Met up with Chris, Dale and Lopaka for a simple hike to the summit and back today.

Trailhead

I think Lopaka was telling Chris to make sure he throws away his banana peel in the rubbish can or maybe he was just complimenting him on the cut of his jib.

Aiea Loop Trail

Mother Nature’s varicose veins on display.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pets need to stay hydrated on the trails as well.

Aiea Loop Trail

Pointing the way to the bisectual trail, not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Looking back at the landslide area of the ridge trail. Time and trampling has carved a passable trail. Lopaka had to turn around shortly after this section due to a family situation. God speed and bless.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Bumping into another group on the trail that turned out to be …

Pu’u Kawipo’o

… Justin Brackett’s group who were out to rappel another canyon today. Photo by Dale Yoshizu

Aiea Ridge Trail

Hikers in the mist.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Power lines in the mist.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Heading to the cold and socked in summit.

Aiea Summit

Look who popped up from Kulana’ahane Summit, Ben and Nandor on their KST thru hike.

Aiea Summit

Group photo left to right: Chris, myself, Dale, Nandor and Ben. Photo by Justin Brackett.

Aiea Summit

The guys leaving for Camp Manana. Good luck!

Aiea Ridge Trail

Heading back down the ridge.

Aiea Ridge Trail

Chris sticking his head in the maws of the tree dragon, whose habitat seems to range from Kahana Valley to Aiea. Photo by Dale Yoshizu.

Aiea Loop Trail

Traffic jam on the trail. Another reason I prefer the less traveled trails.

All pau

Today was not just Mother’s Day, but it was also wash day. Sweet little hike that totaled 9.24 miles with good company. Post hike meal at Alley’s Restaurant. Can’t get enough of their oxtail soup.

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.