Today we hiked in to Waimonu Valley. 11 miles. Quite, quite challenging. Heike first backpacking trip. What a trouper! It starts with a 1 mile walk down this mountain road with the 25% grade. Unbelievably steep! Had to walk carefully using poles not to fall. Then out to a black sand beach made from lava rock. That was a bit tiring to walk on with packs. Then the climb out of the valley began. 1200 ft in about a mile of switchbacks. And the sun came out and pounded on us. Oh was I ever hot flashing! It's not good when the body is already exerting itself. Lots of stops required. Whew! Then we hiked in woods. Or jungle I should say. Guava trees everywhere. And we gobbled up the yellow fruit. You break it open; it's about the size of a lime. And suck the seeds and pulp out. Sweet and tangy! I also saw Norfolk Pine - the grow to be really tall here. And coffee trees in the wild. There was an enormous tree. Like a normal maple or something only dinosaur in size. When we get to the botanical gardens, we're going to have a lot of questions answered.
The hike then stayed in the woods while it wove in and out of about 12 hollers. We walk to the back of the ravine where we could cross to the other side then out around the cliff and back again. There were some delightful pools of water to splash and soak in along the way. Then we got to the drop down into the valley where we're camping tonight. it was the worst descent I've ever done. 25% - 35% grade for the mile down. Wet mud and wet rocks. Treacherous. And we know we have to climb back out tomorrow. And Heike's knee was really bothering her all the way down. I felt her pain!
But we were entertained by seal lions tonight playing in our pool of water which is fed by tall waterfalls in the back of the valley. Could not be a more picturesque piece of paradise. Camping right at the edge of the lava rock beach. I get to sleep again to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. And we're both gonna sleep well after that hike!
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:)
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