We picked up where we had left off from last weekend. Staged our cars at Moanalua Valley and briefly talked to the police officers (popo) watching the valley 24/7 while somebody used the bathroom. The slang “popo” originated in Southern California when police officers on bicycles wore t-shirts with PO (police officer) printed on them. Riding in pairs, they would spell out po-po. Thanks to Cinja for giving us a ride before her hike. Amber was there just for the photo shoot.

Kalihi Saddle

Left the humid valley of yet to be seen wallabies and broke out on the exposed ridge cooled with abundant trade winds.

Kalihi Saddle

Skirting the narrow ridge bordered with bushes on one side and steep drops on the other side.

Witch’s Hat

Roger climbing up the back side.

Witch’s Hat

Tessa climbing up the conical shaped rockface.

Witch’s Hat

Looking ahead to the steep and unrelenting climb ahead of us.

Witch’s Hat

Akira downclimbing the front side of the hat.

Kalihi Saddle

Which rock is crumbly and which one is not? Playing Jenga in the mountains.

Kalihi Saddle

The rest of the group cresting over one of many high points on the ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

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

Kalihi Saddle

Akira keeping his balance as he “rides” the wave on the ridge line.

Tabletop

Roger finding his own way.

Tabletop

Tessa climbing her way up the rockface.

Kalihi Saddle

Straddling the new dirt dragon. The other one is set to retire soon.

Rock Triangle

Climbing up on the exposed Windward side.

Rock Triangle

Roger providing photographic support.

Rock Triangle

Pulling myself up on the Leeward side of the rockface.

Rock Triangle

Roger climbing his way up.

Rock Triangle

Tessa’s turn to climb up the rockface.

Broken Wave

Akira coming up the uneven runway of loose and shifting dirt and rocks.

Dirty Slide

Everybody had to eat their Wheaties to make it up this one. It was probably the most physically exhausting in terms of upper body strength.

Dirty Slide

Akira standing on the crumbly edge. Not too far out, just far enough.

Kalihi Saddle

Roger scrambling over the bulging rock.

Kalihi Saddle

The group climbing up the thin strip of loose dirt that passed for a ridge line.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Soaking in the mountain views after our climb out of the saddle.

Bowman Summit

Group photo at the 2,740′ summit of Pu’u Kahuauli (Bowman).

Bowman Summit

Chef Suzuki cooking up his signature steak in the mountains. More butter and medium rare please.

Bowman Summit

Secondhand smoke. Psychoactive collateral damage?

KSRT

Traversing between summits, as we left Kahuauli (Bowman) and headed towards the summits of Kaho’omoe ‘ihikapulani (Tripler) and Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe (Stairway).

KSRT

Climbing up the hill as we left the defunct relay station behind us.

KSRT

Are we on Moanalua Middle Ridge? The ruts that serve as the paths of least resistance for water erosion and foot travel have taken its toll on the landscape.

Stairway to Heaven

This is where I asked AI to step in and construct what a hike past this point would look like given the current conditions surrounding this controversial and iconic symbol.

Stairway to Heaven

Roger had never stepped foot before on Haiku Stairs. Thanks to AI, he can now say he was on part of the 3,922 steps that make up the storied stairway.

Stairway to Heaven

AI showing us going down to the first platform behind the CCL building.

Stairway to Heaven

This is what one of the detached modules looks like according to AI.

Stairway to Heaven

AI rendering of our group on the last platform before the trail descends down into Moanalua Saddle.

Stairway to Heaven

I think there was a glitch in the AI as it showed me on the grassy slope instead of on the stairs. Still got some bugs to work out.

Stairway to Heaven

Roger can thank AI for showing him on both sides of the stairs.

Stairway to Heaven

This is what AI thinks Stairway to Heaven looks like. Close but no cigar.

Stairway to Heaven

AI will have to generate new deepfake photos when the stairs are finally relegated to the dustbin of history.

Stairway to Heaven

I asked for an AI rendering of heaven at the top. Nothing is perfect.

KSRT

Retracing our steps, as we hiked back to the summit of Bowman. Not going to lie, that was more exhausting than we had originally thought it was going to be.

Bowman Trail

We left the KSRT as we took the trail off the summit.

Bowman Trail

Passing through the extremely wet environment that dominated this particular patch in the mountains.

Bowman Trail

Finding our way as it was extremely overgrown at the top. Ribbons and faint paths helped us to get back on the trail.

Bowman Trail

Switch backing our way down the side of the mountain with ropes that have probably been there as long as the mountain itself. Slight exaggeration.

Bowman Trail

Can you see the face for the mountain?

Commando Shortcut

Going down the spur ridge pioneered by the hardy folks at HTMC.

Kalihi Valley

We followed the trail of bottles and sound of motor vehicles to find our way out of the tropical valley that borders northern Honolulu.

Likelike Highway

Broke out of the valley and took a rest on the highway that was first built in 1954 and fully open to the public in 1968.

Likelike Highway

Thanks to Agnes for picking us up on the side of the highway with drinks and snacks.

All pau

“You guys wasn’t the one that posted the picture?” “This morning?” “You guys went post a pic of the popo and stuff like that? Thats you guys eh?” “I get the picture right here.” It’s always nice to be recognized in public. Post hike meal at Alley Restaurant where the food order did not match the food delivery.

Photos taken by Agnes Bryant, Akira Suzuki, Roger Schiffman, Tessa Bugay, and yours truly. Not necessarily in order. Congrats to Roger for making his first saddle look like a piece of cake and the rest of the group for the always fun company.

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.

Some Ohio Professor thought I was joking about taking him to the saddles for his special day. Happy Birthday!

Trailhead

I picked up Andy from Kalama Valley and we drove to Moanalua Valley, where Analyn was kind enough to take us to the trailhead off Likelike Highway.

Powerlines

Our first views of the day. Hope it won’t be the last. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Hanging onto the plants as we made our way along the ridge.

Witchs Hat

Scrambling up the backside of the conical shaped rock, depending on your point of view.

Witchs Hat

Climbing down the frontside or wait, is this the backside? Depends on your direction of travel. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Witchs Hat

The best seat on the saddle.

Rock Triangle #1

Climbing up on the Windward side. The best side. On this side. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Rock Triangle #1

Andy making his way up with Olomana in the background.

Rock Triangle #2

Climbing up on the Leeward side. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Broken Wave

Pretending to be a billy goat helps when going up a crumbly ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping off the ridge and contouring on the Leeward side.

Dirty Slide

Going up the soft, shifting dirt makes one fight for every inch gained.

Power problems

There are more pressing problems than trying to safely traverse a crumbly ridge, like changing a dead GoPro battery.

Kalihi Saddle

Andy making his way up the windswept ridge.

KSRT

Swimming through the overgrowth.

Bowman Summit

Halfway done at the partially socked in summit of Kahuauli.

KSRT

Traversing the cloud soaked ridge line.

Tripler Summit

Missing out on the Windward views.

KSRT

Heaven must have sneezed as the clouds blew away to reveal the ridge and all the man made structures in all her glory.

KSRT

Looking back at the Windward views that we had missed earlier.

KSRT

In exchange for receiving zero assistance in locating Diamond Head, we pointed a California visitor from Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe to the terminus of Stairway to Heaven. Still looking for the hardest hike on the island.

CCL Building

Picture with a photobomber.

Stairway to Heaven

You guys can go that way …

Moanalua Saddle

… and we’ll go this way.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way down against the backdrop of Halawa Valley.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving Heaven behind us. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Moanalua Middle Ridge

Watching other hikers take the longer and slightly less eroded ridge back down.

Moanalua Saddle

Scooting our way down as the ridge took on a decidedly eroded character.

Moanalua Saddle

Andy trying to get his footing on the ever crumbling rocks.

Moanalua Saddle

Making our way over windswept trees, crumbly rocks and scenic views. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Dirt Triangle

Leg eye view of myself making my way down the most famous obstacle on this saddle. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Moanalua Valley

Andy contouring his way around with the valley in the background that was originally the planned home for the H-3 Highway.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving behind the polygon of rocks and dirt behind us.

Moanalua Saddle

Backing our way down the Windward contour. Photo by Andrew Keller.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Andy was disappointed that the saddles hadn’t been more “challenging”, so we had to do it on one leg with our hands tied behind our back. The one eye shut is open to speculation as we were both wearing sunglasses.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Are we having second thoughts about pushing towards Red Hill? Perhaps not.

Dry chute

The ridge wasn’t crying us a river, let alone a waterfall.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Making our way underneath the tangled thicket of hau branches.

All pau

The end of the road that still hasn’t grown on me and probably never will. Our 7.55 mile hike was a good saddle introduction that was blessed with overall good weather. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse, where the meals were a little rich for somebody’s liking.

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 decided to give the KST thru hike another try; if I knew what the outcome was going to be, I would have stayed home in bed. Joining me were Chris and Matt; Anne and Clayton came along just for the first day.

Trailhead

Thanks to Daryl for dropping us off at the Makapu’u Lookout. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Trail

Making our way up the dry grassy rocky landscape. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Manana Island

Looking out towards the seabird sanctuary.

Trail

We soon caught up with another pair of hikers who let us pass them.

Pu’u Mai

Staring straight into the fringed female parts.

Sea Life Park

The sun shimmering across the blue-green water. It almost made up for missing the sunrise.

KSRT

Small kine climbing time. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Makapu’u Puka

Group photo left to right: Clayton, myself, Anne, Matt and Chris.

Makapu’u Puka

Hello from the other side. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Time to pack away the drone and continue hiking on the rocky ridge line.

Makapu’u Cave

Chris chilling in the cave.

KSRT

Climbing our way up on the makai side of the cliffs. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Waimanalo

When you notice the geodetic marker for the first time, despite hiking over this area too many times too count.

To tee or not to tee

Not only hang gliders fly from here, but rocks as well.

Boost

Leaving behind the fenced communication tower.

KSRT

Dropping down into the saddle.

KSRT

Looking for some shady trees.

Kamiloiki Summit

It was an awesome day at the summit, no camping needed. Drone photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Walking on the pine needle matted ridge line.

KSRT

Leaving our canopy cover for a stretch of exposed ridge line. Luckily the clouds were providing cover from the sweltering sun.

Caveman proving grounds

No unnecessary climbing today.

KSRT

Brushing our way through shoulder high buffalo grass. Scratch and itch.

Tom-Tom

Watching an isolated rain cloud sweep the Waimanalo coast.

Dorito’s Tower

Clayton and Matt checking out the rock tower reportedly first climbed by a hiker named Rito.

KSRT

Back in the forested ridge line.

Mariner’s Summit

It worked for me as a kid, how come it doesn’t work now? I want my money back. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Mariner’s Summit

Climbing down from the 1,361′ summit of Kaluanui. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Hahaione Pyramid

Contouring our way behind the roughly triangular shaped rock, depending on your point of perspective.

Scenic point

Talk story time.

Hahaione Junction

Club head + hiking stick = Golf club.

KSRT

Matt looking back at the stretch of mountains that we had just covered.

Kuli’ou’ou Summit

We parted company with Anne, Clayton and Matt at the 2,360′ summit due to cramping and work calling.

KSRT

Chris climbing up the severely eroded section after leaving the bustling summit.

Bear Claw Ridge

No time to go left or right, just straight ahead. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Scenic spot

Chris against the backdrop of the fluted flanks of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Pu’u O Kona Summit

Leaving the 2,200′ summit for cloudy views.

Hawaii Loa Summit

Nobody else here at the 2,520′ summit.

KSRT

Back on the cloudy ridge line.

KSRT

What happened to the partly sunny day forecasted by Guy Hagi? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. I think it’s been more than twice.

Camp Wiliwilinui

We arrived at the 2,480′ summit to find that another couple had beaten us to call it home for the night. Luckily we were able to squeeze our two tents in with theirs. Thought we were in for a night of socializing, but they zippered up their tent as I guess our odor was particularly offensive. It could have been our manners.

KSRT

Day 2 – Rolled up our tents as our neighbors were still sleeping and we continued hiking in the clouds.

Ka’inawa’au Nui Summit

I guess we are in for another day of whiteout views.

KSRT

Dropping down the big hill to valley views of milkiness.

Ka’au Crater

Rocket ship ready to take off and leave the clouds behind. Wished we could have joined.

KSRT

Chris pointing to the cloud covered summit of Awaawaloa.

KSRT

Climbing my way up through the clouds to the 2,486′ summit. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Mount Olympus

The water is safe to drink up here.

Manoa Valley

Valley vistas improved significantly on the contour trail. Photo by Chris Bautista.

KSRT

Back on the cloudy again ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Manoa Middle Summit

We shared the summit with the HTMC trail clearing crew that had come up from Manoa Valley.

KSRT

The grassy meadows hiding the many false summits before we hit the crown jewels of the Ko’olau Mountains.

KSRT

Are we there yet? Photo by Chris Bautista.

K2

We crashed a wine and cheese party in progress. Came too late for the cheese. Just have to use our imagination.

Konahuanui Summit

Typical socked in summit day on the highest point of the Ko’olau Mountains.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Making my way down the mud wall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

We slowly started to see the views again.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Leaving the clouds behind on the wind swept ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Following the webbing down the ridge line.

Chimney

Climbing down the chimney. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Pali Notches

Leaving the chimney behind us as we made our way towards the notches. Never say never. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Pali Notches

We spotted a familiar face on the second notch. Arnold!

Pali Lookout

Trying to blend in with the tourists. Photo by Arnold Yago.

Camp Pali

Mahalo to Arnold Yago, Daryl Cacatian and Nina Arca, Matt Vidaurri, Owen and Tricia Adams and Shirley Hamamura for bringing us refreshing beverages and hot food and keeping us company.

Pali Lookout

Day 3 – We woke up to the pitter patter of rain and gloomy weather that was hanging around the mountains. I know some of our friends thought we would have to call it on account of the weather and bail from our hike. But somebody said “we chance ‘em.” So off we went. Photo by Daryl Cacatian.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Contouring up the slippery rocks, we soon regained the ridge.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Rainbows are ones reward for hiking in the rain. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Nu’uanu Saddle

No swinging around the rain slicked rocks today, just careful climbing.

Donkey Kong

Making our way to the triple diked formation.

W

Clear on the Leeward side, cloudy on the Windward side.

Anvil

Chris dropping down from the anvil rock.

Nu’uanu Saddle

Lost and found on the mountain – one spike and one spike only.

Lanihuli Summit

Temporary views were granted to us at the 2,700′ elevation.

Kalihi Saddle

Descending down from the swirling heavens. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Chris standing on a knob overlooking the cloud filtered views of the Windward side.

Dirt Dragon

Riding the dirt dragon or what’s left of it.

Lanihuli Wall

Preparing to walk down the wall of uki grass.

Lanihuli Wall

Contouring around the can opener.

Lanihuli Wall

Making my way down the last tier of the wall. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Can Opener

Keeping a watchful eye on the sofa sized chunk of rock that looks ready to fall off the mountain.

Pimple

Carefully making my way around the crumbly rock, so I don’t do any popping. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Doorstop

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Hike. Hike who?

Bunny Ears

Rabbit. Rabbit. Rabbit. Oh never mind, it’s not the first day of the month.

Bunny Ears

Bunny earing myself coming down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Approaching the power lines.

Witch’s Hat

No refreshing rest at the power lines as we continued up the backside of the hat.

Witch’s Hat

Making my way down from the hat. No trick or treat for me. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Uphill climb ahead of us. Photo by Chris Bautista.

#1 Rock Triangle

Climbing up the Windward side is the best side.

#2 Rock Triangle

Have rope, will climb.

Broken Wave

Getting my head out of the clouds. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirty Slide

Climbing back into the clouds. Can’t win. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Scrambling our way to the Bowman summit and our home for the night.

Camp Bowman

Day 4 – Waking up to long john feet. Always appetizing. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Camp Bowman

Getting ready for another cloudy and windy day in the mountains.

KSRT

The winds were pushing us around on the ridge line. Luckily it blew in from the Windward side. We would have been in trouble if it was blowing from the other side.

Tripler Summit

Rocket men and rocket ships in the clouds.

KSRT

Walking down the cloudy castle steps. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Relay station

Climbing past the no climbing relay station.

Stairway to Heaven

What happened to everybody? We had the place all to ourselves. I wonder why.

CCL Building

Trying to get warm in heaven. Photo by Chris Bautista

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving heaven as we went down the back stairs.

Moanalua Saddle

Chris using his kung fu grip going down the crumbly section.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way around the increasingly eroded ridge of the saddle. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirt Triangle

Going down the Leeward side of the triangle offered us a temporary reprieve from the gusting winds.

Kulana’ahane Summit

Mahalo to Matt for meeting us with cold bentos and drinks in the middle of the saddle.

Moanalua Saddle

We soon said our goodbyes to Matt and resumed our hiking. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

The winds and clouds were not giving us a break today.

Moanalua Saddle

Making my way down the constantly eroding ridge line. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Geo marker

Checking in with social media.

Tetanus Stairs

Descending down into hell.

Stairway to Hell

It was quite cold in this spot of the mountains. Time to quickly move on.

KSRT

If there were a speed limit on the ridge, laws would have been broken today. The law of balance. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Fenced meadows

Passing the fenced endemic plant section on our way to the summit of Aiea and home sweet home for the night. No dinner for me.

Aiea Summit

Day 5 – We woke up to more bad weather and my body in severe caloric deficit. Not to mention that my tent had somehow flipped upside down with me still in it. My stomach just quit on me again and my body soon followed.

Aiea Ridge Trail

After mulling it over for the better half of the day and with the weather and my stomach not getting any better, we left the summit to head back down to civilization. Sorry Chris. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Aiea Ridge Trail

At least the weather improved on our way back down, couldn’t say the same for my stomach. Photo by Chris Bautista

Aiea Ridge Trail

I was beaten like a rented mule. Dizzy and light headed, I had to frequently stop to right myself coming down the ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista

All pau

Thanks to Lopaka for meeting us at the end and bringing food and taking us back to our cars. Mahalo to Chris for keeping me company in the mountains and everybody else that supported us on the hike.

GPS Tracks

Our gastrointestinal interruptus hike covered 24.61 miles through the sometimes clear, cloudy, rainy and windy Ko’olau Mountains. While we did not get to “penish” to the end, glad for the company from beginning to the end. Big thanks to my wife for letting me try this again, I don’t think I’ll be back. Post hike meal in the parking lot, KFC is what’s for dinner.

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.

Helped a friend to finish a ridge and another to celebrate her birthday today. It was also a nice day to be alive and hiking as we all managed to survive the false missile alert that gave everybody a pause yesterday.

Trailhead

Met up with Daryl and Mia at the parking lot as Amber, Anne, Clayton, Jan and Robin had already pushed off on the trail. Chris was running late.

Kamananui Valley Trail

The construction bees have been quite busy in the back of the valley. Unsubstantiated rumors that the concrete roads are meant for soon to come paying tours to crowd out the free loading hikers from these trails filled the air.

Kamananui Valley Trail

The stairs? Where we’re going, there are no stairs.

Marker 12

Passing the traditional short cut to Tripler Ridge. We were not being traditional today.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Met up with the rest of the group at the start of the spur ridge we called Pueo after the sign that marks the trailhead.

Pueo Ridge

We followed the clearly trodden trail through knee high uluhell ferns until …

Pueo Ridge

… the trail took on a steeper pitch packed with strawberry guava trees.

Pueo Ridge

Group photo as we gained the semi-exposed ridge. Photo by Anne Fai.

Pueo Ridge

Looking out towards Moanalua Valley with her cloud puffs.

Pueo Ridge

The point where Clayton turned around on his prior solo hike. Time to push forward.

Pueo Ridge

Making our way under and over the twisted trees. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Pueo Ridge

Rotten rocks and questionable trees laid ahead of us.

Pueo Ridge

After a short stretch of raining rocks and voices in the valley, we soon scrambled to more solid footing on the ridge.

Pueo Ridge

Sometimes I think a pair of knee pads belongs in my pack. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Pueo Ridge

Anne threading her way through the barrier of strawberry guava trees to step foot on Tripler Ridge. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Tripler Ridge

Group photo left to right: Chris, Daryl, Clayton, myself, Amber, Jan, Mia, Anne and Robin.

Tripler Ridge

We bumped into members of the HTMC group on the ridge.

Naupaka Kahakai

Passing the happy half of the flower in the mountains.

Tripler Ridge

We ran into Rich Bailey who was videoing the group on their hike.

Tripler Ridge

Pushing up the last hill on the ridge to the summit.

Tripler Ridge

Waiting for our lunch to be delivered.

Tripler Summit

A visual feast for the eyes.

Max’s of Manila

Thanks to Anne for making oxtail soup, Filipino spaghetti, and kalua pig and cabbage. We had a fully loaded feast on the summit. Talk about a kanak attack. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Cake Couture

Blowing out the candle and making a wish. Photo by Clayton Takemoto.

Tripler Summit

Group photo by Rich Bailey.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail (KSRT)

Leaving the summit behind along with Amber and Clayton who went down Moanalua Middle Ridge.

Bowman Summit

Mia passing the 2,740′ summit of Pu’u Kahuauli.

KSRT

The group scooting their way down the grassy ridge.

Kalihi Saddle

Hiking by the seats of our pants.

Kalihi Saddle

Robin contouring on the Leeward side of the cracked ridge.

Creeping Corner

Mia making her way around the sliding dirt area. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Dirty Rope Slide

One at a time going down. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking back at the others climbing and cramping their way down.

Coca-Cola

The pause that refreshes. Photo by Robin Farr.

Saddle Orientation

We are going down there. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Jan making her way down past the broken wave.

Kalihi Saddle

Mia scooting along the narrow ridge. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Jan climbing down the first rock triangle with rope that was a tad short from the bottom.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl, despite advice given and not taken, took the butt express slide down. Mia and Anne took the belly express slide down. Chris sticked his landing and then fell flat on his face. Fun in the mountains and we didn’t even have to pay for it. Photos by Robin Farr.

Kalihi Saddle

The weathered tree had finally withered away.

Kalihi Saddle

Going down. Photo by Robin Farr.

Kalihi Saddle

Going down the Windward side of the second rock triangle to avoid the hanging, clustered ropes on the Leeward side.

Kalihi Saddle

The group passing tabletop rock on their way down.

Kalihi Saddle

Everybody taking their turn to scoot over the hump.

Kalihi Saddle

Daryl spotting the rest of the group making their way down.

Majestic Mountains

As we were dropping into the saddle, a familiar red jacketed individual appeared at the top of Witch’s Hat. Photo by Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Eye in the sky. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Coming down the mountain.

Witch’s Hat

Climbing up the hat. Photo by Chris Bautista.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view from the top.

Witch’s Hat

Which way do we look? Photos by Anne Fai and Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Jan on her way to the knob.

Kalihi Saddle

Dropping down the backside of Witch’s Hat. Photo by Chris Bautista.

All pau

It was lights out as Mia had the last cupcake that was meant for the other birthday boy who couldn’t make it to today’s hike. Photo by Chris Bautista.

GPS Tracks

Our birthday hike covered a little over six miles that was filled with ono food and fun company. Mahalo to Clayton and Richie for picking us up on the side of the highway. Post hike meal was satisfied on the spot thanks to Clayton bringing us tasty beverages to wash down the still warm chicken sandwiches.

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 decided to start off 2017 by slipping back into the saddles. Joining me today were Derek, Glenn, Lee and Matt.

Kalihi Valley

Thanks to Zack for dropping us off in the land of wallabies. No sightings.

Kalihi Valley

Making our way up to the power lines.

Sunrise

We caught the sun breaking over the three peaks of Olomana. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Glenn, Lee and Derek popping up over a hill.

Kalihi Saddle

Going up one at a time. Photo by Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Panoramic view of the Windward side by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Single file shuffling down Witch’s Hat.

Kalihi Saddle

Climbing queue. Photo by Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving behind Witch’s Hat.

Kalihi Saddle

Lee going up the saddle. Photo by Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Dancing on the ridges of Kalihi Saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

We passed tabletop rock, found no breakfast and moved on. Photo by Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Glenn crabbing on the narrow and eroded ridge section.

Kalihi Saddle

Going up the first crumbly rock triangle. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Derek scrambling his way up.

Kalihi Saddle

Looking ahead to the second rock triangle.

Kalihi Saddle

The waiting game.

Kalihi Saddle

Where’d he go? Photo by Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Matt excused himself to the front of the line in order to recreate his bowel movement from our last hike up here. The only saving grace was that no Korean food was previously consumed like the last time.

Kalihi Saddle

Trying to stay downwind. Or should that be upwind? Photo by Derek Potter.

Kalihi Saddle

Lee and Derek barreling through the broken dirt wave.

Kalihi Saddle

We dropped below the ridgeline to contour around the narrow and crumbly sections.

Kalihi Saddle

Double shaka for me. Double hands on the rope for Lee, as she climbed up to the ridgeline. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Matt, Lee and Derek making their way along the crumbly and eroded ridgeline.

Kalihi Saddle

Primate hiking up the ridge. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Leaving all the hard parts behind us.

Kalihi Saddle

Pausing and taking in the refreshing views. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Making our way to the clouded summit of Bowman.

Bowman Summit

The sitting group photo. I didn’t get the memo.

KSRT

Hiking in the clouds with only the highway noise to keep us company.

Tripler Toilet

When you gotta go, you gotta go. At least Matt brought his own TP.

Tripler Summit

Group photo by Matt Vidaurri, left to right: Derek, Lee, Glenn, myself and Matt.

KSRT

Traffic jam. Do you know where Stairway to Heaven is?

KSRT

I wanna go up there too!

KSRT

Go big or go home. Lee’s motto. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Somebody must have been plucking the lehua flowers like crazy. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

KSRT

Glenn almost passing out, I mean almost topping out at Pu’u Keahi a Kahoe.

KSRT

The trail to heaven was filled with mud, crowds and covered in clouds. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Haiku Stairs

We ran into Ryan Chang, Katie Ersbak and their friends at the top. Group photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Haiku Stairs

Let’s go hiking together. Text me. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Haiku Stairs

Glenn looking for a pot to piss in.

Moanalua Saddle

Leaving the CCL building behind us.

Moanalua Saddle

Looking across Haiku Valley at Stairway to Hell.

Moanalua Saddle

The back stairs are slowly succumbing to Mother Nature. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

Glenn and Lee contouring around an eroded section.

Moanalua Saddle

Glenn perched on the eroded section, affording him a commanding view of the valley. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

All clear?

Moanalua Saddle

Glenn making his way down as we noticed we were not alone on the saddle. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Moanalua Saddle

Derek making his way down to the Dirt Triangle.

Moanalua Saddle

I heard there is an active golf course in this area. Fore! Ouch! Photo by Derek Potter.

Moanalua Saddle

Lee making her way around the contour section with Moanalua Valley behind her.

Moanalua Saddle

Glenn leaving the Dirt Triangle behind him.

Moanalua Saddle

Is this the way to Haiku Stairs? The hard way. Ok, turning around.

Moanalua Saddle

Did somebody call rescue? Or a tour? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kulana’ahane Terminus

Panoramic view from the terminus by Matt Vidaurri.

Kulana’ahane Terminus

Leaving the summit to make our way down the spur ridge leading into the valley.

Moanalua Falls

We saw a trickle of a waterfall coming down the chute.

Kulana’ahane Trail

What? We’ve been hiking on unmaintained trails this whole time?

Kulana’ahane Trail

One of many stream crossings. The water was so clear. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kulana’ahane Trail

Glenn and Lee making their way underneath the tangled thicket of hau tree branches.

Kulana’ahane Junction

Our last group photo.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Walking the long road out of the valley.

Kamananui Valley Trail

Lee crossing one of seven storied bridges that was built for the Damon family back in the day.

All pau

Walking out towards the sunset.

GPS Tracks

Great hike to start off the New Year with new and old friends. Our rollercoaster of a double saddle hike covered 10.76 miles. Post hike meal at Outback Steakhouse. Prime Rib, I have missed you.

Note: I have been made aware the 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 met up with Matt and Thessa deep in the heart of mini-marsupial country.

Trailhead

Matt and Thessa going down the electric road. Thanks to David Kwong for dropping off us in style. German style.

Kalihi Valley

Route 63 slicing through the edge.

Sunrise

We caught a nice sunrise sandwiched between the clouds and mountains.

Deja Vu

Back in the saddle. Again. It was cold and windy. Time to put my beanie and sweater on. Safety first.

Kalihi Saddle

We left the power lines to contour around the knob.

Kalihi Saddle

Matt and Thessa making their way up the hump.

Kalihi Saddle

Thessa and myself on the hump. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Making my way up the saddle. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Thessa coming down Witch’s Hat.

Kalihi Saddle

It was a nice and breezy day to be on the saddle. The wind could have been dialed down just a tad.

Kalihi Saddle

Matt and Thessa coming down Sailor’s Hat. I just made that up.

Kalihi Saddle

Hey, is this rope clear? Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Matt making his way up.

Kalihi Saddle

The photographer being photographed. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Where? There! We saw two hikers coming up behind us on the saddle.

Kalihi Saddle

Matt brushed past me to answer the call of nature. The fermented smell of kim chee and bolgogi hit the air like a taekwondo kick. Sucked to be downwind.

Kalihi Saddle

The last known sighting of the saddle “wave.”

Kalihi Saddle

Matt shooting the curl.

Kalihi Saddle

Thessa closing out the wave.

Kalihi Saddle

One step forward. Two steps back. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Spikes and upper body strength recommended on this crumbly section.

Kalihi Saddle

In the brown room, before somebody *ahem* closes it out. Photo by Matt Vidaurri.

Kalihi Saddle

Thessa coming around the last crumbly section.

Panoramic view

Windward view.

KSRT

Traversing to Pu’u Kahuauli (Bowman) summit with Tripler Ridge and Haiku Stairs in the background.

KSRT

Looking back at one of the false peaks that eclipsed our view of the saddle.

Bowman summit

Group photo at the top looking down towards Bowman Windward, left to right: myself, Matt and Thessa.

Bowman summit

The two hikers that were trailing us, happened to be part of a larger group. They were the “goats” of the group. Group photo by Matt Vidaurri, left to right: myself, Steve, Paul and Thessa.

Bowman trail

We had a short lunch at the summit sunning ourselves. When it was time to leave the summit, Paul and Steve decided to join us going down the Commando trial.

Bowman trail

Thessa in the bog.

Bowman trail

Switch backing down the mountain.

Bowman trail

A clear day on the Waianae Mountain Range.

Bowman trail

Matt and Thessa coming down the “face” of Bowman.

Commando trail

Paul and Steve heading down the Commando trail, a spur ridge pioneered by HTMC. Thanks to Lonnie Hammack for the information and tracks on this trail.

Commando trail

The trail was a nice shortcut from the Bowman trail. Probably shaved at least five miles.

Commando trail

Looking back at Kalihi Saddle as we made our way down to the valley floor.

Commando trail

Civilization sighted. Matt and Thessa were still off in the woods, trying to find those elusive wallabies.

All pau

We parted ways with Paul and Steve who had their own arranged pick up. Mahalo to David for picking us up again.

GPS Tracks

Our saddle hike covered a scant three miles. Post hike meal at Au’s Garden. It was the least we could do to eat at David’s restaurant since he dropped and picked us up. Craving Chinese food? Chow down at Au’s Garden in Kalihi. Then crave again 30 minutes later.

Note: I have been made aware the 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.

Met up with Justin, Pip and Thessa to get back in the mountains and hike a saddle.

Haiku Stairs

We found over three dozen hikers clustered inside and outside the CCL building. I found out the majority of the hikers had simply strolled past the guard at the bottom and climbed up the stairs. What the heck? The only current legal access is through Moanalua Valley.

Haiku Stairs

City lights.

Relay station

Passing the defunct radar station nestled in between Moanalua Middle Ridge and Tripler Ridge.

Dawn

The magical moment before the sun crests over the horizon. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Sunrise

Good morning from Kahuauli (Bowman) summit. Group photo by Justin Hirako, left to right: myself, Justin, Thessa and Pip.

Ko’olau Summit Ridge Trail

Looking back towards Stairway to Heaven.

Bowman side

Leaving the summit to start our descent down into the saddle.

Bowman side

Justin making his way over one crumbly rock at a time.

Bowman side

Bowman’s crumbly character has not aged well since I last paid a visit.

Bowman side

The crew watching to see if I would pull an Icarus or billy goat.

Bowman side

Watching out for showers of dirt and falling rocks as Thessa made her way down.

Bowman side

We contoured around to get back on the crumbly ridge.

Bowman side

Are those webbings safe? Well, let’s see. They’ve been out here, for who knows how long. Weathered by the sun. Pounded by the rain. Used repeatedly by countless hikers of unknown weights. 24/7. Yeah, we should be good. Always bring your own webbing to the party.

Bowman side

Justin soaking in the view.

Bowman side

The watcher being watched. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Bowman side

Let’s stop and take a group photo on this crumbly ridge. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Bowman side

Pip hiking on the edge of the ridge.

Bowman side

Justin making his way down.

Bowman side

Pip climbing down one of the rock faces.

Bowman side

Justin making his way down.

Bowman side

Pip straddling the baby dirt dragon.

Bowman side

Justin taking a selfie. On a crumbly ridge.

Bowman side

Thessa making her way around a wobbly rock.

Bowman side

Pip making his way down to the Witch’s Hat.

Bowman side

Justin and Thessa scooting over the hump.

Bowman side

Pip climbing up the Witch’s Hat. Somebody left a rope. Ropes everywhere. A good and bad sign that certain trails are becoming more popular.

Bowman side

Justin making his way over the skinny ridge.

Bowman side

Pip cruising to the middle of the saddle.

Bowman side

We dropped over 1,000′ in elevation going down into the saddle.

Power lines

Justin and Thessa coming over to join us in the shade for a little break.

Lanihuli side

What goes down must go back up. We still had to climb up 1,200′ in elevation to make it to the top of Lanihuli.

Lanihuli side

The crew threading their way on the skinny ridge.

Lanihuli side

Approaching Shark’s Fin. I could go for some Chinese food now.

Lanihuli side

Pip coming down the backside.

Lanihuli side

Making our way to the bunny ears.

Lanihuli side

The crew making their way down the backside of the last bunny ear. Where was the foot?

Lanihuli side

Thessa coming down the doorstop, Justin in the middle and Pip popping the pimple. Say that three times real fast.

Lanihuli side

The can opener. Time for lunch. Hmmm, did I bring my can of Spam?

Lanihuli side

Group photo by Justin Hirako below the can opener.

Lanihuli side

Pip contouring around the can opener.

Lanihuli side

Justin and Thessa climbing up the Lanihuli Wall.

Lanihuli side

Justin and Thessa on the last leg of the Wall.

Lanihuli side

Pip contouring along the Wall.

Lanihuli side

Almost there. Our upper body strength was put to good use on this section.

Lanihuli side

There. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Lanihuli side

No rest for the weary. Up, up and more up.

Lanihuli side

The three amigos riding the dirt dragon.

Lanihuli side

False peak.

Lanihuli side

Justin popping up over the ridge.

Lanihuli side

Enough sightseeing. Back to hiking.

Lanihuli side

Almost there. We can see the summit.

Lanihuli summit

Who wants to go to Pali Puka? Crickets. Okay, let’s go down the valley. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Alewa Ridge

Justin going down the ridge. Thessa set a good pace and was blazing down the trail. Guess she really wanted to go home in a hurry. Or she was just really hungry. Photo by Valentin Ordonez.

Alewa ridge

Justin going down the spur ridge that would take us down to the valley.

Mo’ole Valley

The crew taking a short break at the base of the ridge.

Mo’ole Valley

One of seven waterfalls fed by the Mo’ole stream. A teasing trickle. Photo by Justin Hirako.

Mo’ole Valley

Walking through the valley, formerly known as Hillebrand Glen. Photo by Justin Hirako.

All pau

Awesome hike with a great crew. Our hike covered roughly 9.22 miles. We had a small problem when we popped out of the valley and found ourselves sitting next to the Pali Highway. Our ride called in sick. Uber? No drivers in the area. 422-2222? Quick. Jump in Lindsay’s car before Frank Delima chases us down. Post hike meal at Dennys. More bang for your buck.

Note: I have been made aware the 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.

Back in the saddle again. A heavy soaking the day before had actually aborted our saddle hike. However, after going all over the board with alternate hikes to do, we ended up doing the saddle anyway. The skies were clear, so despite the weather sometimes changing on a dime up in the mountains, we decided to take our chances. Photo by David Johnson.

Burmeister Overpass

We carpooled to the end of Kalihi Street to minimize our footprint, as ever since Naohia Falls has been shut down, the neighbors have been quick on the telephone draw. After quickly making our way up the side road, we crossed over the Burmeister Overpass and headed up to the spur ridge.

Bowman shortcut

The Bowman shortcut shaved three miles off the traditional trail, but we paid for it with buckets of sweat. Okay, maybe not buckets, but at least little teacups. The ridge was short and steep and the humidity level was high. No signs of surveyors today.

Bowman trail

Enjoying the easy part of the hike while it lasted, which was about three miles.

Little green men

I always wondered who leaves these plastic soldiers behind, as they are scattered on trails throughout the island.

Mr. Bowman

Thessa crossing over an eroded trail section, with the prominent knob that resembles a face (see the “eyes” and “nose”?), looking down at us.

Kalihi Saddle

The cloud deck started to get lower and darker over the saddle. Pretty please, don’t rain on our parade.

Needs a name

Climb this rock and get the right to name it, much like Griego Wall and Dorito Tower. Just kidding. It already has a name. That big piece of rock sticking out of the hillside.

Climbing the knob

Switchbacks made it easier to climb up the knob. No straight shot to the top.

Panoramic view of the Leeward side

Clouds started to roll through the saddle, which still left clear views of town. Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Meadow

Jose and Thessa crossing a grassy meadow near the summit.

Bog

The top was home to a bog, similar to ones found at Ka’ala and other high spots on the mountains.

Pu’u Kahuauli

Cloudy summit at 2,740 feet. At least we could hear the cars on the highway down below us.

What’s over that peak?

After taking a short break at the summit, we made our way over this small peak that leads to the saddle.

No turning back

Group photo back to front: Jose, Thessa and myself.

Into the clouds

Hiking into the clouds.

Windward side

Jose contouring around the Windward side of the ridge.

There’s the saddle

As we dropped below the cloud deck, the saddle popped into view.

Slightly eroded

A taste of what was in store for us.

Stay high

Spikes definitely helped to grip the crumbly and eroded ground as we made our way down the saddle.

Say cheese

Now the fun begins. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Shaky tree

Hmmm, what is this tree for?

Going down

Oh, to help us climb down the side of this crumbly ridge. The tree was shaking the whole time Jose was climbing down and it looks like it could pull out one day. Maybe we should bring it some Miracle-Gro. Photo by Thessa Bugay.

Clear

Thessa making her way down. We had to space ourselves apart, especially when down climbing the heavily eroded sections, as rocks and dirt would get dislodged. None of us were wearing hard hats.

Got room?

The winds were noticeably absent. That was a good thing. Usually I welcome the brisk trade winds to help cool off. Not today.

Checking out the views

The views, when the clouds cooperated, were just to die for. Sorry, poor choice of words.

Left or right?

Jose and Thessa went down the left side that had the vegetation. I decided to see if my spikes would hold me coming down the right, rocky side. They held.

Getting lower

The HECO building at the base of the saddle seemed so close from so far up. The summit of Lanihuli seemed so far away, capped in clouds.

Climbing down

Thessa climbing down a pile of rocks. Most of the rocks on the saddle looked fractured and split, ready to come off at the wrong time.

Getting cloudy

Never a dull day on the saddle.

Grassy spot

The angle makes this part of the ridge look ready to fall off one day.

Dirt triangle

Thessa climbing down from the “dirt triangle.” Fellow hiker, David Concepcion, named the obstacle when he last did the saddle.

Wide open area

Looks wide from this angle.

Clouds rolling in

And skinny from this angle. All about perspective.

Somewhat narrrow

Huge drops on the Windward side. Actually both sides.

Are we having fun yet?

Yes. Why else would we be hiking on a severely eroded ridge? Photo by Jose Luis Delaki

Mahalo for the ropes

Many thanks to the hikers that have left ropes on this trail and shared advice on this hike. The ropes and/or anchors that are here today, may be gone tomorrow. Trail conditions change frequently, especially on this saddle. Hikers that have done it, always seem to report that the saddle becomes more eroded with each visit.

Don’t let go

Thessa looking for a place to land her feet. Maybe we should have come down the right side. Oh well, we all need a little challenge every now and then.

Best seat in the house

Seats single file only.

Balancing act

No margin for error.

Narrow ridge

Most parts of the ridge had to either be “saddled”, crawled, scooted or skirted on the side with precious little purchase beneath our feet.

Another perspective

Looking back at the saddle.

Is this rock safe?

The answer is no. The rock wobbled when we pushed it.

Don’t pull on the webbing

We didn’t rely on the webbing going down as we didn’t want that rock landing on our heads. Talk about a bad hair day.

Crossing the ridge

Jose crossing a mini-saddle on the saddle. Well, that’s what it looked like to me.

Coming down the mountain

Thessa coming down the saddle, with the most difficult sections behind us.

Too early for trick or treat

Jose approaching the last obstacle, dubbed “Witch’s Hat” by hiker, Pete Clines.

Scooting

Thessa coming over one of the last “humps.”

Witch’s Hat

The base of the “hat” was somewhat steep and then leveled off to a “walkable” grade.

Leave the webbing behind

Thessa coming down the backside of the “hat.” Jose donated his webbing to the saddle. Gracias.

No climbing involved

Jose contouring around the Windward side.

I want to go back up

Not today.

All pau!

Just as we made it down to the power lines, the clouds released her rain. Perfect timing.

Goodbye Kalihi Saddle

Until we meet again. She was a lovely ride.

Hitchhiking to Kenny’s

Shout out to Chris and Brian for picking us up on the side of Likelike Highway. What’s for dinner? Prime Rib! Photo by Chris Hiona.

GPS Tracks

The 4 mile hike now ranks as my hardest hike to date. Many thanks to Jose and Thessa, who have done the saddle numerous times, for keeping me company on this trail. Would I do it again? Yup, but going up, as going down was a crazy albeit fun experience.