I celebrated Thanksgiving in the mountains with me being the only turkey on the trail. Thanks to Edgar for dropping me off at the trailhead.
Trailhead
Not being particularly fleet of foot, I always thought this route was a comfortable two-day camping hike. I decided to push outside my comfort zone and finish it off in one day.
Poamoho Trail
Looking at the summit from the halfway point, the forecast for views didn’t look promising. I skimmed the informational sign and just hoped there were no leftover cannibals lurking in the valley.
Poamoho Summit
I arrived at the summit at 0730 to find the winds pushing me around and the clouds masking the views. Time to set foot on the Ko’olau Summit Trail (KST).
Lobelia gaudichaudii
Ran across plants from the bellflower family on the tail end of their blooming season below the fenced ridge line.
KST
Enjoying the brief interlude on the trail with no fences around.
Hawaiian Mint
Back on the fence line with the plant that takes the mint out of mint.
Da Boot
Arrived at the junction at 0830 with the boot and sign that has seen better days. The rain decided to keep the winds company on the trail.
KST
Struggling to stay warm and find views on the trail.
Kaluanui NAR
Entering the first established natural area reserve on the island. Stay left.
Mud pits
Oh yeah, let’s not forget the sole sucking mud on the trail. Character building.
Rabbit Hole
Plunging into more mud and overgrowth on the trail. More character building.
Papali Junction
Got to the sign-less junction at 0930. Sat down and ate a snickers bar. I became myself again after finishing off the chocolate bar.
KST
Winding my way through the Northern KST. Wish I could’ve seen more of it.
Koloa Cabin
Arrived at the largest cabin on the KST at 1130.
Koloa Cabin
Seeking temporary refuge from the biting winds and freezing rain, I sat down shivering and chattering, while I scribbled in the logbook and munched on my musubi.
KST
Leaving behind the fence line for good on the trail as I made my way towards the summit.
Laie Summit
Got to the 2,240′ foxhole at 1300 and took shelter from the biting wind. No views around. Left the summit after I had another Snickers bar and a short break.
Laie Falls
Halfway down and the sun came out to play. Never fails.
Laie Trail
Tasting the feeling underneath the pine trees as it was still ice cold. Why not? I was hiking all day in basically a giant refrigerator.
All pau
Leaving the trail around 1545 and walking out surrounded by farmland. Is that my ride?
GPS Tracks
My cross over on the muddiest section of the KST covered 15.4 miles where I was pardoned from being a hiking turkey. A big mahalo to Quan for picking me up and driving me back to my car in Mililani. Thankful to have friends like her and she also brought me turkey and all the fixings for my dinner. Happy Thanksgiving!
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.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Going alone builds character but I would never have thought to go that many miles on Thanksgiving no less! Glad Edgar and Quan were able to give you sleigh rides :-)..
Aloha Aida,
Yes not really prudent to hike solo, but didn’t expect company on turkey day. Yes always grateful for the rides and help.
Mahalo
Some of my fave part of KST. Despite, the annoying mud and all.. I’ll still go back over n over again lol
Wish I coulda join you on this one.
Aloha Tessa,
I’m sure there will be many more opportunities in the future. Misery does love company. LOL.
Mahalo