Taking a Large Group up to Mount Ka'ala

-

Mount Ka'ala - July 13, 2016

Sarah wanted to take her friend Mandy on a hike. After some planning, we chose Ka'ala. The group was big today. We carpooled to the trailhead at the end of Waianae Valley Road. 

Joining the hike today was OAG - Darren, David, Sarah, Bernice, and Aprille. Other hikers were Jana, Mary, Lory, Sheryl, Mandy, and Kellie. 

group photo (PC DJ)

We started at about 8:10am. The road walk was human, it was also humid going into the valley. We had good conversation trying to get to know everyone. It was cardio getting to three poles. After a nice recovery at three poles, we proceeded for about 30 minutes to the boulders. Lori was preoccupied about that obstacle, but I assured her we'd be fine. The route up the second boulder is a little exposed. 

For some reason, I had a energy to make the cardio ascent up to the Ka'ala sign. Unfortunately the weather turned for the worst and it started raining. We went through the bog in the rain, which was actually an interesting sight. Some volunteer group built a shelter. We hung out waiting for it to stop raining, it really didn't but we decided to go around the FAA station. It rained harder and harder and I got colder and colder. I think in the future I should have a dry undershirt along with my waterproof jacket. 

Waianae Valley

Ka'ala Bog

another cool bog picture

group photo at bog (PC DJ)

cold under the shelter, but happy (PC Shelly)

After we went around the station, we went back to the shelter to eat a quick lunch. Everyone was so cold and wanted to leave. Going back down it continued to rain. Going down was fast, but hard on the knees. We got to the boulders pretty quickly, it stop raining. Going down the boulders was easy and we continued down the ridge through the valley and onto the road. The total hiking time was less that 8 hours. 

on the way back the clouds were low making a cool sight

clouds over Makaha and Keaau Ridge

mother and daughter going down the road

Post hike meal was a Kua Aina. I had the Avacado BLT, french fires, and a diet pepsi. It was so good. There is nothing better than eating a great meal after a long hike. One of the best things in life. I like this hike, the group was good. Everyone was so positive.  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring a hike in Mililani

-
Image
Waikakalaua Stream – November 23, 2012 We didn’t find the tunnels today, but that’s okay. A few months back, I scouted possible access points to get down towards Waikakalaua Stream. Today, along with Erik, we would find what we were looking for. Erik has lived in Wahiawa his whole life and I have lived in Mililani most of my life. This hike, albeit an exploration hike would make a lot of sense. Waikakalaua stream separates Wahiawa from Mililani. The hike is described in Stuart Ball’s original book, though I don’t have that book, it wouldn’t matter today as we were going to explore a different route.        Our goal was to find the pool and tunnels. We would allot ourselves 2 hours in and 2 hours out, for a total of 4 hours. Erik and I met at the Park & Ride, and immediately we drove up the road. We took a left on the road across Mililani Ike and followed it till its end. After getting out of our vehicles, we immediately tried to find a trail going ...
Read more

Kipapa Trail to Schofield-Waikane

-
Image
  Kipapa to Schofield-Waikane – June 14,15 2013 First of all, the initial plan was to get to Papali-Uka, but that didn’t happen. It is apparent that this route was for the grinders. Knowing what we know now, starting from Manana and getting to Papali would have been a three day thing or a two full day excursion. What we experienced was two 10+ hour hiking days and it was a hard 10+ hours for both days.  The plan today was to start on Manana drop into the valley towards Iliahi ridge, then drop into the valley towards Waiawa, and drop into the valley again towards Kipapa. From Kipapa, we would make the long hike up to the Ko’olau Summit, then to Waiahole Uka, crossover to Waikane, and then all the way to the Poamoho Cabin where we would set up camp. In the morning, we would make the long traverse to Papali Uka. The plan seemed ambitious, it was. But with ambition comes character building and gained experience which makes us into better hikers. To be a good hiker, you have to pus...
Read more

Getting to the Waimalu Meadow

-
Image
Waimano-Meadow - February 4, 2017 This hike was going to be a grinder no matter what way you cut it up. The overall goal was to hike Waimano-Aiea with backup plan #1 Waimano-Meadow back to Waimano or backup plan #2 Waimano-Waimalu Middle. After doing Waimalu Ditch last week, I had a feeling that the Middle Ridge trail would be in bad condition to hike. This led me to the assumption that going down Waimalu Middle would be a bad idea and we would only  go down as a last resort.  I predicted a 12-13 hour hike. Sarah wanted to invite her boyfriend Uhi and friend from Japan Jena. I said ok, but they probably wouldn't be her friend after the hike. Going on the hike today was the overnight crew; Darren, Erik, Aprille, Bernice, and Sarah. Also Darren's girlfriend Jana would be coming.  I met Erik & Aprille in front of the Aiea gate at about 4:30am to stage a car. From there, I drove us to the Waimano trailhead. A lot of hunting trucks were in the area. We started the hike a l...
Read more