Gavin and I along with his family woke up at the crack of dawn to start our hiking trek along the beautiful Napali Coast. We had a party of 8! Gavin's mom wanted to celebrate her 55th birthday on the coast with sisters and kids. There was lots of training and preparation beforehand from a lot of people.
Mya, Mallerie, Gavin, Loana, Caleb, Gail, Carla, and Tonya!
We breezed through the first 2 miles of the trail. When we got to Hanakapai beach we were all hyped at how quickly and easy that first part was. We weren't stressed or worried about what was to come.
I mean look at that view? How could you complain when walking along this? We were in awe at the sharp ridges and blue water. We all chatted as walked and admired the coast.
We had to cross several streams along the route. Thankfully I had on my trustee chacos!
We all made it safely through the water crossings which we thought was maybe going to be the most slippery part. But we were wrong. The leaves on the ground from the walking trees are what we had to look out for. If you weren't careful and one slipped in between your toes you got a massive paper cut that was much deeper and left a trail of small thorns. Gavin took one for the team and got them all. I think by the end of the trial we had all managed to get some scrapes and bruises. Nothing was like Gail's broken toe though!
About an hour after lunch, we came upon the toughest part of the Napali Coast. CRAWLERS LEDGE. If you look up videos online you'll find many videos and pictures showing a small path no bigger than a foot wide that wraps and zigzags around the mountain. It looks much different in person. Gavin did put his foot across the trail at one point and it was about the width of this food. This part of the trail starts with a sign that says HAZARADAS CLIFF! THIS TRAIL OR AREA CONTAINS THIS HAZARD. THE GROUND MAY BREAK OFF WITHOUT WARNING AT ANY POINT AND YOU COULD BE SERIOUSLY KILLED OR INJURED. So if the sign doesn't freak you out or the videos you watched on YouTube before, you might find yourself quaking in your shoes. It's not so much the trail that makes this part difficult but rather the harsh wind blowing against you, and the loose ground that slides beneath you as you walk. We went slow and steady on this part focusing on putting one foot in front of the other. It was very quiet as we all focused on keeping balance.
We all took a sigh of relief when we accomplished the most daunting part of the trail. After crawlers ledge, some were feeling low in spirit. And weren't sure if they could make it the rest of the way. Gavin, Mya, and Cameron are the troopers who ran to the end of the trail and dropped off their bag so they could run back up and help the aunties with theirs. So the could press on. They were a good the samaritans.
We got to the last river crossing right as the sun was setting. Gavin stayed back to fill everyone's water bottles while the rest of us found a place on the beach to call home for the next few days. We found a spot on the sand next to some routy boys were looked like they were in their teens. I saw boney bodys starting a fire. They reminded me of the "Lord of the Flies". We threw the tents and hammocks up as fast as we good with any last bit of daylight we could get.
some were too tired to eat that night so the rest of us enjoyed our warm mountain house and Zebra cakes as we sang Happy Birthday to Loana. After we headed to the waterfall for a quick shower.
Gavin and I must be getting older because I swear when we did this 2 years ago didn't wake up once during the night. I remember the sand feeling like a soft cloud. Unfortunately wasn't the case this time. The sand turned into cement underneath us and I probably slept for an hour.
The lack of sleep didn't keep us from having the most magical day on the coast. We started off the morning with more mountain houses. Nothing tastes better when you camping. We walked down the coast to see the cave at the end. Inside we found some spiritual hippies doing meditation, yoga, and humming.
We had the best ocean swim. We spent a good few hours going over and under the waves getting washed out by a few. Really couldn't complain about the sandy scalp after. Aunt Caral and Tonya stood on the shore crossing their fingers that a boat would stop to offer them a ride out. Luck wasn't on their side that day.
That afternoon we headed up the valley to find a fresh swimming pool. We weren't sure we were going in the right direction because after an hour or so we came upon a patch that was all overgrown. We thought we missed a turn. But you know that feeling in your gut when you think you have to keep pressing forward? That's what we had! A few feet later we came upon the most beautiful swimming pool. The water was absolutely freezing! As soon as I jumped in I felt every muscle in my body freeze I couldn't help but scream and holler as the fresh water came over me. The others didn't mind the cold water because once I got out I saw them full-on submerged in the ice cube. I couldn't believe it.
The night ended with a stunning sunset. We watched on the sand as the sky turned to every shade of orange, yellow, and pink. We watched till the stars slowly started making their tiny shine in the sky. We had conquered the coast that's for sure.
We left early the next morning hoping to beat some sun and make it back in time to see baby Ari. We trudged back as fast as we could while taking in the magical views. The last two miles by far felt the longest. We thought were almost there but hiked for probably a sold hour or two till the car.
WE MADE IT! Some bucket list items were checked off, and some tears were shed but we all felt some power walking off that mountain. It's crazy how one place can make such an impact on you. I think some people agreed they would never do it again but were happy they endured the Mtn. Everest of the Pacific!
Oh, and we got to see baby Ari! He is sure a cutie :)
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