We actually got some ridge time today, albeit a very short one for Marilyn’s birthday hike today.
Service Road
Thanks to Ferlino and Lilia for dropping our group off at the side of the highway.
Service Road
What was that? The only thing more concerning than the morning showers was a plastic against metal sound. Apparently one of our drivers had mistaken the gate for the highway. Not my car, still my problem.
Powerlines Trail
Marilyn pushing against the overgrowth as we made our way up the moss slicked steps.
Powerlines Trail
Pushing our quads, glutes, hamstrings and calves on the short and stiff climb up the hill.
Powerlines Trail
Our guide explaining what lies in store for the group.
Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail
Thankfully the rain was replaced by typical trade winds as we stepped foot on the spine of the Ko’olau Mountains. I was this close to calling the hike off due to less than ideal conditions for tackling a portion of what some consider one of the hardest hikes on the island. Diamond Head excluded.
KSRT
The million dollar question. Will Edgar fly his drone to capture stunning scenic views on the hike today? Breezy winds say no.
Camp Centipede
Less talking, more hiking.
Kalihi Saddle
Contouring around the knob to stay on trail.
Kalihi Saddle
We left the “sidewalk” parts behind us as the ridge narrowed somewhat on our approach to the conical shaped peak.
Kalihi Saddle
The three rules of falling. #1 – Don’t fall. #2 – If falling, fall to the Leeward side. #3 – Never fall on the Windward side.
Witch’s Hat
Have broomstick, will climb.
Witch’s Hat
Kenny conquering his fear of heights as he approaches the pinnacle of the peak.
Witch’s Hat
Edgar sitting pretty on top of the first of many colorfully named obstacles.
Witch’s Hat
What goes up must come down.
Witch’s Hat
Somebody needed to be coaxed down, just let perspiration, anxiety and gravity do the rest.
Kalihi Saddle
The witch and her hat, or is that the birthday girl and her hike?
Kalihi Saddle
We just go straight ahead?
Kalihi Saddle
Leaving Kenny behind us on Witch’s Hat as he promised to keep our seats warm.
Kalihi Saddle
A view best seen from afar, for some people that is.
Kalihi Saddle
Crawler’s Ledge exists outside of Kalalau Trail as well.
Kalihi Saddle
Everybody’s here at the scenic spot. Let the photoshoot commence!
Kalihi Saddle
Let me dislodge this loose rock before somebody gets hurt, like myself.
Kalihi Saddle
Marilyn’s first time on this section of the saddle.
Kalihi Saddle
The views never fail to disappoint.
Kalihi Saddle
The rest of us have been here multiple times. Still never gets old.
Kalihi Saddle
Who had the best seat in the house? Perspective.
Kalihi Saddle
Flashbacks to the 22 pushup challenge.
Kalihi Saddle
Akira demonstrating his balancing skills.
Kalihi Saddle
Please keep your hands and arms inside the ride at all times and please do not fall off.
Kalihi Saddle
Somebody was not paying attention and yelled my name in panic, violated the first rule of falling but followed the second rule.
Witch’s Hat
Elevator service was requested. Thanks to Chico for the assist. Just call us Otis and Schindler.
Witch’s Hat
Schindler scrambling his way up to the birthday party.
Witch’s Hat
Blowing out a candle is considered a form of witchcraft in some circles. We are on the right place. Happy Birthday Marilyn!
Witch’s Hat
Scrambling our way down the obstacle named by the OG hiker, Pete Clines.
Witch’s Hat
All safe and sound at the base, as another member in the also group observed the second rule of falling.
Kalihi Saddle
Multi-colored hikers on the trail as we made our way to Camp Centipede.
All pau
Our last group photo at the Powerlines before we headed back down and got picked up by Ferlino and Lilia. Mahalos!
GPS Tracks
Our short sample of a saddle hike covered less than two miles with fun friends and good times. Hats off to everybody for hiking and working together to have a safe and amazing experience. Post hike meal at Saito and Pho where the tasty food was offset by sterile service. They need to drop my name from their restaurant. lol. Happy Birthday again to Marilyn, the wicked witch of the West.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpEI1v98kM4
Video by Edgar Gamiao of our birthday hike.
Photos/Crew taken by Aida Gordon, Akira Suzuki, Chico Cantu, Christy CM, Edgar Gamiao, Kenny Lui, Marilyn Bermudez, 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.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Such a witty writup! Otis and Schindler elevator service! Thanks for coaxing me on the way down much like coaxing a cat on the way down from a tree lol. Happy birthday, Marilyn!
Aloha Aida,
Elevator service will always be available at the press of a button. lol.
Mahalo