I met and hiked with Freddie Patricio only once, on the hardest hike on the island. But from all reports; he was truly a remarkable individual, that gave more than he took. So I thought it fitting that we hike to the spot where he met his untimely passing as the anniversary was soon upon us.

Trailhead

Met up with Allison, Ani, Chris, Dale, Ferlino, Jacy, Janell, Laredo, Quan, Ryan and Tina in the Windward neighborhood where one of us met a suspect gardener that seemed to be doing more loitering than gardening. Group photo by Ani Lagpacan.

Trailhead

Passing the memorial to Freddie “Spiderman” Patricio.

Trail

Making our way through the tangled tree branches.

Trail

The thick tree canopy kept the air cool and the ground muddy.

Trail

Rock hopping our way over one of many stream crossings.

JPO

Janell directing us to the right trail, as there were multiple trails that split from the main trail.

Trail

Tina wading her way across another stream crossing.

Waterfall #1

We came upon the first waterfall that was more weeping wall than waterfall. Photo by Chris Bautista

Waterfall #1

Group photo at the trickling wall.

Trail

Following the muddy trail up, as it hugged the side of a cliff.

Waterfall #2

Going up the waterfall that was cascading down from the pool.

Waterfall #2

Ferlino making good use of his umbrella, since he didn’t bring his hammock. Photo by Chris Bautista

Trail

Pushing our way through giant palm trees that covered the trail.

Waterfall #3

Approaching the main double-tiered 60′ plus waterfall.

Waterfall #3

Kicking it and posing underneath the waterfall.

Make a wish

Happy Birthday to Allison and Tina! May the cocoa puffs only touch your lips and not spend a lifetime on the hips.

Waterfall #3

Group photo left to right: Ferlino, Chris, Janell, Allison, Dale, Quan, myself, Laredo, Ani, Tina, Jacy and Ryan.

Trail

Rock hopping our way down from the waterfall.

Tree hugger

Chris getting in touch with nature. Too personal.

Trail

Looking upwards towards a tree that was host to another plant.

Trail

Climbing our way over the log jam of tree branches at the base of the waterfall.

Waterfall #4

Our last group photo of the day.

Oven

Ryan trying to light up his life.

Trail

Going out a different way.

Trail

We go this way …

Trail

… and that way.

Trail

Quan walking through the ocean of uluhe ferns.

Trail

Ani and Laredo leaving the forest behind them.

Trail

Playing house and boat. Photos by Dale Yoshizu.

Shark bait

Feeding the fishes.

All pau

Some of us washed off our spikes that gathered considerable mud from our short 1.78 mile loop hike. It was a fun memorial and birthday hike rolled up into one. Post hike meal at Chile Relleno where we sat outside to ward off the chills.

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.