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Published: July 23rd 2009
Climbing a tree
It was just too tempting.Big plans today....must make it to the top of Mt. Olympus. It's the hike that I did way back, maybe my 2nd week here? But I only went about an hour in before turning around and heading back out. Terry mentioned that she'd also be interested in doing the hike, so we decided on today to attempt it.
It's a long hike, roughly six hours which is long for only being 5.5-6 miles long. But, it's a ridge trail that follows the ridge line all the way from the top of St. Louis Heights in city limits all the way back and to the top of the Ko'olau mountain range going up and down and up and down the whole way.
Terry arrived at 8am and we walked down to the bus stop together. She has yet to ride the bus here in Hawaii and was too intimidated to try it on her own, so we added the bus trip to the trail to spice up the day. With our day packs packed, we set out on the trail at Wa'ahila State Park. The trail is gorgeous, with breathtaking views that continually pop up along the way.
Nearing the summit
Grey over our heads and sunny in Honolulu It was eerie how quiet and peaceful the trail was. For the first hour and a half, we didn't see anyone on it. The skies over the mountains were cloudy and grey, which isn't too uncommon, but I had my fingers crossed that it wouldn't hinder our view at the top.
Just past where I had turned back last time the trail comes to a fork. Turn left and you connect to another ridge trail that loops the lower valley, stay straight (as the caution sign advises you not to) and it leads up to the summit. Having read enough online about this trail, we didn't hesitate to continue on to the summit. From there, the climbing gets a little harder and a lot muddier. Rain is frequent in this area which leaves the ground soft and damp and the vertical climbs slippery. Still we continued on higher and higher. With each peak that we ascended it seemed like there couldn't yet be more ahead, but there were. Suddenly we found ourselves in the clouds which obstructed the view of everything around except the trail at our feet. And then they lifted....and we could now see the other side
Me at the summit
We did it! The views were the best reward for making it to the top of Mt. Olympus. of the island. Incredible! We had finally reached the summit of Mt. Olympus and the views made it the best hike of all.
We took pictures and spent a little while just taking in the breathtaking sight. On one side we could see Diamond Head and Honolulu and on the other Kaneohe and Kailua. Two parts of the island separated in the middle by a giant mountain range that we had just summitted. It felt great!
And so we began our slow descent. Slippery and muddy is almost easier going up than down. We took our time, especially to stop and eat strawberry guava. By the time we reached the final uphill climb we were both exhausted and happy to be finished. We rested for a little while then walked down in time to catch the 2:30 bus back home. Before walking up the hill to the house, we rewarded ourselves with Jamba Juice - cold and refreshing - the perfect treat.
Don called and asked if I was interested in going out surfing at 4:30 - so of course I said "yes". What a great day! Hiking and surfing...can't beat that! So I quickly showered the
Me & my surfboard
about to go stand up paddle surfing mud off, changed into my swimsuit and set off for the beach. Talked to Jeaneen on the phone the whole way down and made plans to spend the weekend visiting her next month in Cali which was exciting. Then I met Don in front of Duke's and we put the boards into the water and paddled out. This is the third time he's taken me out stand up paddling and it's now beginning to feel a little more natural. I'm not yet standing up on the board while paddling out; I'm still sitting and paddling, but today he led me into the small waves were there were almost no surfers - a good place to practice surfing them. Soon, I was catching wave after wave. I'd be sitting on the longboard, paddling with my long oar as fast as I could, catch the wave, then I'd stand up and ride it in to the shore with the oar in my hand. It's so much fun! The better I got, the more I enjoyed it too.
We probably stayed out for an hour and a half or so before finally heading in to put the boards away. I'm so lucky
our first view of the other side
rain clouds above us and sunshine down in Kaneohe to have this opportunity...someone to take me out, teach me, and all for free! I sure hope that I get at least one more chance to go out before leaving. He told me to call anytime.
Don rode me home on the back of his moped. Even that was fun! Such a wonderful day...hiking and surfing. I read a little bit at home later, Harry Potter #2...still not loving it, but I do hear it'll get better soon. Lacey, I'm trying to catch up to you! I hope to be in book #3 tomorrow. *Side note: if you haven't been commenting, please send me a comment sometime...I haven't been getting many lately...and I'm desperate for contact from friends :-)
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Jennifer Burcham
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Congrats...
on finishing the hike! It really does look incredible. So what are you going ot do back here for excitement? You have done the coolest hings in HI. I want to know because I need to do mre exciting things here. I am glad Terry got to take the bus. I think the bus system on Ohau is great - though a little time conusming and occasionally having to sit next to people who are in need of a hygiene class. Think of all the driving you have not done and how you have lessened your impact on the environment - that is really cool in itself. I tried reading Harry Potter to a fourth grade class I had one year; they jsut weren't getting the humor so I stopped. No more work talk - I am back Monday for a short day - at my boss's house, an informal gathering which might not be so bad. Think of me as you snorkel, surf, or hike!