4/5/10 Honolulu, O’ahu

Before beginning this week’s blog, I would like to share a “shout out” that I received in this week’s “Team in Training” newsletter. THANK YOU to all my family, friends and co-workers for your donations! Woo hoo!

TNT Trailhead
Issue Sixteen| April 2, 2010
First, CONGRATULATIONS to Danielle Hamblin for achieving her fundraising minimum of $6,400.00 this week AND for being the second-highest Grand Adventure fundraiser in the COUNTRY as of today! (Note to Danielle - a hiker from the San Francisco chapter is close behind you at $6,245, so keep up the great work and hold on to those well-deserved bragging rights!) AMAZING job, Danielle!


And now the blog~
Having a mother who travels for business every week has its disadvantages. However, it has a REALLY BIG advantage too! Carra and I have traveled with her to great places, this time being - Hawaii. So while Mom worked, Carra and I enjoyed 9 fun days and nights! There was: sailing, snorkeling, cruising (in a convertible Mustang), shopping, sunning, and yes, even a little hiking.

I say a little hiking, for a very important reason. You see, prior to our trip my sister broke her foot in a volleyball game. While she downplayed it, it certainly was not easy for her to walk and we did A LOT of walking on this vacation! Lucky for us, Diamond Head State Monument was not nearly as strenuous as our northeast hikes.

Diamond Head was formed (millions of years ago) with volcanic eruptions from 2 volcanoes. Erosion followed (quite extensive), leaving mountainous ridges as remnants of the volcano. The crater was believed to have been formed about 300,000 years ago during a single, brief eruption. The broad crater actually covers 350 acres, which is where we parked our car!




The weather conditions on our Monday hike were warm, approximately 80 degrees with a gentle breeze. We began the hike with Carra taking a break in a tree – elevating her foot for the anticipated outcome of a swollen foot! She wouldn’t agree to just hang out in the tree while I did the hike alone, so we trotted off together (her often times, hobbling behind)!

The dirt trail consisted of numerous switchbacks up the steep interior slope. Good thing I didn’t try “flip flop hiking”, (O’ahu is known as the “Land of the Flip Flops”) the ground was very uneven, rocky, dusty, and steep.


There was a steep stairway of 74 concrete steps which led into an eery tunnel. I skeebed myself out by imagining bats hanging from the heaven of the tunnel. Even with a lot of others hiking behind and along side of me, it was strangely quiet in the tunnel. A break from the beating sun was welcomed, but I was actually looking forward to relief from the tunnel’s musty smell!

Following the 74 step incline, came a 99 step stairway. I really didn’t like the steps- they seemed so, well- so unnatural. Realizing that Diamond Head is the most recognized landmark in Hawaii, I moved beyond my disappointment and trudged forward to enjoy the panoramic views from the top.

The views of the Pacific Ocean, all of Waikiki’s beaches, the lighthouse, and the massive crater were worth the crowds! It was .8 mile to the top, with an elevation of 560 feet.






Carra and I rested at the top,


listened to a brief Guide’s overview of the landmark,

and then we headed down in anticipation of some shaved ice!

Coming down was even harder for Carra. The pressure on her foot was unbearable at times, but she pulled it off. Doesn't that shaved ice look refreshing?!


Our next hike is at Gertrude's Nose in New Paltz, NY. Will we be able to endure the 11 mile, STRENUOUS hike? ...until next time~!