The rain had gone away and so with it the excuses. That is how Jeremy, Roger and myself found ourselves in the mountains today.
Kalihi Valley
Thanks to Aida for dropping us off at the trailhead.
Powerlines
We walked up the service road and made the short climb to the saddle where the usually stiff winds were absent, only gentle trade winds to tickle us on our hike today.
Shark Fin
Climbing up the dorsal shaped rock whose edible counterpart is banned from restaurants that never advertise.
Kalihi Saddle
Jeremy and Roger walking on the edge of the pali (cliff). Or is this what living life on the edge looks like?
Kalihi Saddle
Working our way on the narrow ridge line as we briefly alternated between contouring into the bushes and back onto the “trail.”
Kalihi Saddle
Jeremy looking at each step with wide-eyed anticipation.
Bunny Ears
Climbing up the first of the not so soft long and triangular rocks.
Bunny Ears
Making our way down the “thinner” side of the obstacle.
Bunny Ears
Climbing our way to the only soft spots on the “ears,” the tops that were feathered by pine trees.
Doorstop
To trust or not to trust the webbing that has been exposed to the elements for 24/7 for God knows how long. Always bring your own stash.
Doorstop
Jeremy spotting Roger on his way down.
Pimple
Roger contouring the small bump of rocks while Jeremy climbing his way down.
Can Opener
One struggled while the other two easily walked their way up the shifting under footing. It’s all in the approach.
Can Opener
Group photo under the shadow of the bulging “fridge” rock that hopefully never opens its doors while hikers are around.
Kalihi Saddle
Is this a trail?
Lanihuli Wall
Jeremy scrambling up the lower tier.
Lanihuli Wall
Contouring our way around the crumbly ridge line.
Lanihuli Wall
The struggle is real. The face says it all.
Lanihuli Wall
Roger climbing his way back to the ridge line. The grounds that had been saturated by the heavy rains the week prior had made the climb especially taxing for all of us.
Dirt Dragon
There was nothing left to train.
Kalihi Saddle
Crumbly much?
Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)
All the hard parts were behind us. For this section.
Lanihuli Summit
Group photo at the 2,700′ peak that lived up to its name, “swirling heavens.” Technically, the summit was a peak over. Old habits die hard.
KSRT
Working our way towards the other half of the saddle. The fun never stops.
Nu’uanu Saddle
Descending down the hill that was somewhat steep in parts.
W
Somebody was watching us. Specifically three kids who turned out to be Mason, Blake and Caden. Turns out they were deciding if they should push further. I guess if we fell, then they would’ve turned around.
Anvil
Roger carefully making his way down the more direct of two routes. The contour still exists, but we took the more direct approach. Got to beat the forecasted afternoon rain showers. What’s a couple more minutes?
W
Forced smile.
W
The boys perspective of us making our way on the saddle. Thanks!
W
Climbing and contouring our way on the triple diked obstacle.
W
We talked to the young boys a bit about the trail and they decided to push off for the summit of Lanihuli and return back to the Pali.
Anvil
Seems like they preferred the direct approach as well.
W
Leaving the 23rd letter of the alphabet behind us.
Nu’uanu Saddle
The forecasted rain showers showed up 15 minutes early. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Nu’uanu Saddle
Luckily the rain showers were more sprinkles and passing.
Nu’uanu Saddle
Backward and forward motion.
Incisor
Checking for cavities.
Incisor
Clean bill of health.
Nu’uanu Saddle
Roger still had the direct approach baked into his brain.
Nu’uanu Saddle
Going up what I like to call the “runway.” And that ladies and gentlemen, ends our saddle tour for the day.
KSRT
Scrambling down the slick, rooted and rocky hill.
Pali Puka Trail
We soon left the Puka where the three boys soon caught up to us to head back down to the Lookout. They must have hustled to get back down that quick. To be young again.
All pau
Did we all have fun today?
GPS Tracks
Our blood, sweat and tears hike covered just a little over three miles with Roger who was now one step closer to finishing the KST and Jeremy who finally got a taste of the saddles. All in all, a good day with good company. Post hike meal at the original Lilihia Bakery that opened its doors in 1950. But, if you want prime rib at this location, you’re out of luck. Should’ve got the loco moco. Oxtail soup is not in their wheelhouse.
Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Jeremy Cannone, Roger Schiffman, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order.
Note: I have been made aware that some hikers have been using my blog as a hiking guide and getting lost on the trails. Please note that this blog was made to document the hike for the crew(s) that did it. That is why some of my comments will seem to have no relevance or meaning to anybody outside of the crew(s) that hiked that trail. My blog was never meant as a hiking guide, so please do not treat it as such. If you find inspiration and entertainment from these hikes, that is more than enough. If you plan on replicating these hikes, do so in the knowledge that you should do your own research accordingly as trail conditions, access, legalities and so forth are constantly in flux. What was current today is most likely yesterdays news. Please be prepared to accept any risks and responsibilities on your own as you should know your own limitations, experience and abilities before you even set foot on a trail, as even the “simplest” or “easiest” of trails can present potential pitfalls for even the most “experienced” hikers. One should also always let somebody know of your hiking plans in case something doesn’t go as planned, better safe than sorry.
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