The Next Three Posts

So, there has been very little to blog about. Truth is, not much activity or material has been going on. If there is anything worse than a blog that is focused on hiking and outdoor stuff, then contains nothing along that subject matter. Boring. 

Looking back over the year of blog entries, it has been minimal. I suppose that is part of the cycle of blogging. Eventually running out of things to write about. There is technical material to blog, but, geez, having to resort to that.

The next three blog entries hope to fill this gap. A Waimea River Levee Walk, Kawaikoi Stream Hike (Sugi Grove), and a Wailua Falls Follow Up. 

Kawaikoi Stream Hike (Sugi Grove)

Sugi Grove Hike has been on the agenda for quite a while. Ok, for the record I did not get all the way to Sugi Grove. I Stopped at Kawaikoi Stream. Sugi Grove was across the stream and maybe 20 minutes further. I did not prepare for a stream crossing (socks, water proofing, etc). However, for this hike, I planned, prepared and studied a topographical map. Previous recon of the area as well (a few trips ago). A few years ago, there was a geocache hike to Berry Flats. Did not find the geocache, I had intended to hike to Sugi Grove then, but the weather was rainy and misty which made for slippery and muddy jeep trail. Not fun and not safe.

So here is the discussion point. To me, this is somewhat a big deal because (1) I've heard a lot about this. (2) Wet conditions can make this hard - impassible. (3) Three miles each way can be tough, plus hills, more about that later. To others, local people familiar with the area, this is just a routine drive in the country. Regarding this drive in the country. I'd say a passenger car would be fine, though extra clearance would be helpful. Lots of ruts and so forth so it is not a perfect smooth dirt road.

This follows the same dirt road / jeep trail route to Berry Flats. There had not been any rain for a few days, so the dirt road was nice and dry, fun and safe. Some of the particulars are: About 3 miles each way.  A little over an hour each way. Possibly less that a full 3 miles each way. The below photos show the condition of the road. Also, two of the three bridges that are along the route.

Ok, lets talk about the hills, or as I should say, elevation changes. I did mention that I studied a topographical map of the area. Mostly this study was to get the route, meaning the direction from Camp Slogget to Kawaikoi Stream and to make a distance estimate. You, know, taking into consideration the turns are and so forth. After the hike, and having experienced the elevation changes and 3 bridge crossings, I revisited the topo map with clarity and only then did I see the bridges and contour lines - elevation. Note to self for next time - attention to detail. It's just helpful is all.

Along the way there are two picnic areas. This is the first one, Alakai Picnic Area. There is a single picnic table, covering, pavilion type type of arrangement. Small outhouse, trash cans. It was a nice morning, still early (7:30'ish) and cool. No people yet, no helicopters or vehicles.  

After leaving that first picnic area, continued along the road, and somewhat down in elevation. 12 - 15 minutes later, this picnic area was next. Above is signage of this picnic area and below is the picnic area. It was early in the morning. I was the only one there. It was here I decided to consume the snack, have some water and rest a bit. I left around 8:10 for the walk back.  

And here is Kawaikoi Stream. The turn-around point. The road to Sugi Grove continues on the opposite far side. Going past Sugi Grove is Camp 10. Possible a future hike?

It was a nice hike. Preparation was helpful. Carried minimal load, just a bottle of water and a few snacks. This is totally driveable. Ground clearance is important. It would be a bouncy ride. Walking it was ok. Some of the elevation changes were challenging. Coming across the bridges was very cool and unexpected as I had not 'carefully' studied the topo maps. The whole time, there was no one else hiking. Although, on the way back a pair of Toyota 4x4's passed me. There are several cabin's along this road so it is just a ride in the country.

 

 

 

Waimea River Levee Walk

Starting off this blog entry with I'd think the people who walk along the top of this levee are very fortunate. Why do you ask. Well, it is relaxing and no traffic. The sights and sounds can put a person at ease. The earlier the better before the sun comes up into its full glory. There are a few river islands and birds which make things interesting.

The entire length of the levee was walked, from where Smokey Valley Club House (was) to Swinging Bridge. The older Smokey Valley was replaced with a neighborhood center type of arrangement. So, from there (I parked there) then back the way I came, passing Smokey Valley, towards the river mouth, turning around a little after going under the highway.

Began this walk around 06:30. Fairly early for rural Waimea. There was concern that neighborhood dogs would be alerted and bark (they did). Then, in the case someone would look out their window seeing a non-recognized person out for a morning walk on the levee (tried to put that out of my mind). So, that was the concern. However, on the way back, others were out for their walk too with their dogs! 

Below is the levee and Waimea River. This was a nice, peaceful and cool morning. Perfect conditions for a walk. Having lived, grown up in Waimea, (well 4 years in Waimea), I had never did a levee walk. After all, who in their right mind at the age of 14 - 18 would ever want to do a levee walk. There were many beach walks and mountain hikes, but never this. Perhaps it was not time for that.

With Swinging Bridge in the background and lush greenery on the right. It was starting to get a little warmer out. Previously mentioned that I never did a levee walk, but what I can say is many drives to Swinging Bridge. Very peaceful and is a go-to place to relax.

Then the famous Swinging Bridge. Always a nice place to see when in Waimea. It is up the valley, apparently a mile and a half from the highway? Not sure, but the round trip walk came up to 3 miles on GPS. I was surprised. So at this point after enjoying the scenery, it was turn around time. There is a geocache here. Was not able to find it.

After turning around and headed towards the highway (ocean) the bridge. It was almost 0730 now and quite a lot of traffic. A school bus and many cars on the bridge. It was warming up too. This was 100% flat no elevation change. Morning time it will warm up.

And here is the other turn around point.  A view from under the bridge looking towards Russian Fort.

This concludes the Waimea River Levee Walk. Enjoyed it, would do it again. Next time to find a spot in the shade and sit for awhile. Ok, now, I did see evidence of fireworks and so forth, so times of celebration would need to be avoided.

Wailua Falls Sight See Follow Up

 As a follow up to an earlier Wailua Falls Sight See Post, this has a much better outcome. On this adventure, I opted to see how crowded it would be at 5:30 pm. There was still about an hour of sunlight left, plenty of time to get there and check it out.

Surprisingly, there was just one couple there and their rental car. That's it. No illegal hikers, no excessive people talking loud. So this was quite a welcome surprise. 

What stands out the most was the overall quiet, just the rumbling of the falls, seeing a few birds returning to their nests and the visual of all the water.

The nesting sites are about 1/3 the way down from the right side of the waterfall. Just below the start of this paragraph.

That huge log protruding horizontally, not sure if that is new. Must have been a very heavy rainfall to transport that log and to position it that way.