark I made my way down the old ranch roads to the La'ie Ball
Park. I rested and added up the mileage for the day... 18.28 which is
the longest day hike I think I've done to date. I snapped this shot as I
and waited for the headlights of her car to signal her arrival. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeukCBnv7RDWC4Y2Ij6tN2Okg465KRz0ftM2np_j8RIdf1dVjj5F9rKSpu8M1I01Uk4uLT7LAn5QK3m6H-BsjVkbJ13qCTWCL1kVS0T-Ugoks0fWGS9EXjy_FPgYI-kozuyUMSm7VPxZA/s1600/187.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeukCBnv7RDWC4Y2Ij6tN2Okg465KRz0ftM2np_j8RIdf1dVjj5F9rKSpu8M1I01Uk4uLT7LAn5QK3m6H-BsjVkbJ13qCTWCL1kVS0T-Ugoks0fWGS9EXjy_FPgYI-kozuyUMSm7VPxZA/s640/187.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Cautiously,
I approached the car. Covered in mud, uluhe debris, smelling pretty
terrible, I made a quick assessment of the look on my wife's face and
then the two sleeping keiki in the car seats. Yep, I was in a lot of
trouble. I'd toyed with the idea of just taking the KST back down to
Pupukea but it would have taken me all night to do and the trail gets a
bit obscure at times making Laie the obvious choice. As I sat on the
towel in the passenger's seat I was wondering if it might have been the
better choice after all. It was a very long drive back to retrieve the
Jeep as I got a stern looks and words from the Mrs. Picking up the Jeep
we then retraced our way back to La'ie and then to Kailua. At about
11:20 we pulled back into the driveway. I emptied out the all the
leaves and fern from my shoes and spent over a half hour in the shower
scrubbing the mud off my battered legs. That summit mud never really
washes all the way off no matter how hard you try!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tkq-gYifwr6TkaVkBSBPoljpBrc5XaDEkU8hiAFKDFELm6Wqb7BTquhGRlQSB8exysWkJd98F8iZSX1JGMFIAe4JMM2KpXN-HAP7sMeSVnowG9w9mYpruFisi37jfq9BFwYl48VhM0g/s1600/Kawailoafull.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tkq-gYifwr6TkaVkBSBPoljpBrc5XaDEkU8hiAFKDFELm6Wqb7BTquhGRlQSB8exysWkJd98F8iZSX1JGMFIAe4JMM2KpXN-HAP7sMeSVnowG9w9mYpruFisi37jfq9BFwYl48VhM0g/s640/Kawailoafull.png" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">Despite
the length, difficulty, and the wrath of my wife I have to say it was
totally worth the effort. I really enjoy the old CCC trails and I loved
this one. This whole area of the Ko'olaus is basically cut off now and
it's a real shame because it's amazingly beautiful. I neglected to take many shots of the scenery but there were several great views along the way. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">I read somewhere
that the army doesn't want this trail cleared because they're afraid the
pua'a will use it to get to the summit. If that's true then I have bad
news for the army. That trail is teaming with pigs. Hoof prints
everywhere, massive wallows, and although overgrown by human standards
it's completely clear by pig standards. They move effortlessly under
the uluhe in tunnels and have torn up many areas especially where it's
moist. I think they'd have far better results clearing the trail and
encouraging hunting instead of leaving this part of the island to the
pua'a. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">This trail is
old and traffic is nonexistent and I found cell service was poor at
times too. The trail is closed, off limits, sometimes dangerous, and
can be very difficult to follow. Proceed at your own risk!<br /><br /> </span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr">More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157631760838940/">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading.</span>
<span class="st" dir="ltr"></span><br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span><span class="st" dir="ltr"></span>
<br />
<span class="st" dir="ltr"><br /></span><span class="st" dir="ltr"></span>
XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-76373332372117537272012-09-24T09:58:00.000-10:002012-09-24T10:04:00.848-10:00Poamoho Trail & CabinPoamoho is one of my favorite hikes on the island but it's always a tough one for me to do because I work on weekends and holidays and that's the only time it's open to the public. My friend Jamie is moving back to Florida in a few weeks and I've been on a mission to make sure he got a nice sampling of waterfalls and summit views before he leaves O'ahu. Poamoho certainly offers up a pleasant graded contour through some of the best native forest on the island to one of the best views so it was absolutely required that he experience it!<br />
<br />
I picked Jamie up in Kaneohe and we headed out to Wahiawa to meet II at 6:30 am. Unfortunately, I screwed up and forgot we'd changed the meeting place so while I was right on time I was not in the right place! II drove up to Wahiawa and we headed up to Helemano in the Jeep to make the 5 mile drive up into the Ewa Forest Reserve to the trail head.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7FCofZjYnx5eccYGtZm6U81dRoBRwUBmvaCyE-FdJvMqko-Y4Y5Mtz_zGnB-iEPxLEOlctkJfa10g5mXgCTn5ykiBag2bWUuGqiRNsL0DS2uQLiduBL1ECRe7LymARf0fN88meTtMnA/s1600/643971_10102260542142273_327241265_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7FCofZjYnx5eccYGtZm6U81dRoBRwUBmvaCyE-FdJvMqko-Y4Y5Mtz_zGnB-iEPxLEOlctkJfa10g5mXgCTn5ykiBag2bWUuGqiRNsL0DS2uQLiduBL1ECRe7LymARf0fN88meTtMnA/s640/643971_10102260542142273_327241265_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Opening the gate- Photo by Jamie Allen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Passing through the first gate and circling the military reservation we saw a large group of pua'a in the field along side the road. They seemed mostly uninterested in us as we slowed down to take a better look at them at first but then the bolted off into the brush and vanished.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiSYNLX1VRfNlxG6STIKi68PDsVt8DBafm0O76hT1PuRlCiIaSZQNYQKLzmo5IKy6k3acQ4y0hRZPbpycnEcXmGHL7nAr3CbRVSC117vXdkn-MG5r4mz1foIYD5iTfQddMqHeRJJ1Gp8/s1600/002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiSYNLX1VRfNlxG6STIKi68PDsVt8DBafm0O76hT1PuRlCiIaSZQNYQKLzmo5IKy6k3acQ4y0hRZPbpycnEcXmGHL7nAr3CbRVSC117vXdkn-MG5r4mz1foIYD5iTfQddMqHeRJJ1Gp8/s640/002.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pua'a!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Continuing up past the first gate we passed the second and finally the third. Years ago this trail was open all the time but because of problems the Dole Foods and the US Army were forced to limit access because of dumping and problems. Now access is tightly controlled by the State Forestry Department in cooperation with those land owners so being respectful of their property is an absolute must to preserve access to this place!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8pD_wBRW_U8VsM4p8r6NUKzRGsfBdlZcvAOA1tf2BVKQ0nPc_QgvEdsDH3o0aUmifaNtl-pfuPS1k8MXPnxInsCswsIZGknWudTUrJiIU6GPOyL27oE7bQZHmHlCKY6ulqL8r6cIM-4/s1600/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW8pD_wBRW_U8VsM4p8r6NUKzRGsfBdlZcvAOA1tf2BVKQ0nPc_QgvEdsDH3o0aUmifaNtl-pfuPS1k8MXPnxInsCswsIZGknWudTUrJiIU6GPOyL27oE7bQZHmHlCKY6ulqL8r6cIM-4/s640/004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Although the road is generally in great shape the permit requires four wheel drive. Even with the heavy rains all week the Jeep's factory suspension and all terrain tires were far more than enough to handle the conditions. In fact, it looked like the road had been recently regraded since our last visit in April. There were a few downed limbs here and there but the only time we had to get out was to open and close gates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUccxWzjRI0jA2MuiKIYlxxzvJu-9toS-HTQBgsvcA04PsQ_DNQ6gEwjEfx3mHbr55NL7hJ8hyphenhyphenf2Tof6Rg1doK86g7hefL_C8oIpY2OQJvgfAEZcqVa8z5WDiKkxuWnLcpcL570gBdYxQ/s1600/007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUccxWzjRI0jA2MuiKIYlxxzvJu-9toS-HTQBgsvcA04PsQ_DNQ6gEwjEfx3mHbr55NL7hJ8hyphenhyphenf2Tof6Rg1doK86g7hefL_C8oIpY2OQJvgfAEZcqVa8z5WDiKkxuWnLcpcL570gBdYxQ/s640/007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Arriving at the trail head we gathered up our gear and the rain showers began. Luckily we were prepared with rain gear and since this was Jamie's last shot at seeing the trail it really didn't matter what the weather was, even a hurricane wouldn't be cancelling this hike. We paused for a group photo and headed up the trail into some of the finest native forest left on the island at a little before 8am.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFtHO2vMuLOtFIWab3ReuXtY3jgcP5LQv5gPGAYaDti4BS5bdX57QOJj_1EFOxNnlg723oTb1RTfnq0lqPHLeM5mVB9UCHDrywda1M13s1afe4r-_jOVP-T8E1fBZvqacSt-t0Daomds/s1600/009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFtHO2vMuLOtFIWab3ReuXtY3jgcP5LQv5gPGAYaDti4BS5bdX57QOJj_1EFOxNnlg723oTb1RTfnq0lqPHLeM5mVB9UCHDrywda1M13s1afe4r-_jOVP-T8E1fBZvqacSt-t0Daomds/s640/009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The initial sections of Poamoho receive periodic maintenance so it is well manicured and the inevitable slippage has been repaired over it's roughly eighty years of service. There was little to look at with the clouds obscuring our views so we didn't really have a reason to stop until the first bench with it's overlook of central O'ahu with the Wai'anae Mountains beyond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-KMTtirvZ1aCrADfF6GxPV9Af0b5WtP3shnBlPatFbUD-mzUnig1ccw9MFSZuYPBjP7hbbZTqzrcqIijpMEa-Fp5PAoCub6GAbKh-maXHHzIvAu3IGr4M7wwuGwy3QQT3kOQbwyzZv4/s1600/011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-KMTtirvZ1aCrADfF6GxPV9Af0b5WtP3shnBlPatFbUD-mzUnig1ccw9MFSZuYPBjP7hbbZTqzrcqIijpMEa-Fp5PAoCub6GAbKh-maXHHzIvAu3IGr4M7wwuGwy3QQT3kOQbwyzZv4/s640/011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving the bench behind we continued up the green sidewalk towards the summit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/7983275505_de6af0378f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/7983275505_de6af0378f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The rains increased again as we approached the noteworthy tree trunk that blocks the trail and requires that you crawl under. So much rain!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/7983280156_1bfc241fc1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/7983280156_1bfc241fc1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Passing at the first little bridge we noted the small waterfall that had appeared. We'd see many more as we continued.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7983281150_47b0f703b1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7983281150_47b0f703b1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After passing another bridge we got our first good look at the Poamoho Stream in the valley below us. No doubt the water level had risen as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7983282072_f36648f696_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7983282072_f36648f696_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A second stream was forming as well- the trail! I've long since given up on trying to keep my feet dry and mud free on the trail so I just walked right through it while II and Jamie did their best to stay out of the water and brown muck.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7983284196_b099f9713c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7983284196_b099f9713c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We noted a fairly good sized falls across the valley from us draining the upper reaches of the valley into the stream below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/7983285780_58c6a12fb5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/7983285780_58c6a12fb5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A set of three falls continued to swell in the stream it self too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/7983286742_8db74b06c4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8310/7983286742_8db74b06c4_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7983286490_7df2866c8b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7983286490_7df2866c8b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful contour trail.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soon after we arrived at the end of the Na Ala Hele maintained section of trail with its wide open space to the slightly less hospitable trail to the summit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/7983282389_01746c7621_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8459/7983282389_01746c7621_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is my favorite section of the Poamoho Trail. There are tons and tons of native plants lining the trail- in fact there is very little that isn't native. The Akia, Wikstroemia oahuensis, was in full bloom everywhere with it's bright yellow flowers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7983284599_66f81bb82e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7983284599_66f81bb82e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ʻĀkia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This Dubautia seemed just a little bit out of season but was blooming as well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/7983286231_53c7eeb54f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/7983286231_53c7eeb54f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course the familiar red blooms of the Ohia tree were present in many of the trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7983291230_93b8e4fc30_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7983291230_93b8e4fc30_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we approached the summit the trail joined a small stream in a miniature valley. Everything's size seems reduced in here. The valley, the stream, and all the plant life. If I could choose any spot on the island to build a cabin this would be the spot. It's simply fantastic up here!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/7983291968_77de5a36eb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/7983291968_77de5a36eb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After crossing the stream, I paused in the soggy upper trail to take a photo of Jamie and II as they approached the hairpin turn.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7983292646_209929b32b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/7983292646_209929b32b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wet feet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/7983288375_14b53b5b09_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/7983288375_14b53b5b09_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A few twists and turns later we arrived at the meadow below the Cline Memorial and the junction with the Ko'olau Summit Trail. Looking back the clouds had lifted a bit to reveal the Wai'anae Mountains behind us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/7983293126_1910d75d9c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/7983293126_1910d75d9c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After one unsuccessful attempt at a timed group photo we managed to get it right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7983293416_507b88614b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7983293416_507b88614b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A few yards beyond should have been one of the finest views on the island but the clouds were rolling up Punalu'u Valley obscuring it. Jamie moaned and groaned about how he'd been promised an easy walk though beautiful native forest and an amazing view half joking and half serious as we prepared for the next short leg of our trip, tiny little Ko'olau Summit Trail segment over to the State's Poamoho Cabin.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7983288993_d88d6f502c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7983288993_d88d6f502c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poamoho Summit View... what there is of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As far as I'm concerned, any day I'm on the KST is a fantastic day. There's nothing I don't love about this trail! We headed into the somewhat overgrown but heavily trafficed section westward and after a brief leeward segment we arrived at bending windward section blasted into the summit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7983293700_610d5998ca_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7983293700_610d5998ca_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7983293846_282d5b588d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7983293846_282d5b588d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the really neat features of these windward sections is how the usually strong winds affect you so little. As the air blasts up the valley it is drawn up and over the ridge which forms a small eddy in the flow. Standing on the trail it's just a slight breeze unless the ridge dips closer to the height of the trail. If you climb up to the ridge itself it can feel like a powerful gale.<br />
<br />
As the official weather forecaster of the Not So Great Hiking Blog Jamie felt obligated to test the winds for us. (The blog is accepting applications for someone who can actually get more than a 2% accuracy)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7983289691_896f315cf1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7983289691_896f315cf1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
When we arrived at the first and only switchback of this segment I had to stop and photograph the lehua blossoms on a Lehua Papa. This species of Ohia is endemic to the windy ridges of the Ko'olau Summit with it's stiff veiny leaves and usually dwarfed stature. I can't help but photograph every one I come across like I'm a paparazzi stalking a celebrity. I'll only post two of the at least dozen I shot.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7983291067_5156e5c74d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7983291067_5156e5c74d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/7983295018_6b8baba016_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/7983295018_6b8baba016_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7983296266_f571c45460_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7983296266_f571c45460_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving the Lehua Papa behind we hiked up the short switchback to arrive at the notch cut into the ridge where the trail passes from windward to leeward.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/7983296988_29a69409ee_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/7983296988_29a69409ee_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
On the other side of the notch the trail immediately took on a more overgrown characteristic without the steady winds to keep the plant growth in check. Aside from some Clidemia almost everything along the trail is native and with a good variety. I'm sure Jamie and II said "weeds" to me a few dozen times each as I stopped to check various plants along the way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7983295119_bc646ce9e5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8435/7983295119_bc646ce9e5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olapalapa, Manono, Koli'i, tucked it with lots of the usual native stuff. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the trail moved back to the ridge we noted the improvement in the views.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7983295891_d7606dd7e4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7983295891_d7606dd7e4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We continued for a short distance up the trail beyond in the mists to arrive at the Poamoho Cabin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7983301636_4dea29ebec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/7983301636_4dea29ebec_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once there, we wasted little time in making our selves at home hanging our gear up and unpacking lunch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7983302288_121e7782c5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7983302288_121e7782c5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking stock!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7983298573_1ccaf97952_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7983298573_1ccaf97952_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staying dry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7983298727_c68f1cef88_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/7983298727_c68f1cef88_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We ate, joked, signed the log, and rested at the cabin for a while waiting for the weather to take a turn for the better. The short summit trail was something I really wanted Jamie to experience before he transferred off island.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/7983300065_13c339b51e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/7983300065_13c339b51e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A hint of better views</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The view from the Lanai of the cabin offered just a hint of blue skies over Kahana and Punalu'u so we packed up our gear and set off back towards the Poamoho Junction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7983305488_1d387c8c83_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7983305488_1d387c8c83_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sure enough the clouds had lifted significantly and the familiar sights of windward O'ahu were appearing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7983301457_a65e3e51ab_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7983301457_a65e3e51ab_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pu'u Ohulehule </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/7983306242_f9c2e27d15_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/7983306242_f9c2e27d15_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaneohe Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As we worked back westward we were treated to views of central O'ahu too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/7983303215_638d854b73_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/7983303215_638d854b73_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The misty ridge was now open and I hoped we'd get the scenery we'd come for on the return leg to the Poamoho Junction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/7983308232_7d89c5fe3e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/7983308232_7d89c5fe3e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Although there were still some passing showers the view did open up and the showers added a small rainbow to the valley below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7983309810_d89f154294_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7983309810_d89f154294_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The improved conditions allowed us to get a distant view of the cabin and the small marshy area below it which had been obscured by the clouds earlier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/7983310936_28a8176ef9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/7983310936_28a8176ef9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7983307229_d82c3d3037_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8177/7983307229_d82c3d3037_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jamie's mood seemed to improve as well!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7983314092_363d571c13_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7983314092_363d571c13_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
With the rains abating and the better lighting I pulled out my Nikon D7000 which I had mistakenly grabbed that morning to take some shots of the plants along the trail. The Kanawao which is an endemic relative to the Hydrangea was in various stages of bloom and fruiting. I've never successfully grown it down at sea level which may be why it always grabs my attention in the mountains.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7983316206_9dc45b9c99_b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7983316206_9dc45b9c99_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/7983307728_49362e54ff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8173/7983307728_49362e54ff_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/7983309629_b71bbeed5a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8174/7983309629_b71bbeed5a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7983302425_5d4807f0fe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7983302425_5d4807f0fe_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7983322191_f91285b463_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8458/7983322191_f91285b463_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At the notch I scrambled up to the ridge to take a shot of Jamie and II passing through it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7983315153_933b9961fe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8180/7983315153_933b9961fe_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The clouds rolled in and out a few more times as we did but everyone's spirits were already lifted so they didn't spoil the mood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7983317149_87534b46aa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/7983317149_87534b46aa_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Jamie decided he'd take a break... again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7983321492_e71deb9ae5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7983321492_e71deb9ae5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While he did I grabbed a shot of yet another Kanawao flower swaying in the breeze. Flowers can range in color from this bluish/purple to green and white.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7983317991_288e175927_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8453/7983317991_288e175927_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I did my best to capture the tiny flowers of the Ohe Mauka, Tetraplasandra oahuensis, swaying in the breeze but their size and the wind made it tough. These little flowers start blooming this time of year and their fruit will develop over the next several months.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7983324089_c43633c440_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7983324089_c43633c440_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Arriving back at the junction we decided to head over to the ruins of the snail enclosure.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/7983327440_22ace11c4c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/7983327440_22ace11c4c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival at the remains of the enclosure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jamie had really wanted to see on of the beautiful Achatinella species but we only found a few Succinea "Snot in a hat" snails. I'd found one on the way to the cabin but Jamie found several more in his fruitless search for the rarer Achatinellas.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EqrUXhVGxOw65mI77l4mn2n2AT392g6u_TPsMZ_z4QCA7mmp7JVAyi6YAkxZWH2pMqtSSLe7og8bDPpxODJXcd1eYLQShL3dFUYel0TbYLSFUaZ2aShCRynbUW5tTlWv0ErUYIBs5nc/s1600/262811_10102260565435593_1968854189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2EqrUXhVGxOw65mI77l4mn2n2AT392g6u_TPsMZ_z4QCA7mmp7JVAyi6YAkxZWH2pMqtSSLe7og8bDPpxODJXcd1eYLQShL3dFUYel0TbYLSFUaZ2aShCRynbUW5tTlWv0ErUYIBs5nc/s640/262811_10102260565435593_1968854189_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snot-in-a-hat Snail Photo by Jamie Allen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We left the snail enclosure and Jamie frantically searched every tree we passed all the way back to the junction with no luck. We did get our best view of the valley below of the day right before heading back down the trail though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/7983329224_c636b4d789_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/7983329224_c636b4d789_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we turned down Poamoho Trail from the junction we noted the rains had moved over to the Waianaes. Those clouds looked dark!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7983330440_9d6dfd6cc8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/7983330440_9d6dfd6cc8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Most of the small waterfalls along the trail had dried up with the passing of the rains and with clearer skies overhead our pace picked up but we still made plenty of stops to savor the scenery on the way down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7983331778_a76413b76f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8308/7983331778_a76413b76f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
All too soon though we found ourselves back at the trail head with the waiting Jeep. We took one last group photo and piled back into the Jeep for the 5 mile drive back to Helemano.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv-_NKb-m4sORh0iDVJZG1WazJbVlx1my-pqBSvNZ5YDcpn02psAeSe2Gz-lYCRNjXBRHGLxJXI_s8wnCePrStAHvb5XAP-8Mgi8xWlPGu6lJto3GvLknrOrbTs9PzPXZNeFH8RpOPus/s1600/105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv-_NKb-m4sORh0iDVJZG1WazJbVlx1my-pqBSvNZ5YDcpn02psAeSe2Gz-lYCRNjXBRHGLxJXI_s8wnCePrStAHvb5XAP-8Mgi8xWlPGu6lJto3GvLknrOrbTs9PzPXZNeFH8RpOPus/s640/105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7983335106_45d02f2383_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8438/7983335106_45d02f2383_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Poamoho is a fantastic trail and provides the easiest access to the Ko'olauloa Summit. The trail is tame and the views from start to finish are simply amazing. If you haven't done this one you really should consider it! The only drawbacks are that it requires a permit and a 4x4 unless you want to walk the 5 plus miles to the start of the trail. While the weather wasn't as good as it's been on other trips Poamoho is one of those trails where I don't really care what the weather is- I'll go any chance I get!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zwu3cjThfZJrMM-6W6R7YIRm6KLCV9_r7OpzTePl7Dx_SztmrdTvTJzKb2g3nzlMLGNVs77-Qg2ShILEuq65ZcvU0XPQCUh5yb3NN1P_6XLJjfzxgZsu5X9eFYnKfoCdNFsFFfAROag/s1600/107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3zwu3cjThfZJrMM-6W6R7YIRm6KLCV9_r7OpzTePl7Dx_SztmrdTvTJzKb2g3nzlMLGNVs77-Qg2ShILEuq65ZcvU0XPQCUh5yb3NN1P_6XLJjfzxgZsu5X9eFYnKfoCdNFsFFfAROag/s200/107.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhBS47ZYwf8QHDw7HzQpovSHOowqOo9OthAWdMnboC2KE6fau82fJBEbbozmFQthvLAuynHwoxvCG0XjOR7heCrRx70avMTGfIyaSFtsIHD3RqzqO_cpLMiD1RhpNY5aKCjLGk6zmAhE/s1600/106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhBS47ZYwf8QHDw7HzQpovSHOowqOo9OthAWdMnboC2KE6fau82fJBEbbozmFQthvLAuynHwoxvCG0XjOR7heCrRx70avMTGfIyaSFtsIHD3RqzqO_cpLMiD1RhpNY5aKCjLGk6zmAhE/s200/106.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157631528632356/with/7983277926/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Flickr.</a> Aloha and mahalo for reading!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdAJzgBRNCGHz1I-2B4S6kLLtuTD_FCEqwPvkLcmULEq_v2R73k0J2Gu-V3RLbHhhQoAvpHGS8twS3SFdp1HWGD5NO4vaQ9XGfoy44LGyNws4toMkSCFv7gzXeRYDmFy3hyEhOdARTI8/s1600/108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdAJzgBRNCGHz1I-2B4S6kLLtuTD_FCEqwPvkLcmULEq_v2R73k0J2Gu-V3RLbHhhQoAvpHGS8twS3SFdp1HWGD5NO4vaQ9XGfoy44LGyNws4toMkSCFv7gzXeRYDmFy3hyEhOdARTI8/s640/108.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Misty Ka'ala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-8484999568741432332012-09-02T19:48:00.000-10:002012-09-02T19:48:08.170-10:00KSRT- Manana to WaimanoMay 29, 2012<br />
<br />
Yeah the date is right, I've been so busy with work and other things I've totally neglected the blog again! <br />
<br />
After taking last week off because we had company in town I was anxious to get something good done this week. Despite the recent traffic this segment has seen over the last couple weeks and I'm sure the numerous forthcoming blog posts I decided to hit Manana to Waimano. I've been putting it off since about last October when I scouted out Waimano Ridge Trail which I found to be the easiest 15 miles I'd ever done. I never got around to blogging about it but I'd done it after a midnight shift at work and was amazed how easy it was. The lure of the true KST had pulled me away and I'd just never got back to this segment and it had been bothering me ever since.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7302846696_a0192bc241_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7302846696_a0192bc241_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">0'dark thirty at the end of Waimano Home Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrived at the end of Waimano Home Road early and while I waited for Agnus, Mike, and his dog Marley to arrive watched the sprinkles of rain falling on my windshield. It was still dark so I couldn't see what the mountains looked like but already I was thinking about other trails we could do. When they showed up I voiced my concerns but we all agreed to head over to Manana to start anyway. Arriving at the trail head we started up the trail and as the first light broke behind the Ko'olaus there was a glimmer of hope as the summit was just visible under the clouds.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7302852322_e801ebfe26_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7302852322_e801ebfe26_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rays of hope!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
This was my first time on this trail and although I'd seen pictures of it the landscape still shocked me a little. The very first segment is on a road that passes a water tank then goes through an introduced forest of eucalyptus. It then opens to a grassy plain with pines and melaleuca. The pines are what really blew my mind as they're just so uncommon here on O'ahu. The Na Ala Hele folks have done some good erosion control on this segment by installing steps where needed. The Melaleuca trees have also been cut down at some point but their keiki surround the trail so they'll have a long tough battle getting rid of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7302890150_4fabb9721f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7302890150_4fabb9721f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7302882390_8167c21c48_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7302882390_8167c21c48_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
The pines gave way to an open grassy section with a wide open path. Cloudy skies and cool breezes kept us moving along at a good pace.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7302912510_da2405db65_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7302912510_da2405db65_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7302874818_6649806745_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7302874818_6649806745_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Eventually we passed a typical Na Ala Hele bench and a short time later arrived at the shelter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7302928342_a523f2bb09_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7302928342_a523f2bb09_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite the mostly alien species along this section there were occasional reminders we were still in Hawaii like ohia, 'iliahi, and some pukiawe.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7302904862_faf9602649_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7302904862_faf9602649_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="st">`Iliahi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7302920098_8f3f346393_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7302920098_8f3f346393_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7302904862_faf9602649_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> <br />
<br />
Leaving the shelter behind we continued up the trail until we reached the sign declaring the rest of the trail wasn't maintained. Despite the sign, the trail was still clear thanks to the hard work of the HTMC and since I was wearing shorts the open path was a welcome sight.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7302954720_6f35843f87_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7302954720_6f35843f87_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It wasn't long until the ridge began to roll up and down relentlessly. In fact, the bulk of the trail would be a series of climbs and descents with just a few short sections where we'd savor the flat ground. There were plenty of ropes along the way but none were required to progress but were very helpful on the muddy climbs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7302962470_d65a429bfe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7302962470_d65a429bfe_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Eventually we stopped at the helicopter landing site. The views down the ridge towards central O'ahu were fantastic. We took a long break while Mike and Agnus threw a pair of gloves around for Marley to chase.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7302996864_92b90eecf5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7302996864_92b90eecf5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get it Marley!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7303019150_c44d35267a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7303019150_c44d35267a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Unfortunately, this was also the spot where the weather turned bad. Clouds blasted down from the summit and it started to rain.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7303094074_f8ceae312c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7303094074_f8ceae312c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7303064348_a1e19de416_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7303064348_a1e19de416_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I was ready to throw in the towel but since we'd spent so much time and energy getting this far, we figured we might as well continue to the summit. The winds howled, the clouds swirled around us, and the rains fell.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7303118082_2c7b001c6a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7303118082_2c7b001c6a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7303193468_322c209d77_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7303193468_322c209d77_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Our views were obscured of the scenery around us but we pounded out the remaining climbs until we reached the summit. I've found that when the clouds roll in I'm less distracted by the scenic views and pay closer attention to the plant life along the trail. One of my favorites appear out of the mist, Lehua Papa, <i>Metrosideros rugosa</i>, found only near the summit of the Ko'olau Mountains is always a pleasure to see. This one looked very healthy and was sporting numerous buds but no beautiful lehua blossums.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7303156080_939a936537_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7303156080_939a936537_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There was plenty of Ohia Ha, <i><span class="st">Syzygium sandwicensis</span></i><span class="st">, another endemic tree in the myrtle family fruit along the trail too. The cheerful red berries are edible and can be faintly reminiscent of the Ohia Ai, </span><span class="st"><i>Syzygium malaccense</i>, a Polynesian introduction to the islands known locally as the "Mountain Apple".</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7303178290_e06a0060d5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7303178290_e06a0060d5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Further along I spotted some Kalia, Elaeocarpus bifidus, which is a fairly common forest tree I can never seem to remember the name of.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7303186466_2be02d9ca6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7303186466_2be02d9ca6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We crossed paths with this beautiful salmon colored Lehua flower too.</div>
<div align="left">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7303200288_146abfcac2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7303200288_146abfcac2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At exactly noon we topped out to the Manana Trail Summit with Marley leading the group.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7303215348_2a1cf24ce3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7303215348_2a1cf24ce3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There was no view in the solid cloud deck but twice we got a fleeting glimpse of Kaneohe Bay through the mist.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7303228390_15af20e67e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7303228390_15af20e67e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We sat in in the cavern of moss covered ohia and ate our lunch and posed for some photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7303246100_5f07211f56_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7303246100_5f07211f56_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we waited, I wandered around the summit area checking out the various ferns and mosses enjoying the beauty of the cloud forest. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7303254138_aa3d9b9c4d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7303254138_aa3d9b9c4d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="left">
<br />
This little fungus growing on an ohia leaf was something new. After consulting with several experts I'm told that they can't identify it but that it's not responsible for the death of the leaf but is just taking advantage of it. I was glad to hear it because the last thing our native forest needs are any new challenges!<br />
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7303301932_6eb6ea993a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7303301932_6eb6ea993a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="left">
<br />
After over an hour of waiting for the weather to improve we decided to head down. None of us were real excited about going back down Manana, especially me. About 5 minuets after leaving the summit we paused and I looked back to the ridge... BLUE SKIES! Hastily we headed back to the Ko'olau Crest to find all perfect conditions for the crossing aside from the powerful winds. We departed Manana at 1:30.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7303361894_aeae08b980_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7303361894_aeae08b980_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Manana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7303405004_8549769f8a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/7303405004_8549769f8a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east from Manana. The second peak is Pu'u Eleao</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The summit here sees enough traffic that there is a clear path to follow almost the entire way. While the weather had cleared the winds were powerful. Extra care in the gusts had to be taken to not lose hats or footing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7303464428_f28619a4b4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7303464428_f28619a4b4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We made a short descent and crossed a small saddle to a peak then
another to arrive at Pu'u Eleao at 1:46pm with its grassy windswept
summit. Just prior to reaching Eleao we passed this moss coated tree that reminded me of Snoopy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7303561962_0e2d43ea07_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7303561962_0e2d43ea07_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The summit of Pu'u Eleao is a windswept place. A small marshy valley cleaves it and, as I discovered, funnels the powerful Tradewinds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7303570500_c471c5f9ca_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7303570500_c471c5f9ca_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I opened my pack and the wind caught my supply of freeze dried apples and granola bars sending them flying towards central O'ahu. I chased after them and managed to get most of them back but I think the trail claimed a couple bags for itself.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7303607096_c149f54617_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7303607096_c149f54617_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The windy valley where my lunch got scattered</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9aKRWP2Xrrm1seVuDHHNzfGLRJcseoSrMYGYjnyowz-4VKYMI44brZZfoCtfy4lskUHeoTMXOtuw_ZRg92Qvz3K6Q922OQff6VvWi6MKTso9fafXH8OF7II7VVxkmU2TX5A8EspK6f0/s1600/282981_164674946996283_100003613361932_227445_1906703328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9aKRWP2Xrrm1seVuDHHNzfGLRJcseoSrMYGYjnyowz-4VKYMI44brZZfoCtfy4lskUHeoTMXOtuw_ZRg92Qvz3K6Q922OQff6VvWi6MKTso9fafXH8OF7II7VVxkmU2TX5A8EspK6f0/s640/282981_164674946996283_100003613361932_227445_1906703328_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nope, to heavy to fly despite the winds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We departed Eleao at 2:06pm across a few minor ups and downs and arrived at what I'd call the trickiest section of the crossing. Here if you're not paying attention it's easy to follow the wrong path. The crest drops sharply on what looks like a windward ridge but is actually the continuation of the spine of the Ko'olaus. This was one of the reasons we wanted to have clear weather as this mistake is very easy to make like I did crossing from Aiea to Halawa.<br />
<br />
Somewhere beyond this Loulu palm I lost a lens cap and despite a rescue mission down the steep leeward slope it was gone forever... That's okay, Agnes left her new pants and some food back on Manana Ridge somewhere so I think Mike was the only one who finished the trail without losing something! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7303752418_07afbea3e4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7303752418_07afbea3e4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
While initially the dominate view of the crossing is of Waiahole and
Kahulu'u, after Eleao it is replaced by beautiful Waihe'e Valley.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7303623470_95a15e9a68_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7303623470_95a15e9a68_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Waihe'e Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7303679818_1a6d851658_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7303679818_1a6d851658_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending Pu'u Eleao</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We continued down the steep section to arrive at a mostly flat one then made our way over to a series triagnular peaks. We passed two lonely Loulu palms along the way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7303695912_0716cfeaed_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/7303695912_0716cfeaed_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7303715550_65679f074e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7303715550_65679f074e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Three toothed peaks later we climbed the last peak before Waimano. Most of the crossing over Waihe'e leaves you exposed to a very long fall into the valley on the windward side but with due regard it's fairly safe. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7303776096_8ed9f8727b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7303776096_8ed9f8727b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks worse than it is but don't fall!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7303783226_1098134425_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7303783226_1098134425_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This last peak has a very eroded section where Marley almost gave me a heart attack as she bounded effortlessly along the crumbly ridge-line.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7303854034_d98ffc7dde_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7303854034_d98ffc7dde_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
With Mike now leading we made the final descent to the Waimano Terminus and checked off another segment of the Ko'olau Summit! It was now almost 4pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7303821734_82cf9766cf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7303821734_82cf9766cf_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We celebrated our achievement with some little oranges growing on the citrus tree there and had a few more snacks to enjoy the view and rest up for the 7.5 miles remaining in the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7303840584_bda29701b7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7303840584_bda29701b7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7303873254_01cd02aff2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7303873254_01cd02aff2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We departed the summit at 4:25pm on the last leg of our journey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7303881160_11eb226c56_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7303881160_11eb226c56_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone complains about the length of Waimano but it's so easy and gentle the miles just fly by. My point and shoot camera was running low on batteries by now so I only took a handful of pictures on the way down to keep track of our progress. I'll be cheating a bit and using shots from last fall when I did Waimano to scout the return leg of this hike.<br />
<br />
The upper sections are filled with native plant life. Ho'awa, Ohia, Naupaka, Ohe Mauka, and others line the beautiful graded contour trail cut into the ridges. For the most part the trail is in fantastic shape so progress is easy and quick as it snakes its way downward. Eventually we reached the straightway section lined by Australian Tea trees that marks the beginning of the end of the native forest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6174/6221057188_b5d45fe597_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6174/6221057188_b5d45fe597_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We passed below this koa arch as we continued the downward trek back to Waimano Valley. Lucky for us the HTMC's trail clearing crew had been through recently and the trail was wide open.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7303909360_a809bd6c82_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7303909360_a809bd6c82_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A short while later we passed the "4 Mile" marker and then began the series of switchbacks down from the ridge to the valley below- four gentle turns that pass by some type of introduced palm. We then crossed the stream which can be a bit tricky unless you've got Stuart Balls directions but my memory didn't fail me and we had no trouble.<br />
<br />
The trail snaked up and along the stream below as we gained elevation to arrive at the shelter at a few minutes before 6:30pm. It's important to note that the trail does NOT come down the ridge to the shelter but from the valley below. There is a trail there but it leads to parts unknown.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7303924892_5593dc544e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7303924892_5593dc544e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1828</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the shelter behind us we made our way though a eucalyptus forest on the east side of the ridge and into the valley east of Waimano Stream. The trail takes on a very gentle climb until reaching the a junction with the Waimano Ditch. We then began following the ditch trail past a series of tunnels, all with contour trails built around them, until we reached the rope sections. The ropes are there only for security from the nasty fall into the valley below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7303932862_818509aef7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7303932862_818509aef7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The trail continues to contour below the DLNR and the Waimano Home and this is probably the part that earns Waimano it's boring and long reputation. This part seems absolutely endless as you walk along the easy path just wishing it would end! <br />
<br />
Passing another junction we began the slow climb up to the crest of the ridge only to descend into another valley. I didn't dispair because I knew it mean the end was coming quick. By now the sun was sinking behind the Wai'anae Mountians and although the path to the car was easy to follow I was pretty tired of walking. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7303937940_594e0f3cb5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8027/7303937940_594e0f3cb5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally we reached the road leading up to Waimano Home and the final segment which is a third of a mile walk along a chain link fence that keeps you out of the DLNR's baseyard. At about 7:30pm we exited the trail where the two security guards were nice enough to take a group photo for us.<br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7303943096_55e77fbb47_b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7303943096_55e77fbb47_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Manana to Waimano was a great hike. Manana is filled with ups and downs but the view at the end is worth all the effort. The crossover is short and straightforward although the descent from Pu'u Eleao, as others have reported, would be confusing in the clouds so I recommend you do it only if you're familiar with the ridge or if it's clear weather. We were incredibly lucky this day that the weather cleared for us and that it stayed clear right up until the time we left Waimano's summit. Another great day on the trail!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21B_dPpSxAISJLwfHc4NdAQyQPydt3qUrPBGyEMRc5cO9Ki7kZ9g2p8EjNi_FbVvel2XeneLHWLVGUZzLm-dLOKPCpIjO-C69x9sgQV_8YDVW10-vvgPRkeQfFxF9cGFZahyphenhyphenm-4Dwg2k/s1600/MananaWaimano.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi21B_dPpSxAISJLwfHc4NdAQyQPydt3qUrPBGyEMRc5cO9Ki7kZ9g2p8EjNi_FbVvel2XeneLHWLVGUZzLm-dLOKPCpIjO-C69x9sgQV_8YDVW10-vvgPRkeQfFxF9cGFZahyphenhyphenm-4Dwg2k/s640/MananaWaimano.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629970559234/with/7303639118/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7303790630_5f8bbdb3c4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7303790630_5f8bbdb3c4_b.jpg" width="261" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7303846472_e17cc97748_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/7303846472_e17cc97748_b.jpg" width="263" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7303639118_d5354467d1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7303639118_d5354467d1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-77170988219655368572012-08-04T20:55:00.002-10:002012-11-26T20:13:42.941-10:00Na Ohia Falls to the Ko'olau Summit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKORUzfK7wpnlSXtsjVJzG-tvV7nRvFcAUe1__bL2JX9xRPa5F5oChY_SkNWvxlhegDJOFD53BLXpfYDIuJjsHRBhvYQPkhZ9sfLHK9HwkEarHozJcy_mMU0alFn-YOZYysffZLiwaZU/s1600/NaohiaKalihiNSGHB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKORUzfK7wpnlSXtsjVJzG-tvV7nRvFcAUe1__bL2JX9xRPa5F5oChY_SkNWvxlhegDJOFD53BLXpfYDIuJjsHRBhvYQPkhZ9sfLHK9HwkEarHozJcy_mMU0alFn-YOZYysffZLiwaZU/s640/NaohiaKalihiNSGHB.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
July 31, 2012<br />
<br />
Today was supposed to be an easy walk in the park kind of hike to Na Ohia Falls. The "ice ponds" as they're known by locals are a less than well kept secret which is one of the reasons
I've never really cared to venture over to check them out. Directions to this trail are all over the internet. Yelp will even provide navigation to the trail head! However, I've been so busy lately I figured a nice easy and short trail would be just right since my old hiking partner II would be rejoining me after a few months off the trail.<br />
<br />
In all these years I've probably only set foot in Kalihi Valley a
handful of times excluding the zillions of trips over the Likelike Highway. I've done neighboring Kamanaiki Ridge and the
Bowman Trail but just the drive into the heart of the valley was an
education. Tucked away the residents enjoy more relaxed country style
atmosphere than I do in the ever increasingly busy Kailua.<br />
<br />
Our day began at the end of Kalihi St around 8:30 am as we found a couple spots to park the cars. Careful not to block mailboxes and driveways we quietly locked up and headed up the road on foot.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7694650754_cb845174ff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7694650754_cb845174ff_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old school wooden bridge near the end of Kalihi Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Almost immediately after leaving the cars behind we crossed over a wooden bridge and past the famous sign featured in the photos of anyone who's ever done this trail a camera. I stopped to grab one of my own.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7694658508_e97f8ef781_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/7694658508_e97f8ef781_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost as famous as the waterfall...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Passing the last residence on the road we then walked around a locked gate. Lucky for us since the signs on the gates are completely unreadable prosecuting us would be impossible!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7694665890_d2808b876d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7694665890_d2808b876d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Making our way past the gates and up the road we passed the water tank and then what I assume is a pump house in a graffiti covered building. Along the way we spotted plenty of trash... sigh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7694672974_85693bc448_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7694672974_85693bc448_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of the graffiti was pretty good so I stopped to take a few shots before we continued up the old road. The only other thing of interest beside the remnants of an abandoned care and how the road was also a stream in some areas and the power lines with downed limbs threatening to pull them down. The lines must be dead now or I'd imagine HECO would have cut them free.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7694694642_2374170e61_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7694694642_2374170e61_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After a short walk we arrived at the only really hiking part of this adventure, the steep descent to Na Ohia Falls. Before we headed down we continued up the road a bit so explore a little. There are plenty of ropes here for assistance on the slippery slope and at the bottom is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7694719542_ae6c6ac1e4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7694719542_ae6c6ac1e4_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr90yHQpJ79U_eBFJcW88byJJoLd4iZFvq_w3lKuSZBeZaFCtsCgoA1W1VknfDgNNFdMt5wwR_Vz6aSuKGDBSsHMk4rY_xyCigWnAoYvvu2R1zckqi3HgfL26WwTbm2t47iEd-M5_ceQ/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEr90yHQpJ79U_eBFJcW88byJJoLd4iZFvq_w3lKuSZBeZaFCtsCgoA1W1VknfDgNNFdMt5wwR_Vz6aSuKGDBSsHMk4rY_xyCigWnAoYvvu2R1zckqi3HgfL26WwTbm2t47iEd-M5_ceQ/s400/127.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
At the bottom of the trail someone has placed a garbage can to try and help keep this easily accessible place clean- mahalo whoever you are! I picked up a few scattered piece of rubbish but put them in my backpack instead of the can.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7694726766_2871c669a0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7694726766_2871c669a0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Being a week day morning we had the falls all to ourselves and I was able to take dozens of photos of the beautiful scenery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7694733988_2092f2b804_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7694733988_2092f2b804_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7694740876_365b4f5baf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7694740876_365b4f5baf_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/7694754862_c3a6069c40_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7266/7694754862_c3a6069c40_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7694775380_0f469becd0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7694775380_0f469becd0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
II waited patiently for me to get all the angles I wanted while he enjoyed the water cascading down over the rocks. Finally satisfied with all my shots I packed my gear up and we headed up the waterfall to the small but deep pool above. II attacked the climb from the left while I chose to take the right with the aid of an old rope. I didn't really trust it because if flexed quite a bit if I put any kind of weight on it. Using the rope mostly for piece of mind I made my climb safely as did he without it on the other side of the falls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7694783204_0facfe70bc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8164/7694783204_0facfe70bc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The upper pool was very deep but smaller than the one below. The falls weren't as impressive either so after snapping a few shots we examined our options from here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7694797900_a6e204519f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7694797900_a6e204519f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7694804762_a6dc8ce2c9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/7694804762_a6dc8ce2c9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Going upstream looked like a lot of work so we headed back down the first falls with me breathing a sigh of relief that my Nikon and lenses were still safe and dry. II wasn't so lucky and lost his footing right at the bottom and fell into the pool. We were lucky several ways. First, he wasn't hurt. Second, his camera was in a Zip-Lock bag. Third, I captured it on video!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7694819056_471e6f8a7b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7694819056_471e6f8a7b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">II's last few moments of dryness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we departed the falls and began the climb two women and a man appeared coming down the slope. Perfect timing for us and them! As we topped out we ran into to young guys coming down too. Nice to beat the crowd! At the road we opted to take the trail beyond to the top of the second falls. Mostly a contour we arrived a short time latter and were able to see the falls from above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7694826394_8788597c68_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7694826394_8788597c68_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Despite our little explorations and my lengthy photo sessions it was still early, only a little before 11:30am. We decided to head upstream and explore the valley. I didn't take any notes or mark any waypoints in Back Country Navigator along this portion. At times obsticles in the stream slowed our progress but for the most part it was an easy walk. Along one shallow section the water pooled under a fallen strawberry guava tree so I posed for a quick shot.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3I1bp5MafTU4Xfl-txewQ_rbQxj6AshH0DnGN34XF9p8x2r13oepyzuFgmecZC3ON0NsGSFkv_TjZD_dzu-apfpA_vKJ2Il_BQGp6gqjbYtIYpDeeVzTRGCsrBVT8sWsSOK2jG96qoM/s1600/144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3I1bp5MafTU4Xfl-txewQ_rbQxj6AshH0DnGN34XF9p8x2r13oepyzuFgmecZC3ON0NsGSFkv_TjZD_dzu-apfpA_vKJ2Il_BQGp6gqjbYtIYpDeeVzTRGCsrBVT8sWsSOK2jG96qoM/s640/144.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by II</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tiny little falls sparkled in the light but the lighting challenges outweighed my abilities so I couldn't really capture it. This was the best I could do.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7694833282_e00a57d642_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7694833282_e00a57d642_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Further on the stream split around a large rock formation in the middle of the stream bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7694840530_f7e3f90d98_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7694840530_f7e3f90d98_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Later we passed another scenic spot I felt worthy of a photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7694847750_83807bfde2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7694847750_83807bfde2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Fresh from the beauty of some of the small pools and falls we stumbled across a steel pipe dumping water down from the highway into the stream. This and the sounds of traffic along the highway also tried to spoil the mood but couldn't.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7694854444_02aff62908_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7694854444_02aff62908_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We wandered upstream leisurely stopping to investigate whatever caught our eye. It seemed odd to have this beautiful little stream wandering down the valley right next to one of the main arteries between the windward and leeward sides of the island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7694861068_19d541e0a5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7694861068_19d541e0a5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Almost exactly one hour after leaving he top of the second falls we arrived at the third pool and falls of the valley. Here there was no trash can and there was plenty of litter scattered about. Auwe!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7694867326_ffd59ac46b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7694867326_ffd59ac46b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The rope hanging down over the pool looked inviting but being shaded most of the time by the trees lining the stream neither of us was hot. We decided to just continue upstream to see where it would lead us.<br />
<br />
One of the pools we passed teamed with 'Opae pake, Red Swamp Crawfish which were first introduced into taro patches near Ahuimanu Stream, O`ahu in 1923. 'Opae is the Hawaiian word for shrimp and pake is Hawaiian for Chinese. I'm not sure how this alien species got it's name. Perhaps from Chinese farmers working in the flooded rice fields? I was amazed at how curious these were. Instead of running away from us they ran too us. We stopped for photos and some video with the waterproof AW100. One particular 'opae really wanted my camera.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7694900364_b88114974b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7694900364_b88114974b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7694886424_50aec2b121_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7694886424_50aec2b121_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Continuing up there stream we passed more 'opae and what may have been an endemic species of golby but I didn't get a good shot of the shy little fish.<br />
<br />
The stream presented a few more obstacles like this large blow-down we had to climb but nothing too bad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7694906976_4d1b281791_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8425/7694906976_4d1b281791_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A short distance beyond we waded through a tranquil straight section of the stream lined with ferns.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7694914328_98845738d2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7694914328_98845738d2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Later we passed an old car battery lying in the middle of the stream. Why someone though this was a good place to dispose of it baffles me!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7694921284_bc38fe4cff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7694921284_bc38fe4cff_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Heading still futher into the upper reaches of the valley we made another beautiful discovery, the remains of the old road that used to run up the valley towards Pu'u Nukohe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7694927696_2f0f2b2654_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7694927696_2f0f2b2654_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7694933704_7ea191f374_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7694933704_7ea191f374_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7694939668_6b397233da_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8287/7694939668_6b397233da_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just beyond the old road was a stream gauge. Since the upstream side of the road is silted completely to the level of the road now it's completely useless. Again we headed upstream past some some pretty fungus and scenic landscape until we discovered some stripped insulation. Copper taken and no doubt recycled for a profit, someone had tossed the remains into the stream.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7694963136_4eb56c64da_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7694963136_4eb56c64da_b.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7694945822_16fcc7f65f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7694945822_16fcc7f65f_b.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7694957232_b2537254ba_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7694957232_b2537254ba_b.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7694951776_46a72b0a2c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7694951776_46a72b0a2c_b.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
At this point we'd resolved to follow the stream to at least the Wilson Tunnels and I brought up the idea of continuing up past them to the trail up to the infamous Kalihi Saddle. II seemed game so we added that to the day's agenda.<br />
<br />
Making a sharp left turn with the sounds of the highway we approached something I'd never noticed before while driving, a set of three tunnels under the highway. I grabbed a few shots of the graffiti and the tunnels themselves before passing through them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7694969560_ffc27a793c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7117/7694969560_ffc27a793c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7694975760_fa41789f90_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7694975760_fa41789f90_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Once on the Ewa side of the highway the concrete channel that was now home to the stream split mauka and makai. We took the mauka turn and climbed a slippery slope of moss coated concrete before turning back to the right. The channel ended after going under the service road to the tunnel ventilation building. The stream had narrowed considerabley and we were forced to climb through the vegetation to continue. After forging our way though the tangles for a while it became clear that it would eventually lead to the waterfalls that flow from the west side of Lanihuli during heavy rains. The turn around point was at the skeletal remains of a pua'a in the stream which seemed like a fitting finale to the stream portion of the hike. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7695019590_47592b0bee_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7695019590_47592b0bee_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7695027546_036a663d06_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7695027546_036a663d06_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
Reversing course back to the spot where the stream passed under the service road. To get up to it we had to bushwhack though the heavy introduced growth. There were plenty of vines which made forward progress difficult at times and made me wish I'd brought a machete. After a few route changes I crashed onto the service road with II in trail. He and one of the plants got into a disagreement and blows were exchanged. He won the fight arriving at the road but he'd suffered a painful scrape to his jaw doing it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7695035996_b46e8d2696_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7695035996_b46e8d2696_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Since his injury was mostly superficial we elected to continue up to the summit of the Kalihi Saddle. After a short walk up the service road we arrived at the ventilation building. Since we hadn't planned on adding this to the day we made a few guesses as to where to begin. I've forgotten to mention the clouds of mosquitoes that had been swarming us ever since we'd crossed under the highway. II brought out the repellent and I marveled at how they hover just over my arm but just never land. Soon they found weaknesses in our defenses and began attacking our faces. There were so bad I was having trouble holding still long enough to take pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7695045056_b4395011b2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7695045056_b4395011b2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Following the fence around the building we saw a nice little contour trail and elected to follow it. After winding in and out of a few little valleys we decided it was not the correct route and headed back to the building to regroup. At the main gate we elected to follow the fence and I scouted ahead through the bamboo past the exhaust vent for tunnels. The mixture of diesel and gas fumes eminating from the vent seemed a bit odd considering I was weaving my way though a dense stand of bamboo deep in the valley. I managed to find a feint trail and yelled for II to follow. The path led up a spur ridge that would take us to the saddle but I had my doubts as to which part. To be honest, I didn't really care, I just wanted to get a good look at those nasty teeth I see from H-3 on my way to and from work.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7695075492_48e61466a4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7695075492_48e61466a4_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7695106826_ee36dc38da_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7695106826_ee36dc38da_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
The initial climb was a bit steep but manageable with little trouble. About midway up the it got a bit tougher with loose earth and fewer and fewer handholds but there was little danger. Every so often the trail would level out a bit and I'd try and snap a shot or two. The Bowman side of the saddle came into view off to our left.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7695093480_e11dcfc5ae_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7274/7695093480_e11dcfc5ae_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
At one point the trail passed through some 'ie'ie vines. Normally they're about the last thing I grab on the trail because they tend to break off. These were think enough to support our weight. Somewhere along the way we also got our first glimpse of the Lanihuli side of the saddle which looked a little less daunting but not much! Thankfully the breeze kicked up a bit keeping the mosquitoes at bay from here on out. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7695155896_ed92bc6d49_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7695155896_ed92bc6d49_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7695084708_5f19463ac6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8004/7695084708_5f19463ac6_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Just before the last climb there was a small spot I could take my camera
out and get a quick shot of the afternoon sun illuminating Kalihi
Valley behind us before we made the final climb to the top of one of the
teeth. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7695115004_827779db8b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7695115004_827779db8b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Putting away my camera again I made the final climb up to the top of one of the teeth. The only part that gave me any trouble was just before the summit where I had to transition east towards Lanihuli on very loose ground with little to hang onto. A few moments later I pulled myself up to the top of the tooth and into a christmas berry tree that made moving around and getting and good shots pretty difficult.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7695121556_ab3fbca7b6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7695121556_ab3fbca7b6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West view over H-3 and Kaneohe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7695136388_f4ac718b65_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7695136388_f4ac718b65_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">East view over H-3 and Kailua and Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the adjacent tooth I could see one of the ropes more adventurous hikers have used to navigate the saddle. Perhaps one day, but not today!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7695142620_04ac314470_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/7695142620_04ac314470_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The east saddle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After a quick self portrait I packed up my stuff and met up with II again below. I waited while he had his turn to make the final climb.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7695148828_b291a3af14_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7695148828_b291a3af14_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not So Great Hiker in the Saddle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We made the trip back down the the ventilation building without incident and paused for a quick shot of us in front of it before heading down the service road. The mosquitoes took advantage of any stop we me made and attacked voraciously. I tried to take a few shots of a blue ginger but I couldn't keep them out of my nose and ears long enough to steady the camera so I gave up. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tmQ7Oa0lksSEOY4e8P7Gql1yy9df6DZBh3_4_VlVHJ-7emoPuPjOfjBFwBg2BX80ICDWgK3efWHtlFOLCcsEz4ib0snX-CtNBJcSEI96CiWDpMUd10YMJfIda7dqx_fdcTxYIQrRfJM/s1600/059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tmQ7Oa0lksSEOY4e8P7Gql1yy9df6DZBh3_4_VlVHJ-7emoPuPjOfjBFwBg2BX80ICDWgK3efWHtlFOLCcsEz4ib0snX-CtNBJcSEI96CiWDpMUd10YMJfIda7dqx_fdcTxYIQrRfJM/s640/059.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7695191110_cb472ab27c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7695191110_cb472ab27c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
After making our way back to the highway we debated dropping down to the tunnels below to cross traffic but instead decided to practice our car dodging skills instead.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7695197736_830c8c617e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7695197736_830c8c617e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">II's best lolo face as he prepares to cross rush hour traffic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We walked back down the Likelike Highway against Kaneohe-bound traffic until we reached a point just mauka of Na Ohia Falls were the trail was near the highway. II made an attempt to hitch a ride by showing off his legs but amazingly nobody took the bait.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4WsoLYqw-10QJ3jX4jx7vWEf2pl2jO6KR68yr5sGWnkssoXuSEBCKV2xIhf6joS8wxb3ssUq4CxPEYyOJ_NAN-EzhJe258OFac8t1MqwYrBshzQOJNenlD3Qon16RQ_EJU9Qs-waqbA/s1600/2012-07-31_17-36-38_92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv4WsoLYqw-10QJ3jX4jx7vWEf2pl2jO6KR68yr5sGWnkssoXuSEBCKV2xIhf6joS8wxb3ssUq4CxPEYyOJ_NAN-EzhJe258OFac8t1MqwYrBshzQOJNenlD3Qon16RQ_EJU9Qs-waqbA/s640/2012-07-31_17-36-38_92.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Making the short walk down old Kalihi Street we retraced our steps back to our cars. What had started out to be just a short walk to a well known and beautiful waterfall had tuned into a fantastic journey though the valley up to the Kalihi Saddle. We didn't cover that much ground but what we saw will definatly bring us back again to explore further.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7695304068_a6a57a59dd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7695304068_a6a57a59dd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Thirty minute waterfall" hike complete!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've strung together a few clips of video of a few of the sights from the day including II's fall from the falls and far too much of the 'opae in the stream. Not So Great Video of course!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/46836182" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vimeo.com/46836182">Na Ohia Falls and Kalihi Valley</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user12789660">XJ Creations</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Aloha and mahalo for reading, as always, more pictures from<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157630861442328/" target="_blank"> this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be seen on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr. </a></div>
<br />
<br />XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com2Likelike Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96819, USA21.369885573534983 -157.8314781188964821.362492073534984 -157.84134861889649 21.377279073534982 -157.82160761889648tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-3702625084547647882012-08-02T13:05:00.001-10:002012-08-09T06:51:10.302-10:00Sun and Moon on Ka'iwa RidgeAugust 1, 2012<br />
<br />
A bit tired from my 1200 calorie diet and<a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2012/08/na-ohia-falls-to-koolau-summit.html" target="_blank"> the trek through Kalihi Valley the day before</a> I spent most of the day caring for my ever increasing stock of native plants, my chickens, and my yard. Feeling unfulfilled I headed over to one of my staple hikes, Ka'iwa Ridge to take some shots of the full moon rising over Lanikai.<br />
<br />
A short drive later I arrived at my destination and was lucky enough to find a place to park as this hike has become so popular with locals and tourists. Shouldering my pack I headed up the street and joined the trail.<br />
<br />
It's been a couple months since my last trip up but I couldn't help but notice the amazing deteroration of the trail. The initial section beyond the chainlink fence with Blue Stone is completely devastated. Yet another set of ropes has been placed there by someone but there are now at least three ways to climb up the first ascent. An attempt to cut some stairs in was made but unless someone actually builds some the erosion control it will only get worse. What a shame!<br />
<br />
I stopped at the first landing to snap a few pictures of the moon already above the Mokulua Islands and Lanikai.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7699733794_eea45dd0dc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7699733794_eea45dd0dc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't bother to take a shot of the moon itself with a larger lens figuring I could do that from my lanai at home later. I did like the way this one turned out with the yellowy glow with my 200mm. Lately I've been watching the moon a little closer and and have been learning the names the ancients had for it's various phases. It's given me a greater appreciation not just of the moon but for how out of touch we've become with nature in our modern world. Someday I hope not to return to some primitive existence devoid of technology but to try and incorporate it into my life. Some may say I'm doing that now with my explorations of O'ahu but I feel more like a visitor who checks out of my busy day of work, family, and modern life and heads into the mountains for a day of sightseeing. I feel like I'm snorkeling into nature but yearn to breath it like a fish!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7699742302_f8712cb89d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8021/7699742302_f8712cb89d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Akua Moon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"The Akua Moon occurs on the fourteenth night and is the second of four full moons and on this night, the moon is now distinctly round. All things reproduce abundantly (ho'oakua). Fishing is good on this kapu night, when the akua(gods) are about, and offerings are made to akua to increase food (mea 'ai) and fish (i'a)" - <span style="font-size: x-small;">Hawaiian Moon Calendar, </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Hunt-n-Fish Maui!</span><br />
<br />
After repacking my gear I headed up the hillside further towards Fire Station Podmore. There were still late arrivals like myself heading up the ridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7699750528_2e5f6ebd90_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7114/7699750528_2e5f6ebd90_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I passed these two ladies who were enjoying the moon and a little conversation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7699757758_339ca4c961_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7699757758_339ca4c961_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving the ladies to enjoy their night I headed further up the ridge approaching the first Fire Control Station bathed in the moon light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7699784388_177ba83e2b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7130/7699784388_177ba83e2b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There were plenty of people at the first fire control station so I continued up towards the two tiered station beyond. Along the short pathway I noted the Night Blooming Cereus were flowering so stopped for a couple shots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7699793752_919b1be1dc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7699793752_919b1be1dc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>In 1836, Mrs. Bingham planted the hedge<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hylocereus_undatus#cite_note-1"></a></sup> of </i><i>Hylocereus undatus, the famed cactus known in Hawaii as </i><i>panini o kapunahou. Its exotic blossoms still bloom during the closing summer months on the Punahou walls. The hedge is on two sides of the school and about three hundred meters (football fields) long.</i><br />
<br />
<i>From July to as late as October the hedge blooms and several times there is a wall of white flowers hundreds of yards long. Supposedly all the </i><i>H. undatus in Hawaii came from the wall of Punahou School. People used to come in the evenings from all over the island to see them blooming and "borrow" some cuttings so that now they have this species all over the islands. -<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="reference-text">Donald Fitzgerald, 1991. Pearl Harbor, the Army Corps of Engineers, and Punahou's Cereus Hedge., The Hawaiian Journal of History, vol. 25</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="reference-text">I didn't want to bleach out the shots with a flash and since my good one was at home anyway I added a little artificial light to sneak a shot of one of the flowers. The wind was strong enough that it was tough to get a decent one of them blowing in the breeze!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7699799356_4808070666_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7699799356_4808070666_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="reference-text">At the two tiered station there was a couple doing full moon yoga. I waited and waited for them to finish but after about half an hour I threw in the towel unable to get the shot I'd come up to get. Oh well, it's a short hike and I can head back up there any old night to get it because I won't need the moonlight for it. While I waited I snapped a shot of my favorite section of the Ka'iwa Ridge which runs beyond the bunkers and over the the junction to where you have to either continue down towards Lanikai or down into Enchanted Lake.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7699810818_d44f0b716f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7699810818_d44f0b716f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">Yoga session still in progress, I turned the lens to the stars. We don't see as many stars these days with all the light pollution but I managed to grab a shot with a wide open aperture and quick shutter speed to keep them from blurring too much.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7699819814_761f211fd2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7699819814_761f211fd2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">Giving up, I headed back towards home but just a few moments later the Honolulu Fire Department's helicopter buzzed the ridge at high speed. It was amazing seeing it wisk in and out of some of the small valleys in the hillside before whizzing past me. I guess they need some practice with this kind of stuff to keep them sharp. Plucking people off mountains all the time must get pretty hairy! Totally caught off guard, I just fired off a shot and got this blurry image. It wasn't more than 100 feet from my head!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7699827444_118bf89654_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7699827444_118bf89654_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HFD highspeed pass!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="reference-text">I wasn't the only one leaving, it seemed that aside from the yoga couple everyone was heading home. The party at the first bunker was breaking up as I approached.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7699835188_cc802192b5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7699835188_cc802192b5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">On the way down I grabbed one more quick shot of the stars high above Lanihuli and Konauanui. Despite the white balance correction you can see the nasty orange glow of the high pressure sodium lights in the clouds below. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7699845310_5fcb46fffc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7699845310_5fcb46fffc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">On the way down I chatted with one of the Swiss tourists that had been at the first bunker. As I paused for more shots they got a way ahead of me but I caught up later. One had stopped along the trail and I witnessed</span><span class="reference-text"> another "moon" from one of them- I didn't take a picture! Pee off the trail people, you get better privacy and for those following you down would rather not step in any puddles! </span><br />
<br />
<span class="reference-text">At the top of the first climb I took my </span><span class="reference-text">last shot on the trail for the night. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7699856784_9d0c10a4f2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8142/7699856784_9d0c10a4f2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="reference-text">After arriving home I set up for a final shot of the Akua Moon before heading for bed, I had to get up at 4:30 for the sunrise!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7700587562_cfce3a8e7d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7700587562_cfce3a8e7d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Akua Moon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="reference-text">The alarm was awful. I've been on this crazy 1200 calorie diet for almost three weeks now and while I've shed some excess weight the lack of real food leaves me feeling weak in the mornings. I put on the same clothes I'd just taken off hours before and headed back to the ridge I'd just left after a quick stop at 7/11 to grab a cup of coffee.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">This morning my friend Jamie from work joined me and we started up the ridge trail at about 5:15am. There were already cars lined up on the street and we did our best to keep as quiet as possible as we locked up.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">We stopped first at the vantage point above the first climb and I took a couple shots. They all came out strange and I realized I'd never reset all the options on my camera from the night before. Whoops! After getting the camera set back up I started with a wide angle photo of Venus over the Mokulua Islands.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="reference-text"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7699886810_2306a4bdee_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8161/7699886810_2306a4bdee_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text"> Jamie forged ahead while I continued to tinker with settings and take a few more shots.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7699908208_814a1b3ee8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8023/7699908208_814a1b3ee8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text"> He was happy to beat me to the first fire control station!</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7699918952_8fe85bcb1a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7699918952_8fe85bcb1a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">Looking over to the other two-tiered station we realized if we wanted prime real estate this is where we'd have to say so we set up our gear and awaited the sunrise.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7699930762_44dca361ff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7129/7699930762_44dca361ff_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">Neither one of us was looking to good I'm sure and Jamie's fatigue is visible in this next shot. He's one of those Olympics junkies and stayed up all night watching them.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7699945094_2d043985f6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7699945094_2d043985f6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="reference-text">A short time later the sun began to peak up over the horizon but was hidden by some low clouds.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7699966836_c5589bab97_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7699966836_c5589bab97_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">Although we missed the disc of the sun over the water we were treated to this beauty. It reminds me of the Japanese "Rising Sun".</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7699997398_007bf4d2c3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7699997398_007bf4d2c3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="reference-text"></span><br />
<span class="reference-text">Eventually the sun broke free of the ocean and clouds blasting light over everything.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7700008834_3b2ae8b8f7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7700008834_3b2ae8b8f7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<span class="reference-text">Moku Nui Island cast is wide shadow over a spear of light making a dramatic landscape.</span><br />
<span class="reference-text"></span><br />
<span class="reference-text"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7700111630_f5b6db2a85_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7700111630_f5b6db2a85_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Satisfied with the dozens of shots of the rising sun over the Mokuluas we departed to check out the Night Blooming Cereus in the morning light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7700161574_9502ddc7a6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7700161574_9502ddc7a6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="reference-text">They were still fresh from the night so I waded in the the thorns and did my best to capture their beauty. Unfortunately none of the flowers were easy to get too and it took a few scratches and pokes just to get these.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7700173474_9731a3fd60_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7700173474_9731a3fd60_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7700198606_e28aa5c6cf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7700198606_e28aa5c6cf_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7700186724_6d531fc0f2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/7700186724_6d531fc0f2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="reference-text">Gouged and bleeding a little we headed to the end of our jouney for a couple last shots before starting back down to the cars. </span><br />
<span class="reference-text"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7700206436_8d0302e432_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7700206436_8d0302e432_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun is up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="reference-text">Both of us have to work today and getting up extra early for night shifts is going to make the day a little tougher but that's a price I'm happy to pay!</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7700220092_3544c004a9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7700220092_3544c004a9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="reference-text">More pictures from this trail and others I've done can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</span>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-26110154678037872712012-07-25T11:41:00.003-10:002012-07-25T11:43:25.517-10:00Waiakeakua Falls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
June 19, 2012<br />
<br />
It's supposed to be summer right? Well the weather in the Ko'olaus of O'ahu don't seem like it at all. The weekend was cloudy and rainy all along the summit and today was no different. So, instead of a ridge hike we opted to find a nice waterfall and selected an easy one. Ka wai-a-ke-akua is a special place steeped in legend. The name translates to "The water of the gods" and this particular falls tucked away in Manao Valley involves two of my favorite Polynesian Gods, Kanaloa and Kane. Legends vary but according to "Hawaiian Legends of Old Honolulu" written by W. D. Westervelt in 1915 these two awa loving gods created the spring that feeds the now associated stream and series of falls.<br />
<br />
<i>"When at last they were weary of that resting-place, they passed
Nuuanu Valley and went into the most beautiful rainbow valley of the
world, Manoa Valley, the home of the rainbow princess. This valley is one of the well-settled suburbs of Honolulu. Well-wooded precipices guard the upper end of the valley and make
difficult the path to the tops of the mountains rising thousands of feet
above.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7405732776_1afce6538e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7405732776_1afce6538e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water of the gods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>Here the gods found most excellent awa, and Kanaloa cried, "O my
brother, this is awa surpassing any other we have found; but where shall
I go to find water?" Kane replied, "Here in this hillside is water."
So he took his staff and struck it fiercely against the precipice by
which they had found awa. Rapidly the rocks were broken off. The
precipice crept back from the mighty strokes of the god and a large pool
of clear, cool water appeared among the great stones which had fallen.
There they mixed awa and water and drank again and again until the sleep
of the drunkard came and they rested by the fountain they had made.
This pool is still at the head of Manoa Valley, and to this day is
called Ka-Wai-a-ke-Akua (The water provided by a god).</i><br />
<i>The servants of hundreds of chiefs have borne water from this place to their thirsty masters.</i><br />
<br />
<i>In the days of Kamehameha I. very often messengers came from this
pool of water of the gods with calabashes full of water swinging from
the ends of sticks laid over their shoulders. When they came
near any individual or group of Hawaiians they had to call out loudly,
giving warning so that all by whom they passed could fall prostrate
before the gift of the gods to the great king."</i><br />
<br />
We began our adventure in upper Manoa Valley along "7 Bridges Road" which took us into the jungle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7405702648_44cc13a576_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7405702648_44cc13a576_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group photo at one of the bridges</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The forest is all introduced here but there are some beautiful Heliconia and gingers along the way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7405707832_db597ea4a1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7405707832_db597ea4a1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Torch Ginger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7405714740_53eeb6487b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7405714740_53eeb6487b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike plays keep away from Agnes with a lobster claw heliconia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYapOtP4ynczTPoD8T7UClGNxTUgR3WKk6rbBd2Fq7SmE-frqoEksDXJuL4xA18ZGwXuIdl1_Jg73bP1nFnsNy4qA82saS0w8HBasRQwykWPVhiVg6vYhXU2f_HCpNKyQ7_uS8e89Z3o/s1600/182509_173044246159353_522515135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTYapOtP4ynczTPoD8T7UClGNxTUgR3WKk6rbBd2Fq7SmE-frqoEksDXJuL4xA18ZGwXuIdl1_Jg73bP1nFnsNy4qA82saS0w8HBasRQwykWPVhiVg6vYhXU2f_HCpNKyQ7_uS8e89Z3o/s640/182509_173044246159353_522515135_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohia ai- photo by Agnes Bryant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ohia ai, mountain apple, is just coming into season and were were able
to score a couple tasty treats as we made our way up to the stream.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7405725866_a427148615_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7405725866_a427148615_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tasty trail treat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We we reached the Manoa Tunnel which collects water from the valley mike stopped for a swim in a pool while Agnes balanced her way across one of the pipes of the waterworks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7405758956_31dac0dfd3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7405758956_31dac0dfd3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7405751724_3fd73b076a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7405751724_3fd73b076a_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7405765632_ed71670292_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7077/7405765632_ed71670292_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
Then we proceeded up the stairs to the stream again instead of continuing on the trail. Here we passed the Gladstone Write Memorial.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7405784740_32059277ba_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7405784740_32059277ba_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu10KTav6goU7QKc3ADdYheJqfXHQw1EhiXEdeKWSaAOUkvNJZVWgNHg_JE7oOEEiEL00XFPkdTkLG6bmcasdqH_Xsy9ntbi_fNkQ3g47DcX2di7S0JzPcDjIGbsARrQVG0dcBSmAO1c/s1600/283789_173047376159040_1023767229_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOu10KTav6goU7QKc3ADdYheJqfXHQw1EhiXEdeKWSaAOUkvNJZVWgNHg_JE7oOEEiEL00XFPkdTkLG6bmcasdqH_Xsy9ntbi_fNkQ3g47DcX2di7S0JzPcDjIGbsARrQVG0dcBSmAO1c/s640/283789_173047376159040_1023767229_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gladstone Wright Memorial Carvings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Gladstone Wright was an 11-year-old boy struck
by a falling rock on a Sunday school picnic in Manoa Valley. Of course
none of us knew that at the time and we speculated he may have been
killed during the construction of some of the waterworks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5240/7405778198_5163a61a58_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5240/7405778198_5163a61a58_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving the memorial behind we made our way to the set of falls. There had been a little rain along the way but some passing showers pelted us with huge rain drops. We'd been hoping the recent rains would have pumped up the water levels in the stream and at the falls but they were still pretty anemic.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/7405791974_0262a072df_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/7405791974_0262a072df_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavy rains at the first of the waterfalls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the lower falls another group consisting of three girls and one guy arrived. During conversations we learned the girls were from Chicago and the guy was from Honolulu showing them around. We started up the first waterfall via the ropes by there's a bypass trail on the left side through the ginger that Marley and Jamie used to get around the climb.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7405810886_596731124d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7405810886_596731124d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike climbing the first falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the first falls we took a slight left and arrived at the double set of falls. The first one is only a few feet high but the second is very tall, probably somewhere between fifty and seventy feet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7405853402_211b3cf5c3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/7405853402_211b3cf5c3_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7405842786_4bbf00944a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7405842786_4bbf00944a_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWUs5418yrTx1AzHvpKqCWXGyN3fZOOaeNBm71ZRIfm6JNAgW2V8J0VKWXAOKMHJ8vhlB2hRmOypkNPB0WPqtagtnYvpUu7Vm8cHmEQhLnCaEyjUXm5t-O8lJt_h_tEssfaiV1W2_QjM/s1600/550779_10102042020476443_1710448324_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOImovWgrjHVjenQlMWAt-oPJcAcdOfPAATWlZjii59EWT4bzhz1NtO5YlRpJa2XSAFrGK1jk7b9nIDrpn4GXRr2kNPrweoQDrS7ySMXlI0ci9W7nDccduGCQZvMGgodyy81jmUniS0II/s1600/481278_10102042020606183_1757217497_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
Some of the girls followed us up to the second set of falls but didn't have a camera and I graciously offered to take a few pictures to email them. What a nice guy I am!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7405848432_7040e7ea0c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7405848432_7040e7ea0c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visitors from Chicago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Agnes, Mike and I climbed up the long rope to check out the falls above while Jamie opted to stay at the bottom with Marley to keep her company.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7405830626_897a6cdbbd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7405830626_897a6cdbbd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Using the long blue rope we climbed the steep falls. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWUs5418yrTx1AzHvpKqCWXGyN3fZOOaeNBm71ZRIfm6JNAgW2V8J0VKWXAOKMHJ8vhlB2hRmOypkNPB0WPqtagtnYvpUu7Vm8cHmEQhLnCaEyjUXm5t-O8lJt_h_tEssfaiV1W2_QjM/s1600/550779_10102042020476443_1710448324_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWUs5418yrTx1AzHvpKqCWXGyN3fZOOaeNBm71ZRIfm6JNAgW2V8J0VKWXAOKMHJ8vhlB2hRmOypkNPB0WPqtagtnYvpUu7Vm8cHmEQhLnCaEyjUXm5t-O8lJt_h_tEssfaiV1W2_QjM/s400/550779_10102042020476443_1710448324_n.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOImovWgrjHVjenQlMWAt-oPJcAcdOfPAATWlZjii59EWT4bzhz1NtO5YlRpJa2XSAFrGK1jk7b9nIDrpn4GXRr2kNPrweoQDrS7ySMXlI0ci9W7nDccduGCQZvMGgodyy81jmUniS0II/s1600/481278_10102042020606183_1757217497_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOImovWgrjHVjenQlMWAt-oPJcAcdOfPAATWlZjii59EWT4bzhz1NtO5YlRpJa2XSAFrGK1jk7b9nIDrpn4GXRr2kNPrweoQDrS7ySMXlI0ci9W7nDccduGCQZvMGgodyy81jmUniS0II/s400/481278_10102042020606183_1757217497_n.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
<br />
After all three of us had safely arrived at the top the it really started to rain hard. I noted the increasingly brown color of the water and we decided we'd gone far enough.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/7405875738_9015a97bd2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5452/7405875738_9015a97bd2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As Agnes and Mike made their way down the rope I snapped a quick shot of the stream beyond. Someday we'll return to take the stream back up to the Ko'olau Summit. Be forewarned, the blue rope is tied to a dead tree. It's fairly secure but for how long is anyone's guess. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7405870086_98b316d023_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7405870086_98b316d023_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stream above the falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We descended back down in the same order we'd climbed up and by the time it was my turn the anemic falls had become a rager! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7405881458_46649ce6b7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7405881458_46649ce6b7_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RAGING falls!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The lower set of falls was a torrent of mud and white water and the rains continued to pound us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7405886796_cdea2322f3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7405886796_cdea2322f3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We were soaking wet already from the rain so we climbed into the stream for a group photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7405892816_ddb79d356f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7405892816_ddb79d356f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We all took the bypass trail at the lower falls because of the raging water but I had to climb down into the falls to snap a couple shots! As I dangled from the ropes I saw a couple rocks whiz by my head and the flow continued to increase.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTOJ_Vtqz9RIO8HAZyGuw69EC9wYyo1ccBDgwXEs6a6QT4d9JkT3BkykSaXonCExHaC2tZ-PtOUf_mJsqVvhWtMC1edtBePgBts1bjZa91CLRWtTyiwW3kGWSOG9ar8BDqHpgxC1mz5o/s1600/309907_173047939492317_1502675652_n.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTOJ_Vtqz9RIO8HAZyGuw69EC9wYyo1ccBDgwXEs6a6QT4d9JkT3BkykSaXonCExHaC2tZ-PtOUf_mJsqVvhWtMC1edtBePgBts1bjZa91CLRWtTyiwW3kGWSOG9ar8BDqHpgxC1mz5o/s1600/309907_173047939492317_1502675652_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Idiot in a raging falls (Me) - photo by Agnes Bryant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a few minutes I decided it was pretty stupid so stay there so I climbed back up and used the contour climb on the left side of the falls to get back down to the group. We took the trail out this time because the higher water in the stream would have made it a longer and wetter adventure and we were ready to get dry!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7405914800_d034671424_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7405914800_d034671424_b.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7405903942_7a392bf468_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7405903942_7a392bf468_b.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7405908982_c453f329cd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7405908982_c453f329cd_b.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
What a great change from the distance hikes we've been doing lately. Sometimes it's nice to slow down and have a relaxing day on the trail instead!<br />
<br />
More pictures from<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157630202401724/" target="_blank"> this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7405817596_caf710776e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8159/7405817596_caf710776e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-11483795654351158352012-06-13T10:27:00.000-10:002012-06-23T06:53:07.058-10:00Moili'ili Karst ExplorationJune 11, 2011<br />
<br />
Rather than go into a long dissertation about how this limestone cave system was created here under the shadow of the Ko'olau Volcano, the short version is that a very long time ago the sea level on O'ahu
was much higher and the area near the University of Hawaii was once
covered by a coral reef. As the sea levels dropped the reef was exposed
to the air and died. Springs and runoff from the mountains above ate
into the limestone layer left by the reef creating a network of caves.
Most have either collapsed or been filled in over the years. These
systems are also found other places on the leeward coast. This fantastic link that explains everything about this system in far more detail than I could. <a href="http://www.caves.org/pub/journal/PDF/V60/V60N3-Halliday.pdf">http://www.caves.org/pub/journal/PDF/V60/V60N3-Halliday.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Before we go further, despite what the link says the water in the cave system is anything but clean just from visual observation. Further, access to the system is tenuous at best and there is a danger of both flash flooding and the possibility of a cave in. Neither scenario is a good one because there is only one way in and one way out of the cave. No directions and no names and, for the record, I was never there either.<br />
<br />
After entering the cave system, which required crawling through the muck through a few low areas we entered the still low and shallow karst. Fair warning, armed only with the Nikon AW100 which is waterproof, photography was a little challenging especially with everyone moving around in the dark with headlamps so a lot of the pictures are blurry. Two of the members of the expedition were armed with DSLR's (you guys are mental!) so hopefully they were able to get better shots.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7363653570_e3ce1e77b3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7363653570_e3ce1e77b3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering the cave system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Initial impressions of the karst were that it was hotter than anyone expected and quite humid. Camera lenses began to fog in the stuffy air and litter from the urban environment above in the form of used ketchup packets, straws, plastic bags, and other common trash which is washed in during rain storms could be seen regularly. The group paused to take in its new surroundings before wading into the water to continue.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/7178430461_e19dd97e43_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/7178430461_e19dd97e43_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking equipment and adjusting to the cramped quarters. Also wondering why we were even here!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7363658652_8e057a8cd1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7232/7363658652_8e057a8cd1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up a shot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the short pause the first members of the group waded into the water and started working slowly further into the cave. The muck continued in the form of a heavily silted bottom which was usually about a foot deep but was occasionally knee deep. The depth of the water initially was about waist deep but about midway through the exploration it reached up to over chest height and then up to neck height. It easier to put feet out to guard against jagged boulders and tread water in one section than to try and walk.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7178441419_d7b6986961_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7178441419_d7b6986961_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Venturing deeper into the cave...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everyone joked about various creatures that would be waiting to spring up from the depths but I had already planned for that by taking up the rear position in the group figuring I'd buy enough time as members of the group were eaten to escape.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7178444225_0509200c78_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7178444225_0509200c78_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limestone formation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There really wasn't a whole lot to see but some of the rock formations hanging from the ceiling or poking up from the water were pretty interesting. The entire roof of the cave was fairly brittle and when touched it would crumble.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7178471931_ec279f11ff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7178471931_ec279f11ff_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the pilings driven down into the Karst to support a building above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Throughout the cave were the pilings that had been driven down to support the various buildings above us. I can't help but wonder how long these will last as the re-bar inside them is clearly rusting through. It will probably be decades but I'll remember not to purchase any real estate here!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7363674840_6331ea8b6f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7363674840_6331ea8b6f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The size of the group meant plenty of headlamps which illuminated the caves pretty well. Being down here alone would probably be much more nerve racking. Camera flashes punctuated the lighting periodically as we all documented our experience.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/7363672682_80b040c5c4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/7363672682_80b040c5c4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring a shallow section</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a shallow section the water level deepened. The point of the group swam ahead and reached the pile of fill that marked the end of our explorations. We turned back towards the entrance and now that I was at the front of the group I was able to get a few shots of the cave without any headlamps or people in them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5279/7178454567_50d5b02d34_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5279/7178454567_50d5b02d34_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A deeper section... up to my shoulders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5076/7363684030_16e444d35e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5076/7363684030_16e444d35e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moili'ili Karst</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I didn't see much in the way of plant or animal life, just a few roots hanging from the ceiling from trees above and some type of small fish. In fact I'd call it more of a guppy than a fish. Others reported seeing some type of shrimp. Someone spotted a centipede- something no one was excited to hear about but it made for great conversation about how many more there might be down here, what mutant sizes they would reach, and how their appetite for human flesh would have developed. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7363686710_51cdf939c0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7363686710_51cdf939c0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning back to the entrance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the return leg we paused again briefly in a loose circle with everyone taking pictures before leaving the cave and climbing through the mud to the surface.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7178468807_31613dd53d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7178468807_31613dd53d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group Photo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While it wasn't much of a hike or trail, I'm glad to have had the opportunity to visit this unique and interesting place. Perhaps someday I'll return but I can assure you, it won't be alone and it won't be anytime soon!<br />
<br />
If you've got about 9 minutes and 1 second to waste you can watch this series of video strung together as we swear, complain, joke, and trip our way through the waters of the karst. This is taking Not So Great to a whole new level- pretty crappy! Those with sensitive ears will have to pardon the language too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BNlpV-ZNT5Q?version=3&feature=player_detailpage">
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
<param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always">
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BNlpV-ZNT5Q?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object></div>
<br />
Andrew Agcaoili put together a better video of our visit and was nice enough to give me permission to share it here. Be sure to check out his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/shibbystylee" target="_blank">other videos on YouTube </a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/RrGTMYk5cXI?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
There will be other write-ups about this visit to the Moili'ili Karst and I'll update this post as they are published. More pictures from<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157630045534695/with/7363674840/" target="_blank"> this adventure</a> and others can be <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">viewed on Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com102641-2657 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA21.291853512845076 -157.8218007087707521.290004012845078 -157.82426820877075 21.293703012845075 -157.81933320877076tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-51315166057765112622012-06-07T13:41:00.000-10:002012-06-08T07:44:32.399-10:00KSRT- Hawaii Loa to Waialae Nui Ridge<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
June 5, 2011</div>
<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7160416533_ddba21568a_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7160416533_ddba21568a_h.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It begins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
First off, let me apologize for layout of the post. Blogger's recent "upgrade" means I can't seem to trick it into putting pictures next to each other so from here on out it's mostly large images. Maybe I'll look at switching to a new venue... oh well, back to the reason your reading!<br />
<br />
Abandoning the western Ko'olau Loa sections of the island we returned to the eastern Ko'olau Poko ridges to explore the not often hiked Waialae Nui Ridge which was closed over 10 years ago due to access being shut off by a property owner. According to a hunter we met down on Kilauea Avenue after our trek, the property owner's cat was killed and to avoid future problems they simply walled off the access they'd generously been providing to the ridge. If the story is true, I can't say I blame them but what a shame to loose the ability to do this great trail.</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
We started our morning by positioning cars at the end of Kilauea Ave where we planned to finish, a bail out car at an undisclosed location in case we ran late, and at our start point in the exclusive Hawaii Loa neighborhood. I had planned out the trip to start later than normal with a meet at 8:00am at Kahala Mall but due to a series of delays we didn't actually start up Hawaii Loa until about 10:30am putting us about 2 hours behind. I fretted about the weather and the late start and almost called off the trip because I had no idea what kind of condition Waialae Nui was in since the only information I could find on it was in a 2001 writeup by local trail legend Dayle Turner. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7160412563_4e74b6130e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7227/7160412563_4e74b6130e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley's new hiking shirt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My regular hiking partner II and I had <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/hawaii-loa-ridge.html" target="_blank">done Hawaii Loa Ridge Trail back on March 1, 2011</a> so I was familiar with the procedure of checking in with the guard at Hawaii Loa and presenting our Hawaii ID's as you must be a Hawaii resident in order to access the trail head. We wound our way up to the beautiful park near the water tank at the top of the development and parked the car. We took a couple pictures and readied our gear before setting off on the trail.</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7160449199_515cf98e63_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7160449199_515cf98e63_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open ridge at the beginning of Hawaii Loa </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7160424093_8adc231f5c_h.jpg" style="clear: left; height: 213px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; width: 324px;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7160424093_8adc231f5c_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley trotting effortlessly along the trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
The initial segments of Hawaii Loa were as I remembered them- a dry
dusty trail lined with a mix of alien and endemic species. The a'ali'i
wasn't blooming but the akoko leaves were shades of red and the uhi
had both flowers and fruit present. Pukiawe was mixed in with the
strawberry guava too.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7345650370_e5b462b712_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7076/7345650370_e5b462b712_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Akoko leaves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Leaving the open ridge we moved into the taller strawberry guava and started the series of ups and downs that would eventually lead us to the last big climb to the summit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7164154373_947fdccc81_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7164154373_947fdccc81_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guava zone. Photo by Agnes Bryant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Near the end of this segment I noticed that there has been a ton of work done to the trail. A new contour has been cut into the last descent and a bunch of stairs have been put in. A huge improvement over the old trail which is still visible along the crest of the ridge running under that big tree on the left side of the shot with the stairs.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7160453205_3b0a30afe6_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7160453205_3b0a30afe6_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First look at the new contour trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7160464775_c3269a39e6_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8001/7160464775_c3269a39e6_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agnes on the new trail. The old trail is under the large tree on the left, about mid frame.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just beyond the rebuilt trail is the shallow dip were we found some
beautiful Ohia with fuzzy white Lehua buds preparing to open. No doubt
this is one of the most beautiful trees in the islands when they put on
these dazzling displays.</div>
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7160472587_2dd164cfd3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7160472587_2dd164cfd3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting ready to pop!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even without the blooms the gnarled trunks and limbs of Ohia are facinating to me. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7345685450_ef6e4728e7_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8026/7345685450_ef6e4728e7_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agnes walking through the small Ohia "forest" section on Hawaii Loa Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7345579560_a504e09c4d_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7345579560_a504e09c4d_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fuzzy white hairs really make the blooms stand out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We paused briefly at the base of the final long climb and then began the long climb to the summit. I had to stop more than a few times to catch my breath but there wasn't much to see because we'd entered the clouds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7164363111_c5e608b828_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7164363111_c5e608b828_b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a fan of going uphill. Photo by Agnes Bryant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Huffing and puffing we arrived to a whited out summit. With no view, I fired up my Flickr account on my RAZR and pretended to enjoy the scenery. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7345757082_68e725005d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7345757082_68e725005d_b.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 303px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 241px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /></a></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7345581120_c843ea51fa_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7345581120_c843ea51fa_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Technology allows us to see the view despite the clouds!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After some snacks and a few pictures we departed the summit along the KSRT and headed for Wiliwilinui.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/556513_165988423531602_2059737028_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://sphotos.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/556513_165988423531602_2059737028_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hawaii Loa Ridge Terminus - Photo by Agnes Bryant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The most shocking thing about the summit trail was it's condition. It's wide open now instead of having to push though the vegetation. This area must be seeing a ton of traffic. With the trail being in such great shape we made good time over the series small peaks to Wiliwilinui. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7160977569_42e75a8922_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="366" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7160977569_42e75a8922_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Along the way we watched a Makani Kai chopper land at the radio tower.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=b18fc50063&photo_id=7349026220&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false">
</param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786">
</param>
<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=b18fc50063&photo_id=7349026220&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false" height="360" width="640"></embed></object>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />
<br />
At Wiliwilinui, we paused to check out the new bench and snap a couple shots before departing across the saddle and making the climb up past the power lines to the summit of Waialaen Nui Ridge just short of Pu'u Lanipo.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7345753370_5406360a46_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7345753370_5406360a46_h.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7349797608_8f0d51847d_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7349797608_8f0d51847d_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new bench!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7160538805_3b90b88311_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7160538805_3b90b88311_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group photo at Wiliwili Nui</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7160541907_bfe0e16a10_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8144/7160541907_bfe0e16a10_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More fooling around at Wiliwilinui</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again we found the trail to be in great condition and the steps cut by
HECO's contractors back when they were stringing new lines last year
were still in perfect shape. Just below Wiliwilinui we happened upon a
seemingly abandoned machete and some rope. Further up tucked away
between some cut up utility poles lay to derelict weed-eaters and at the
helo pad a gas can too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7345760568_94f7e17488_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7345760568_94f7e17488_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned gear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7345757082_68e725005d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7345757082_68e725005d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'd forgotten just how steep some of the drops along the summit are. Reasonable care is all that's required to avoid taking the plunge into Waimanalo though.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7349365550_af36773922_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7349365550_af36773922_b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Agnes Bryant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7345740048_af5611374c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7345740048_af5611374c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agnes over the abyss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7345744210_9b0463e846_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7345744210_9b0463e846_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Express trail to Waimanalo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In this section we passed a really cool looking Lehua Papa with a purplish tinge on the hairs of the leaves as well as a Debautia species in bloom. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7345584550_6d0da359bb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7345584550_6d0da359bb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lehua papa with purple tint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7345720476_5c7b94835a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8167/7345720476_5c7b94835a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coprosma flowering</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just a little further down the trail this Olapalapa was starting to bloom.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7160380567_7f8ca0c7b9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8022/7160380567_7f8ca0c7b9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olapalapa Flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Descending the saddle making the steep climb to the summit we arrived at the summit of Waialae Nui Ridge. <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7160516035_c53ebab40b_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7160516035_c53ebab40b_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike climbing somewhere on the Ko'olau Summit. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7345728222_6e0ea8e1d3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7345728222_6e0ea8e1d3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agnes is still all smiles despite the climb and lack of scenery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
At the summit we hunted around for the old ridge trail and after a few minutes found it in overgrown condition choked with clidemia. I envisioned six foot walls of uluhe that would take hours to break though or worse that we'd descend down from the summit and have to turn back as the daylight faded and bail out via Wiliwilinui. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7345764078_97b8f154dc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7345764078_97b8f154dc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the plunge down Waialae Nui Ridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cautiously we proceeded down the ridge noting that it seemed like someone had been through here a very short time ago judging by the bent grass and occasional snapped branches. Because the clouds obscured our view I fired up both Google Earth and Back Country Navigator to check out the ridge one last time before we committed to heading down. There's a split in the ridge just a short way down and I wanted to be sure we didn't take the wrong fork. We plunged down the ridge into the unknown hoping that we'd be able to avoid coming back up this steep part if the trail became impassible.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7160561275_25546eccf9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7160561275_25546eccf9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The capture of Bob the Jacksons Chameleon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thankfully we were able to follow the swath through areas that would have slowed us down considerably. The trail moved from one side of the crest of the ridge to the other taking the path of least resistance but occasionally when it contoured the slippery mud and uluhe caused a couple falls. Looking over at Mau'umae ridge next to us I couldn't help but feel lucky that Waialae Nui didn't have nearly as many ups and downs. As we finished the descent from the summit to where the ridge leveled off there was a nice section of ohia trees and occasional koa. At the very bottom of the decent from the summit was a small clearing I labeled "Koa Clearing" in Back Country Navigator.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7160615987_ee3c61f8fe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7160615987_ee3c61f8fe_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Koa Clearing" at the base of the big descent from the summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
We were now near the area where Nicholas Palumbo and his son died in<a href="http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2010/Jan/11/ln/hawaii1110334.html" target="_blank"> a plane crash on January 10, 2010</a> on the adjacent Mau'umae Ridge.
Their Piper Cherokee PA 32-300 was en route from Lanai to Honolulu when
Dr. Palumbo had become disoriented and misjudged his position. The
plane had slammed into the ridge after he'd reported his position near
Punchbowl alerting the controller that he was in trouble. Although instructed to turn south away from the mountains they'd slammed into the ridge.
Such a tragedy. I can't help but think of wreckage every time I'm near this area in the Ko'olaus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4011/4275890302_8da8cb133b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4011/4275890302_8da8cb133b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
</div>
Agnes and Mike spotted a Jackson's Chameleon near the base of the descent. They're suspected of eating native snails and don't really belong here so Mike elected to take it with us. Judging from it's three horns I'm guessing it's a male. It rode on Mike's hat, shoulder, and pack all the way out and after a while it seemed to be pretty comfortable on it's new host enjoying the ride and looking pretty relaxed except it did appear pretty nervous when Mike posed like he was going to jump into the valley.<br />
<br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<span class="st"><i></i></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7160561275_25546eccf9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7160561275_25546eccf9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bob" just after caputure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
From here the uluhe varied from shoulder height to below the knees but the swath helped make forward progress far faster then it would have been without it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7160577007_0e487638d5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7160577007_0e487638d5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This swath made things more manageable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The ridge bent Ewa a bit and rolled a little but very gently before we arrived a very small valley with some Hapu'u ferns. The member of our group that suffered most was Marley. She's a tough little pup that can scamper up the steepest of trails almost effortlessly but the uluhe was like a huge forest for her and she was really having a tough time with it. Agnes felt so bad she picked her up and carried her to give her a needed rest.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7345832758_73cbf931cb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7345832758_73cbf931cb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley working her way through the ferns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7345609708_741bc1f191_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7345609708_741bc1f191_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angnes and Marley in the small depression with the Hapu'u Ferns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;">
After the Hapu'u ferns the ridge climbed once more but the uluhe was more manageable and we picked up some speed which was good news for us because the sun was getting lower in the western sky. I labeled it Uluhe Meadow on Back Country Navigator.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7345863712_8ab0c3cfd8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/7345863712_8ab0c3cfd8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sparsely forested area, "Uluhe Meadows" </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We crossed over a large log covered with ferns during the last section of native forest. </div>
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7345855732_d826cca092_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7345855732_d826cca092_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;">
</div>
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;">
Here we came across some Kopiko flowering and fruiting.</div>
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;">
</div>
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7160405461_b715ea2ba8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7160405461_b715ea2ba8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium;">
<br />
This last section went quickly and we entered the strawberry guava forest where the trail became uluhe free and our progress really improved. I breathed a sign of relief knowing that we'd have smooth sailing from here. We spotted the remains of a campfire (not a good idea!) and an old ribbon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7345872082_87bc9eaef5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8155/7345872082_87bc9eaef5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Never a good idea in the mountains here...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7345888450_465d3a674c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7087/7345888450_465d3a674c_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7160397967_93e25a8314_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7160397967_93e25a8314_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The native plants were almost totally gone now as we entered the lower sections of the ridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7160688473_544b4c5940_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7160688473_544b4c5940_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
However, I spotted a few lama trees in the sea of introduced vegetation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7345905180_bfe08c5f65_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7345905180_bfe08c5f65_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley cruising through the mixed forest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we broke out of the strawberry guava forest onto the more open ridge we spotted a couple interesting rock formations. The first one reminded me of the Easter Island Mo'ai and the other... well, you can draw your own conclusions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7160709565_97500031df_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7160709565_97500031df_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock face</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course we had to climb on top of it and take a few pictures...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7345938446_44038fcb87_h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7345938446_44038fcb87_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob wondering why Mike is going to jump off the rock into the valley below</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7164363263_6ddb0df0d9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/7164363263_6ddb0df0d9_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7349574556_42b48b32d4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7349574556_42b48b32d4_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7345927512_e2caa88bfe_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7083/7345927512_e2caa88bfe_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The other formation was along a narrower section. Again, draw your own conclusions.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7160740079_862b0afcbf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7160740079_862b0afcbf_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
We also got a look at that horrendous dip on neighboring Mau'uame Ridge. Man, that thing is a beast!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7160715857_9b512c0206_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7160715857_9b512c0206_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mau'umae Dip... I'm tired just looking at it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Nearing the end of the ridge we took a short break in this grassy meadow. GPS point: Grassy Knoll.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7345969692_0db9ed870b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7345969692_0db9ed870b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agnes has had enough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
A short time later we arrived at the forest near the huge mansion at the end of Aha Aina Drive where the old trail head had been.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7160771515_3910a990ef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7094/7160771515_3910a990ef_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The forest near the old trail head.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7345986384_a2d9fe795b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7345986384_a2d9fe795b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marley leading the way to the water tank which is just over the crest of that small hill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Originally I'd planned on avoiding any trespassing problems here by using the Honolulu Roller Coaster Trail to get down into the valley and come out on Kilauea Ave where we'd left the Jeep.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7164155267_8e7016c295_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7164155267_8e7016c295_b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plotting our escape. Photo by Agnes Bryant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We arrived at the water tank and scouted around for our exit route for a few minutes while admiring the huge property. It was getting late and we needed to get Mike's car out of Hawaii Loa before sunset so we selected the bail out route to Agnes' car which was staged at another location. I'm not saying where or how we got off the trail or where that bail out is because I don't want to encourage anyone else to take that route.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7346184750_c2d8969bc3_o.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7346184750_c2d8969bc3_o.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
We departed the bail out route and headed back to Kilauea Ave to retrieve the Jeep. There was a hunter preparing to head into the valley so we asked him about the trail up to the ridge and he gave us a description of the route to it from the valley below. If you follow in our footsteps this is the route to take to avoid any legal problems: The the trail in the valley crisscrosses the stream for about a half hour and is usually dry. As you reach a pool where there is always water look on the right side of the stream for a long line of ribbons heading straight up the ridge. They'll lead to the area near the water tank at the top where it will join Waialae Nui Ridge. Perhaps there's detailed description on HTMC's site or you can ask a veteran of the Honolulu Roller Coaster for more information.</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7345958986_0968a7d84a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7078/7345958986_0968a7d84a_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7160563737_cab018ca5d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7160563737_cab018ca5d_b.jpg" width="200" /></a>I really enjoy new stuff and while Hawaii Loa is nice and the KSRT sections of the Ko'olau Poko are always a pleasure the real fun on this hike was doing something a little less traveled. Generally, Waialae Nui is a like it's neighbor Wiliwilinui but without the road section. More pictures from<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157630004795585/" target="_blank"> this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> are available on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7160408549_8d70396977_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7160408549_8d70396977_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7237/7345760568_94f7e17488_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com341-1100 Waikupanaha St, Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA21.330634877851484 -157.7572345733642621.323239377851483 -157.76710507336426 21.338030377851485 -157.74736407336425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-13374147205637947952012-05-21T19:38:00.000-10:002012-05-21T19:38:55.620-10:00KST- Waikane to KipapaMay 15, 2012<br />
<br />
What a way finish to the Ko'olau Summit Trail! On May 15th I completed the final segment of my piecemeal journey on the historic KST. Joining me on this adventure were Mike and Agnes who I've been hiking with lately as my regular partner II has been tied up with other things.<br />
<br />
Originally we were to meet at the 7/11 in Kahulu'u across from the Hygenic Store at 5:30am but due to traffic in town they were running a little late so I headed down the street to watch the sunrise over Kaneohe Bay. The slight haze hanging in the air made for beautiful oranges and yellows as the fiery ball broke free of the water. What a day it was shaping up to be with barely a cloud in the sky!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7211877620_d15038b213_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7211877620_d15038b213_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7211872490_d738368e8b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/7211872490_d738368e8b_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7211882216_c996698d78_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7211882216_c996698d78_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A great start to a great day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In perfect timing, I got a call from Mike and we all met back up and proceeded to drop two cars where we'd finish the trail before heading to Waikane. Quickly we made our way up the network of roads in the valley towards the start of Waikane Trail doing everything we could to stay as inconspicuous as possible and avoid disturbing the neighborhood along the way. We pushed off somewhere around 6:30am.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7211894090_9dcbbc4403_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7211894090_9dcbbc4403_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking up the long dirt road in the valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/7211907470_3e4b4db57b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/7211907470_3e4b4db57b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflection in one of the many puddles in the road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7211925730_782583a397_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7211925730_782583a397_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7211912446_d44a7a1b81_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/7211912446_d44a7a1b81_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
We couldn't help but take a few pictures of the explosives signs and a banana flower as we approached the lone farm where the old VW van used to be and where a pack of dogs guard a private driveway. I cautioned everyone to be quiet as we approached and was able to sneak by undetected. Mike and Agnes weren't so lucky.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=3a493f7b6a&photo_id=7211475144&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false">
</param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786">
</param>
<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=3a493f7b6a&photo_id=7211475144&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false" height="360" width="640"></embed></object></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We couldn't help but notice all the orange spray paint marking deteriorating or vandalized portions of the Marine Corps' fence that delineates the old training area. No sign of any demolitions teams clearing unexplored ordinance that day either like my first trip up Waikane to Pauao.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7211932618_2720df9918_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7211932618_2720df9918_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We passed the final gate into the Waiahole Water System and paused for a group photo before continuing up the road which began to contour a little through the valleys to the former site of Waikane Camp and one of the tunnels of the ditch system.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7211939428_120f20ce53_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7211939428_120f20ce53_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Again we took time to pose for photos on the old concrete bridge that crosses the stream coming out the tunnel. At first we were careful not to jump on it as portions of it are pretty unstable but after a while it seemed more important to beat our cameras' 10 second timers so caution was thrown into the wind as we rushed to get into positions for pictures.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7211963424_648fce3a2a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7215/7211963424_648fce3a2a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We continued up the road a bit to the start of the Waikane Trail near another station around the next corner. The start of the trail is overgrown and washed out so we took the
shortcut up a stream bed to join the trail instead. I've been up here a
couple times before on previous adventures so tried to be mindful that this was their first time on
the trail so we stopped to enjoy sites and take pictures quite a bit. I
figured it was going to be a long and hot day on the trail and I'd need
my rest anyway!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7211971312_dd17ec8d97_b.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7211971312_dd17ec8d97_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Agnus stopped to surf a fallen tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This huge Albizia tree trailside was also worth stopping for.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7211985124_1088e2fab4_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7223/7211985124_1088e2fab4_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
A break in the canopy gave us our first look at the beautiful mountains that surrounded us. Pu'u Koiele shown in the photo below is on the makai side f the saddle that separates Waikane from Kahana. Pu'u Ka'aumakua is on the mauka side of the saddle<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7211991620_fd526cff09_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7211991620_fd526cff09_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We worked our way up the old trail enjoying it's wide swatch and the old lava rocks that it was paved with until we reached the top of the saddle. The left turn is Waikane Trail and the right is <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/kahana-to-waikane-via-waihole-ditch.html" target="_blank">Waiahole Ditch which I spent a long hard day on a few months prior</a>. We veered right on the Waiahole Ditch Trail where there's scenic overlook. There are some great views to enjoy here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7212025348_eaf8502d0e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8020/7212025348_eaf8502d0e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waikane Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7212031030_926dc1061f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7212031030_926dc1061f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike and Agnus enjoying the sights.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Right above the lookout, there's an old wooden cross in memorial to Henry Butch Menza, a well known pig hunter from windward O'ahu. The strawberry guava has almost obscured it but the top is still visible.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7212036902_33d877c6c7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7212036902_33d877c6c7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking up at the cloudless Ko'olau crest we could not have picked a better day to do this! Pu'u Ka'aumakaua is the tallest point on the right which is near the junction with the Waikane and Ko'olau Summit Trail junction.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7212042972_66858dec53_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7231/7212042972_66858dec53_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect conditions!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a few more photos we headed up the Waikane Trail towards the KST. The trail wound along the wall of the ridge and while still relatively clear, there were a few blowdowns, some ginger, and the old washouts to negotiate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7212069402_2b3dac21c6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7212069402_2b3dac21c6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7212146310_085810f09a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7212146310_085810f09a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7212152232_e0bd00f684_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7212152232_e0bd00f684_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7212083532_59243ebac8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7240/7212083532_59243ebac8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the more common trees along the lower sections is Lehua Ahihi, Metrosideros tremuloides, an endemic Ohia found only on O'ahu. Several of them had air roots they use to pull moisture out of the clouds to augment their water intake.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7212076346_c8efaa05ba_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7105/7212076346_c8efaa05ba_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Lehua ahihi frame this shot of Pu'u Piei which is along the ridge dividing Kahana Vally from Punalu'u Valley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7212135106_eacb7dc22d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/7212135106_eacb7dc22d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Further up the trail we were treated to a few Ha'iwale, Cyrtandra, species. There are about 58 species of the native relative to the African Violet and I'll be the first to admit there are far too many of these for me to identify other than C. Hawaiiensis but thankfully the Hawaii Plant ID group on Flickr and expert Joel Lau were able to help.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7212099200_21effdc159_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7212099200_21effdc159_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7212088126_1fe9b66832_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7212088126_1fe9b66832_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/7212104426_e7ab9747f2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/7212104426_e7ab9747f2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ha'iwale- Cyrtandra hawaiiensis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A far rarer form of Cyrtandra, subumbellata, was found a little further up and off the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7212119448_c189e5e03f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7092/7212119448_c189e5e03f_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7212114952_62271e234e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7090/7212114952_62271e234e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It doesn't feel like it but there is some massive exposure to the drop into Kahana Valley so keeping an eye on your footing is a priority although tough to do on a great day like this. The views of the untamed O'ahu so many who live here never see were simply jaw dropping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7212153510_88eeb8a5ca_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7073/7212153510_88eeb8a5ca_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Winding our way up the trail that the Army blasted into the side of the Ko'olaus, the views only improved.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7212219762_8f08046154_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/7212219762_8f08046154_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7212203064_3fb5bbb70d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7212203064_3fb5bbb70d_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7212234426_6fb0a0e38e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/7212234426_6fb0a0e38e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild O'ahu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At one point the trail below me gave way and I tumbled down into the valley below. As I plowed uncontrollably though the brush towards the cliff into the valley my life flashed before my eyes. Thankfully I stopped and was relatively unharmed. I clawed and struggled to reclimb the hundreds of feet I'd fallen down... Nah, that didn't happen. Mike dropped down the ridge to try and get a better angle of the valley below so we goofed around with this staged shot while we waited for him to come back up the ridge.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/7212249886_03733e738c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/7212249886_03733e738c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Help!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tomfoolery (been waiting for an opportunity to use that word) over we
continued up the trail and arrived at the rusty stake marking the
Waikane / Ko'olau Summit Trail junction at 11:25am and made the left
turn onto the final segment of the KST I've been wanting to do for so
long.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/7212316060_8fb3dfa1aa_b.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/7212316060_8fb3dfa1aa_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMxZw5hLpD_eqjQSQ1AZLLeeqfLilH2bplwm_clChitOPUbwvmyWC92YdwEQz7l2PHtbzelG_mnlTe4BP7TNY2AzIv9EDlT03fVsPBsu6ifIk_xVRrSJqTzcqbo6_q3xsuEohr7x7LyA/s1600/090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMxZw5hLpD_eqjQSQ1AZLLeeqfLilH2bplwm_clChitOPUbwvmyWC92YdwEQz7l2PHtbzelG_mnlTe4BP7TNY2AzIv9EDlT03fVsPBsu6ifIk_xVRrSJqTzcqbo6_q3xsuEohr7x7LyA/s320/090.JPG" width="320" /></a> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7212336306_140f1cdde7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7212336306_140f1cdde7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lower trail is Waikane and the upper is the KST to Kipapa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/7212316060_8fb3dfa1aa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
I knew from my reading that this section would be different from the other segments of the summit trail. In old issues of the HTMC's newsletters the legendary trail guru Stuart Ball had written a series of articles on the KST prior to his new book <a href="http://www.uhpress.hawaii.edu/p-8732-9780824835606.aspx" target="_blank">"Native Paths to Volunteer Trails".</a> He mentioned how this segment was not part of the original plan for the summit trail. As the Great Depression had taken hold of the country and funding was being cut the Territory of Hawaii's Forrester Charles S. Judd, the driving force behind the KST's construction, decided to connect the Kipapa Trail to the KST. Instead of having his crews blast into the windward sections of the crest as they had done over Punalu'u and Kahana they contoured the crest on the leeward side. This construction, although less desirable, was faster and cheaper and the race to finish the trail before funding was cut meant this was the only practical way to complete the effort. Being on the leeward side I expected a couple things. First, it was probably going to be overgrown because it isn't exposed to the tradewinds. Second, it was going to be hot- especially on a cloudless day like this one. Third, we'd be treated to some of the most amazing views of central O'ahu possible from the ground!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7212341618_ffb47ff450_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7212341618_ffb47ff450_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we climbed to the summit of Pu'u Ka'aumakua we stopped for some group photos.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7212325744_389941e41f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8011/7212325744_389941e41f_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5272/7212320906_be482f92f4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5272/7212320906_be482f92f4_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
As we reached the first leeward section, we got our first look at the dominant view of the rest of this segment, central O'ahu. We were very lucky as this area is often clouded over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5159/7212346598_257f2e9ae0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5159/7212346598_257f2e9ae0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Looming far away in the distance we could also see the end of of the KST where it joins the Kipapa Trail. My 200mm lens makes it look like it's right next door.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7212370748_5b0c374862_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7221/7212370748_5b0c374862_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Down below the trail were native forests of Ohia which reminded me of the spectacular beauty of Poamoho Trail.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1755162684"></span><span id="goog_1755162685"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7212366042_d194b4d1e8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8003/7212366042_d194b4d1e8_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7212361484_659ccf6a02_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7212361484_659ccf6a02_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Along that first contour the view expanded to include Ewa Beach and Pearl Harbor. Also in the shot below the weather station nestled down in the valley comes into view. (The flat area mid frame, low.) The green tree in the left is an Ohe Mauka, Tetraplasandra oahuensis, which is an endemic tree in the ivy family.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7212386622_b0eb2d736c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7212386622_b0eb2d736c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the upper sections of Waikane and on this section of the KST we'd passed many Loulu palms. These Pritchardia species are the only palms native to the Hawaiian Islands. They were once very plentiful but the introduction of the Polynesian rat which eats its fruit and the Hawaiian's slash and burn agriculture reduced their numbers drastically. Now they are almost completely gone and lower elevations and only sporadically found along the summit. These slow growing palms are sculpted by the winds along the summit and can be pretty dramatic. Unfortunately, I neglected to take many pictures of the more impressive examples.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7212415978_a9b8df9dc6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7212415978_a9b8df9dc6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7212391676_c78b9a4cdc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8006/7212391676_c78b9a4cdc_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5450/7212401380_c3b467f1ab_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5450/7212401380_c3b467f1ab_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7212396420_3b71ea126d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7212396420_3b71ea126d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Aside from being a little scruffy, the KST was so far quite passable. While most of the photos look like it's still a nicely graded green sidewalk, it's pretty uneven and that slows progress as the grass hides the uneven ground. There were a lot of trips, slips, and falls along the way. There were a few areas where the trail had suffered from a little slippage but I recall only one section where we had to take a detour. This area had gotten a little narrower.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5156/7212425602_4aeee2823a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5156/7212425602_4aeee2823a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7212440722_fd386263f5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8005/7212440722_fd386263f5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Completing the contour of Pu'u Ka'aumakua, the KST rejoined the Ko'olau Crest for some awesome views of the windward side.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/7212590610_1f5a652c6e_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/7212590610_1f5a652c6e_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Kualoa, Moili'i Pond, Mokoli'i Islet (Chinaman's Hat), Kahulu'u Pond, Ulupa'u Crater and Kekepa Islet (Below)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7212453512_b44fab8607_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7212453512_b44fab8607_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/7212456940_6cfb2cf014_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5199/7212456940_6cfb2cf014_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7212472528_198acff5b0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7212472528_198acff5b0_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7212467032_d3c8ba2680_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7212467032_d3c8ba2680_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olomana, Makapu'u and Moku Manu Islets were also visibly abet a bit hazy from this distance. (Below)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5071/7212482742_48a0b2c62e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5071/7212482742_48a0b2c62e_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7212496450_0d4eb273cd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7212496450_0d4eb273cd_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7212479476_c21f0217b2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7212479476_c21f0217b2_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
As expected the leeward side of the Ko'olaus was hot and stuffy in the sunny skies with minimal winds to cool us. The slight breeze along the summit was like air conditioning and we elected to do a little ridge walking to enjoy the views and to try to stay cool.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7212528726_5723eaa47a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7212528726_5723eaa47a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/7212539930_e4a3ec887e_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5340/7212539930_e4a3ec887e_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As we continued along the crest the exposure to the steep drops seemed completely reasonable given the view and the cool air. For the most part the going was fairly easy but every so often the vegetation pushed you right onto the very edge where nothing but a handful of uki grass and sure footing kept us from plummeting into the valley below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7212568880_3651cba050_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7212568880_3651cba050_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I spotted this lobelia growing along the summit. They're most likely Lobelia gaudichaudii, The Ko'olau Lobelia endemic to O'ahu. One subspecies, koolauensis, federally listed as endangered and estimated at less than 252 remaining individuals so we were careful not to disturb them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7212563464_72b6acf90f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7212563464_72b6acf90f_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7212557288_05b5923da7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7212557288_05b5923da7_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7212590230_12c437afc1_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/7212590230_12c437afc1_h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the northwestern spine of the Ko'olaus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We returned to the trail and continued contouring along the leeward sections. At one point there was a washout and the trail took a steep path up the ridge before returning to the graded section. Despite the vast numbers of pictures I took that day I didn't take one of it. As we wound around one ridge there was a break in the crest that acted like a window onto the windward side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7212607278_1b575ec91b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7081/7212607278_1b575ec91b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As the day progressed I got more and more beat up by the uluhe and branches. My legs were scratched and raw and there was a good deal of blood coming from cuts on my arms but the real killer was the heat. My mind drifted to ice water, air conditioning, and finally settled on a huge 7/11 Slurpee. Luckily as we got closer to Kipapa it seemed like the trail's condition improved. Some sections were quite nice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7212612072_595e2e6af2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7212612072_595e2e6af2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We passed a large Lehua Papa that was pretty unusual in shape and size. Usually they form a low sprawling tree but this one was big and blocky. Metrosideros rugosa is only found in the Ko'olau mountains on O'ahu.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5193/7212628388_ea4a76ddf2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5193/7212628388_ea4a76ddf2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The windswept valleys meant for easy trail and stunning views. We took a longer break at the head of this one under the cover of some Sugi Pines.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5116/7212702626_c845f49e38_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5116/7212702626_c845f49e38_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7212731672_0d6231a325_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/7212731672_0d6231a325_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7212722350_755806450d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7212722350_755806450d_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7212726920_5f6033a162_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7212726920_5f6033a162_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Angus found the perfect cushioned recliner while Miked opted for a shady spot. I dropped where I stood. After we pushed off again we transitioned through this really cool notch. Mike flexed his muscles for the shot!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7212756978_8495b149b7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/7212756978_8495b149b7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Shortly after the notch we were on our last few yards of the KST. We rounded this corner to the Sugi Pine grove I'd visited back in January doing the scout for the return leg of this loop. Thankfully it would be all downhill from here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5316/7212768988_65b511f3cc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5316/7212768988_65b511f3cc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Leaving the KST we headed up the ridge to the Waiahole Uka Summit. The sun was starting to settle in the west warning us that we had to be mindful of our remaining sunlight. Darkness falls pretty quickly in the shadow of the Ko'olaus and the dense forest of Waiahole Valley.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7212783834_4838b6bbd2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7212783834_4838b6bbd2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westward view, Waiahole Uka Summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7212803848_969e11a6db_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7212803848_969e11a6db_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back at the summit we traversed via the KST</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I took one last shot which I feel defines this segment. This 360 degree panoramic captures the spine of the Ko'olaus and the windward and leeward sides of the crest pretty well. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to visit this very special place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5080/7212835300_e84e6c68a4_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5080/7212835300_e84e6c68a4_h.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally it was time to return back to the urban environment of O'ahu. Mike led the descent down the windward ridge known as Waiahole Uka a few moments before 5:00pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7212840690_9656fac4a9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7212840690_9656fac4a9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The descent was no different than my previous experience but still enjoyable. We navigated the tangle of vegetation and old ropes as we made our way to the valley floor.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7212888040_da1efea401_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/7212888040_da1efea401_b.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7212899450_6a232823bd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7212899450_6a232823bd_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7212905300_1f3666f23d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7212905300_1f3666f23d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The worst surprise for me was at the bottom. The uluhe had completely taken over the lower trail and my already battered legs were really taking some punishment as I pushed through to the bottom of the trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7212911224_8b1de02f84_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/7212911224_8b1de02f84_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We arrived at the junction with the lower trail at 6:30pm and paused for a picture. We all look a little tired but I see three smiles.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7212927724_06d044828e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7212927724_06d044828e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Somewhere along the winding route back to where we'd staged cars darkness fell. There were a couple points along the way I'd been concerned about the vagueness of the trail but I also had a bail out route that thankfully we didn't have to use. At one point we scrambled off our route to avoid being detected by one of the valley residents. This areas is off limits and we felt it best try and leave no trace of our visit. I was able to find all the landmarks and we emerged at the cars at about 8:25pm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/7212935222_4f5954f475_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5321/7212935222_4f5954f475_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7212939402_2ab8524b58_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7225/7212939402_2ab8524b58_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After returned to Waikane to retrieve one of the cars my very first stop was at 7/11 where we'd begun our journey that morning for a very cold and very delicious Slurpee. It was the best one I've ever had.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7212943828_4e77e601e1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7233/7212943828_4e77e601e1_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My reward!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My piecemeal completion of the Ko'olau Summit Trail has taken me far longer than I anticipated and there's more than one segment I'd like another shot at. It's truly an amazing resource and how it's been left to languish and decay is a real shame. For me the biggest obstacle is the mileage to and from the summit trail itself and access issues. Just to get on the trail is a pretty big undertaking and, aside from Pauao, seems to involve either trespassing or permitting. La'ie is about the easiest one to get permission for and Poamoho provides the easiest and quickest route to the KST but permitting is problematic if you work weekends like I do. When I say "completed" the KST what I really mean is familiarized myself with it. There are still other associated trails like Kawailoa, and Kipapa that I have not done but would love to get a crack at. Also, I should be clear that I've just done the Ko'olau Summit Trail and still have a whole bunch of hard work to do before I can reach my ultimate goal of completing the entire Ko'olaus from Pupakea to Makapu'u. I can't wait to get my boots back on it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/7212735618_1650a24f66_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/7212735618_1650a24f66_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7212208682_457a8318a5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7212208682_457a8318a5_b.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629760502084/with/7212943828/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank"> Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=590bd32d22&photo_id=7211559040&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false">
</param>
<param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786">
</param>
<param name="bgcolor" value="#000000">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=590bd32d22&photo_id=7211559040&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false" height="360" width="640"></embed></object></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com2Waikane Valley, HI 96744, USA21.501390511041397 -157.8970527648925821.494003511041395 -157.90692326489258 21.508777511041398 -157.88718226489257tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-25456238152752287052012-04-12T12:07:00.007-10:002012-04-13T00:08:55.633-10:00KST- Pauao to CastleApril 3, 2012<br />
<br />
This segment of the Ko'olau Summit Trail has intrigued and frustrated me for over a year. I anticipated it as having some of the most amazing views of O'ahu in the Ko'oaluloa area and I wasn't disappointed. After cutting short <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/poamoho-fail-and-kionaole-road-family.html" target="_blank">our recent attempt to tackle this segment from Poamoho last month</a> I'd relegated it to waiting for the next federal holiday to get another permit but when my hiking partner bailed out on me this week I decided I'd finish the whole section of trail from Pauao to Castle Junction then down Papali solo. Note that the blog post is titled Pauao to Castle... yeah, things didn't go as I planned. Yesterday's <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/sacred-falls.html" target="_blank">short trip to Sacred Falls</a> after a grueling midnight shift had not quenched my desire to do some hiking and the week long trek of the entire Ko'olau crest by super hiker Chase Norton also provided some motivation to get off my rear end despite all the overtime I'd been working.<br />
<br />
I arrived at Kahana Valley sometime after 6am and parked just outside the neighborhood at the end of the road. I finished my coffee and waiting impatiently for my Droid RAZR to charge. I only got to 60% before I decided I couldn't wait any longer. I still have the old Droid 1 with several extra batteries so the RAZR was serving backup anyway. I put on my boots and locked the Jeep making one last mental check of my gear and emailed my route to Mrs. XJ before setting off up the road towards the water tank where the trail to Pauao starts. This segment is almost exactly 1.5 miles.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5272/6909326732_f9dff1619f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5272/6909326732_f9dff1619f_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/7055420189_85a7ff40b9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/7055420189_85a7ff40b9_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The initial road walk was fairly uneventful but I had to stop to check out some Mountain Apple blooms that have started popping out in recent weeks. Ohia Ai is a Polynesian introduction and it's magenta blooms aren't quite as vibrant as the lehua flowers but are still eye catching.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6909335054_f33ba273fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6909335054_f33ba273fc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I arrived at the water tank at 7:09am and took a mental deep breath. <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/pauao-ridge-trail.html" target="_blank">Pauao really beat me up last time I'd gone up it</a> but that had been after a midnight shift at work so I was hoping that there would be a breeze to keep me cool and than a full night's sleep would help tame the trail a bit. The initial section to gain the crest of the ridge was still just as steep and slippery as I'd remembered it. There was not a breath of wind as I struggled up through the hapu'u fern and hala trees. By the time I reached the crest I was lathered in sweat. The sun was shining its first rays down into the valley from over Pu'u Manamana which separates Kahana from Kualoa.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5031/7055430357_4d989f9154_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5031/7055430357_4d989f9154_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Gaining the ridge, I could see down into Punalu'u Valley which would end up being my destination later that night. Where I'd exit later is just 1.75 miles away from where I stood.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/7055430583_759ac90b6a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/7055430583_759ac90b6a_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punalu'u Valley viewed from the climb up to the ridge from Kahana Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After lingering I started the roller coaster ups and downs of the ridge towards the Ko'olaus. The trail was a little more overgrown than it had been on other ventures and I don't think it's seeing too much traffic. The uluhe closed in places but the trail was still very easy to follow. As I slowly made my way up the trail I passed several landmarks I remembered from my other two ventures on the trail. I learned last time to take breaks where there was a breeze and to keep moving where there wasn't. By now the sun had come out in full force so I added shade to the list.<br />
<br />
Working my way past a couple climbs and descents I passed a big, well O'ahu big, Koa with a rope for assistance to gain the crest. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/7055436497_cdcf0f890a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/7055436497_cdcf0f890a_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/7055443203_978b79eeea_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5455/7055443203_978b79eeea_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
The ridge rolls so much it's hard to say how many up and and downs but I count this as the third large climb. Just beyond is yet another I dubbed Pu'u Heart Attack as I felt like I was going to have one climbing it!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/6909356314_77a6a5fafa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7112/6909356314_77a6a5fafa_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pu'u Pauao from Pu'u Heart Attack</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After a couple hours I had to stop and check my boots. I'd worn an old pair of socks and I could tell I was getting a blister on my left heal. After removing my boot I saw a huge nasty looking blister that had broken exposing the raw flesh beneath. I dragged out my moleskin knowing that it probably wouldn't do any good so I added a wrapper from the freeze dried apples I was eating for some additional protection. Since I was stopped, I figured I might as well take a self portrait and drag out the D90 for a few shots of the scenery around me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5231/6909373244_ba0acc715d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5231/6909373244_ba0acc715d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5280/7055457875_af56d9ab36_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5280/7055457875_af56d9ab36_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the Papali Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/7055454509_e9759c9ac1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/7055454509_e9759c9ac1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking east from the ridge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Honestly, I wasn't keeping very good notes on the trail side plant life. Today was more about completing a section of the KST than plant life but I couldn't help taking a few shots of the more interesting or unusual ones along the way.<br />
<br />
I spotted what looks like a huge Lama tree. I guesstimate it at about 40 feet tall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/6909377144_71ca87023e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/6909377144_71ca87023e_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
This Kanawao has some strange galling on the leaves.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7055481027_5e8655b480_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5465/7055481027_5e8655b480_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Check out the size of this fungus growing on a Koa!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/7055470067_c05bd5bc3b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/7055470067_c05bd5bc3b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Later in the trail I spotted some almost golden colored lehua flowers which seemed richer and darker in color that the typical yellow. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/6909394894_028f7dd4b8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5470/6909394894_028f7dd4b8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Hoping that my heal wouldn't ruin the day, I continued up the last series of climbs and descents until I reached the final climb section that would take me to the KST. Looking up at the windward sections of the KST blasted into the side of the Ko'olaus provided the motivation I needed to continue up the trail. I fretted a little about the clouds that looked like they may be moving in for two reasons. First, the phenomenal views of the valley would be lost and second and more importantly I'd need some visibility to identify the overgrown trail when it left the crest near Castle Junction.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6909387978_e4ca9ff8e1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6909387978_e4ca9ff8e1_b.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final climb to the KST</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The crumbling section with the two ropes was just as brittle as I remembered so I made use of the ropes to provide some insurance against slipping. Finally, about five hours after I'd left the Jeep I crested out to the KST almost exactly 2 miles from the water tank. 5 hours to cover 3.5 miles... not impressive at all!<br />
<br />
The poor little troll on the Pauao sign had last all his hair since I'd last visited him...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/7055836599_5d7f99fb2e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/7055836599_5d7f99fb2e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I took a couple shots of Punalu'u and Kahana Valley before setting off westward on the KST. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/6909400816_a66141b5d8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7234/6909400816_a66141b5d8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pu'u Pauao eastern view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/6909406234_4508092fef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/6909406234_4508092fef_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pu'u Pauao western view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7055504499_c39a8f7556_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/7055504499_c39a8f7556_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Punalu'u and Kahana Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table> The trail was overgrown a bit but I suspect that it's the most highly traveled section with easy access from Poamoho and then down Schofield. The trail was mostly open and very easy to follow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7055514655_6519e0e690_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7248/7055514655_6519e0e690_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wide open trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7055520547_b01b96e87e_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7055520547_b01b96e87e_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panoramic from beyond Pu'u Pauao </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/7055520349_713a413d00_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/7055520349_713a413d00_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I liked the symmetry of Pu'u Piei in the background with the small valley in the foreground.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It wasn't long before I was cruising on some of the best sections of this amazing trail that were blasted out of the side of the ridge during its construction in 1935. This was by far the most enjoyable stroll I've taken on the KST. I absolutely love the views and the construction of the trail is just amazing. I wish I could have seen this trail when it was new and in pristine shape.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/6909437642_7646bf2f4d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/6909437642_7646bf2f4d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous trail!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/6909440736_316d121ece_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/6909440736_316d121ece_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth sailing...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The trail switched to the leeward side of the crest for a moment offering some great views of the Waianae Mountains and central O'ahu before passing through a notch back to windward.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5071/7055538629_b49c4aa5bf_b.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5071/7055538629_b49c4aa5bf_b.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The First Notch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/6909446962_5d38475051_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/6909446962_5d38475051_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leeward Views</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/7055541469_6cabebc923_b.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/7055541469_6cabebc923_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to windward</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7055564395_8949e0abf8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/7055564395_8949e0abf8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First sighting of Poamoho Cabin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The trail switched twice from windward to leeward then on the third section I finally caught sight of my first stop, the Poamoho Cabin tucked away in a see of summit vegetation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6909478012_04ea92215f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6909478012_04ea92215f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
As I approached I saw the door was open but when I arrived I didn't see any gear or sign of activity. After signing the guest log I "borrowed" some old duct tape and wrapped my heel and the nasty blister that the moleskin hadn't really helped. Next time I'm here there will be a nice big roll of fresh duct tape in my pack to repay my debt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7055570427_aaec4a22c4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7055570427_aaec4a22c4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
There wasn't much tape to use and not wanting to use all of the tape that didn't really belong to me, I settled for a couple 2 inch strips which I applied directly over the blister. After putting my boot back on I grabbed a self portrait and continued down the trail towards Poamoho Junction a half mile away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7055573139_0cf8309a4d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7218/7055573139_0cf8309a4d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Just below the cabin there's a large pond that I'd seen on Google Earth doing my research for the trail. I noted a white object which might be some kind of gauge sticking up on the west side of it. Some day it would be fun to visit the pond area but there was no time for it today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/7055587331_3115365241_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/7055587331_3115365241_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
As the trail continued westward the views of central O'ahu kept getting better. I noted many more footprints in the mud in this area- human, pua'a, and dog.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/7055583417_ac55a4761f_b.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/7055583417_ac55a4761f_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving Poamoho Cabin behind...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/6909486870_da2c933529_b.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/6909486870_da2c933529_b.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/6909498890_aac7415768_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/6909498890_aac7415768_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
There seemed to be little danger of the ridge clouding anytime soon but I still worried about the last section before Castle. When the clouds roll in it can be confusing and a couple ohia bushes or some uluhe can mask a few feet of the trail making it difficult to see a turn. I've heard stories about people getting lost up here and even Back Country Navigator or GPS only provides educated guesses as the trail has moved in a few spots throughout the years and as datums and mapping techniques have changed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/6909502850_5f5c47161c_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7252/6909502850_5f5c47161c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Paomoho- The green metal snail enclosure and the solar powered weather station</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The infamous KST mud wasn't too bad all day. I never sank in over the tops of my boots but it does drain quite a bit of energy. From Pauao to Poamoho there wasn't more than a handful of mud holes. The trail meandered along the crest, passed through another notch, and arrived at Poamoho Junction.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6909509178_576081aa19_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6909509178_576081aa19_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Switching sides again </td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/6909515754_6e878bdda4_b.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7229/6909515754_6e878bdda4_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5276/7055608291_de6aa98809_b.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5276/7055608291_de6aa98809_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5200/6909522404_de54d2ddb9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5200/6909522404_de54d2ddb9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poamoho Junction</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A few moments later I arrived at the Cline Memorial and what I consider one of the best views on the island. The snail enclosure has been ripped apart and I wondered about the fate of the snails who'd lived there. I didn't check for any of them but I hope their little paradise hasn't been invaded by predatory rats.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7055632349_a755642025_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7089/7055632349_a755642025_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snail enclosure... well what's left of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Circling the enclosure I searched for the trail. Unable to find the correct route, I doubled back and after thrashing about in the bushes for a while I finally found the trail... right along the crest where I thought it had been in the first place... sigh.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/6909539542_08a6fe92b6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7079/6909539542_08a6fe92b6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poamoho leeward view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After just a couple hundred yards I ran across the remains of another weather station with an anemometer. It was pretty rusty looking and I have no idea if it's even hooked up to anything. I didn't bother with a picture.<br />
<br />
The views of from this section of the Ko'olaus are simply amazing. I took far too many breaks to enjoy them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6909549774_e42eb6d856_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6909549774_e42eb6d856_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After continuing westward 0.4 miles I hit one of the fences along the summit. The trail generally followed the fence but occasionally I could see where it diverged and then rejoined. Now that I have the trail's gps track I can actually see the fence line on Google Earth. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/7055646117_0d3e7a16ff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/7055646117_0d3e7a16ff_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the fence</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There were a few fairly overgrown sections along this section as I recall. Along this section the trail was often muddy and wet and the duct tape and moleskin had long since lost their hold on my skin so I had to just grit my teeth and deal with the blister on my ankle. Along the way there were a few steps to use to cross the fence but I didn't take note of them. However at the final section I crossed at one marked by a sign and a leather jungle boot on a pole. Earlier I'd caught sight of the Army's Cabin but this late in the day there was no time to take the trail over to check it out. Oh well, next time.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6909569142_e4a4ef3d54_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6909569142_e4a4ef3d54_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6909572208_6883d98246_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6909572208_6883d98246_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
The viewing angle of the windward valleys below had changed now. The variations of emerald to forest green and the weathering of the Ko'olau summit combined for a stunning landscape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/6909563160_2587937575_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/6909563160_2587937575_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/7055656945_f92db2901f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5311/7055656945_f92db2901f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After leaving the fence crossing with the boot on a poll it was a short walk over to a steel matted helicopter landing zone with some fencing materials and a big Menehune Water jug. The LZ is roughly one mile from the Poamoho Junction.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7055673223_59a0d7e648_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/7055673223_59a0d7e648_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
In the vicinity of the landing zone I noticed the skeletal remains of a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1114346564">Koli'i. Trematolobelia </a><span class="st"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157625659903015/" target="_blank">macrostachys </a>blooms then small fruit form but instead of dropping from their stalk the sides of the fruit open and the seeds are dispersed by the wind. There are plenty of these great little plants all along the the KST from Castle to Waikane.</span> <br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/6909580508_9a1ce8b022_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/6909580508_9a1ce8b022_b.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/7055667173_887bdc89fb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/7055667173_887bdc89fb_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/7055615279_b2095290a7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/7055615279_b2095290a7_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/6909529338_2da31fa054_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5038/6909529338_2da31fa054_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
At the LZ I took a long break to eat, drink, and enjoy the beautiful back country of O'ahu. I'd been rationing out my water and, to be honest, I'd become a bit dehydrated. I hadn't stopped at the Poamoho Stream or taken any of the catchment water at the cabin to refill and I was reaching the end of my 3 liter Camelbak supply. I still had my backup bottle of Aquafina but that was only a half liter. It now 3:52pm so it was getting later in the day and I still had a some pretty serious ground to cover so I decided to cancel my planned exit via Papali and take my alternate route down the Castle Trail. Yeah, it's off limits but I needed to refill my water at upper Kaluanui Stream and it looked like I'd be finishing after dark so the familiar trail and available water made it the far better choice. It was just before 4pm and I watched the afternoon sun settling in the west over the Waianae Mountains in the distance.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7055675473_64f44d3337_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7244/7055675473_64f44d3337_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I hunted around for the continuation of the trail for a short time and finally found it continuing along the crest and set off on the last leg of the KST for the day. The trail followed the crest for a while and then headed inland away from the valleys on the windward side. The faint mist of clouds began to move in which was my biggest worry of the day as this was the section of the KST that proceeded inland from the ridge towards Castle Junction. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/7055678229_4f1df2c029_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/7055678229_4f1df2c029_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh oh...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/6909593944_d59ae2ccb1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/6909593944_d59ae2ccb1_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival at the Castle Trail Junction 6:06pm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thankfully nothing more than a mist seemed to develop and 1.84 miles later I arrived at Castle Junction at 6:06pm. I set off down the familiar trail with a sigh of relief knowing that the chance of me loosing the trail now were remote and, baring injury, I'd have no trouble getting out of the Ko'olaus. I'd forgotten just how long the upper section of the trail was though. In my mind it contoured around for a bit then junctioned with Papali and a short time later it would descend into Kaluanui Stream. It seemed far longer as I picked my way down though but the relatively clear trail was much better than the muddy and often times overgrown KST.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6909595862_bf7d0403c7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6909595862_bf7d0403c7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dusk settling in on the upper section of the Castle Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>0.6 miles later I arrived at the junction with the water fall at about 6:50pm. It had clouded up a bit and I didn't hold out much hope that I'd finally see that elusive waterfall I'd only heard but never seen but decided to take the short detour. Amazingly it was still light enough an clear enough to see. What a beauty!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/6909604200_14c2aaf559_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/6909604200_14c2aaf559_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Snapping a few shots of the falls I noticed I'd picked up a hitchhiker- a snot-in-a-hat snail. I removed in gently from my pack and tried to put in on an ohia but it clung to me stubbornly. Finally I coaxed the little snail onto a leaf and shouldered my pack to continue towards Kaluanui. It had been 12 hours since I'd left the Jeep in Kahana and I was pretty tired. The somewhat vacant look I'm wearing in this picture of me below betrays my fatigue. I did a short video entry gets cut short a little with Flickr's video limit.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/6909607812_db85e2c24f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7249/6909607812_db85e2c24f_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5119/6909610060_2c7b69cf7a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5119/6909610060_2c7b69cf7a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=043d379544&photo_id=7071784607&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=043d379544&photo_id=7071784607&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false" height="360" width="640"></embed></object></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>By now the sun had set bringing a beautiful twilight augmented by an almost full moon. I caught sight of the lights of Hau'ula below a few times and resisted taking out my headlamp for a while. By the time I'd reached the Papali Junction I was forced to bring out my headlamp though and kicked myself for not having fresh batteries in it. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/6909611790_53a105fb93_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/6909611790_53a105fb93_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost full moon...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After winding down the trail a while I finally reached the section that dropped me down to the stream. In the moonlight the place had a surreal look to it. Perhaps it was the long day but the initial beauty of the stream was replaced by a irrational fear. Looking up the stream towards the Hibiscus arnottianus that marks the continuation of the trail the gray boulders of the stream began to take on new shapes and identities. One massive boulder looked like a bone grey skull or some kind of otherworldly face. Behind it other rocks took on ominous and unfriendly shapes which made me want nothing more than to get the heck out of there. Pushing back my ridiculous imagined fears, I crossed the stream and made may way though the trail towards the notch. Here, previous experience had me on the look out for a few confusing spots where it's easy to lose the trail.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7063856489_d4e2245b17_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7063856489_d4e2245b17_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lights of Punalu'u from "The Notch"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Safely navigating the upper Kaluanui region I arrived at the notch at 8:36pm. By now the fading batteries of my headlamp were providing just barely enough illumination to see the area directly in front of my feet. I still had my backup flashlight but the convenience of the headlamp trumped what would have been a far, far brighter beam. The lights of Punalu'u below were a welcome sight but a short time later they were obscured as passing showers began to roll though the valley. Remembering that last long cold night on this trail when we'd done La'ie to Castle I donned my rain jacket not wanting to repeat the shivering cold experience. I was so exhausted the thought of taking out the little silvery space blanket in my pack and laying down in the mud to take a nap sounded fantastic.<br />
<br />
Although tired and beat the trip down Castle was far more pleasant even with my toes now being jammed into the front of my boots and the occasional reminder that my heel's flesh was still being tortured by my boot. It seems like either the trail had received a bunch of traffic or a recent clearing because the pink fringe that had choked the upper section back in November had been opened back up. There were a few new blow-downs here and there but for the most part the trail was in great condition. I anxiously awaited the first switchback, then the second. Finally at exactly 9:15pm the detour section appeared out of the dark.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7063858975_0dc374e51a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7132/7063858975_0dc374e51a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Detour Section</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After passing the two dry waterfalls I knew the straightway section couldn't be far and finally I gained the crest of the spur that would deliver me to the valley road below. I called Mrs. XJ who was furious with me for not checking in with her sooner and advised her that I'd be at Punalu'u Valley Road in about the same amount of time as it would take her to get there from Kailua.<br />
<br />
Descending the spur was uneventful but wet as the showers continued. I guess the one positive effect was that they helped to remove some of the mud from my legs and boots.<br />
<br />
I reached the valley floor and headed makai towards civilization. I neither saw nor heard anyone on the way out of the valley but passing the plantation near the end of the dirt road I smelled the scent of a pipe being smoked. Even the dogs at the homes that have always barked at me were absent in the rain as I walked towards the intersection that would take me to Kamehameha Highway. About midway up Punalu'u Valley Rd I could see the headlights of Mrs. XJ's car and a very disgruntled wife and two sleeping keiki picked me up at 11:31pm.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7055701749_b73c016e36_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7102/7055701749_b73c016e36_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I got a little bit of a lecture on the way back to Kahana to retrieve the Jeep which was deserved. When we pulled up to the Jeep, I noticed piece of paper jammed into my window. Too tired to worry about it, I took off my boots and traded them for some slippers. As I got to the driver's side door I examined the note which said "Sorry, Taillight" and had a phone number and 50 dollars folded into it. I went back and sure enough the passenger side taillight was busted. Honestly, I was too tired to care about the damage and pretty shocked that someone would be so honest to leave a note and cash!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5320/6909613410_4bfa8ba5ef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5320/6909613410_4bfa8ba5ef_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/6909613132_540b256da4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/6909613132_540b256da4_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
With the benefit of hindsight, I would have stuck with my initial planned route of Papali to Pauao but the lure of having the Castle Trail as my alternate was too tempting. My first miscalculation was that by climbing Pauao first I'd spend the entire day coasting down the KST. While that's somewhat true, I was surprised that there were still some uphill segments after gaining the summit. Normally 3 liters of water is enough for me to hike all day but again I misjudged the distances, my fitness, and the terrain. I knew Kaluanui Stream is always flowing so water would be available on the final leg when I might need it. I've done Castle twice and once was a night so I knew what to expect if I arrived late at split with Papali. Papali has some narrow sections and is ungraded so coming out after dark on it could be more dangerous- another reason to select Castle as my alternate. Of course this whole segment would have been far easier if I could have used Poamoho. Oh well, I had a good time and the scenery and experience were well worth the long day.<br />
<br />
More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629399894466/with/7063858975/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can been viewed on Flickr. Aloha and mahalo for reading.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6909545846_b016823d2e_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6909545846_b016823d2e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com3Koolauloa, Hauula, HI, USA21.558943777963332 -157.9101127763672121.453777277963333 -158.00200677636721 21.664110277963331 -157.81821877636722tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-24753392107121469342012-04-10T07:59:00.001-10:002012-04-10T09:14:33.570-10:00Sacred FallsApril 2, 2011<br />
<br />
It's odd that I'd never visited this beautiful little waterfall tucked away in a narrow valley considering I grew up here on O'ahu. Back in <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/maakua-gulch.html" target="_blank">January our attempt to do so</a> was thwarted by a small army of Department of Land and Natural Resources folks who were gathered in the field where people used to park when Sacred Falls State Park was still open.<br />
<br />
James and I both had the midnight shift at work and while they're normally fairly tame this one was absolutely insane. Normally the air traffic over Hawaii and the surrounding ocean is worked by three people. One in the tower, one for the airspace surrounding the Honolulu International Airport, and one that covers all the rest of the islands and the thousands of square miles of ocean surrounding them. When I came back in from my break to relieve my coworker the first thing I noticed was that the supervisor was plugged in assisting him and the scope was filled with far more traffic than usual. I plugged in an assumed the sector for the next three hours which were filled with military tankers, bombers, fighters, international overflights, and a strangely high number of inter-island flights. My supervisor and I worked furiously though all the traffic and an emergency involving a flight of tankers and F-15's until the morning shift arrived at 6am. Exhausted, I unplugged and as I walked to my car watched the F-15 emergency catch the cable on runway 4R with his wingman escorting him to the runway before hitting the power with a ear shattering roar and circling back to land. James who'd been working Honolulu Approach all night and I had discussed heading back to to try Sacred Falls again after the mid earlier on our day shift and despite the crazy night I decided I still wanted to go.<br />
<br />
After returning home grab my gear, I dropped by his place and we headed out to Sacred Falls State Park just before the small town of Hau'ula. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://covers.openlibrary.org/b/id/6379862-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://covers.openlibrary.org/b/id/6379862-L.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><a href="http://www2.hawaii.edu/%7Eromeror/Kamapuaa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>In the various books I've read over the last few months the legends of Kamapua'a always seem to find their way into a chapter. The theories and legends vary depending on the source but stories of the hog man of ancient times are always interesting to read. Some tell of an 8 foot demigod who was able to change shape to a pig while others speculate that he was merely a powerful man who wore a trademark hogskin cape. The mythical Kamapua'a was very busy with romantic pursuits of the fiery goddess Pele on Hawaii, stirring up trouble on Maui, and here on O'ahu. He is linked with fertility, the god Lono, and even to the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a- the state fish of Hawaii. Rather than try to relate all of his adventures I'll simply refer you to the<a href="http://www.coffeetimes.com/kamapuaa.htm" target="_blank"> Coffee Times</a> for a brief summary of some of his pursuits. Even the legends of his association with sacred falls vary widely. In some accounts he created the Sacred Falls when, pursued by an angry mob, he was trapped in the narrow valley just east of Hau'ula and changed himself into a giant pig. As he fled he scratched out the falls releasing a flood of waters that drowned his tormentors. In other legends it seems the falls were already there and he and his followers escaped when he turned himself into a pig and his followers ran up his back or, in others, via his "male member" to the valley above the waterfall. Whatever the case, Kamapua'a and Sacred Falls will be forever linked.<br />
<br />
On Mother's Day, 1999, a huge section of the mountain near the base of the falls sheered off and tumbled down onto a large group of hikers who were enjoying picturesque day. 6 people were killed and 33 others injured as boulders, some the size of cars, trees, and rocks tumbled down on them. According to accounts, the rocks came down with so much force they bounced like ping pong balls in the narrow little valley. The grisly scene is described in this <a href="http://archives.starbulletin.com/1999/05/08/news/story1.html" target="_blank">Honolulu Star-Bulletin article</a> and if you're planning to visit this place you should really read it. The danger here, while remote, is very real.<br />
<br />
As we arrived at the closed state park there were road barricades from some type of work so we parked a block up near an art gallery and back tracked to the old park's parking lot. No DLNR vehicles were in sight so we crossed the grassy lot and past the gate and headed up the road. Eventually we reached an intersection where we veered left. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5276/7064069839_216a1391ec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5276/7064069839_216a1391ec_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/7064072105_421b350d41_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/7064072105_421b350d41_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6917996142_e33648c500_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6917996142_e33648c500_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There were plenty of signs to warn us danger and to let us know we weren't supposed to be there. For the record, I didn't see any of them until we were on the way out.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7064179319_d5f020f7a5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7064179319_d5f020f7a5_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/6918101134_a030e7d405_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5032/6918101134_a030e7d405_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Eventually the road ended and we arrived at the remains of the old ditch system that was part of the James Castle's Ko`olau Agricultural Company plantations between Hau`ula and Kahana and more signage.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/6918003758_c76c0f2573_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/6918003758_c76c0f2573_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/7064077059_a71f5bcab3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/7064077059_a71f5bcab3_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Continuing up the trail we crossed the stream a couple times through the introduced forest of ohia ai. The trail was obviously once graded and most of it is still in good shape. Despite the danger, both legal and physical, this trail obviously still receives a lot of traffic.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/6918006402_5d98bd13f3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/6918006402_5d98bd13f3_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/6918001290_0f2b4d53f5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/6918001290_0f2b4d53f5_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The valley walls narrowed and eventually we caught our first glimpse of Sacred Falls in the distance. The only noises back here are the wind and the water. It's shattered on a regular basis by tour helicopters that seemed to arrive about 10 minutes apart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5079/7064092217_903d6abdf2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5079/7064092217_903d6abdf2_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6918018620_6a05ab2147_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6918018620_6a05ab2147_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/7064139389_a4ddb482e6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/7064139389_a4ddb482e6_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/6918016228_6f3ea4aa78_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/6918016228_6f3ea4aa78_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
Just before the falls there's a massive dry waterfall chute which must be amazing to see in a downpour. I think I'll pass though, the flash flooding potential in this narrow little valley is pretty high and I don't need to see it that bad! Twice while we were back there we saw rocks falling. One little shard came down and sheared several of the leaves off an ohia ai tree before whizzing across the valley. Even that little rock would have been pretty painful if it had hit one of us. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/6918037822_6be4bf6225_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7265/6918037822_6be4bf6225_b.jpg" width="203" /></a><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5271/7064118761_c23ce48aa3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5271/7064118761_c23ce48aa3_b.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sacred Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5075/6918032430_12ce7e0bc9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5075/6918032430_12ce7e0bc9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and I posing at the falls.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5111/7064106051_d981e95b4e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5111/7064106051_d981e95b4e_b.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the valley from the falls- The left side is where the landslide was in 1999.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After taking far to many pictures of the falls we retraced our steps back out of the valley. Along the way we stopped to check out some prawn that were trying to catch a fish in one of the pools in the stream.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7064132267_0100531ba2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/7064132267_0100531ba2_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/7064129449_06761848ff_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/7064129449_06761848ff_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I dunked the Nikon AW100 in the water to get a little perspective on how we looked to the various creatures who inhabit the stream. I haven't been too impressed with the photos the little point and shoot delivers but it's far more rugged than the DSLR and also waterproof.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/6918057320_5897482b3f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5447/6918057320_5897482b3f_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6918055534_bec82b5fc2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6918055534_bec82b5fc2_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Done scaring the prawns with my crazy poses and shoving a camera in their faces, we continued downstream. On one wall of the valley erosion had exposed the dike formations running though the rock. If you've ever seen the tunnels of the Waiahole Ditch that collect water from the mountains you can visualize how boring though them to collect water trapped in the softer rock between the dikes works.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6918045984_467b697eb2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6918045984_467b697eb2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Arriving back at the dirt road we spotted a truck and heard voices. Cautiously and quietly we moved forward to investigate.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7064141647_ea2423a708_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7064141647_ea2423a708_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5160/7064151343_45ce307625_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5160/7064151343_45ce307625_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Dressed in my blaze orange shirt there was little chance I wouldn't be noticed but we kept quiet until we realized it had federal plates. At ease now, we passed what turned out to be a USGS truck and exited the park.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/7064155525_25ec52083e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/7064155525_25ec52083e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5113/6918074538_ea2bdd573c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5113/6918074538_ea2bdd573c_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<br />
Sacred Falls is a beautiful spot and it's legendary history only sweetens the experience. However, the tragedy of 1999 and knowing that six people lost there lives there is also quite sobering. If you choose to visit these falls, please be very careful and keep a sharp eye out for falling rocks and watch the weather. If it starts raining get out of the valley and turn around if you feel uncomfortable at any time. Also remember that this park is closed and DLNR employees can ticket you for trespassing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/6918079564_b72cfa1344_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/6918079564_b72cfa1344_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/6918083660_d2863b9200_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/6918083660_d2863b9200_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629783883067/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/6918029852_9959765328_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7230/6918029852_9959765328_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com17Koolauloa, Hauula, HI, USA21.570402902049548 -157.9094199308593721.465236402049548 -158.00131393085937 21.675569402049547 -157.81752593085938tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-15648684545641078212012-03-23T08:32:00.000-10:002012-03-23T08:32:53.266-10:00Poamoho Fail and Kionaole Road Family HikeFebruary 20, 2012<br />
<br />
This was supposed to be a fantastic day where we'd hike the Poamoho Trail to the Ko'olau Summit Trail then head to Pauao Ridge and back to finish that segment then return to Poamoho and exit via Papali Ridge to complete the KST from Pupukea to Waikane. I'd secured a coveted permit on a federal holiday since both II and I don't get weekends off. The matter of transportation was solved when my Mom offered to bring her sister and they'd go to the Poamoho Summit then back and drive out. Everything was set for success!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6919559143_81d86c0342_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6919559143_81d86c0342_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mauka Girl snoozes while I get my gear together for our adventure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>However, when 20th rolled around the weather looked less than perfect. I anxiously checked the <a href="http://raws.wrh.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/roman/raws_flat.cgi?stn=OFRH1" target="_blank">weather station at the trail</a> installed and maintained by hiking legend Cory Yap of <a href="http://www.alohafrom808.com/" target="_blank">Aloha from 808</a> and the nearby Wheeler Army Airfield (HHI) forecast the night before and several times during the night hoping that things would improve. Determined to take advantage of this opportunity, we piled into the Jeep at about 0600 and headed to Helemano. The dark clouds and drizzling rains were discouraging but we made our way up the muddy road that leads into the Ewa Forest Reserve. There's no way we'd have been able to make it up the road without four wheel drive in the mud but the the Jeep Grand Cherokee's Quadra Drive and Vari-Lok differential systems made the drive effortless. (Take that "grocery getter" jokes!) Since my mom's sister who was visiting from out of town would be driving out I gave her the wheel so she could get used to the Jeep and the road. Finally we arrived at the end of the road and the start of my favorite trail on O'ahu.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6919562195_6ebc81cd67_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6919562195_6ebc81cd67_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da Crew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now I should point out that the Jeep looks pretty fancy with it's chrome wheels and chrome tow hooks but it's 10 years old now and being the third car it's got a few "issues". One of which is the rear tire that had a slow leak in it. I eyed it suspiciously before we set out not wanting to leave my poor mother and her sister stranded on a dirt road in O'ahu's back country. I was feeling about 99% sure about it making it down the road safely after inspecting it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6773449024_14cd31fde0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6773449024_14cd31fde0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
With some reservations, we started up the trail and almost immediately found ourselves surrounded by native forest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6773449212_6fc39bb9f1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6773449212_6fc39bb9f1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
As we made our way through the initial segments that contour effortlessly up towards the summit the sun seemed to peak out under some of the clouds luring us further.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6773454092_1223b40ee8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6773454092_1223b40ee8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
II and I were released to push ahead leaving my mom and aunt free to cruise behind. I'm pretty sure heaven looks a lot like Poamoho Trail. A nice graded trail lined with ohia and other natives that leads to a wild adventurous trail through the most beautiful scenery on O'ahu beyond.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6919602999_36f2391b48_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6919602999_36f2391b48_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6773498520_0884c8fbfc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6773498520_0884c8fbfc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
II were making great time on the smooth trail but coming around a corner I got a voice mail from my Mom's phone. It was already about 10 minutes old and I struggled to find a place to catch a signal so I could retrieve it. Concerned it was a medical problem considering my mom's recent aneurism, I dropped my pack and left II to run back to find them. Sure enough there had been a minor injury that meant my mom and aunt would be returning to the Jeep. They generously volunteered to sit in the car and wait for us to get to the summit and let them know if we were continuing out Papali, but we pulled the plug on the whole operation. I hate to bring work into it but all of the training both II and I have had in risk management had both of us concerned. In aviation, a chain of events, often called the error chain, refers to the concept that many contributing factors typically lead to an accident, rather than one single event. The number of small problems we were facing already had the potential to multiply into a bad situation. It seemed like were were just pushing too hard with the weather, the leaky tire, the bad road conditions, and the minor injury. It was becoming more and more risky to proceed. Not to mention that I'm not going to leave my Mom and Aunt sitting in my Jeep waiting for us!<br />
<br />
As we headed back to the Jeep a rain shower seemed to confirm the weather wasn't going to get any better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6919617009_ddbd64fd7a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6919617009_ddbd64fd7a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Arriving back where we'd parked, the water flowed like a small stream down the road making for the nastiest mud ever. Not nasty like the beautiful gooey dark mud that I loved to take my old Chevy Blazer through, but staining, clinging, red dirt mud that is nightmarish to get off your car and God help you if this stuff gets on any fabric that's not dark colored!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6919624279_9a78f2401a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6919624279_9a78f2401a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nature's permanent marker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We made the long drive back out of the forest reserve and back to Kailua where II departed back to town. My mom and aunt also said their goodbyes and headed back to their house a mile down the road.<br />
<br />
I was pretty bummed about the whole thing, especially since it was going to be months before I got another opportunity to go back to Poamoho. However, when I got home my wife and her friend Marian decided to do a short family hike up in the little network of trails at the base of the Pali. All was not lost!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6773519398_1d1c0e03a1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6773519398_1d1c0e03a1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After parking we headed up the paved road to a water tank before veering left onto a well worn muddy trail that leads to a power line. Unfortunately that power line kind of got in the way of the view of the east ridge of the Pali that leads to Lanihuli! The vantage point did provide a clean shot of the Pali Puka though.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6773525848_cc312b4538_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6773525848_cc312b4538_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6773522596_2c472f8e89_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6773522596_2c472f8e89_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As we made our way though the introduced forest, the kids were having a blast while my wife and Marian chatted away. I busied myself taking pictures of the kids and helping herd them in the right direction.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6919652869_e666b6fdb2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6919652869_e666b6fdb2_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6919660385_b0e3b642e2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6919660385_b0e3b642e2_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The gang made it's way up over the old, old, Pali Road with it's lava rock paving and then took a left turn along a contour trail heading east.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6919655475_50fc38ff7b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6919655475_50fc38ff7b_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6919664911_23f374d777_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6919664911_23f374d777_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
We ran across another family who eyed me curiously as I was still wearing all my gear from the failed Poamoho trip. No doubt I was the most overdressed and equipped on this trail that day.<br />
<br />
With three kids we opted to take a trail that would go down towards a large transmission tower and then to the paved Old Pali Road. I spotted a nice Ohia blooming which was a nice change from the weedy surroundings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6919667183_54f08101fb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6919667183_54f08101fb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Descending through some Hala trees required some careful footing for the younger members of the party. We paired and assisted the kids down the crumbly hill. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6919671985_1992d5584d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6919671985_1992d5584d_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6919674555_081a7687ec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6919674555_081a7687ec_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The trail gave way to a road used to service the power lines and the group fanned out again.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6919692991_9d848df8ee_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6919692991_9d848df8ee_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marian (far left) brought their parrot with them for the trail. The only hiking parrot I know.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
From this point we could see our exit route, old Kionaole Road, below. Both moms went on high alert to keep straying keiki away from the steep drop. Kionaole Road was closed sometime in the late 1970's or early 1980's because it was dangerously narrow, curvy, and there were some really horrific crimes committed in this dark secluded place. As the small number of residents along the road dwindled it only got worse so the government just shut it down. Retired HPD officer <span class="addmd">Gary A. Dias summed up the problems on Kionaole Road in his book </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Honolulu cop: reflections on a career with HPD</i> with this description, "...the real-life horrors occurred there over the years cemented its image as a place you avoided- because if you went there, something bad happened." It's a very interesting read and the chapter is <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=S-7-fHT7MVgC&pg=PA62&lpg=PA62&dq=kionaole+road&source=bl&ots=PCepSti4jI&sig=u7U7z1B7FDM5kpbfMxXRIQ4poik&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ifBiT6a-G9GDsgLY7JWcCw&ved=0CCsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepage&q=kionaole%20road&f=false" target="_blank">available free on Google Books</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="addmd"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6919695297_8517dd31b6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6919695297_8517dd31b6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The dirt road also provided a great vantage point to see the cloud covered hanging valley of Lanihuli. Someday I really need to get into that valley!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6773572842_539df94ea1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6773572842_539df94ea1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We worked our way down to the old road below and began the walk back to where we started. Along the way I showed the kids some sleeping grass which is always a kid pleaser.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6773601912_ef1b53570b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6773601912_ef1b53570b_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6773604974_637aa05739_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6773604974_637aa05739_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As disappointing as the day started it all worked out in the end as I got to spend some quality time with family and friends enjoying Kailua's beautiful back yard. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6773596268_5e37898dbc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6773596268_5e37898dbc_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6919725623_f4b56ff7f5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6919725623_f4b56ff7f5_b.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> More pictures from the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629060892402/" target="_blank">Poamoho Failure</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629426124571/" target="_blank">Family Hike- Kionaole Road</a>, as well as pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">other trails I've done</a>, can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6919592417_01accabf43_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6919592417_01accabf43_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com3Kionaole Road, Kailua, HI, USA21.372225150313866 -157.790416693481417.800664650313866 -168.11808969348141 24.943785650313867 -147.4627436934814tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-31019445923776089932012-03-15T18:34:00.001-10:002012-03-15T18:50:16.827-10:00Pu'u Papa'a and Mahinui RidgeFebruary 13, 2012 <br />
<br />
I awoke at 4:30 to check the weather in the Ko'olaus and even in the darkness I could see that it was going to be a cloudy day. After some email exchanges with my hiking partner II we decided to scrap our planned outing and find another trail after the sun rose. After considering a host of options we decided on an easy one right next to my house, Pu'u Papa'a that I'd done back in November of 2009. <br />
<br />
Pu'u Papa'a is the peak overlooking the Nu'upia fishponds mauka of Mokapu Peninsula. From the rocky peak of Pu'u Papa'a continuing towards the mountains is the ridge known as Mahinui. Some confusion exists over it's name because in 1971 somebody thought it should be renamed Oneawa Hills which may be a tribute to the name of the 'ili 'aina that included the hillside so long ago.<br />
<br />
Mahinui Ridge is connected to the often hiked Olomana and it's other two peaks through legend. In ancient times the land from Makapu'u to Kualoa was the home of a giant warrior named Olomana. A warrior from Kauai name Palila challenged Olomana to battle and defeated the giant splitting him in two. One half is as the peak that bears his name and the other half becoming the hill known as Mahinui (Great Champion).<br />
<br />
We parked a car on Kaneohe Bay Drive and walked back towards Kailua until we reached the fragrant Aikahi Gardens town homes. I say fragrant because anyone who lives here in Kailua knows that the poo plant is right across the street and it's sweet scent drifts relentlessly across the road. Walking around a chain link fence we reversed course towards Kaneohe again to the end of the town home complex and stepped off the pavement onto an old slightly overgrown road.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6873264485_72b48bae63_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6873264485_72b48bae63_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6873259009_4f4d084859_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6873259009_4f4d084859_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The road became a path until we reached the intersection with the service road used to maintain the various antenna on the top of the ridge. We climbed steeply up along a chain link fence though haole koa and dried guinea and molasses grass. I was surprised to see the tattered and decaying condition of the ribbons I'd hung on my first trip up the ridge. They almost looked like they were biodegradable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6873274573_035ae28137_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6873274573_035ae28137_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
At the end of the first climb segment we reached on old cut up utility pole near a newer composite one. The views were already getting good and we'd just started.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6873313745_89b98e787a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6873313745_89b98e787a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Heading east long the ridge we passed some old aviation obstruction lighting to reach a relay station. Not sure who owns it but the sign on the pole next to us warned of high frequency radio fields. Since I already have two kids and don't plan on more I proceeded passed the sign to take some pictures of the field below. I noticed the first shrine of the day, a candle in a circle of rocks with both a fake flower and the remains of real flowers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6873295459_26199aff8c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6873295459_26199aff8c_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6873309863_597ab55e40_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6873309863_597ab55e40_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We departed the concrete block station to continue east using the ladder to help us make the transition down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6873318215_1ed4feb5f6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6873318215_1ed4feb5f6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Our path led past three rocks of various sizes and one more weird shrine. Reaching a large rocky outcropping we then contoured to the adjacent ridge that comes up from the Aikahi side. We then headed down that ridge to visit the Battery Commander Station of Battery 405, also known as Battery DeMerrit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6873383141_9710117af5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6873383141_9710117af5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The first clue one would have to the presence of something here is a large flat metal sheet mounted on some scaffolding. I've wondered for years and finally I've determined the purpose of this feature, it's an old microwave relay antenna. However, previously the roof of the Battery Commander's Station held a SCR-296A fire control radar antenna disguised by a wooden facade to look like a water tank that looked similar to this one in Alaska.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kadiak.org/radios/scr296_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://www.kadiak.org/radios/scr296_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SCR-296A fire control radar antenna at Zeto Point on Adak Island, Alaska. Courtesy of the Kodiak Military History Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.kadiak.org/radios/scr296_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Making our way down the ridge we caught sight of the old water tank which had a few kids on it "decorating" it with some spray paint. Rumor has it that when the 8 inch guns of Battery DeMerrit were test fired the concussion cracked the tank and it was abandoned in place.<br />
<br />
Past the remains of a dead Keawe tree is the entrance to the Battery Commander's Station (BCS) where the commander directed fire of Demerrit's guns. <br />
<br />
<br />
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=4ebd931170&photo_id=6839574822&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=4ebd931170&photo_id=6839574822&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false" height="360" width="640"></embed></object><br />
<br />
The BCS consists of two rooms with steel doors of the same type used in the battery below. The anterior room functioned as the radar operator's room and was designed to be sealed in case of gas attack while the other room had the typical slit style views with steel doors that would both secure the station and provide some protection from incoming fire.<br />
<br />
All the equipment is long gone but the picture below gives you and idea of what it may have looked like during World War II. If you've got spare time and bandwidth, this <a href="http://www.kadiak.org/radios/scr-296-a.pdf" target="_blank">operation manual</a> makes for some interesting reading.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kadiak.org/radios/scr296_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://www.kadiak.org/radios/scr296_4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of SCR-296 Radar operations hut at Ulatka Head, Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Courtesy of the Kodiak Military History Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Leaving the BCS we retraced our steps up the ridge towards the summit of Pu'u Papa'a, translating to either scorched hill or less likely, secure enclosure. I'm unable to determine which translation is accurate but either seem like a fitting name for this hot dry mountain that once was home to a fortress armed with 8" coastal artillery.<br />
<br />
As we climbed the ridge we past the feeble attempt of what must have been an effort to grow some pakalolo. Kids these days.... ha ha!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=9d48674417&photo_id=6985600999&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=9d48674417&photo_id=6985600999&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false" height="360" width="640"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Arriving at the double decked bunkers at the summit. One is Base End Station designator B3 S3 and the other Triangulation Station Papa'a.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6873335123_461cf53850_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6873335123_461cf53850_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We paused to check out some of the views from the top of the emplacements at the summit. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6873393247_b3941b7353_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7061/6873393247_b3941b7353_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">II about to top out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6873406407_192aeacfdb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6873406407_192aeacfdb_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old seaplane hangars at Kaneohe MCAS. The ramps where PBY's would exit the water and taxi up to the apron are still there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6839714398_1af7886118_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6839714398_1af7886118_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out the view!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I dropped down into the bunkers and checked out the octagonal pads where the optical sights that aimed the guns below had once stood.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="360" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=f49220cd01&photo_id=6839706818&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=f49220cd01&photo_id=6839706818&flickr_show_info_box=true&hd_default=false" height="360" width="640"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The cool breeze and awesome views made it hard to leave but eventually we continued towards the myriad of antenna just behind the Fire Control Station. The first thing of note was the old geodetic marker for Pu'u Papa'a and the small lava rock platform where the larger marker was held. I found it lying in the dirt next to the platform so I reinstalled it in the pipe.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6873455731_5060a8c022_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6873455731_5060a8c022_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6873462443_fe95491e0c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6873462443_fe95491e0c_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6873467451_8080244379_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6873467451_8080244379_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">One of the cellphone antenna sites had a couple guys working on it so we stayed to the Kailua side of the ridge until we reached a metal staircase that I'd used to get past the last platform on my previous trip. We asked if they minded and the response was "T-Mobile owns this, I can't give you permission". That was open ended considering he didn't say no but we went around their site anyway.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6873477133_abd382cef5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6873477133_abd382cef5_b.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mahinui Ridge</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Laid out before us was the gently rolling ridge. As I'd promissed II, there is an old trail here that last time had been in various stages of overgrown but this time with drying conditions was far more open.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">The first descent was a little slippery with loose rock but nothing to be concerned about. A small climb back up was just enough to get my heart pumping.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">On our next small climb we were lucky to see all stages of the Carion's, Stapelia gigantea, reproductive cycle. Most people assume this small succulent is a cactus of some kind but it's not. It likes the arid climate of the low hills of the island and forms small dense populations. The flowers are very beautiful but as do all of it's relatives in the Carion family, they smell of rotting flesh to attract flies and beetles to pollinate it.</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6873494089_44f95c762e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6873494089_44f95c762e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6873499297_7b8aeef8ae_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6873499297_7b8aeef8ae_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">Nearby there was another plant with a fruit capsule and another one with a capsule that had opened releasing it's seeds that are designed to carried away by the wind for dispersal.</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6873513839_42fa1b71c2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6873509115_353dd99f79_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6873509115_353dd99f79_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6873504377_4d3d704368_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6873504377_4d3d704368_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">The views were mostly on the Kailua side because of vegetation obstructing Kane'ohe. I always enjoy the unusual angles of familiar sights when viewed from different perspectives. </div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6873513839_42fa1b71c2_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6873513839_42fa1b71c2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">The views of Kailua continued to dominated as we continued along the rolling ridge but as we reached the final segment of the trail we were treated to a commanding view of Kawainui Marsh, Olomana, Ulumawao, and H-3 as it snaked through Kapa'a Valley.</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6873538407_d3b2b53f19_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6873538407_d3b2b53f19_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kapa'a Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6873543827_77328d4367_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6873543827_77328d4367_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kawainui Marsh and Kailua Town meet at the Levee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">Another feature clearly visible from the ridge is the levee built in the 1950's to protect the Coconut Grove area of Kailua from flooding. Back when I was young this levee was not much more than a big pile of gravel but after the flooding in 1988 of portions of Kailua the State added a flood wall to the levee which is about four and a half feet high. When I was younger the levee was off limits and rarely did people venture out on to it but now it's a busy place filled with joggers, people pushing strollers, or out walking their dogs. Recently the DLNR has been reviewing the effects of the levee on the health of the marsh. </div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6873556805_7a134e05ef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6873556805_7a134e05ef_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">After passing Kalaheo High School below us we veered east down a small spur ridge to a drainage ditch that empties onto the side of Mokapu Blvd. There's a camouflage netting shelter that's been set up here since at least 2009... purpose unknown.</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6873584103_ac2e8f9826_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6873584103_ac2e8f9826_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">A short stroll later we were back at the Jeep and finished this short trip above Kailua. In fact, I'm sure writing this little adventure up took far longer than doing the trail!</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6873598509_c70c4ef63a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6873598509_c70c4ef63a_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;">Please be mindful that this is not a public trail! More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629310429751/detail/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be seen on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div><div class="" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6873291851_d8427272fa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6873291851_d8427272fa_b.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6873327637_ffd39f33c9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6873327637_ffd39f33c9_b.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6873299381_08ae54b8a7_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6873299381_08ae54b8a7_b.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-color: -moz-use-text-color; border-style: none; border-width: medium; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com1Kailua, HI, USA21.422371583753637 -157.7571573016967421.385821583753639 -157.78730830169673 21.458921583753636 -157.72700630169675tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-44413657036456458072012-01-31T11:23:00.000-10:002012-03-15T19:13:28.502-10:00Pu'u Kainawa‘anui via Mau'umae Ridge TrailJanuary 31, 2012<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6803096895_797f04e2c0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6803096895_797f04e2c0_b.jpg" width="320" /></a>I can't remember why we chose this particular trail but it was about time we got around to doing it. As I recall we just felt in was time for a Ko'olaupoko trail after spending so much time in the Ko'olauloa sections of our favorite mountains. This 7 mile round trip ungraded ridge trail seemed to fit the bill. After skimming though the trail Stuart Ball's first edition of Hiking O'ahu I had just enough information to get us to the trail head and knew to expect a rolling series of ups and downs that would either end at the summit of Pu'u Kainawa‘aunui or we could continue via the Ko'olau Summit Ridge Trail another .7 miles over to Pu'u Lanipo.<br />
<br />
For a little backgound, Mau'umae is an old volcanic cone along the the Diamond Head Rift Zone. Along the same rift are the results of later eruptions which created Kaimuki and the world famous Diamond Head volcanic formations. This small cone was created by a dry, meaning above sea level, lava fountain during the rejuvenation stage of the Ko'olau Volcano known as the Honolulu Volcanic Series which occurred between 800,000 and 30,000 years ago. It's name comes from a legendary wrestling match between the gods Kanaloa and Kane who are said to have trampled the grass causing it to wilt.<br />
<br />
To beat traffic we agreed to meet at Maunalani Circle at around 6:30am. The sun had just risen shortly before I arrived courtesy of Google Navigation and it took a few minutes to find the trail head in between two chain link fences. II and I set off on the trail and after just a few yards we saw the first big dip of the day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6803113965_bbd02dd923_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6803113965_bbd02dd923_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The wide angle lens masks the drop but it's fairly significant. The descent is fairly steep but completely manageable but I found the climb on the other side back up to the ridge to be long and grueling for the start of a hike. The cloudy Ko'olau summit was a bit discouraging but since we'd been slacking this month I figured I needed the exercise anyway.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6803138607_3a23e51b01_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>After reaching the bottom of the first dip we started the longer climb to regain all the elevation we'd just given up. Perhaps a third of the way up there's a nice bench to take a break. The memorial placard offered some good advice. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6803132303_e2a363f4f7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6803132303_e2a363f4f7_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6803138607_3a23e51b01_b.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6803138607_3a23e51b01_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
There were some good views of Palolo Valley below and we could see the <a href="http://hibiscusgirl34.blogspot.com/2011/09/mu-ryang-sa-buddhist-temple.html" target="_blank">Mu Ryang Sa Buddhist Temple my wife and I had visited back in September</a>. I have to thank <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=waydes%20world%20hawaii&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC4QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwaydesworldhawaii.com%2F&ei=7JRKT_v5N8OdiALP2-zaDQ&usg=AFQjCNGNJ5Omhiw7ETmkVTCzCwRdD7aptw&cad=rja" target="_blank">Wayde Fishman of Wade's World</a> for tipping us off about this hidden secret that most people don't know about. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6803106999_7c6fc8f54d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6803106999_7c6fc8f54d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hibiscusgirl34.blogspot.com/2011/09/mu-ryang-sa-buddhist-temple.html" target="_blank">Sherry's blog about our visit in September</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The climb past the bench got a bit steeper and would intermittently penetrate groves of ironwood trees. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6803156071_ce6b11ecb4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6803156071_ce6b11ecb4_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6803183027_1cc1118ab4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6803183027_1cc1118ab4_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Despite the numerous alien plants along the ridge there were some native plants along the way too. Early on we passed some Ko'oko'olau with it's cheerful yellow flowers and some Naupaka kuahiwi.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6803162303_20995e0c18_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6803162303_20995e0c18_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6803195445_09c6eac18e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6803195445_09c6eac18e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Nearing the end of the the climb we approached a badly eroded section with a small bypass trail on the right side. We paused to look back towards Honolulu and a passing shower created a small broken rainbow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6803218213_e68587aae8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6803218213_e68587aae8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6803231777_9a4e780a05_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6803231777_9a4e780a05_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6803247099_587e159429_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6803247099_587e159429_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
Almost immediately after the eroded section we got a preview of the rich native forest we'd be seeing for the rest of the day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6803255479_99e7f45201_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6803255479_99e7f45201_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The trail here was very wall manicured, almost like a green sidewalk though the forest bordered by uluhe. We passed numerous 'iliahi and koa in this area.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6803292291_61514b9108_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6803292291_61514b9108_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6803279021_7632516378_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6803279021_7632516378_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here we made an interesting discovery, a number of pine trees which I've never seen in the Ko'olaus. The experts at Bishop Museum have decided it must be Pinus elliotii, commonly called slash pine, which is common in the US Southeastern region. It does look a lot like the pines I used to see when I lived in Jacksonville, Florida. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6803263509_a8d946e4e0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6803263509_a8d946e4e0_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6803270981_6da7964c6a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6803270981_6da7964c6a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The pines also marked the end of the biggest ascent of the day. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6803330563_d04547a4b0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6803330563_d04547a4b0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We stopped to take a short break at a cleared area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6803336821_80955e48c9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6803336821_80955e48c9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Making our way up the ridge we paused at a second rest area near some Cook Pines. After that the trail became a little more overgrown and the uluhe closed in. The dead uluhe stems scratched mercilessly at us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6803370471_5d74a03c31_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6803370471_5d74a03c31_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6803378003_7fe1b8a9f4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6803378003_7fe1b8a9f4_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6803386005_9bd8a00a42_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6803386005_9bd8a00a42_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
From the pines we descended gently into a now almost completely native forest filled with Koa, Ohia, and, of course, more uluhe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6803469685_95a899d3ec_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6803469685_95a899d3ec_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Off to the side of the trail I noticed some beautiful red Lehua flowers. At first glance they appeared to be just the typical red so commonly seen trail side but there was something that didn't seem right about the shape of the tree so I ventured into the uluhe for a closer look.. Sure enough it was Metrosideros macropus, a species of Ohia only found on O'ahu. Although the literature says that M. macropus is usually yellow and occasionally red, I've found that in the eastern Ko'olaus the reverse is true. This red variety is usually found near Lanihuli where I and others speculate it has hybridized with M. tremuloides, Lehau Ahihi, which that area is famous for. This is the first time I've seen this species with red blooms so far east.<br />
<br />
There are several characteristics that the experts use to identify this tree. Among them are the long petioles, (stems) of the leaves, leafy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bract" target="_blank">bracts</a>, and attenuate scales. My own observations are that the blossoms are denser, the seeds are larger, and that the general appearance of the tree is more weepy looking. The trunk and branches seem to have a more boney look to them and the tree's shape is not a canopy like the other larger Ohia but looks more like it's Myrtle family cousin the Java Plum.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6803443065_3971df709c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6803443065_3971df709c_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6803449179_a34ebb6651_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6803449179_a34ebb6651_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>The upper right shot shows the leafy bracts which are those weird looking growths in the center. The unique leaf development of this species from other Ohia makes it easy for an amateur like me to identify it.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6803542647_9ae5692876_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6803542647_9ae5692876_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6803565781_ae58832a5f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6803565781_ae58832a5f_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
The upper right shows the attenuate scales which are the small leafy structures pressed tightly together. (upper left) Most of these will later develop into the leaves with the outermost becoming the bracts. The upper right shows this stage of growth. As time progresses the true leaves begin to take shape and then finally the branches and leaves of the new growth begin to take shape.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6803530361_212cac0252_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6803530361_212cac0252_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6803536107_6757418014_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6803536107_6757418014_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We passed through this Koa arch and into the longest section of large Ohia I've experienced in the eastern Ko'olaus.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6803477115_e1361c0341_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6803477115_e1361c0341_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Koa arch</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6803491797_aabedaef76_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6803491797_aabedaef76_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohia forest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>To the west we were treated to gorgeous views of Ka'au Crater. It's a real shame that HECO had to put transmission lines right over it which in my opinion detracts from the view of what is one of the most beautiful places on O'ahu.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6803524983_d0af77091d_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6803524983_d0af77091d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ka'au Crater</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Earlier there was a nice angle to get a shot of the waterfall that drains the water from the crater's marshy interior.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6803507171_c8d2292f64_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6803507171_c8d2292f64_b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The summit looked clouded in but as everyone who's done any of these ridge hikes knows the weather can change for the better or worse as you make your way up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6803517105_b463c52380_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6803517105_b463c52380_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
As we neared the upper sections of the trail we happened to come upon a small manono tree. Hedyotis fosbergii is a small endemic tree usually found in the upper reaches of the forest. This one had both flowers and fruit .<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6803638513_000cb52482_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6803638513_000cb52482_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6803644023_249b57a4ae_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6803644023_249b57a4ae_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Further up the trail yet another great discovery, this yellow blossom on a dwarfed form of M. polymopha that I call "mini ohia". This little bush was in full bloom with many lehua mamomaking for a spectacular display.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6803688567_1eb90af41a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6803688567_1eb90af41a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6803667153_c594642ced_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6803667153_c594642ced_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6803693931_341ecbb4a7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6803693931_341ecbb4a7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Another endemic plant we noticed was this Aka'awa vine in various stages of bloom. This <a href="http://ntbg.org/plants/plant_details.php?plantid=10566" target="_blank">Smilax melastomifolia</a> vine goes by several Hawaiian names hoi kuahiwi, aka'awa, pi'oi, uhi, ulehihi and is the host plant for the Hawaiian endemic moth species Scotorythra ortharcha who's caterpillars feed exclusively on the young leaves. The starchy root is also thought to have been a famine food for the Hawaiians.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6803698909_1ea808790f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6803698909_1ea808790f_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6803704201_e802553910_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6803704201_e802553910_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
By the time we reached the final climb to the summit the clouds had parted and we were treated to beautiful leeward views on the ridges down to the Manoa, Waikiki, and Honolulu.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6803754717_716531e2c5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6803754717_716531e2c5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Here we passed more of the "mini Ohia". Another trait this variant displays are often times smaller number of flowers per bloom. On the other varieties there are usually far more individual flowers that make up a Lehua blossom. </div><br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6803713975_1d38d098dd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6803713975_1d38d098dd_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6803718613_ccce630b91_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6803718613_ccce630b91_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Topping out to the summit of Pu'u Kainawa‘aunui the views were simply awesome. The clouds hung high above us providing a nice back drop instead of obstructing the scenery. The weather at the summit is always a gamble and today we won big.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6803927155_4266f8a2f5_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6803927155_4266f8a2f5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">II takes in the view</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6803908209_e51af83c57_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6803908209_e51af83c57_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awa'awaloa Summit</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6803934029_f9040f3987_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6803934029_f9040f3987_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking East to Lanipo</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6803837411_d8b890b6be_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6803837411_d8b890b6be_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maunawili Valley, Olomana, and Kawainui Marsh among the sights from the summit.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6803970645_91a506bc89_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6803970645_91a506bc89_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">XJ and II </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6803977117_3360fa596f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6803977117_3360fa596f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mau'umae Ridge </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6803959197_16433ecccc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6803959197_16433ecccc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">II at the summit with the Eastern Ko'olaus laid out behind him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Located the summit was another variety of Ohia I like to call "Symmetrical Ohia" based on it's leaf arrangement which is always perfectly stacked and only occurs at or near the end of the branches. This type seems to grow to a small tree and I've never seen it much taller than I am. They were putting on a beautiful display of bright fiery Lehua blossoms. <br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6803791483_17c776e008_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6803791483_17c776e008_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6803913957_307e208032_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6803913957_307e208032_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6803816405_e12a36d847_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6803816405_e12a36d847_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Sadly and regrettably, we did not take the sort trip over to Lanipo's Summit that we'd visited about a year earlier and all too soon it was time to head back down the way we'd come.<br />
<br />
I'll spare you the details of the return trip as this is long enough already. However, I have to say that that first big descent when you're heading up to the summit is just as painful when you have to climb back out to the trail head!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6804193935_efcc9d10a0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6804193935_efcc9d10a0_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Big Dip to Mau'umae Cone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mau'umae Ridge was full of surprises. There's a fantastic array of native plant life, views, and ups and downs as you make your way up to a gorgeous view of windward O'ahu at the summit. I'd suggest leaving early so that long initial climb isn't in full sun. There's something for everyone on this trail and I noticed not everyone goes all the way to the summit of f Pu'u Kainawa‘au nui or Pu'u Lanipo. Plenty of folks we saw were just heading to the bench area or to one of the clearings further up the trail. There are plenty of views from the lower ridge that make this one worth trying if you don't feel like heading up to the summit.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6804229869_87895268a8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6804229869_87895268a8_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ulei flower with busy bee</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6803211593_5ede98aa49_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6803211593_5ede98aa49_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry Guava flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
More pictures <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629133498145/with/6803096895/" target="_blank">from this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and Mahalo for reading! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6804248459_43fcef0900_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6804248459_43fcef0900_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finish line!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: right;"></div>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com0Pu'u Kainawa‘anui, Ko'olaupoko, Honolulu, HI, USA21.331910011366848 -157.7633208990722621.305536511366849 -157.78741939907226 21.358283511366846 -157.73922239907225tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-51772387938556347522012-01-30T21:02:00.000-10:002012-02-26T11:41:52.082-10:00Pu'u UlumawaoPu'u Ulumawao, (literally: growth at forest) is the highest point on the ridge that separates H-3 from Kapa'a Quarry Road in Kailua. I've had my eye on this ridge for a couple years but with so many trails to do and so many things competing for my time like work and family I never seemed to get around to doing it. Finally on January 30, 2012 I had a perfect opportunity. I got off an overtime midnight shift a little after 6am to find the skies mostly clear. I didn't feel up to a big hike after not sleeping for close to 24 hours and this little adventure close to home seemed just right.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6793791293_bceaaf3f9c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6793791293_bceaaf3f9c_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My least favorite view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After stopping at home to get my trail stuff and change I headed over to Kapa'a Quarry Road and parked near Na Pohaku O Hauwahine. Mindful that my car had just been broken into here a week earlier, I made sure there wasn't anything of interest in the Jeep and headed across the road and waded into the typical Guinea grass and haole koa of the Kailua foothills. <br />
<br />
There is a network of trails here made by both pua'a and people riding ATV's and dirt bikes that is like a maze. I'd already made an exploratory trip back here a week or so before that hadn't worked out but I had a new route in mind. Bushwhacking up the ridge I searched for a trail that my research had turned up from about 12 years before. After about 45 minutes of cursing and zigzagging up the ridge I finally found an old trail.<br />
<br />
The views of Kawainui Marsh below were stunning. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6793802219_90dff5c4e2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6793802219_90dff5c4e2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Further up the ridge I found myself surrounded by Akoko. Some of them were as tall as I am and I've never seen them in the Kailua area before. There was also Ulei a far more common indigenous relative of the rose and an couple Akia too. It was nice to see that despite the almost completely alien species that have taken over the Kailua area there were a few natives still lurking up here.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6793848891_acae0a3e86_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6793848891_acae0a3e86_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6793806721_854a972c33_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6793806721_854a972c33_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6793886489_121a054ccf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6793886489_121a054ccf_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Continuing up the crest I could see the efforts of Ameron Hawaii's Quarry at neighboring Mahinui Ridge across H-3. Butterflies fluttered their way from flower to flower paying me little attention but somehow always managing to thwart my attempts to get a good shot of them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6793908769_8312bdbabf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6793908769_8312bdbabf_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6793942125_2931c63e93_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6793942125_2931c63e93_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I made my way up the old path until I reached the Kapa'a Quarry. There were two signs warning me of the legal consequences of proceeding. Both appeared new and I got the sense that these weren't the typical decorative type, that these meant business. Curiously, the first sign included "No Soliciting" which struck me as odd considering I doubt many salesmen come up here.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6793960549_676e9902f0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6793960549_676e9902f0_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6793967999_979dd27da1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6793967999_979dd27da1_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The explosives warning got my attention but the sound of heavy equipment below me probably meant they weren't blasting. Kicking myself for wearing a bright orange shirt, I continued towards the Ko'olaus and onto a gravel road.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: right;"></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6794130115_8085e092e5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6794130115_8085e092e5_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6794105829_2252cafbdc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6794105829_2252cafbdc_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>After wandering around for a while I was shocked to find an Ohia tree. This is the first one I've seen in any of the lower hills of Kailua although I've seen other reports of them on the adjacent ridge of Mahinui and the few Lehua Ahihi I've seen on Olomana. These lowland ohia are covered with fine silver hairs that help them cope with the dryer conditions and warmer climate. While not endangered or completely uncommon, this form of ohia must have been much more common before Hawaiian agriculture's slash and burn methods and then later the use of the area for ranching reduced their numbers all across O'ahu.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6793990327_ee98299152_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6793990327_ee98299152_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6793995753_d3b825c4a5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6793995753_d3b825c4a5_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
A few minutes later I spotted a big black pua'a with two sows and some keiki on the Ameron road below. I watched them for a while from my vantage point above while they rooted around near a small storage building. At one point the big black one flung one of the sows when she did something he didn't approve of. After a few minutes I tossed a stick down to see their reaction. They vanished into the brush with some grunts and I began searching for a way over to the summit.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6868128543_12026494f1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6868128543_12026494f1_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6855171093_53a9ec7840_b.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6855171093_53a9ec7840_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
It took a while but I finally found a route back to the ridge and got my first closeup of my goal. I'm not a rabid environmentalist but there's something that just doesn't feel right about what they've done here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6794075515_6d91f80cf8_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6794075515_6d91f80cf8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pu'u Ulumawao, well, what's left of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At the summit I was surprised to see an old geodetic marker and an even older one lying on the ground next to it.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6794125251_cc7a1edc8e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6794125251_cc7a1edc8e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6794168345_d8d1d4d8e9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6794168345_d8d1d4d8e9_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Even more surprising was that the northwestern side of the summit had a small grove of Ohia on it. It was a little disappointing to see that Ameron's activity had sliced right into it though. Looking at the picture above of the summit, the very edge on the right side is where they cut into that grove of Ohia. The roots are literally dangling i<span style="font-family: inherit;">n midair. Perhaps the Ameron folks haven't considered the name of the ili in which Kapa'a Valley falls...<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,Lucida Bright;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Ka `Ohi`a, meaning "the `ohi`a lehua trees are tabooed." </span> </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6794139179_92dbaea95d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6794139179_92dbaea95d_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ohia over the abyss...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On the final segment and at the summit I really enjoyed the new angles and perspective I had on all the familiar landmarks in the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6794055479_ba9fddde6e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6794055479_ba9fddde6e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
St. Stephen's Seminary off the Pali Highway. Interestingly enough, this was the site of the Castle family's first home, Paliku, which was sold in 1946 to the Catholic Church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6794064123_77a37f2683_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6794064123_77a37f2683_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Ulupa'u Crater on the Mokapu Peninsula and the three ancient fishponds Nu'upia, Halekou and Kaluapuhi that separate Mokapu from Kailua and Kaneohe. There are many legends associated with this area but the most interesting one to me is the story of the first man who was created here by the gods Kane, Kaneloa, Ku and Lono from the red and bluish-black soil found there.<br />
<br />
<i>There on the eastern flank of Mololani, facing the sunrise and near the shoreline, the soil is red earth mingled with very tark bluish black earth. There is where the first man was made. That place was called in the old times Kahakahakea, but in these days it is Pahuna. There Kane drew the image of a man in the soil; he drew the image in the soil after the likeness of the Gods, with head, body, arms, legs, just like themselves in form. When the image was drawn in the soil Kanaloa said, "You will not get your man; you have not the power; I am the person who has power. " Kanaloa therefore made an image of earth just like Kane's image. Kane and his companions said, "Let your earth become man, " but no man came forth; his dirt figure of a man remained Iying there and it turned into stone. Kane then said to his fellow gods, Ku and Lono, "Listen, you two, to my words and to the words I speak in answer and do you two preserve them and listen. " Then Kane said, "Come to life, " "Live," responded Ku and Lono "Come to life, " said Kane, "Live, " said Ku and Lono. Then the dirt became a living man. When the first man was made, the gods took the house name Hale-kou (House of kou wood) which they had made, and there the first man lived; but the woman was not made. The man observed how his shadow followed his body going outside the house and coming into the house, and he ran to the beach of Nu'upia and Oneawa and found to his surprise that his shadow stuck to him. Now when this man had fallen asleep, as he awakened suddenly a pretty woman was at his side and he thought it was his shadow that was sticking to his side and that God had changed his shadow into a wife for him. He therefore gave her the name of Keakahulilani (the shadow made of heaven). This means that God had turned the soil of the earth into man. In various genealogies we often find other names given to this man; in some genealogies he is named Kumuhonua, in others Kulipo, in others again, Kumuuli, and in some Hulihana.</i> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6794111251_0ce14a6239_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6794111251_0ce14a6239_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North view from Pu'u Ulumawao. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6794186025_e4f506f8d5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6794186025_e4f506f8d5_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I really like this angle of my favorite Ko'olau Poko summit Konahuanui with the section of the Pali Highway stretched out in front of it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6794089431_8a67617f4c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6794089431_8a67617f4c_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
My second favorite Ko'olau Poko summit, Lanihuli. That hanging valley below the summit has captivated my imagination ever since I first looked down into it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6794174473_93c38a78ef_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6794174473_93c38a78ef_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
My new vantage point also provided another angle to admire the beautiful peaks of Olomana.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6794194683_ebf9f776fb_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6794194683_ebf9f776fb_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Ala'ala wai nui</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I really wanted to continue along the ridge to Castle Junction but with my Jeep parked back near Na Pohaku O Hauwahine that meant a long walk on the Pali Highway or redoing the ridge and having been up all night I decided to just return the way I came.<br />
<br />
On the way back down I stopped near a rocky outcrop to check out these little 'Ala'ala wai nui. I'm not familiar enough with peperomia to tell which species but they've been tentatively identified by Forest and Kim Starr as Peperomia blanda, one of the most common of the dryland peperomia species.<br />
<br />
Making my way back down the ridge I was treated to a quick passing shower which was just enough to cool me off on this sunny day and to put a couple drops on my lens during this shot of the ridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6794219949_997ebf5414_b.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6794219949_997ebf5414_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Later down the trail I got a decent view of Pahukini Heiau. Back when the Kailua landfill was open in the 1990's I'd visited this heiau although I really had no idea what it was I was looking at. It is said to have been built by the chief of the Ko'olaus, Olopana, who is famous for his battle with the half man, half pig god Kamapua'a who most people know from the Sacred Falls legend. Pahukini means many drums but other names associated with the heiau are M'okini, many lineages, and Makini, (Make ini) meaning many deaths. The former two associating it with the luakini practice of human sacrifice.<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,Lucida Bright;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6794230767_32517036c6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6794230767_32517036c6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Leaving the ridge behind I made my way down via the crazy maze of trails and back to the Jeep which hadn't been broken into this time! Pu'u Ulumawao is a great place to visit but as my research later turned up it's completely on private property. Kapa'a Quarry Road isn't a great place to leave your car, as I found out the hard way, so if you follow in my footsteps take all the proper precautions. It may be possible to get permission from the owner to do some parts of this but with Ameron using explosives on their side of the ridge I don't see this one opening up anytime in the near future.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6794234395_9408e79d45_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6794234395_9408e79d45_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6794161217_c73972fc71_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6794161217_c73972fc71_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629109496279/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6793831933_c779f2aaf7_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6793831933_c779f2aaf7_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rest area! (despite my long winded writing I still keep a few secrets!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com0Pu'u Ulumawao, Koolau Poko, Kailua, HI, USA21.383251026724238 -157.7733156166076517.811690526724238 -168.10098861660765 24.954811526724239 -147.44564261660764tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-6208053993905248352012-01-24T12:46:00.000-10:002012-02-18T21:20:30.641-10:00Ma'akua GulchJanuary 24, 2012<br />
<br />
Late Monday night I received a call from James who'd decided he wanted to try to hike to Sacred Falls, a place I'd always meant to get to but just never have. I hastily agreed to go and the next morning I picked him up and we headed out to Punalu'u. Amazingly enough, the gate to Sacred Falls State Park was open which seemed a bit strange. Sure enough, there were a about 10 cars in the closed state park and while were were parked across the road two more showed up with DLNR stickers on their doors. They eyed us suspiciously as we did the same. After they'd formed up for some kind of briefing another DLNR truck appeared and a guy stepped out to lock the gate behind him. The group eventually headed up the old trail towards the falls which was the final nail in the coffin of our plan. Figures the DLNR would be hiking Sacred Falls the day I finally get around to doing it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6761602395_9a1e8dd92e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6761602395_9a1e8dd92e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Having driven all the way out to to Punalu'u we didn't want to head back so I started mulling over trail options in my head and after dismissing a few I'd already done we settled on Ma'akua (Towards the gods?) Gulch, another closed trail in nearby Hau'ula. Some hasty smart phone searches yielded enough information to convince us that was our best option on this cloudless day so we headed to Hau'ula and parked the Jeep at the beach park. We crossed the highway and headed up Hau'ula Home Road to where a yellow metal gate blocks the road. <br />
<br />
I knew from <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/papali-ridge-to-castle-trail.html" target="_blank">my previous trip up Papali to Castle </a>that the trail to Ma'akua Gulch started up the Board of Water Supply Road. It climbed gently up to a pumping station where numerous signs warned us of the dangers ahead- flash floods and falling rocks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6762076897_3ba46a2b41_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6762076897_3ba46a2b41_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6762068413_377f46a7e8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6762068413_377f46a7e8_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6762093131_46b34ae703_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6762093131_46b34ae703_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Passing the signs and the pumping station we waved to a guy welding some of the steel grates at the pump station. He gave us a cursory wave and went back to work. Just beyond the station was the trail head.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6762051371_28c1902ab4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6762051371_28c1902ab4_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6762042759_42cbe245d4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6762042759_42cbe245d4_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Near the trail head and in some ironwood trees were the leftovers from someone's New Year's Eve celebrations. Dry pine needles and fireworks don't mix very well so whoever was lighting them is lucky nothing caught fire. The initial segment of the trail was quite pleasant as we contoured on a graded path in and out of a ravine or two before reaching the valley floor where the trail passed through hau thickets.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6761632099_310dd37819_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6761632099_310dd37819_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6761656215_b0366c9d1a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6761656215_b0366c9d1a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Along the way there were what might have been old terraces of stacked lava rock and the trail cut through a few of them. A huge bolder served as a nice landmark for Back Country Navigator. There were plenty of old and a few new ribbons to help us sort our way up the narrowing valley but what struck me as odd on this closed trail was that there were still DLNR arrows from when it wasn't.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6761681745_ab3cd3d8df_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6761681745_ab3cd3d8df_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6761694625_ff5110fbec_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6761694625_ff5110fbec_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>Walking along the path the hum of what I assumed was a beehive filled the air. Searching briefly I spotted a pua'a keiki hanging limp in the crux of a strawberry guava tree. Both James and I were mystified why someone would take the time to kill a pig and leave it hanging in a tree. It made me more uneasy when James discovered the dried remains of some kind of flesh in another nearby tree. Weird!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6761710647_4849ced533_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6761710647_4849ced533_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Shaking off the uneasiness we moved up the valley further and enjoyed the beauty of the dry stream covered with Kukui trees and lined with Ohia ai. We took a couple self portraits in this scenic spot too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6761717117_89c7382191_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6761717117_89c7382191_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We'd learn as we progressed, the trail crisscrosses the stream numerous times. James being far more patient than I am spent the time to find them while I just headed straight up the dry stream. Coming back I used the trails he'd found instead as rockhopping gets pretty tiring.<br />
<br />
About midway up the valley the dry stream bed gave way to a small burbling trickle that vanished underground as it made its way down the valley.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="368" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=d49753f803&photo_id=6761472181&hd_default=false"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=d49753f803&photo_id=6761472181&hd_default=false" height="368" width="640"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6761783291_e849fbc6e1_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6761783291_e849fbc6e1_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Continuing up the valley the walls continued to narrow. It's easy to see how there is a real danger of flash flooding here as there would be no place to go with the vertical walls of the valley stretching hundreds of feet above on both sides.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6761774515_c926857efa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6761774515_c926857efa_b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
As the walls narrowed the side trails that had made our progress easier vanished and we were left to negotiate the boulders of the dry stream bed. I was wearing my Wellco jungle boots while James wore regular hiking shoes. The panama tread was fairly useless on the sometimes slick rocks but the steel plate helped stiffen my boots while his shoes were wrapping around the rocks. That might sound better for traction but it makes for sore feet and James was feeling the rocks as we made our way up the stream bed.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6761926699_3ee4ed6ffd_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6761926699_3ee4ed6ffd_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Another real danger here is from falling rocks. Evidence was all around us of their impact. Shattered rocks littered the boulders of the stream bed which now had a trickle of water running though it. It was also apparent that the rocks shattered and ricocheted long distances meaning even if it missed on the initial drop there was a very real danger of being hit by flying shards or the rock itself as bounced off the boulders. Some areas were worse than others and I picked up my speed whenever we entered a more active zone. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6761961655_1879a250d3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6761961655_1879a250d3_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6761900105_5eb8aaf8e5_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6761900105_5eb8aaf8e5_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6761766511_51953b8529_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6761766511_51953b8529_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6761759337_7acfcea06a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6761759337_7acfcea06a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
The continually narrowing valley meandered up ma uka towards the Ko'olau summit. It made for a neat effect on the sky above.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6761835969_626d8da78b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6761835969_626d8da78b_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><span id="goog_213856774"></span><span id="goog_213856775"></span><br />
We passed an old rope tangled on the boulders filled with the invasive Clidemia hurta, Kolster's Curse. It has an amazing and insidious ability to grow just about anywhere! Further on we paused at a large Ohia ai and Chinese fan palm for a photo op.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6761842823_0f5c0a051b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6761842823_0f5c0a051b_b.jpg" width="265" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6761823635_7dc2344a07_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6761823635_7dc2344a07_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
A short time later we reached the end of the trail for us that day, a small water fall and pool that neither of us felt inclined to cross to continue up the valley. The clear day had started to become cloudy and the dark clouds piling up against the Ko'olau summit meant the danger of the stream going from a trickle to a raging torrent was increasing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6761888941_ffe53aea3e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6761888941_ffe53aea3e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6761882187_6262384734_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6761882187_6262384734_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6761876381_ae4168413d_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6761876381_ae4168413d_b.jpg" /></a></div><br />
At the small pool I discovered a geocache. Unfortunately the little glass jar had leaked over time and the guest log and whatever else was in it had dampened and was now a science experiment on mold growth. I took the weatherproofed pamphlet out which was still readable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6761911073_f9e1323a3e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6761911073_f9e1323a3e_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6761906497_5b0134ebae_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6761906497_5b0134ebae_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
While it is possible to continue beyond the small pool, the rain clouds and our general lack of interest meant we elected to turn back.<br />
<br />
As we made our way down the boulders we threw cautious looks over our shoulders at the ridges above us from time to time. No need to be killed by a falling rock on the way home! We only paused a few times for photos and for me to inspect a few of the native plants along the way. Most of the plant life I saw was either alien or introduced but there were a few Mamaki hanging from the walls of the valley and some nice larger specimens growing across the stream.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6761933985_9b1caeb9e1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6761933985_9b1caeb9e1_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6761992295_41d5714937_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6761992295_41d5714937_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6761985801_1a00fb0b8f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6761985801_1a00fb0b8f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We made better time on the way back as we discovered more of the side trails which kept us out of the boulders. It was now that I discovered that they were actually depicted on the topographical maps in Back Country Navigator. Doh!<br />
<br />
I'm not sure how we missed it on the way up but near the bottom of the trail is an old orange bike. Written on the frame a warning, "Don't trust the Irish". I don't get the reference and even a Google search when I got home didn't help.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6762033815_110b6c0ae3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7008/6762033815_110b6c0ae3_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3065/2406872872_5b8ae52894_z.jpg?zz=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3065/2406872872_5b8ae52894_z.jpg?zz=1" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ex atop the orange bike- Photo by Chris Williams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While I couldn't figure out the meaning of the inscription, when I posted the pictures of this trail on Flickr someone posted a funny story about this bike. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>"OMG I can't believe that bike is still there. Funny story; it used to be chained up in the tree. Then my ex decided to climb up on it and the bike fell with him on it."<br />
<br />
-<span class="given-name">Chris</span> <span class="family-name">Williams</span><br />
<br />
Thanks Chris for letting me use your comment and your picture here!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6762007403_e16d5c010e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6762007403_e16d5c010e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We wound our way back out the valley past the pump station where I paused to take some pictures of the brilliant yellow flowers of a Hau tree. As the flowers age over the course of the day they turn from yellow, to magenta, then to red. On some trees this happens while the flowers are still on the tree and others after the yellow flowers fall. This particular tree was the kind where it happened on the branch.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6762109693_919b4da018_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6762109693_919b4da018_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6762117321_cb05c28233_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6762117321_cb05c28233_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div>I thought it was particularly fitting that we end our day on the trail with this as the red flowers of the Hau are what the area are named after, Hau'ula or "red Hau". It's reported that in Old Hawaii there were a prolific number of these trees in the area and during the peak blooming season of late summer the red flowers of these Hau trees were said to be stunning enough to become its name.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6762124445_99c1687237_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6762124445_99c1687237_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe and sound.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We continued down Hau'ula Homestead Road to the beach park where the Jeep waited under a coconut tree ending our day in Ma'akua Gulch.<br />
<br />
I have to say that this trail had me feeling uneasy more than once. The dead pua'a in the tree with nearby rotting flesh and the crazy number of falling rocks had me wondering if this was a good idea. The upper reaches of the narrow gulch seem more aptly described as a canyon with it's dramatic vertical walls and narrow width. While we didn't actually see or hear any rocks falling I felt under pressure to move quickly in areas that looked like they were pretty active. I was keenly aware that even if the silent fall of a rock from above didn't get me that the shrapnel or ricochets where probably just as bad. We had the luxury of clear skies and with those narrow walls I don't think I'd want to head up that narrow valley with any chance of rain. I know there's probably some really great scenery beyond that first pool but with the length of time it takes to get up there it's not a priority to do this one again with such a long list of trails I'm still trying to find the time to do. Be careful if you try this one!<br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div><div id="yui_3_4_0_3_1329248111915_1124"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6761998095_0542ec7895_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6761998095_0542ec7895_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6761745423_87c931d3a2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6761745423_87c931d3a2_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629029143647/">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6762051371_28c1902ab4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6762051371_28c1902ab4_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<script>
We wound are way back though the now wide open gulch to where we started at the road to the pump house. Along the retaining way I noted a Hau tree with it's cheerful yellow flowers. This tree also displayed the trait the area is named for with it's flowers turning red as they aged turning from bright yellow to shades of magenta then red while still on the tree. Hau'ula meaning red hau in Hawaiian. In Old Hawaii Hau'ula was said to have had many of these trees so it peak blooming season by sunset the area was filled with beautiful red hau flowers.
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div><div style="text-align: left;">
</div><div style="text-align: right;">
</div><div style="text-align: right;">
</div><div style="text-align: left;">
</div><div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6762117321_cb05c28233_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6762117321_cb05c28233_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6762109693_919b4da018_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6762109693_919b4da018_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The short walk back down Hau'ula Homestead and to the beach park ended our day on a happy note as the Jeep seemed unmolested.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6762124445_99c1687237_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6762124445_99c1687237_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;">
</div>Ma'aukua Gulch is a really interesting trail. The narrow and near vertically walled valley provides for some spectacular scenery. The danger of rocks falling hundreds of feet means a very real possibility of serious or fatal injury and the narrow canyon like valley means there is also a very real danger of flash flooding with nowhere to go. I can see why the DLNR decided to close this trail after the fatal incident at nearby Sacred Falls. I'd like to say that I'll return to explore the waterfalls further up that we skipped but it's really not a priority considering the lengthy and somewhat endless feeling boulder hopping. In my research I turned up this interesting legend which is sometimes attributed to Hau'ula and other times to He'eia. There are some other differences in the legends but here is the Hau'ula version:
<i>One legend of Hau‘ula involves Lanakila,the hill across the highway from Hau‘ula Beach Park, and two brothers who were kupua (Hawaiian demigods or supernatural heroes). These brothers could take either human form or that of the hilu, an often eaten reef fish. It was said that when they swam in the sea as hilu, the population of these fish increased. Once, while swimming along opposite shores of O‘ahu, one brother was netted on the reef at Hau‘ula. The other brother, seeking him, finally found an old couple who lived on Lanakila, and told him his hilu brother had been killed. Grateful, the kupua told the couple to stay in their home, and went into the mountains to dam Ma‘akua Stream. When he released the pent-up waters, all the villagers of Hau‘ula were swept away save the old couple, in their home on Lanakila, which means “to rise to a high place.”</i>
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6761745423_87c931d3a2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6761745423_87c931d3a2_b.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6761730685_70b649cded_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6761730685_70b649cded_b.jpg" width="200" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">
More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157629029143647/with/6762124445/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/">Flickr.</a> Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6762007403_e16d5c010e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6762007403_e16d5c010e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div></script>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com12Ma'akua Gulch, Hauula, HI 96762, USA21.603602164220231 -157.91886309445821.577787164220229 -157.929768594458 21.629417164220232 -157.907957594458tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6630101216758260374.post-75724243746159556522012-01-09T19:06:00.000-10:002012-02-15T12:47:47.000-10:00Waiahole UkaJanuary 9, 2012<br />
<br />
Six days after <a href="http://notsogreathikingblog.blogspot.com/2012/02/waiahole-uka-failure.html" target="_blank">my failure to reach the summit of Waiahole Uka</a>, I stepped out of the Jeep and met II who'd agreed to come with me despite his reservations about the trail. We set off in the very early morning light up to the trail a far slower pace than last time. <br />
<br />
Winding our way along the trail we passed the over the first stream, then another, and headed mauka towards the base of the Ko'olaus.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6685497583_e709975a2e_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6685497583_e709975a2e_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
II had flashbacks to the Waiahole Ditch Trail when he reached this part of the trail. The wiped out trail and fallen trees took me back to that adventure too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6685528781_79c77ae32f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6685528781_79c77ae32f_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Eventually we reached the ridge we'd be climbing. II issued a string of words that I can't repeat when he saw the climb ahead of us. To prepare for the climb we took a short break before beginning the long assent though the uluhe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6685547755_091aa82ff6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6685547755_091aa82ff6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The weather was cooler with a high overcast that I figured would obscure any view from the summit but I didn't care, I wanted to make up for the previous failure and put my boots on another section of the Ko'olau Summit Trail. We took a lot of breaks as we continued upwards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6685561695_f6e1d3de47_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6685561695_f6e1d3de47_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
One of the things that really caught my attention was this absolutely huge Akoko. This euphorbia species the endemic cousin to that little weed grows in the crack of sidewalks, driveways, potted plants, etc. Unlike those though these get big although I'd never seen one this big. My hand on a limb for scale.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6685603969_a8aab4b3f8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6685603969_a8aab4b3f8_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6685597115_3248cd7f14_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6685597115_3248cd7f14_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Further up we reached the first cable section which is really an old strap. The views here are simply amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6685610987_37d4681043_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6685610987_37d4681043_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6685637403_10f0237144_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6685637403_10f0237144_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6685664297_7749ff58fc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6685664297_7749ff58fc_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful ridges of the windward Ko'olaus </td></tr>
</tbody></table>II's pace really started to suffer and he began to drag behind. I knew exactly how he felt. He generously offered to let me keep going while he waited at a section where the crumbly ridge and his fear of heights meant he didn't want to continue.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6685659181_6d41189aa2_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6685659181_6d41189aa2_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pu'u Ohulehule and Pu'u Kanehoalani</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Shortly after the second rope section the ridge began to take a less aggressive angle. I was really kicking myself now for stopping just short of where things improved last time. Before I knew it, looming in the distance ahead was the summit.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6685730583_b4baa220a8_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6685730583_b4baa220a8_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The end is near!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>During the final climb I entered the clouds. Without the scenery to distract me I started looking at the plants as they passed by. I doubt then I would have missed this beautiful Ohia and it's cheerful red lehua blossom though. Looking back the ridge vanished behind me swallowed up in the swirling clouds.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6685753553_e5ea6b6f33_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6685753553_e5ea6b6f33_b.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6685720939_586fa376c1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6685720939_586fa376c1_b.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
Reaching the summit the winds howled around me. The first thing I was was a small colony of Lehua Papa, Metrosideros rugosa, endemic to the Ko'olau Mountains. The summit itself was a spongy almost boggy collection of some type of grass with spots of uki. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6685787647_9e4434b05b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6685787647_9e4434b05b_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6685771807_12e68a5190_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6685771807_12e68a5190_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
In an amazing turn of luck, for a few brief moments the clouds parted and I was treated to the spectaular view of Waiahole Valley below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6834331479_6f16e9edf6_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="108" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6834331479_6f16e9edf6_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
After last week's defeat, I was thrilled to be there and this video proves it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" height="401" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=39fb0e1c30&photo_id=6834424811&flickr_show_info_box=true"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=39fb0e1c30&photo_id=6834424811&flickr_show_info_box=true" height="401" width="600"></embed></object></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6834045391_dc409d74e9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6834045391_dc409d74e9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Taking a turn east I headed for a spot I've be dying to visit for a long time... the grove of Sugi Pine where the Kipapa Cabin once stood. Heading downhill a short way I could see the faint outline of them as the cool moist winds blew around me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6685803925_3d5c2a1e25_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6685803925_3d5c2a1e25_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Sugi Pine Gove!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Making my way down to the pines I caught sight of the off limits Kipapa Trail. It's such a shame that with all the effort that went into building the Ko'olau Summit Trail, cabins, and it's associated trails that the system, which could be among the best it the world, was left to fall apart shortly after it's completion. What a waste!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6834056645_9bc94b02fa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6834056645_9bc94b02fa_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Just past the pines were the ruins of the cabin. Some rusted roof panels, a jar with a mysterious liquid, and a pile of barbed wire were pretty much all that was left. The pile of barbed wire was massive. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6834082341_376145da66_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6834082341_376145da66_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6834075821_40ac7765b3_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6834075821_40ac7765b3_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: right;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6834092325_fafc39631c_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6834092325_fafc39631c_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6834087153_af111bc7b9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6834087153_af111bc7b9_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>For a few moments the clouds lifted just enough to give me a hint of the view to the leeward side of the summit. On a clear day this has to be among the best views on the island.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6834097047_7bafbe2268_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6834097047_7bafbe2268_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Knowing that II was waiting below I didn't spend too much time at the summit so I reluctantly started back but not before looking for the Ko'olau Summit Trail. It didn't take much searching to find it contouring behind the summit of Waiahole Uka westward. As usual with the leeward sections, it looked pretty overgrown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6834127145_6784a8c6b9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6834127145_6784a8c6b9_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I returned down the ridge and met with II who'd headed back to the base of the ridge to wait for me. I knew exactly how he felt about not completing the trail but I know he'll complete it next time. As an added bonus, I was back in Kailua in time to get cleaned back up and head back to Haleiwa Joe's in Haiku to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary... and my completion of Waiahole Uka! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6685746793_40f8875fa1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6685746793_40f8875fa1_b.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6685715513_4a781811bf_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6685715513_4a781811bf_b.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">More pictures from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/sets/72157628840547285/with/6686007095/" target="_blank">this trail</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/72157625542110123/" target="_blank">others I've done</a> can be viewed on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/xjcreations/collections/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. Aloha and mahalo for reading!</div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6686078793_3dc09da606_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6686078793_3dc09da606_b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"></div>XJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08754046978712918835noreply@blogger.com0