The Hike

Today we went for a hike. To Kaena Point. If you remember, two years ago I did the same hike with another person. Started at 10 am, one bottle of water, one orange, and no idea of how long and hot the hike would be. 2 1/2 miles each way--85 degrees and no shade. So picture this, it was high noon when we started our two hour hike back. About 4 1/2 hours after we began, we arrived back at our car, not feeling very happy or energetic. It wasn't pretty.

Oh, the scenery was pretty, but that was about it. We didn't prepare very well and about halfway into the hike, we knew it.

Anyway, today Britt, Betty and I did the hike. Much better prepared, we ate before we left, we got started earlier, we hydrated ahead of time, we had plenty of water with us, and it was cooler and a little cloudy.

And, OH, MY, GOSH, everything was better! The ocean was beautiful, it was cool and a breeze was blowing. Almost right away we came upon some tide pools, one of which contained a beautiful fish floundering around in about two inches of water. Taking pity on it, I scooped it into a plastic bag and handed it off to Betty, who then let it loose back in the ocean. Good deed for the day. Check.

So we continued walking along, enjoying the scenery and taking photos.

At the far end of the trail, there is a sanctuary for the albatross that nest and lay their eggs there. We began seeing them flying around, guarding nests, and even courting. It was very cool to watch.

This young bird was sitting by itself right at the edge of the path and didn't seem too concerned when I approached to take it's picture.

Then at the very end, the most western tip of the island, we were treated to the sight of, not one, but three, basking monk seals. It was awesome. They just laid on the rocks, sometimes watching us watch them, sometimes moving, sometimes just being still. Whenever I've seen them on the beach where I volunteer for turtle duty, there's a red rope so you can't get anywhere near to them. So this was a real treat because I was right there, with no zany turtle guardian telling me to stay away, stay very far away.

S0 after a brief rest and snack break, we headed back to the car. It seemed like a very long way, and being pretty much out of condition, I, as well as my friends, were beat by the time we saw the parking lot. So to console ourselves, we headed over to Haleiwa for a burger, and then the icing on the cake, or more like the "ice in the cup" a Shave Ice.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention--along the path I saw a couple approaching from the opposite direction. Being from NY and being in the habit of greeting other hikers when on a trail, I said "hi" as we passed each other. When my friend, Betty, caught up with me, she told me that the guy is the actor who plays John Locke on Lost. But she mentioned it way too late to get a picture--so this part of the story is kind of like the one about the "fish that got away". You just have to believe me.

It was a great day.