We woke up in the morning after being starry-eyed last night, thanks again to Grant for the awesome tour of the CFH telescope, to drive all the way to Waimea. There is a large margin of error in the time it takes to get ready, especially when you have three guys in a room versus five girls in a room.

Picked up breakfast at McDonald’s and then somebody had to pick up their wallet back in the hotel room. Somebody ended up waiting longer. There is something called Hawaiian time and it does exist, Edgar.

White Road

Thanks to Grant for letting us park our cars in his yard. Somebody needs to work on their gluteus maximus so that they can feel their phone in their back pocket the next time and save a phone call.

White Road

We followed the speed limit and kept it under 25 mph as we exchanged pleasantries with the neighbors walking up the road.

White Road

A flock of sheep ran to the fence when they saw us coming up the road. Looking for food perhaps? No feeding of the wildlife, domesticated or otherwise. You’re baaaaad.

White Road

We paid a visit to Uncle Juni and after talking story about the Jacksons, continued down the road.

White Road

Mauna Kea with her shiny telescopes on the summit was strikingly clear in the background.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Some people were meant to climb over gates and not through them.

Kohala Forest Reserve

What are you guys doing over there? The gate is open, said the engineer.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Following the irrigation ditch as we meandered on the trail. I have read that some sources claim this trail was damaged by the 2006 Kiholo Bay earthquake and never repaired. We saw no signs of such trail damage. Maybe the menehunes fixed it at night?

Kohala Forest Reserve

Trying to find matching handprints. Like match. But for hikers.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Waiting for the rest of the group at the rather large bonsai tree. I didn’t know they made them that big.

Waipio Valley

The trail soon took us to an expansive view of the “Valley of the Kings.” Many Hawaiian Ali’i, hereditary chiefs, resided and ruled from here back in the day, including the most famous of them all, King Kamehameha I.

Waipio Valley

Photos can’t do justice to this striking and scenic valley carved from the “curved water” that has shaped its character over the years.

Waipio Valley

The slopes of Kohala mountain plunge more than 2,000′ down into the verdant valley floor.

Waipio Valley

Looking back into the valley.

Waipio Valley

A massive trickling waterfall.

Kohala Forest Reserve

The girls trying not to get their feet muddy crossing a short bridge, even though we are getting wet in the end. Things that make you go hmmm.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Carefully crossing over the slick water pipe braced by trusses for reinforcement and convenient handholds.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Drone view of the group crossing and sitting on the pipe.

Kohala Forest Reserve

When you talk so loud, it helps to have a pair of airpods. It helps even more if it’s in your ears and not at the bottom of the water pipe. Luckily, somebody could still retrieve it, bum ankle and all.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Drone view showing the pipe over the overgrown gully.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Drone view of the back side of the pipe facing out towards Waipio Valley.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Group photo on top of the water pipe.

Kohala Forest Reserve

We decided to not go through the tunnel and instead pushed our way through the overgrown trail hugging the cliff.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Building these trails so that the workers could construct the ditches was reputedly more dangerous and terrifying than building the ditch itself as the workers had to work during incessant rainstorms and landslides all along the edge of a thousand foot plus drop. Many pack mules fell to their death off these trails as it was being built.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Roseann leaving the trail for the ditch.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Grant had warned us that the area has been experiencing sparse rainfall as of late, so we were not surprised to find less than white water conditions.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Scott jumped in to check if the pool was deep enough and clear of any obstructions. He did find out it was rather cold.

Kohala Forest Reserve

I climbed up the side of the 35′ water flume to check out the irrigation tunnel on top.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Going up a shorter flume to check out more tunnels.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Standing amidst this engineering marvel that was constructed back in 1905-1906 at a cost of $650,000 using mainly 600 contract laborers from Japan overseen by Michael O’Shaughnessy, the Irish-born engineer that designed most of the water projects in the islands.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Andrew couldn’t wait for the mattress. Riding it raw.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Somebody made the sign of the cross before they pushed off. Must be the Catholic in them.

Kohala Forest Reserve

This is the last known picture of Lilyn’s sunglasses, before it disappeared in an explosion of water and sank to the bottom of the pool.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Don’t push me. I’m not ready. I need handles. Not love handles. Now I know how it feels to be a park ride operator.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Tossing down the inner tube and calling for the mattress. Thanks Andrew.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Missed it by that much.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Andrew jumping in one more time, as the water was so clear and inviting.

Kohala Forest Reserve

This is not Mission Impossible. Abort mission.

Kohala Forest Reserve

My ears were ringing loudly at the top, but it went away when I slid down to the bottom.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Aida and Tessa still got wet, the gentler version, without being slam dunked into the pool.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Trying to take our group photo from different angles. It didn’t work out well.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Enough pictures already. That’s a wet wrap. We were all freezing down to our epidermis. Time to get moving back to our cars.

Kohala Forest Reserve

We decided to go back through the tunnel, which was the more direct and shorter route.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Walking through part of the 57 tunnels collectively known as the Kohala Ditch that totaled 26 miles in length and supplied irrigation water to the sugar plantations in North Kohala until the 1970s. The ditch is still being used to supply water to the farms and communities in North Kohala and by tour companies that put paying tourists in kayaks to float through the ditches and tunnels.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Natural skylight through the tunnel.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Exiting the tunnel to the water pipe.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Some of the group chose to crawl through the pipe for the experience. Others chose the contour trail that bypassed the pipe.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Hiking out towards the now cloud covered Waipio Valley.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Family tree. See the resemblance?

White Road

On our way out, Uncle Juni wished us well and said we were welcome back anytime. Just to bring our friend, the Jacksons.

Driving back to Hilo, somebody realized that they forgot their pair of boots in the hotel room we had just checked out. Luckily, housekeeping decided it wasn’t their size.

Post hike meal at Van Vietnamese Cuisine where nothing beats a hot bowl of pho after sliding down a moss covered slope and hitting a body of semi-stagnant water. Maybe a cold Coke. Scotty picked up his boots and got dropped off at the airport to make his earlier flight.

All pau

We had time to kill before our flight, but not enough time for Narnia, so we dropped by Rainbow Falls and Boiling Pots. Swimming in the cold water under a hot sun makes one less receptive to driving their car back to civilization. Dropping the keys in the rocks doesn’t help as well. All in all, awesome weekend with fun friends.

Video by Edgar Gamiao of our hike.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ARz_asrtkk

Photos taken by Aida Gordon, Andrew Green, Edgar Gamiao, Lilyn Avendano, Quan Haberstroh, Roseann Fai, Scott Dea, 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.

Saturday Day 1
Bill invited us to celebrate his birthday bash on the Big Island during the Labor Day weekend. We all flew to Kona at staggered arrivals, ate breakfast and stocked up on fuel and food before driving out to the Hamakua Coast. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Hamakua Coast

Ready to start our three day weekend! Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Ranger Shack

Bill checked in and found out the unfortunate news of a missing hiker that failed to return yesterday.

Waipio Valley Lookout

We mingled with the other tourists at the overlook before taking our group photo, left to right: Chris, Yoly, myself, Ferlino, Maria, Liezl, Mia, Shirley and Bill.

Wapio Valley Road

Walking down the steepest road of its length, 3/4 mile, in the country. Bad knees or brakes need not apply.

Scenic Point

No mingling at this spot and the views were completely unobstructed.

Two way traffic

“Learn how to drive” is the standard pleasantry, mildly speaking, exchanged on this narrow and steep road. I’m pretty sure it’s one sided as well.

Junction

We shed roughly 800′ in elevation and an unknown amount of calories dropping down to the valley floor.

Waipio Black Sand Beach North

Stepping foot in the aftermath from the collision of hot lava and cold sea water.

Wailoa Stream

To shoe or not to shoe? Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Wailoa Stream

I should have kept my shoes on, as I was stumbling and slipping worse than a teething toddler trying to walk for the first time. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Agave trail

Passing a lot of tequila waiting to be bottled.

Waipio Valley

Looking more than five miles deep into what was once known as the “Valley of the Kings” due to the many early chiefs that called this place home.

Waimanu Trail

I can deal with wild pigs, meandering menehunes and strong currents. But no stores! What is the world coming to? Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Starting our way up roughly a mile of steep switchbacks carved into the side of the mountains.

Muliwai Trail

Leaving the fertile valley for another fertile valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Z Trail

The hot and humid climb up the trail was thankfully interrupted by patches of shady tree spots. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

SAR

Crossing paths with two firefighters searching for the lost hiker.

Switch backs

Chris looking back into Waipio Valley. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Helipad #1

We finished the short and steep scramble up the side of the mountain to regain some sort of level composure.

Stream crossing

Crossing one of 13 stream crossings. Who’s counting? Photo by Yoly Bedford

Muliwai Trail

The humidity resulted in a sweaty sheen that either baited mosquitoes or repelled them.

Muliwai Trail

Switch backing our way up through the pine tree section of the forest.

H20

Filling up our water bladders and bottles at this watering hole, properly filtered of course. Photo by Yoly Bedford

Muliwai Trail

Climbing our way out of the gulch.

Muliwai Trail

Going in and out one of 12 gulches. Who’s counting?

Helipad #3

We spent almost an hour here and some fell into a slumber as the shelter started to look more of an attractive place to call the night. It was worse than a kanak attack.

Muliwai Trail

Making our way over the last stream crossing.

Helipad #4

Some of the group found a pink backpack behind the sign. No relation to the lost hiker.

Muliwai Trail

Our first peek at the multi-tiered thousand foot Wai’ilikahi Falls. Photo by Mia Garrison.

Muliwai Trail

Looking down at the black sand beach curving around the steep sea cliffs.

Muliwai Trail

Dropping down in a hurry to the valley floor which was assisted by the slippery hau leaves and rocks.

Waimanu Stream

Stepping foot into the valley that civilization has forsaken. No cell service nor hot pizza delivery was available.

Waimanu Stream

We forded the stream at the narrowest crossing that was closest to the ocean. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Campsite #1

Somehow we crammed six tents in a space that we thought could only fit four. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Sunrise

Sunday Day 2
We all woke up to varying degrees of feeling refreshed due to a combination of crashing waves, rain and snoring. Not necessarily in that order.

Sunrise

Enjoying the breaking sun slowly illuminating the rolling surf and pebbled black sand beach.

HFD

The tranquility was soon interrupted by a red chopper that unloaded a fire fighter and took off into the morning sky.

SAR

Have you seen this lost hiker, Kyle Brittain? Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Gone fishing

Bill and Shirley went to the shady side of the river to set their prawn trap. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Outhouses

The campsites came with composting outhouses. Much better than a hole in the ground. It also came with abandoned gas, propane not intestinal. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Campsite #1

When the neighbors appropriate my tent for their personal clothesline. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Chuggers

I don’t always drink Patron, but when I do it’s because of peer pressure or somebody’s birthday.

Fitting room

Let’s see what happens when you try to put a floatie around your waist meant for children under three and you do it from the top down. Photo by Liezl.

Catch & Release

The trap coughed up a slippery catfish and juvenile prawns. Guess we’re not eating seafood tonight. Photo by Shirley Gloriani.

Waimanu Stream

Lazy floating Sunday. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Beached

Ferlino checking out the beached boat. Photo by Chris Bautista

The view from Campsite #2

Bill had taken care of the camping permits for #2 and #7, or so he thought. So, we were puzzled when the rather large group at campsite #2 showed no signs of budging or breaking down their tents. Bill ambled over and struck up a conversation. It turned out that Bill’s permit was actually for campsites #3 and #9. After the awkward exchange, we took pictures from where we thought we were going to be camping for the night.

Campsite #9

We passed what was supposed to have been one of our campsites.

Waimanu Valley

Crossing paths with other hikers returning from the waterfall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimanu Valley

We soon caught a glimpse of the waterfall through the forest.

Wai’ilikahi Falls

The staggering volume of water falling created its own “rain showers” that saturated the base of the falls. It was quite refreshing.

Wai’ilikahi Falls

Yoly plunged into the pool to cool off. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Wai’ilikahi Falls

We all took turns at standing, squatting, jumping and leisurely lounging against the waterfall backdrop.

Wai’ilikahi Falls

Chris and Ferlino explored a bit downstream …

Wai’ilikahi Falls

… where the photos came out better due to the absence of the “local rain showers.” Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Wai’ilikahi Falls

Biodegradable shampooing for those of the long haired persuasion. Plans of exploring Kaka’auki Falls, the second waterfall around the corner evaporated as we decided to return back to the black sand beach.

Keawewai Springs

Some of us checked out the nearby spring fed stream that had a built in pipe for dispensing liquid refreshment.

Waimanu Valley

Chris, Ferlino and Yoly decided to grab some water from here, instead of from the stream near our campsite. I guess the fact that people bathed and swam in the stream didn’t sit well with them. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Waimanu Valley

Walking back to the beach under the sun spackled canopied forest.

Waimanu Valley

What was supposed to have been synchronized cartwheeling due to drone meets tree down time, turned into a fun wreck of dysfunctional cartwheeling and running into the surf. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Coconut time

Thanks to Chris and Ferlino for collecting, smashing and cutting a bunch of coconuts open, as we were all treated to fresh coconut meat and water. Dinner ranged from assorted Mountain House to Century tuna over hot rice, the latter now being my personal favorite.

Birthday King

When a spam musubi or cupcake will simply not do, it’s better to say happy birthday with rice krispie treats and a paper crown from Burger King. Happy Birthday Bill. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Monkey see, monkey do

It took the oldest man in the group to show everybody how to properly climb a coconut tree.

Campsite #4

Bill and Shirley had campsite #4 all to themselves, while we crammed ourselves into our ghetto campsite #1.

Waimanu Valley

Looking into the “river of birds.”

Fresh catch

Our neighbor at campsite #2 caught a tasty fish. Better luck than us at catching prawns. Perhaps we should’ve used the same bait they were using. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waimanu Valley

Well, at least our arms were synchronized this time around. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Waimanu Valley

Lights out or on from Waimanu Valley. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Waimanu Stream

Monday Day 3
We all woke up early, broke down camp and prepared to beat the sun during our climb out of the valley.

Waimanu Valley

Thanks for the hospitality. It was a fun weekend. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Muliwai Trail

Leaving the valley as we made our way back up the trail.

Muliwai Trail

Looking back at the waterfalls flowing down the side of the mountains. Photo by Chris Bautista

Muliwai Trail

Don’t stop. Keep going. We can rest at the top. Words of encouragement or harassment, depending on ones point of view.

Muliwai Trail

Leaving the exhausting climb behind us as the trail leveled off a bit.

Muliwai Trail

Winding our way through one of multiple gulches.

Helipad #2

Somehow I had missed this sign going in. My observation skills are sorely lacking.

Muliwai Trail

Nobody needed water. Let’s just make like the red sea and split.

First aid

Mia ended up rolling her ankle going down the trail. Luckily I was prepared with my second hand ankle support.

SAR

Running across the search team, whose dog seemed to take a special interest off trail.

Friends & Family

Arrived at the top of the Z trail, where the missing hiker’s family and friends were coordinating the search rescue effort.

Z Trail

Going down the switch backs was infinitely preferably than going up them. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Kohala Forest Reserve

Leaving the sprawling forest reserve.

Waipio Black Sand Beach South

Yoly walking on the black sand beach. Photo by Chris Bautista

Wailoa Stream

This time coming back, there was no indecision to shoe or not to shoe. We just plunged in and forded the stream.

Liquid refreshment

When talking to locals snags you a bottle of water and a can of cola. Should have stopped to socialize as well. Photo by Chris Bautista

Waipio Valley

Tree hugger spotted. Photo by Chris Bautista

Eco ride?

One of the many wild horses roaming the valley. Not sure which one of the five bands this particular odd-toed ungulate mammal came from. Photo by Chris Bautista.

All pau

We snagged a ride going up the road by bumping some kids off a pickup turned flatbed and the fact we had a walking wounded with us.

GPS Tracks

Our three day camping hike covered 22.4 miles through steep trails, black sand beaches, gulches, valleys and waterfalls. Fun times with great company. Post hike meal at Paniolo Country Inn at Waimea. The meal was botched by bambi caught in the headlights and mediocre food. But the company made up for the shortcomings.

Beach

Side trip
Our weekend adventure was not completely over as Bill took us to a lava tube filled with water to wash off the three day grime and stink. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Entrance

We had beaten the aunty and rush hour as there was only another couple enjoying the watering hole. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Drop

I took a more cautious approach to entering the watery conduit. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Jump

Yoly decided to make a splash instead. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Lava tube

The cold water was a welcome relief from the stifling heat and humidity that hung in the air.

Crabs

Trying to leave the slippery bucket. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Inversion

You can’t take Ferlino anywhere without him hanging upside down from something. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

Skylight

Ferlino leaving the light transmitting hole as he swims underneath the cave. Photo by Ferlino Carinio.

Submersion

Yoly holding her breath for five seconds underwater. Next time, we have to bring scuba gear. Photo by Yoly Bedford.

All pau

We left the water filled lava tube to find a growing crowd waiting to dip their toes into the cold waters. We toweled off and drove to the airport to board our return flight back to Honolulu. Bill, Maria and Shirley stayed back to continue their adventure on the Big Island. Mahalo to everybody for the unforgettable memories.

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 woke up to another rain free day in Hilo and drove over to the Ventura house to enjoy another home cooked breakfast. Portugese sausage leftovers. Life doesn’t get any better.

Waipio Valley Lookout

Drove to the Hamakua Coast to mingle with the other tourists and get our group photo that overlooked the land of tall cliffs.

Hitchhiker

Allison testing the waters. No flesh was exposed or needed at this time.

25% Grade

Dropping 800 feet down the steepest road of its length in the country. Photo by Tina Ray.

Horse Whisperer

Wild horses came out from the black sand beaches looking for handouts and rubdowns. One out of two aren’t that bad.

Valley of the Kings

Joining the ranks of the 200,000 people that annually visit the deeply cut valley that contains fertile farms and historical Hawaiian temples (heiau).

Waipio Valley Road

Catching our first glimpse of the tallest waterfalls in the islands which are fed by Lalakea Stream. Photo by Greg Ventura.

Road to Heaven

We walked with aloha since we couldn’t drive like hell.

7-11

Cody carrying the bag of alleged cat meat. We did not come empty handed.

Meteorologist vs. Weatherman vs. Coconut

I almost mistook this coconut for Guy Hagi.

A River Too Far

We stopped at Hi’ilawe Stream crossing where the meetup was to take place. When that meeting failed to materialize, Cody and Tina went in search of our host.

No Tresspassing

Going down the right road. The private road.

Waipio Valley

Stepping foot on Dwayne Li’a Vicente’s property, that has been in his family since the late 1800’s.

Vicente hale

Li’a was gracious enough to share his patch of paradise and the attendant history behind it with us.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Following the trail upstream after our abbreviated immersion.

Water rights

We skirted the man-made dam that irrigates the farms in the valley and plunged into the ice cold chest deep water.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Rock hopping up the stream.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Tina squeezing in between two trees.

Waipio River

Making our way through a forest of rustling bamboo grass.

Hi’ilawe Stream

A foot on a moss covered tree is worth two on moss covered rocks. Photo by Allison Banks

Hi’ilawe Stream

Trying to stay dry on the rocks. A mostly futile effort. Photo by Allison Banks

Ti House

Looking for the resort restaurant that they built and nobody came.

Hi’ilawe Stream

The tall trees could not contain the view of the falls for long.

Hi’ilawe Falls

Following the curved water to the base of the falls.

Hi’ilawe Falls

Allison taking in the twin waterfalls of Hakalaoa and Hi’ilawe, spilling over the towering valley cliffs.

Hi’ilawe Falls

Pictures can’t convey the true scale of the waterfalls that drops about 1,450′.

Blue Hole of Hawaii

Looking up at the contracted view of the falls.

Hot air

Cody putting his lips to good use. Photos by Allison Banks and Cody Slaughter.

Hi’ilawe Falls

Group photo at the base of the tallest waterfall in Hawaii.

Hi’ilawe Falls

Anna and Greg catching up with the group.

Hi’ilawe Falls

The rest of the group photo. Photo by Cody Slaughter.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Going with the flow as we followed the river back down.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Allison and Michael fording one of many river crossings.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Looking back at the rest of the group making their way down.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Glad that we had “low tides” on our hike today.

Waipio Valley

Allison between a rock and a hard tree.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Stepping our way over the different sized stones in the river. Photo by Michael Boonstra.

Hi’ilawe Stream

Looking ahead to our last stream crossing.

Beware of Dog

Now the only question was, which side of the barbed wire fence does the four legged canine call home?

Waipio Valley

Finding our way back home. Photo by Allison Banks.

Vicente home

We all made it back, some without shoes and thanked Li’a again for his wonderful hospitality and wished him well on his traffic reduction plan, commercialization redirection and lawsuit lottery.

Angel’s Trumpet

Passing the hanging bell shaped flowers on our way out. Hallucinations and hospitalizations were not covered under todays hiking plan.

All pau

A tit too late. It was just for show. A poor showing at that. Or perhaps it was just a manifestation of my desire for self-gratification to take my mind off walking in solitude back up the hill. Blurry photo by Cody Slaughter.

GPS Tracks

We ended our six mile hike into the culturally and scenic rich valley with not much time left, that precluded us from sampling the world famous malasadas from Tex Drive In, but we did manage to make a pit stop at Zippy’s before flying back home. Many thanks to Anna and Greg for their generous hospitality during our stay and the rest of the group for the great company and good laughs.

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.