Adventure day – look where we took Gramma!
Can you tell from the reflection in Sam's glasses? Or the bead of sweat dripping from the bottom of the shades?
We set out to Koko Crater…just to check it out. Seems everyone we know has been checking it off the list of things to do while in Hawaii lately, including Dave and I two weeks ago. So…enough driving by it for Gramma. She was game to just “see what happens.” Well, we brought water, snacks, hiking poles and started up. Everyone felt great still by the “bridge” so we continued on up the steepest part. It was hot (not much breeze today) but we paced ourselves and got up in fine form. We looked around the bunkers, did a bunch of high-fives, planned our assault on kalua pig and shave ice, then headed down. The steps are so steep that many were as high as Sam’s waist, but despite the challenge he constantly looked back and offered a hand to me more than a dozen times. What a sweetheart of a guy! Mom did great – I just called to see what she was up to several hours after the hike. A little lie-down after some errands but now she’s offloading her pictures! We were most worried about her knees, but so far so good.
Now for the disclaimer for those reading this who don’t know me or the fam – this is not a kid-friendly hike. It is hot, no shade, steep, 1200 ft elevation gain, and about 1000 stairs (hard to tell if the markings are feet climbed or number of stairs – I am pretty sure it’s the former, but it doesn’t matter – there are a lot of “stairs” which are old railroad ties). The dry dirt can be slippery, especially on the way down. Bring at least one trekking pole to stabilize yourself and help distribute the load. Carry youngsters in a pack. Take the trail to the right of the “bridge.” Bring lots of water and electrolytes. Hike early or late to catch cooler weather and maybe breezes. Sam is five, and very strong and fit. Most kids his age would not enjoy this hike, but if you bring enough water, snacks, and a positive attitude it can be done. We enjoyed seeing many people doing this hike for fitness – some of them more than once!
Well, as Alli said, each time I’ve driven by Koko Crater, I’ve not only wondered if I could do it, but also imagined myself HAVING DONE it, and at the same time, I heard “voices” saying I couldn’t do THAT! So, no harm in starting, right? Just see what happens? It’s addicting! After making it to the bridge, and looking up . . . it looked pretty formidable, but what the heck, let’s go! When I forgot what I was doing, and stood up straight on that slope, I nearly fell backward! Thanks to Alli, I keep doing things I’m conflicted about, and finding I can still do them. The next day, Richard was telling everyone, and I enjoyed their raised eyebrows and “high-fives”. Thank you Alli and Richard!!!