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.