Young Kumu 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 - The Judge, DJ, Young Kumu, Burs, and Proo. Other hikers were Jan, Mary, Lory, Sheryl, Mandy, and Kel.
We started at about 8:10am. The road walk as always was tiring, it was also humid going into the valley. We had a good conversation trying to get to know everyone. It was a lot of 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 the 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 groups 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.
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 stopped 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 than 8 hours.
Post hike meal was a Kua Aina. I had the Avocado BLT, french fries, 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.