Janell and I had a slice of Heaven today with a topping of purgatory on the side. Photo by Janell Tuttle.
Trailhead
Stepping foot into the valley that has five distinct forest types and over nine miles of streams. We were just concerned with one particular trail today.
Kamananui Valley Trail
Making our muddy way underneath the thicket of tangled hau tree branches.
Kamananui Valley Trail
Passing the valley trail as we made our way up to the ridge.
Moanalua Middle Ridge
I suppose some folks are like dogs, they have to mark their territory.
Moanalua Middle Ridge
Going up one of several sections that have been particularly denuded of vegetation which in turn leads to more erosion on the ridge line.
Moanalua Middle Ridge
Passing one of several pockets of people on the ridge.
Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail
You have to get down and dirty if you want to make it to Heaven.
Champagne Breakfast
We just missed the French Toast breakfast with egg and cheese souffle. Photo by Janell Tuttle
CCL Building
Well, since we missed breakfast, let’s go outside to grab some heavenly views. Oh snap.
Stairway to Heaven
Looking down from Heaven. Overcast with passing showers. Photo by Janell Tuttle
Moanalua Saddle
Time to put on the spikes …
Moanalua Saddle
… and the gloves. Not sure if my tetanus shots are up to date. Photo by Janell Tuttle
Moanalua Saddle
Taking the stairs down as the elevator was out of order.
Moanalua Saddle
Leaving the clouds behind us as we dropped further down the eroded ridge line. Photo by Janell Tuttle
Moanalua Saddle
Janell sitting underneath the cloud ceiling.
Moanalua Saddle
Looking back at the upper falls that feeds the main falls down in the valley.
Moanalua Saddle
Losing a lot of elevation and gaining back the views.
Moanalua Saddle
Slow and steady. The winds were really rocking the mountains today.
Moanalua Saddle
Leeward side providing Janell with temporary shelter from the gusting winds.
Moanalua Saddle
Checking out the views. Photo by Janell Tuttle
Moanalua Saddle
Janell coming down the pile of rocks that passes for a ridge.
Moanalua Saddle
Looking into Moanalua Valley. Photo by Janell Tuttle
Moanalua Saddle
Janell dropping off the ridge as she contours the Dirt Triangle on the Leeward side.
Moanalua Saddle
Looking over towards the Windward side.
Moanalua Saddle
Leaving the Dirt Triangle behind us.
Moanalua Saddle
Looking down into one of the crumbly side ridges as we traversed the saddle.
Moanalua Saddle
Janell contouring on the Windward side, mindful of the drops below her.
Moanalua Saddle
Passing a flowering ohia lehua tree overlooking the H-3 Freeway.
Kulana’ahane Summit
Safe and sound at the summit, overlooking Haiku Valley.
Kulana’ahane Summit
Leaving the summit as made our way down the short and steep ridge.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Looking at the waterfall trickling its way down to the valley floor.
Kulana’ahane Trail
It takes great skill to rope oneself down while holding your selfie stick.
Kulana’ahane Trail
Winnie the Pooh keeps the mosquitoes away.
Kamananui Stream
Janell rock hopping to get back to the trail that always seems longer the second time around.
Kamananui Valley Trail
The truck was not accepting any hitchhikers, just hitchdogs. Woof.
All pau
Congratulations to Janell for completing her first saddle. Here’s to many more saddles to come! She had to rush home to cook for the family so it was an individual post hike meal at Popeyes Chicken. Love that chicken. Really.
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.
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