Hawaiian Islands

Hawaiian Islands Log (2008-06-18 --> 2008-07-07)

Leaders: Micah Pulleyn and Nelson Schwab

Students: Margaret Benoit, Abby Birdsall, Chelsey Birdsall, Molly Cheslin, Travis Christenberry, Katherine Eshleman, Sarah Randall Fuqua, Thomas Garrison, Morgan Ivey, Addie Navarro, Will Scott, Nathan Shepherd

Aloha!

After arriving after a long, travel-filled day, our 12 new adventurers endured a drive in the van to our first night’s campsite at Punalu’u Campground, on the southern end of the Big Island.  We slept out under the stars, and the plump full moon, to awake to a beautiful breezy day!  We loaded up our daypacks and slathered on sunscreen for a day sailing the blue waters with Captain Tim and Admiral Beth on Kamanu Charter’s 40-ft catamaran.  We snorkeled, fish, and played fun-filled games, not to mention learned a bit more about each other.  For example, our future pirate-at-the helm, Sarah Randall, proved her sailing abilities were well-honed by hauling up the sail in a strong wind.  Travis showed his nimble skills aboard the boat, reeling in the fishing line and eagerly leading us to bountiful reefs for snorkeling.  Our day was blessed with sunshine and breeze, and we celebrated our togetherness with some good ole greasy pizza on our way back to Punalu’u, where we slept out under the sky once again. 

Day 3 was spent mostly exploring the wonders and sights of Volcanoes National Park, where we were wowed by the current volcanic activity visible.  Katherine was one of our leaders of the day, and did an excellent job leading by example while we successfully made our first hike.  We learned more than we ever imagined from our friend, Ranger John, at the Visitor Center—and now are knowledgeable about how the islands were formed and are still in the process of forming.  Hiking through mist and rain, we witnessed an enormous rainbow arching over the Kiluea Caldera, where Molly announced that she had never seen both ends of a rainbow!  Later on that night, we took a little drive up to the observatory at the crater’s rim, where we were totally humbled by the amazing red glow coming from the volcano, as well as the awesome display of stars (including the southern cross)!  It was truly a spectacular sight—both Thomas and Will reminded us all that moments like that are the ones worth living.  Thanks guys!  You’re absolutely right.

Day 4 included a lovely hike along the coast at the most southern point in the US!  Nathan, one of our leaders of the day, navigated us through the labyrinth of paths that led us to a very unique beach with green sand! Positioned in a small bay along the coast, at the bottom of a rough lava rock cliff, Green Sands Beach was a popular spot for bodysurfing and relaxing.  Chelsey, who proved to overcome her fear of heights, insisted at first that she could not make the climb down to the beach, but proceeded to descend with grace.  Congratulations Chelsey! Margaret has proven to be a strong hiker, who is always quick to offer a positive and upbeat comment for the group. After some swimming led by none other than our resident Moondance cheerleaders, Addie and Morgan, we were good and ready to return to camp for dinner.  Which brings me to our next little secret revealed—our beautiful Abby is quite a chef!  Thanks to her skills in the frontcountry kitchen we enjoyed some terrific burritos.

Day 5 has been a low-key day, as we are preparing for our 4-day hike in Waipio and Waimanu Valleys, which will be a very strenuous adventure.  The students are enjoying their free time in Hilo, enjoying the last moments of “civilization” before we spend a few days in what most would call utter paradise.  Nelson and Micah are enjoying the company of such a hilarious and lively crew—complete with lots of amazing talents and skills. 

In general, the weather has been rather patchy, with rain and sun mixed up throughout the day.  We’ve been graced with friendly people, delicious tropical fruit from local markets and plenty of breathtaking sights.  Hawaii is full of rich traditions, a beautiful language, extraordinary forests, coastlines, and mountains.  We are all very excited to challenge ourselves during our backpacking section, even though there is some natural anxiety about the hike itself.  The days are flying by.  We’re having a blast.  Mahalo to all of you back at home who have made this trip possible.

Aloha to you,

The Hawaii Crew

Trip Update 6-28-08

Aloha 2 

Well, we’ve conquered Waipio & Waimanu Valleys, and are all so much stronger (and perhaps more sore) than we’ve been in a long time!  After leaving the van behind, with only our backpacks on our backs, we climbed down the steep valley wall of Waipio, descending into a lush, fertile land surrounded by long waterfalls, and punctuated by a black sand beach.  Thomas and Molly were our leaders of the day, keeping the group moving and motivated toward the climbs that lay ahead. Crossing the valley floor brought us to a 1,000 foot ascent straight up the west side of the valley—a steep switchback trail the locals call the Z-trail.  After much sweating and multiple water breaks, we topped out and continued along the famous Waimanu trail which zig-zagged into lush, moist gulches and out onto eucalyptus and iron wood noses that perched out over the ocean below.  Hours passed and legs worked harder and harder, as we became more and more tired as we approached our final destination, the “paradise” of Hawaii, Waimanu Valley, complete with multiple breathtaking waterfalls. Pulling into camp late in the evening, we had clocked in about 11 hours of hiking—needless to say, the crew was exhausted and relieved to know that we were planning on sleeping in.  Mahalo (thank you) to Addie Navarro, who voluntarily stepped in at the end of this long day to help out an exhausted Travis by taking his pack and taking care of him while everyone else was setting up tents.  Addie for President!

The next day brought sunshine, big waves, and a gentle hike to our water source—a small spring located on the opposite side of the valley. Morgan and Katherine prepared a delicious and hot quesadilla lunch for the group complete with perfectly sautéed onions and peppers. After lunch, Will and Margaret led a walk across the valley to hit the waves at the beach, while others rested in tents and relaxed on a nice long log washed up on the rocky shore.  Travis bounced back nicely and joined in the playtime at the beach, showing off his body boarding skills.  Most of us were rather worn out from the previous day’s adventure, but so delighted that we had made it to Waimanu for a day of absolute rest.  Everyone enjoyed a pasta and marinara dinner, even with fresh garlic!

We decided to hike out the entire 9 miles of trail the next day, taking on a huge challenge with tremendously inspirational attitudes!  Chelsey and Sarah Randall, who had been overwhelmed with the hike on the way in, were fired up to bring us home with gusto—and they did.  Mahalo ladies.  The very last hill back up to the van proved to be an extraordinarily difficult climb, and it took everything we had to get up it in the hot sun.  After wrestling with breathing and knee problems all day, Abby was offered by a teammate to take her pack, but she refused—why go this far and not go all the way with her pack?  Throughout the entire trek Nathan proved to be a true diplomat, uniting the group with his sense of humor and kind heart.  

While most of us are still mending our blisters and scrapes from the trail, we are eagerly awaiting our next island adventure on Kauai.  Nelson and Micah are really looking forward to seeing how everybody takes to sea kayaking and surfing—and what kind of help we can provide during our community service days. 

Trip Update 7-8-08