2006-Feb. 4---Sleeping Giant hike:


Since Tim and Faith are hikers, too, we all did the Nounou trail (or Giant hike) which starts out of Wailua. This is a semi-strenuous 1.75-mile hike (each way) that has an elevation gain of 1,000 feet.

 The trail begins with several switchbacks through a shady forest of ironwood, guava, and silk oak

we began to gain elevation steadily past .75 miles.

 Views of Kapaa below----

 Just before the top, there is a three-way junction. We took the left fork.  Right after that, there was another fork; both paths lead to the picnic shelter, but the right one is easier---so that's the one we took.

 The trail is extremely narrow in parts with hundred-foot drop offs at many points

 wonder what was over there?!

 at the top, there are fantastic views of the Wailua river down below, the eastern coast of Kauai, and the interior of the island.

 still going-----

 hey---wait for me!

 Finally at the top. 

 the fast way down

more of the inland area of Kapaa

 looking north/east

 proof that we made it

 more proof

 another view of Kapaa

 the downtown area of Kapaa

 a dirt road below

 the bridge over to Wailua.

 a lava outcropping?

 I believe that is Kauai Beach Resort way off to the right.

 heading back down

 There were parts of the trail that were a bit challenging, such as here---

 halfway down

 lots of rocks on the trail

 sometimes the trail wasn't well marked

 With the 1000' elevation gain, I don't consider this an easy hike.  But my 75 year old dad seemed to make it with pretty much ease!  Probably better then I did!  Glad I did it, but probably won't do it again.

Now that we were hot and tired, lunch in Kapaa, then a dip in Morgan Pond at Lydgate Park was in order.  Sure felt good!

surge wrasse

 Aloha!

 puffer

 white bar surgeon fish

 needle fish

 squirrel fish

 Ken fish

Then the kids took off in their car and Ken, Dad and I headed back to KBV.  Time to chill out and rest up.  Tomorrow Dad heads back to Portland.