Somebody waited five years to finish this section. Good things come to those who wait.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Alex and Lilia for dropping Chico, Katie and myself off at our starting point today.

Pali Puka Trail

Inside or outside trail?

Pali Puka

Group photo in the hole in the cliff, that was witness to the Battle of Nu’uanu in 1795 that saw Kamehameha take over the island of Oahu.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Climbing up the short and slippery slope to regain the ridgeline.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the breaking sunrise over Olomana.

Incisor Rock

Time to put the spikes on to floss the slippery tooth.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the crumbly ridgeline.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making our way down the constantly changing character as erosion takes its toll. What’s here today, gone tomorrow.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Approaching the 23rd letter of the alphabet.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Pausing on the grassy hill overlooking Nu’uanu Reservoir #4 which was built in 1910 for flood control and water supply for the surrounding areas.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Katie descending down the flank of the hill to regain the ridgeline.

W

Contouring and climbing our way on the triple diked obstacle.

W

Making our way down the sliver of rock and dirt that seems a tad more slender on each visit.

Anvil

Whipping winds were blowing dirt into any exposed open orifices. Anybody got Visine?

Anvil

Chico pulling himself up the constantly crumbling hill that is still more preferable than the original contour route IMO. To each their own.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Our group making our way up to the hill after the long climb.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back as we saw the three trail runners catching up to us.

KSRT

Making our way towards the summit known as Swirling Heavens.

Lanihuli Summit

Adriana, Stacy and Susana soon caught up with us at the 2,700′ top and decided to join us to the finish line. The more the merrier.

KSRT

Descending from the summit against the expansive backdrop of the Windward coastline.

KSRT

Chico putting his ScuttleButt to good use on the grassy hill.

Kalihi Saddle

Sliding our way down into what some hikers argue is one of the hardest sections of the KST. I would argue it’s Diamond Head, but then again the iconic tuff cone is not part of the mountain range system.

Dirt Dragon

The group riding the dusty creature that is near the brink of extinction.

Kalihi Saddle

Susana and the rest of the group balancing our way down the skinny and crumbly ridgeline that is seemingly held together with grass, uki and woody climbers.

Lanihuli Wall

Katie descending down the long drop on the flank of the ridgeline.

Lanihuli Wall

Waiting for the rest of the group to descend down the wall which is notorious for falling rocks, I can bear witness to that.

Lanihuli Wall

The girls contouring their way around the Can Opener.

Can Opener

Katie and Susana under the shadow of the Can Opener and what I like to call the “Bulging Fridge.” A sizeable rock that seems to jut out inch by inch every time I pay a visit to this spot. Or maybe I just have an active imagination.

Can Opener

Group photo at the scenic saddle spot.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way down the brittle ledge.

Kalihi Saddle

Katie making her way down the near vertical drop.

Pimple

It was too windy to pop the pimple today, despite a willing volunteer.

Doorstop

Climbing queue, as Adriana and Stacy wait their turn.

Doorstop

Stacy approaching the top of the wedge shaped obstacle.

Bunny Ears

Pete Clines the legendary hiker was the one that gave these “silly names” to these obstacles on Kalihi Saddle so as to make them less intimidating.

Bunny Ears

Katie striking a pose on the mushroom rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Living life on the edge. Or as skydivers would say, “If you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.”

Kalihi Saddle

Searching for the triangle shaped obstacle.

Shark Fin

Thar she is!

Powerlines

Victory dance at the finish line. Congratulations Katie on completing the KST!

Powerlines Trail

Descending down into Kalihi Valley, that are home to a colony of Australian rock wallabies, that escaped from the private zoo of Richard Trent in 1916. The last survey conducted in the 1990s pegged the marsupial population to number in the 70s.

Kalihi Valley

Never let your feet touch the ground.

All pau

Walking out to the highway where we were picked up by Alex and Lilia.

GPS Tracks

Our KST completion hike covered 2.97 miles through two saddles and unexpected company. Congratulations again to Katie for a finish that was long in the making. Post hike meal at Nalu Health Bar & Cafe where I was pleasantly surprised by the menu offerings.

Photos taken by Adriana Hunter, Chico Cantu, Katie Lockerton, Stacy Paquette, Susana Escobar 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.

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.

We had woken up earlier in an attempt to traverse all three saddles of the KST but were stymied by blue lights that were blockading the entrance to the valley formerly owned by the Damon family. The three of us decided to go back home and sleep on it. Met up later in the morning at the Pali Lookout to do an abbreviated version of the planned hike.

Pali Puka Trail

It was a short huff and puff up the mountain that made sure we were wide awake and not slumbering along the trail.

Pali Puka

Akira at the rock window that was witness to the brutal battle of 1795 that secured the island of Oahu for King Kamehameha.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Scrambling up the steep rocky flank that had been slightly moistened by the passing morning rain showers.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hiking on the exposed ridge line. A breath of fresh air. Literally.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Trying to stay grounded while soon to get our head in the clouds.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We know which way the wind blows on this side.

Incisor Rock

Time to pay a visit to the dentist in the mountains.

Incisor Rock

Flossing the cracks.

Nu’uanu Saddle

This webbing was getting long in the tooth.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Narrow as narrow gets.

W

Approaching the obstacle some call Donkey Kong or the true Pali Notches.

W

Akira coming down the grassy slippery slope.

W

Threading our way through the 23rd letter of the English alphabet.

W

Our group photo at the top with barely room to spare.

W

What does an upside W mean for somebody in particular?

Anvil

Going up the fractured path as we watched out steps.

Anvil

Moss only grows on trees and not crumbly rocks.

Lanihuli Summit

Taking a break in the swirling heavens.

Kalihi Saddle

Going down the other side of the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa climbing her way down the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

Standing room only.

Kalihi Saddle

Tessa climbing over the constantly eroding ridge line. Here today. Gone tomorrow.

Dirt Dragon

Straddling what is left of the receding physical manifestation of untamed nature.

Kalihi Saddle

Where’s my next foothold?

Lanihuli Wall

Perched on the side of the mountain.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira contouring his way back to the ridge line.

Can Opener

Group photo at the scenic spot with the saddle stretched out behind us.

Rotten Steps

Making my way down to the most visually striking of all the obstacles on this side of the saddle.

Rotten Steps

Tessa scrambling her way up to the next obstacle.

Pimple

The rest of the group contouring their way around the sliver of a rockface.

Doorstop

Going up the front whose character is always evolving over time.

Doorstop

Akira pulling himself up the eroded rockface.

Bunny Ears

It only feels fluffy at the top.

Bunny Ears

Akira climbing down and over the hump.

Kalihi Saddle

Sitting on the edge.

Bunny Ears

Tessa standing on the magic mushroom rock. Akira was looking for the magic marijuana plant.

Kalihi Saddle

We could soon see the powerlines for the trail and the lifeguard that was droning our hike.

Shark Fin

Climbing down the last major obstacle on the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

A drone view of Tessa and Akira traversing the narrow ridge line. I hope it was worth the $35 ticket.

Camp Centipede

Met up with Matt at his launching spot and also our lunch spot as well.

Camp Centipede

Chef Suzuki preparing his udon with beef garnished with green onion that was simmered in dashi broth. Nothing like hot food in the mountains.

Powerlines

Group photo at the col before heading down into the valley.

All pau

One was checking her spikes, the other one was posing for the camera and the last one was watering the plants. Hoped he washed his hands. Thanks to Matt for driving us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Kam Bowl Restaurant where the chicken papaya was sorely lacking in taste. Hard pass. The hike was not all that was planned, but everybody came down safely and had a good time. Not a bad way to spend the day.

Photos taken by Akira Suzuki, Matt Vidaurri, Tessa Bugay, 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.

Took a couple interested people to see the saddles firsthand, as seeing is believing as they say.

Likelike Highway

Mahalo to Ferlino for dropping Aida, Aileen, Akira, Chris, Haig, Tessa, and myself off the highway named after the last heir to the Hawaiian throne prior to its overthrow in 1893.

HECO substation

Stretching prior to the hike to avoid leg cramps or just carry mustard.

Powerlines Trail

Pushing our way through the overgrown trail to the lowest point between the peaks of Bowman and Lanihuli.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Bathroom views.

KSRT

Climbing out of the saddle.

MIA

Aida had to donate her gold earring to the mountains in return for safe passage.

Shark Fin

Making our way to the first obstacle banned in Chinese restaurants.

Shark Fin

Climbing and contouring our way around the top through a thicket of trees.

Kalihi Saddle

The Kona winds blowing today were not strong enough to push us off towards the Windward side versus the usual trade winds which blows towards the Leeward side.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing our way down on the thin strip of trail in the mountains.

Mushroom Rock

Everybody getting their photo opportunity.

Kalihi Saddle

The washer bringing up the rear with panoramic views of the Windward side. I never heard of the term washer before, must be an Armenian thing.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira thinking “high,high” was either referring to elevation change or mood change at this moment.

Bunny Ear

Traversing between the “silly names” of the pinnacles that Pete Clines gave to reference them on the saddle.

Doorstop

Chris standing on the top of the obstacle named after something that prevents a door from banging against the wall. Let’s not bang our heads going down, shall we.

Doorstop

Aida climbing her way down.

Doorstop

Akira keeping his head away from the rocks.

Pimple

The group contouring their way around the spit of a rock.

Pimple

Haig keeping high on the contour, referring to elevation and not mood change.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris guiding Aida on her climb down.

Kalihi Saddle

The rest of the group making their way down.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling to higher ground.

Pimple

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

Pimple

Popped.

Pimple

Chris clearing the loose rocks at the top.

Pimple

360 degree view at the top.

Pimple

Photobombing Chris as he pops the pimple.

Can Opener

Making our way up to the lunch spot.

Can Opener

Group photo in the shadow of the “Fridge.”

Can Opener

Contouring our way around the “little hook” that would be quite nasty, if not downright suicidal to climb it.

Lanihuli Wall

Tessa and Haig climbing the lower tier.

Lanihuli Wall

The rest of the group moved out of harms way as an earlier dislodged rock narrowly missed Akira and would have given him a different type of high high.

Lanihuli Wall

Aida coming up the upper tier.

Kalihi Saddle

Akira watching the rest of the group making their climb up from his crumbly perch.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing up the “rotten” ridge loosely held together by native woody vines, perspiration and faith.

Dirt Dragon

This is after all, the Year of the Dragon. Take a seat Aida.

Kalihi Saddle

If there’s one constant on the saddles, it’s the crumbly character accentuated by constant erosion.

KSRT

Leaving the saddle behind us as we hiked into the clouds.

KSRT

Chris passing along nature’s Rorschach test. What do you see?

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the 2,700′ peak named “Swirling Heavens” in Hawaiian.

KSRT

Traversing the ridgeline as passing rain showers moisturized our epidermis.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going down the ridgeline as it seemingly keeps the clouds at bay on the Windward side.

Anvil

We decided to go down the more crumbly route instead of the standard contour route. WTF?

Anvil

Stay in your lane!

W

Standing on the 23rd letter of the alphabet.

W

Akira climbing down the fifteenth most used letter in the English language.

W

Haig contouring around the letter that was banned in Turkey from 1928 to 2013 due to the Kurdish population.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Moss don’t hit back.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Akira contouring around the steep flank of the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The rest of the group making their way down with what looks like more of a dentist’s nightmare than a letter in the background.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Losing elevation and gaining the muted views back.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Scooting on the narrow rocks.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Standing on the narrow rocks.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The rope guiding us down.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Yawning is contagious in the mountains.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida climbing down to the toothy rock.

Incisor Rock

When climbing down is infinitely preferably to contouring down.

Incisor Rock

Spotting the rest of the group down.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Tessa going down the narrow stretch of rocks.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Haig bridging the gap.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hiking our way to the exit point off the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Descending down the flank of the ridge dotted with roots and loose rocks.

Pali Puka

Our last group photo before dropping down to the lookout.

Pali Puka Trail

Hiking down with the illuminated Pali Tunnels and cloud sheathed mountains in the background.

Pali Puka Trail

Night hikers marching down the trail. However, if you run across us, you don’t have to strip naked and lie prostrate before us. Unless that floats your boat.

All pau

Where did all the tourists go? Perhaps it was the haunted spirits of over 700 Hawaiian warriors that were either pushed or fell to their death in the Battle of Nu’uanu in 1795 that scared them away. Thanks to Haig for parking his unmolested car outside the gates.

GPS Tracks

Our introductory saddle hike covered roughly 3.27 miles with a fun group. Congratulations to Tessa for completing her fifth KST completion with this hike. Good job done by Akira and Haig on their first of many saddle hikes. Post hike meal at Tasty Korean BBQ where the soda carbonation was flat and the wait long. Should’ve waited for the other restaurant. Post hike ice cream dessert at Ferlino’s house courtesy of Haig.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Akira Suzuki, Chris Bautista, Haig Van Roubian, Tessa Bugay, 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.

A former marine joined our saddle hike today who improvised, adapted and overcame with aplomb. Semper Fi.

Pali Lookout

Oh the weather outside looked frightful, but the hikers were so delightful, and since we’ve no place to go, Ferlino took us to the pali’s sheer cliffs which was so dreadful back in 1795 that claimed hundreds if not thousands of lives in the battle that lead to the eventual unification of the Hawaiian islands. We hopped over the rock wall that was thoughtfully repaired so that we wouldn’t trip over it under the cover of twilight.

Pali Lookout

Coming up the short and steep trail with the Pali Highway and tunnels behind me that was opened to the public back in 1962. Before that, there were no tunnels, just 22 hairpin turns that allowed people to traverse the narrow road from the Windward side to the town side. And before that, the Pali was just a cliff trail that had to be traversed with ropes and ladders. Times have changed.

Pali Puka

Chris trying to take the perfect sunrise shot through the puka in the rocks.

Pali Trail

Climbing our way up the steeply rooted and rocked hill laced with ropes for the assist.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Breaking out onto the narrow ridgeline that afforded a sweeping view of the rising sun as she lit up the landscape below us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We saw a faint rainbow left over from the rain showers that had washed over the mountains earlier in the morning.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the chossy rocks through a combination of hand and footholds, uki grass and questionable ropes. Preferably in that order.

Incisor Rock

Paul straddling the narrow rocks. The ax that was once wedged in these rocks had taken their leave of the mountains. Perhaps by man or nature.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Time waits for no man. That man is Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Looking back at the expansive views of the Windward side.

W

Approaching the 23rd letter in the alphabet to discover that the rope had snapped in several places.

W

Cresting the top of the first hill.

W

Descending down the steep flank.

W

Contouring and climbing through the double v shaped rocks using hand and footholds, uki grass, questionable wire and ratchet straps. Preferably in that order.

W

We both came down our own ways on that skinny finger of a mountain.

Anvil

Chris wanted to climb the hot mess of rocks, since the shaky anvil rock had finally bit the dust. A decidedly crumbly route. That’s a hard no.

Anvil

We had to trust the ropes coming down as it was now secured to another shaky tree or rock. It was a long roll down if things had gone the wrong way.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The hard parts were behind us as we traversed the cloud soaked ridge line. During the hike to the summit, I had clumsily hyperextended my left leg, tenderizing my knee and ankle. The hard parts were now ahead of me.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the summit of the massive mountain that is aptly named swirling heavens, more like socked in clouds today.

KSRT

Descending from the 2,700′ summit as we slipped under the cloud cover.

Kalihi Saddle

The wide terrain soon funneled into the classic narrow saddle ridgeline.

Dirt Dragon

Chris and Paul standing and sitting on the shell of its former self.

Dirt Dragon

What exactly is holding this pile of rocks and dirt together? I don’t think we want to know.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody almost took an unexpected one way ride down to 911 territory.

Lanihuli Wall

Dropping down the steep flank of the ridgeline.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring our way around the Can Opener and back to the ridgeline.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking our group photo under the shadow of the bulging refrigerator rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Coming down the “rock terrace.”

Pimple

Paul climbing down as Chris couldn’t wait to pop the pimple.

Doorstop

Going up the rockface that always seems to shed rocks every time I see it.

Doorstop

Climbing up the hardest obstacle on this section, everything left was “relatively” tamer.

Bunny Ears

Traversing between the two definitely not fluffy rock faces.

Bunny Ears

Paul hopping over the mushroom rock.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking down at one of the most expensive interstate highways ever constructed that was primarily built to connect Pearl Harbor to the Kaneohe Marine base.

Shark Fin

We dropped off the ridgeline to contour around and popped back out where we couldn’t see the fin for the mountain.

Shark Fin

Looking back at the dorsal shaped rockface.

Powerlines

Approaching the powerlines that marked the end of the Lanihuli side of Kalihi Saddle.

Powerlines

My knee and ankle were throbbing at this point, so I threw in the towel while Chris and Paul continued up the Bowman side of Kalihi Saddle and exited out through Tripler ridge.

All pau

Thanks to Ferlino for picking me up on the side of Likelike Highway and taking me back to Kaneohe.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered 3.09 miles for myself and slightly longer for Chris and Paul who had pushed a little further out to Moanalua Valley. Blessed with great weather and good company. Post hike meal for myself was leftover sinigang soup at Casa Carinio. Mahalo to Ferlino who also picked up Chris and Paul in Moanalua Valley.

Photos taken by Chris Bautista, Paul Smith, 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.

Cranking winds threatened to blow out the candle on Aida’s birthday hike today. Thanks to Quan and Lilyn for dropping Merrill and myself off in the land of Wallabies and Aida, Aileen and Chico off at Alewa Heights respectively.

Kalihi Valley

Running across multiple downed trees on the service road. Heard some pigs rustling in the bushes, too bad it wasn’t members of the kangaroo family.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

We popped up on the ridge line to be met with winds that were blowing hard. Didn’t have to worry about sweating today.

Shark Fin

Merrill pulling himself up the dorsal shaped rockface.

Kalihi Saddle

Catching the sunrise breaking over the Olomana peaks.

Kalihi Saddle

Keeping our center of gravity low as the winds pushed us around.

Bunny Ears

Standing on the mushroom rock as we approached the first of two bunny ear rockfaces.

Bunny Ears

Scooting our way down the knife edge of a ridge.

Bunny Ears

I wasn’t getting any better reception in between the ears.

Bunny Ears

The winds blowing in our face literally took our breath away.

Doorstop

Dropping down the rockface whose handholds and footholds have eroded over the years.

Doorstop

Merrill making short work of the down climb.

Pimple

That’s our way up.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing up the crumbly hill to climb up another crumbly hill.

Can Opener

Group photo with Kalihi Saddle as the backdrop.

Kalihi Saddle

Making our way around the grassy contour below the crumbly ridge line.

Lanihuli Wall

The money shot. Perhaps a few dollars short.

Lanihuli Wall

Merrill coming up what many consider the hardest section of the trail due to a lot of upper body strength that is expended on the climb up.

Dirt Dragon

Trying to tame what is left of the dirt creature. Dust to dust. Ashes to ashes.

KSRT

Pushing our way to a free dinner. Wishful thinking.

Lanihuli Summit

A scare that didn’t go as planned. The rest of the group in the form of Aida, Aileen and Chico soon joined us at the summit from Kapalama Trail.

Lanihuli Summit

Happy Birthday Aida. Somebody forgot the cupcake. It’s the thought that counts.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the unusually clear 2,700′ summit.

KSRT

Leaving the swirling heavens behind us. More like the windy heavens for today.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Dropping into the saddle.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chico coming down the steep hill.

Anvil

Contouring our way on a sliver of a trail.

Anvil

Aileen pulling herself up the unstable anchor.

Anvil

Timing is everything. Aida was trying to figure out her footing as a small rockslide fell between her and the ropes. Somebody was watching over her to make sure her birthday wasn’t ruined.

Anvil

Just call me Otis. Mister Otis.

W

Trying to learn my alphabet.

W

Aileen climbing and contouring her way down the triple diked rockface.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hanging off the side of a sheer cliff overlooking Nu’uanu Reservoir.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing down another steep hill with the “W” behind us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Following the serpentine ridge with scenic Windward and Leeward views all around us.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Descending through a corridor of trees on the Leeward side which afforded temporary respite from the stiff winds that were sweeping the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Scooting our way along the narrow shelf of a ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aileen making her way down.

Incisor

Who brings an ax to a hike? Paul Bunyan?

Incisor

Swinging over the toothy rock.

Incisor

Aida spotting Aileen.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Coming down one careful step at a time.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The Prince making sure the spike fits perfectly on Cinderella aka Princess. Move over Matt.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Merrill climbing down the cracked rocks. It’s only a matter of time.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Which way does the wind blow? Take a wild guess.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Going up the last hill. Promise?

Nu’uanu Valley

Climbing our way down the rooted flank of the ridge.

Nu’uanu Valley

We crossed paths with a couple of guys who were looking for the “lookout” and had overshot the puka until they bumped into us.

Pali Puka

Group photo with the lost boys photobombing us in the background.

Nu’uanu Valley

Traffic jam on the way down.

All pau

Thanks to Quan for bringing us frozen cokes and Lilia for picking us up. Our windy saddle hike covered less than three miles for Merrill and myself. Mileage was slightly higher for Aida, Aileen and Chico. Crumbly and challenging hike with a fun group. Post hike meal at the Kaneohe Yacht Club by invitation of the Commodore. Mustard packets for the taking.

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Aileen Agustin, Chico Cantu, Merrill Kalopodes 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.

The winds were blowing hard and then some at the Pali Lookout where Asami dropped Nelson and myself off this blustery morning.

Pali Puka Trail

Nelson making his way up the short and stiff climb.

Pali Puka

Looking out through Mother Nature’s window to the Windward views.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We climbed up the slick roots and rocks on the Leeward flank of the ridge which gave us a temporary respite from the howling winds and then we found ourselves back on the exposed ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The curtain of clouds filtered and muted the breaking sunrise.

Incisor Tooth

Contouring and climbing my way around the tooth shaped rock. Anybody see it move?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Nelson scrambling his way up and around the chossy rocks that resembled a ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Approaching the triple dikes known as Donkey Kong or the twenty-third letter of the alphabet.

W

Checking out the sweeping views of the lush and verdant Nu’uanu Valley, home to historic battles and homes.

W

Nelson climbing down the sheer and steep flank of the ridge.

W

Stand up to be recognized. Some were just fine with sitting.

Anvil

Making my way down the jiggly rock.

Anvil

Nelson coming down to land on what little perch of real estate is left before it erodes completely away.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the last steep section before the ridge line leveled off.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Making our way to the swirling heavens summit.

Lanihuli Summit

Group photo at the 2,700′ top.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending from the summit on a somewhat narrow ridgeline choked with vegetation.

Kalihi Saddle

The ridge line appears to be heavily eroded in certain sections from my last visit. Or perhaps my memory is failing me.

Dirt Dragon

Keeping a tight leash on what’s left of the soil serpent that is slowly crumbling back into folklore.

Kalihi Saddle

Taking in the views of the fluted mountains and Windward views.

Kalihi Saddle

Did I mention the erosion?

Lanihuli Wall

Transitioning between the upper and lower tiers of the wall.

Lanihuli Wall

Nelson coming down the lower tier of the wall.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring our way below the bulging rock.

Can Opener

Nelson looking up at the crumbly rocks that completly surrounded him.

Pimple

Keeping our center of gravity low to the ground as the wind whipped dirt and small pebbles into our faces and every open orifice it could find.

Doorstop

Nelson climbing up against the backdrop of the “you have to be there” and “pictures don’t do it justice” towering mountain that we had just climbed down from.

Bunny Ears

Enjoying the full blast of Mother Nature’s air conditioning.

Bunny Ears

Nelson coming down the last of the not so fluffy rock faces.

Kalihi Saddle

Watching the toy sized cars moving on the asphalt and concrete roads that cut through the lush landscape.

Shark Fin

Nelson climbing down the dorsal shaped rock. Chinese food anybody?

All pau

We decided to call it a day and get out of the gale force winds and end our less than three mile hike at the powerlines trail. Thanks to Bless for picking us up and taking us back to our cars. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where Nelson sampled his first meal of their Tasty Chicken.

Photos taken by Nelson Bustamante 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.

I was spoiled by our recent trip to the mainland, as the trails were wide and maintained. Back to reality. Back in the saddles.

Pali Lookout

Thanks to Jasmin for dropping Ferlino and myself off at the blustery lookout. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pali Puka Trail

Going up the short and stiff climb towards the Puka. The pitter patter of rain came to keep us company in the mountains.

Pali Puka Trail

Standing below the imposing rock spire that I heard was successfully climbed by somebody who had skills. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pali Puka Trail

Ferlino making his way towards the Puka with zero views. Nothing to see here. Move on.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We contoured the slippery slope and gained the ridge line to see which way the wind blows in the mountains.

Incisor Rock

The rocks were too slippery to safely climb them, so I decided to keep my center of gravity low and contour around the tooth shaped rock. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Ferlino making his way over the cloud soaked ridge line.

W

Gaining elevation as we approached the rock obstacles named after the twenty-third letter of the alphabet. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

W

Ferlino climbing and contouring his way in between the triple spiked rock dikes.

Anvil

Dropping down the eroded section via a bunch of ropes and webbing that were connected to a somewhat shaky rock. Maybe it was me that was shaky. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pu’u Lanihuli

Summit view-less at 2,760′ elevation. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending down the ridge line with no break in the cloud cover. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Kalihi Saddle

Ferlino treading carefully on the cracked ridge seemingly held together by grass and woody climbers.

Dirt Dragon

The ride is still free. Views are extra. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Lanihuli Wall

Ferlino preparing to contour off the ridge line and down the steep, grassy flank of the mountain.

Lanihuli Wall

Making my way down the multiple tiered wall. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Can Opener

Ferlino coming down the crumbly rock terrace that was in the shadows of the bulging rock that will pop out one day.

Pimple

Rain, rain go away. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Pimple

Ferlino contouring his way around the sliver of a rock.

Doorstop

Standing on top of the wedge shaped rock. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Doorstop

The winds started to pick up and kick the clouds off the mountains.

Bunny Ears

We finally started to get views of the Windward side. Better late than never. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Bunny Ears

Looking back at the clouds swirling around the mountain tops. I can see how Lanihuli got its name, which means “swirling heavens.”

Kalihi Saddle

Enjoying panoramic views on our hike. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Shark Fin

Ferlino climbing down the dorsal shaped rock.

Powerlines

All smiles as we gathered for a group photo at the powerlines before making our way down into Kalihi Valley. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

All pau

Somebody had cleared most of the vegetation leading down towards the HECO substation, so much that at first I didn’t recognize the trail. Many thanks to Jasmin for picking us up and bringing us back home after our soaked three mile saddle hike.

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.

We returned to the saddles for unfinished business and trail maintenance. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Valley

Thanks to Quan for dropping Art, Lilyn, Narissa and myself off in the land of wallabies.

Powerlines

We gained the ridge where the wind almost drowned out the snap, crackle and pop of the power lines above us. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Shark Fin

Approaching the dorsal shaped rockface that Pete Clines “gave silly names to these menacing pinnacles.” Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody was drowning in the Windward views. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Narissa contouring off the ridge line and gaining a brief respite from the howling winds.

Kalihi Saddle

The winds had seemingly cranked up a couple notches from our last weekend visit. Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

Somebody got stung. Watch out for the bees Art!

Beehive

What bees? Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking on the edge.

Bunny Ear

Sitting on the edge. Photo by Art Young.

Bunny Ear

The group climbing up the second “silly” pinnacle.

Bunny Ear

Going up one crumbly rock at a time. Luckily the gusting winds kept us from overheating. Photo by Art Young.

Bunny Ear

The group scooting their way down the backside or frontside. Perspectives.

Bunny Ear

In between the ears. No coverage. Just a lot of wind passing through. Photo by Art Young.

Bunny Ear

Going up the last of the upright and relaxed pinnacle.

Doorstop

Narissa making her way down one of the harder pinnacles on the saddle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Doorstop

Art climbing his way down the wedge shaped pinnacle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Pimple

Contouring our way around a rather thin piece of real estate. Photo by Art Young.

Pimple

Looking back as we left the Doorstop behind us.

Pimple

Elevator service is alive and well in these mountains. Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

The group making their way out of the notch.

Can Opener

Climbing up the “terraced” steps to our lunch spot. Photo by Art Young.

Can Opener

Group photo with the backdrop of all those “silly” pinnacles we had climbed. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Kalihi Saddle

Contouring below the Can Opener with the menacing sofa sized block of rock just waiting to fall out.

Lanihuli Wall

Going up the grassy slope scattered with rocks of assorted sizes. Photo by Art Young.

Lanihuli Wall

Narissa coming up the lower tier with the backdrop of the saddle behind her.

Lanihuli Wall

Lilyn pulling herself up the steepest part of the wall. Photo by Art Young.

Lanihuli Wall

The group contouring their way back to the ridge line.

Kalihi Saddle

With a little help from my friends. Photo by Art Young.

Kalihi Saddle

Battling the fierce winds as we climbed up the ridge.

Dirt Dragon

The group straddling the sliver of its former dusty self.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing out of the saddle. One down. One more to go.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Time to take a panoramic photo of the Windward views. Photo by Art Young.

KSRT

How many false peaks to the summit? Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Lanihuli Summit

Greg ran into our group as he was coming up behind us on the saddle and went down the Kapalama Trail.

KSRT

Ready to drop into the next saddle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group resisting the urge of gravity to just go with the flow on their descent. Photo by Art Young.

Anvil

Nobody captured my “action movie” move. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Anvil

Narissa didn’t need any action moves and simply stepped over to begin her climb.

W

Climbing up the sliver of a rockface. Photo by Art Young.

W

The group climbing and contouring their way around the triple dike obstacle.

W

Going up the Leeward side offered us brief shelter from the battering winds. Photo by Art Young.

W

Art waving at us to come back so we can re-take the action movie.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Narissa making her way up the eroded and crumbly ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Lilyn trying not to get tangled in a web of her own making.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group descending down the narrow ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Incisor Rock

Lilyn watching Narissa making her way down.

Incisor Rock

No climbing. Just contouring. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Narissa climbing down from one of many rocks on the saddle.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Trying to be one with the tree. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing up the last hill on the saddle. Photo by Lilyn Avendano.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Narissa going down the slippery slope. Photo by Art Young.

Pali Puka

Final group photo of the day.

Pali Puka Trail

Looking down at the historical pali (cliff) where over 700 warriors were either pushed or jumped to their deaths after being defeated by King Kamehameha’s army.

Pali Lookout

Mahalo to Quan for bringing us frozen cokes and picking us up. Super windy hike that saw everybody having a good time and finishing safely. Post hike meal at Easy Que where we were joined by Aida and Quan. Taste wasn’t up to snuff according to a certain picky eater. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

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.

It was supposed to be a promising day to be in the mountains today. A sucker is born every minute.

Trailhead

Thanks to Barry for dropping Aida, Art, Chris, Marilyn, Quan and myself off at the Pali Lookout. Somebody woke up late and still forgot their spikes. See you on the next hike.

Pali Puka Trail

Quan scrambling up the short and stiff climb. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Pali Puka Trail

Catching the breaking sunrise that was textured with the drifting clouds.

Pali Puka

Marilyn making her way to the hole in the cliff.

Pali Puka

Group photo left to right: Marilyn, Quan, myself, Aida, Chris and Art.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

The group making their way up the steep contour littered with blowdowns and loose under footing.

KSRT

Climbing our way up through the forested flank of the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida at the top of the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Cloudy and windy conditions greeted us on the ridge line. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Aida pulling herself up the first of many humps. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Trying to keep our balance on the skinny ridge without getting blown off. Photo by Marilyn Bermudez.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Climbing down past the leaning tree of Nu’uanu.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group making their way up and over the rugged ridge line. Photo by Art Young.

Incisor Rock

Quan hugging the boulder as she makes her way down. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Incisor Rock

Aida contouring the rock shaped tooth. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Lehua blossoms

Passing a cluster of the endemic red stamen flowers. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Everybody was busy climbing while Chris checked into Instagram. Photo by Art Young.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group climbing up the crumbly ridge line.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Gaining elevation as the moisture laden clouds enveloped the ridge line and released its cargo. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Are we having fun yet?

Nu’uanu Saddle

Hiking in the clouds.

W

Can you see the 23rd letter for the clouds? Photo by Aida Gordon.

W

Dropping off the hill to contour our way around the fourth-to-last letter of the alphabet. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

W

Don’t look down!

W

Contouring and climbing our way up and over the rock obstacle. Photo by Art Young.

W

One will be amazed to find the assortment of climbing aids in these mountains. Wire. Printer Cable. Webbing. Rope. Twine. String. The best climbing aids are a few good friends.

W

Going down the narrow spire of a rock. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

W

Aida climbing down as the winds were whipping something fierce. Photo by Quan Haberstroh.

Nu’uanu Saddle

The group making their way to the what many think used to be another puka (hole) in the mountains before erosion took its toll. Photo by Art Young.

Anvil

Quan going down the point of no return where a small section of the trail had been washed away from a landslide. Actually, there was a point of return which the girls took to double back down to the Pali. Mahalo to Narissa for picking them up. Photo by Aida Gordon.

Anvil

Art making his way down the one way trail. Gender segregation.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Chris climbing his way out of the saddle.

Lanihuli Summit

White out conditions at the 2,700′ peak. Decisions, decisions, decisions. Stick with the original plan or go down with Chris?

Kapalama Trail

Heading down the trail as rain showers saturated the ridge. Good call on Plan C.

Kapalama Trail

When plants provide amusement for others. Photo by Art Young.

Jackson’s Chameleon

Sighting of the invasive species that got its name from the first Governor of Kenya. Photo by Chris Brower.

Napu’u Mai’a

We dropped almost a 1,000′ in elevation as we took in the views from the 1,831′ hill.

Kapalama Trail

Walking down the pine needle carpeted trail while hearing multiple choppers overhead and sirens in the distance. Unanswered calls. Dark thoughts. Unfounded thoughts. Photo by Art Young.

Kapalama Trail

Nearing Na Pueo Park as the city views unfolded before us. Photo by Art Young.

All pau

We met up with two hikers going up the mountain who were training for the Kalalau Trail, which is still on my bucket list. Thanks to Quan for picking us up.

GPS Tracks

Our Independence Day hike covered a little over five miles that included a crumbly ridge line, inclement weather, good company but no fireworks. Somebody finally got to finish this section, while two others have to come back one day when trail and weather conditions are more favorable. Post hike meal at Pieology.

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.