I've (once again) been neglecting my blog! Sorry!
BUT...
To make it up to you, here's a TON of awesome pictures from my recent adventures on the Kalalau Trail. Two of my girlfriends and I backpacked Hawaii's most awesome 11 mile (each way) trail. It was the most spectacular and challenging experience of my life. That place really challenges your mind and body. Kalalau transformed me into a better version of myself and I'm forever grateful!
The trail traverses lots of valleys and is absolutely stunning, even when scared shitless. I think the Sierra Club's 'Adventuring in Hawaii' book describes it pretty well...
"This coast is aptly named - Na Pali means "the Cliffs." All along this coast sheer rock walls plunge into the sea or stand guard over silent, green valleys. The 11-mile-long coastal trail to Kalalau winds its way over and around the cliffs, sometimes snaking along heart-stopping dropoffs, other times pushing through lush, wet forests. The Kalalau crosses three major streams and many smaller ones, and passes through five valleys and numerous gulches. There are many ups and downs before the trail finally ends at Kalalau Beach. The trail follows an ancient Hawaiian route mapped out in the days when Na Pali valleys were alive with fishing and farming communities. The people are gone now, their house plots and taro patches consumed by the forest, but Kalalau's beauty remains."
Up 400 feet, down 400 feet, cliffs to the immediate right of your feet, a trail laced with slippery kukui nut shells, eroded slopes and mischievous rock tossing goats - my photos don't do the trip justice. I, being the weenie that I am, didn't even try to take my camera out for the last intense 5 miles of the trail. Crossing terrain that almost froze my feet where they were and making my way down steep dirt slopes, where one slip might land you in the ocean covered rocks 500 feet below - thats what kept me from taking pictures till we finally arrived at Kalalau.
It took me 11 hours to hike in, including breaks at the rivers for water and food and photos.. A twisted knee and a few blisters later, I'm home - but I can't wait for the next time I go to Kalalau.
Here you go:
Haena beach, early morning - we camped here the night before we took off on the trail.
Packin' Subs - our LUNCH!
Hanakoa Valley - a message to hippies everywhere.
Good morning sleepy Chreesmas! Our first morning in Kalalau
Kalalau Beach, the first day.
Kalalau Beach
Sita eating lunch, Kalalau Beach.
Kalalau
Bedtime in Kalalau - about midnight
The valleycliffs behind the beach in the morning.
Our own personal spa
8 mile mark bluffs, campfire with Bill, an ex-marine who's been living there and rebuilding the trail for the past 11 months.
Sleeping on the bluffs, 8 mile mark - midnight
8 mile bluffs, midnight
Morning on the bluffs
The Kalalau Queens - Sita, Laura Geneva and myself
Laura Geneva and me, Hanakoa River
Fern love at Hanakoa Valley
Hanakoa Stream
On the trail out
Bye Kauai!
