gone alpine
Kauai 06
Kauai equals beaches of immense beauty, mud of incredible undertaking, and lots of out of the way places that not every individual dares to take on. We'll tell you about some of those places in this next story.
the other stuff
It sure helps having friends that are native to the area, otherwise we'd be sitting like the rest of the tourists sitting on the beach baking in the sun and finding sand in places you never knew existed. And while we did do some of that, we found better ways to loose sand and overheat. The Kalalau trail was a little more physical exertion than we thought for one trip, so we intended to recover in style. We took on some snorkeling with spear fishers, 4x4ing with a groom 3 days before his wedding and jumping from 30foot high waterfalls. All of which are stories in themselves... and then some. But let us just try go in order of events.
Sunday - Tuesday we found a few great beaches to start our 9 day recovery program. On one of these three days we drove down to the south side in the Poipu area, which is a most excellent place to snorkel. The water is a bit calmer and clear, sun shines a bit more and is a great place to just camp out. While the fish were a plenty, so were the fishermen. Seems that no matter where you'd swim these fishermen figured if you stopped moving you must be looking at some sort of fish, so they found it an opportune time to toss their line just a couple feet from your head. This made for an alert trip. Once you escaped the hook you found yourself dodging a spear gun. Seems that the local "great snorkeling area" are also great fishing areas. You would think that if these were really that smart of fishermen they wouldn't be taking the risk of spearing a human, none the less we moved on shortly after that.
During our basking days we would visit several beaches. Some
that are more popular with
sun seekers from around the world too ones the locals only knew about. All of
which had one thing in common, warm sand and strong waves. Coming in the winter
time takes on a new meaning to swimming, its called rescue. I found myself
fighting the waves to stay alive more than I did boogie boarding and body
surfing. For a few moments all was well, but my body was just not strong enough after
the Kalalau trail to do much more than drown. We spent some of the time hoping
from beach to beach and viewing touristy spots just to escape the rain, it was a sign for us to just
go home and go to sleep.
Wednesday was a great day! This day a bunch of us had planned on taking trucks out into the hills and get a little muddy. Waking up that morning my body wasn't exactly sure if it was ready to take on the jostling, tossing and mud flinging that we were about to do. Seems that our friend Luke who was going to get married later that week had mentioned to his parents who were visiting the island that he was wanting to take them up 4x4ing. As supportive parents they agreed to accompany, which is something I think they later may have regretted. Luke's parents were originally from the islands, but now reside in Fiji, not much mud in Fiji Ken and I knew they were in for a real treat. Something that several of the local boys, young and old alike, enjoy doing is seeing how far they can get their truck stuck in deep slick mud.
Time came to leave, noting the
sticker on Brian's jeep, we all piled into the vehicles of choice. Luke's mom
and Ken in with Ma and Pa Dow, Luke's dad in with him, then Christy
and I went
with Brian. All started out pretty much status quo, gas up, travel along windy
roads through a river and into the parking lot, pre-trail to air down. Luke's
dad wanted to make sure everyone would wear their seatbelt and be safe. Luke and
Brian mentioned with a smile of experience, "you pretty much don't want
to wear your seatbelts, it's safer if you were to roll." Pa Dow assured Luke's
father that if you were to roll over it's usually very slow moving and you just
kind of go over. With eyes lifted, this news you could tell wasn't too
comforting to the new crew along for the ride.
With excitement of all kinds we jump back into the trucks and head up Powerline road just like in 2005. Luke was leading in his Toyota, the guys knew that if we'd get stuck somewhere his would be the first to do it. My knowing somewhat to expect on this road, and with Brian's smile and eager anticipation saying "I'm going to roll today I can just feel it!", this didn't exactly bring me much comfort being I was in the front seat and with only partial roll bars. Giving Brian a look of "if you do, I'm gonna kill ya" and swallowing the lump in my throat, we dive up the bumpy rocky road right in and out of wet slimy mud holes, this was good fun thus far.
Quickly noting a hill that Luke would not make, he decides to bypass this section and plow a road of his own through a familiar thick grassy area he'd been on before. Reaching the end of the bypass we all stop, get out and analyze the situation, seems at a sizable hole wasn't going to allow any of us back on the road. So we all turned around, Luke leading and headed back the way we came. Luke was having a little difficulty getting back onto the road. Trying to maneuver his way through, with all eyes watching to see how he does this, Luke ends up riding up on an embankment and rolls his truck onto its left side. Brian, Christy and I jump out of the jeep and run over. Brian's calling to see if they are ok, I come around the front of the truck and all I see is feet and bodies plastered against the front window trying to find which way is up while Luke is telling his dad "DON'T STEP ON THE WINDOW!". Soon the 4 from the other jeep come up yelling to see if all is ok, Luke just yells "I'm coming out the back!" With that he manages to climb through his back window, into the canopy of his truck and out. Brian jumps on the top (which is actually the right side) and helps Luke's father out. After Lisa (Luke's mom) has a heart attack and Roy, Luke's father says "oh, and Phil says it just rolllllls over slowly, nothing to worry about", we all try to laugh then do whatever we can to get the truck back upright.
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After finding all the junk that fell out of the truck when it rolled, and noted that Luke's truck was still alive we moved on, only to see that Luke wasn't going to make it up the next big hill. So we paused for a moment and headed back the way we came in. We decided we'd just go on to the next place, the Blue hole. While some weren't sure about how smart it was to continue on looking at what just happened, I'm sure they realized that staying there alone wasn't going to be much safer.
The road to the Blue hole contained many big nasty mud holes, couple river crossings, a few logs and overhanging tree branches, all of which was expected. Each of the real deep mud pits contained their own tricks for crossing. All of the vehicles got stuck in one hole or the other but eventually made it through after much tire spinning, wheel turning and mud flinging. This was classic 4 wheeling in the islands.
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Somewhere along this slick roadway Ken finds the need to jam his left foot into some sort of slimy stick and dislocate his toe. He manages to get back into the jeep and get his foot up on the door where I could take a look at it. Noting how much pain he was in I did my best to comply with needed medical assistance. Really I had no idea what I was going to do. It looked pretty nasty. I mean really your toe isn't suppose to go at a right angle like that. As the crowd started to gather looking on to see what was happening, I tell Ken to "relax let me just see if I can help soften the muscles and maybe the toe will just go back in". For some reason I felt the need to grab the toe itself to see if it would move, and move it did. Upon my quickly departing from the scene their was some sort of cry of pain that I'd never heard before. Seems that the toe went back in alright it just wasn't pain free. While we all departed and I was heading for safety, I found myself yelling back to Ken "love you baby...", he managed to say something that I was hoping was sincere but it wasn't the time to question. Now finding relief being in another vehicle 2 car lengths ahead, I tell Brian we better get going and quick.
We were now in the final few yards before the Blue hole. Seems that this was a very monumental trip. There was a nasty deep last hole that nobody was able to pass without using a cable. This trip all of the vehicles passed. Somehow the boys managed their way through and to find our resting place at the end of the road. Only two of the vehicles came the entire way, only two could really fit and one needed to stay at the top of the last little hill incase we needed to wench out.
With a deep breath and much relief to be there, we all grabbed our lunches. Brian spent a few minutes picking the remaining parts of a branch that found its way in between his tire and rim. Walking back into the Blue hole was a good memory from last year. This time the hole was much bluer than brown, and less of a torrent. We had talked earlier about taking tubes and floating down some of the irrigation ditches and tunnels, this was still I had hoped to be in the plan.
After lunch those of us who could still walk took our inner tubes and flash lights, crossed over to a trail and headed out to the area where we'd jump in and float. I had no idea what to expect, while I believe everyone else had done this I was a little apprehensive but daring to try it none the less. See these ditches we dug out years and years ago to allow the rainfall to travel down into the valleys and farms below to irrigate the crops. Much of the time these ditches I think are exposed the rest of the time you go underground through these tunnels that are cold, wet and sometimes cave in. So having that all in mind... my apprehension wasn't too out of place.
Christy leads our pack of peeps up the trail. Our pack included a groom, his father who was giving his wedding talk, the best man and the guy responsible for the on goings of the reception, so it contained many of the perfect people to land one of us in some sort of situation. Getting into our launching sight took a little effort, mainly because the water was cold. We got in to the quickly moving cold thigh deep water and held on to our tubes and waited until all were in and ready to go. Our groom Luke goes first, followed by Brian, Roy, Christy, Me and Phil. Without holding onto one another we all start floating down the neatest of surroundings. Never before have I been able to just sit, float and enjoy the beauty of the tropical hills while turning my my butt into a popsicle. Soon we left the tropical landscape and ducked into a dark tunnel, three of us had lights, so we turned them on. This tube was one of the shorter ones, it took you beneath the road down a long passageway with a little light at the end of the tunnel. As the light approached you felt yourself just existing with life and enjoying the experience while awaiting what came next.
Soon we came out the other side back out into the tropics. We traveled a few swift yards later and back into another tunnel, this one was a little longer. Luke was kind enough to let us know when and where we were turning so we weren't caught off guard. Though you floated slower than fast you wouldn't want to fall off your tube nor would you want too. This tunnel was dark for most of the time, and a little different. The last one was made of cement, this one was just carved out of the hillside. One section had caved in, so you wanted to make sure you didn't hit your bum on the bottom where the water was much shallower.
Coming toward the end you again saw the light at the end of the tunnel. With
some relief that we made it to the end, you were sad that it was over. The
tunnel dumped us into the Blue hole where we had our lunch and 3 familiar bodies
anxiously waiting our return. The Blue hole itself is quite deep in parts. Long
the back side you can somehow crawl up out of the water and scale the hillside
to reach a rope swing or rock to jump off of. Some in our party took their tubes
to the incoming falls and tried to ride down without breaking a limb or two, I
guess they figured if they had sustaining any damage, why not!
Remember in the beginning of my story when Brian said "I'm going to roll today I can just feel it!", well we almost had our chance. While leaving the Blue hole area there is a bit of a tricky hill which requires a quick skill, Brian had it, but just barely. There were moments in our drive up that if we had any more weight over to the right we would have rolled. As it was we only had 3 wheels on the ground. Once we were up... much relief came knowing that we had our opportunity to roll that day out of the way. Travel from then on was smooth sailing... well, sort of.
Thursday and Friday - back to the beaches for more snorkeling and a little R & R from the events thus far. We'd hit a few local surf shops, eat at a few great local hangouts and soak up a little sun. Ken's foot was still in a good amount of pain from Wednesday's 4x4ing experience so we had decided to lay low.
Upon heading back from one of these sunbathing occasions we come up on an all too
familiar area, the road to Ki'pu Falls. Ken asked Christy and I if we wanted to
jump off. Without hesitation Christy says "ya I'll go, I'll jump!!!", needless
to say she wasn't helping me keep low key. Ken turns off the main highway and we head for the
falls. Ki'pu Falls is a great view along a touristy bus route and an out of the
way hangout for locals. After parking along the roadside you walk down a
slick path along the Ki'pu river, the trail ends on top of the falls itself.
What a place of beauty, another unmolested beautiful tropical area for our
enjoyment. Ki'pu Falls is for many a once in a life time opportunity, I couldn't
agree more, and for others that visit more often, its a clear definition of how insane you
really are.
Ken and I came a few days earlier and gave it a jump, this was our return to see if we couldn't work better on our landing. Seems that when you jump off a 25 - 30 foot waterfall you don't land wrong, because as we found out, can be a bit painful. I guess we wanted to re-test this theory. We dumped our stuff, planned our launch sight and we all jumped one after the other. This time when I jumped I was welcomed by an enormous amount of pain traveling up both my legs, seems that my landing wasn't all that good this time either. Christy had a similar reaction and Ken's foot wasn't oh so happy with him. Once we all gained some sort of composure we climbed out of the water, up the slick aluminum ladder to the top of the falls for which we came. After catching our breath and shaking some of the pain, Ken asks "ya wanna go again?" All three of us had the same mutual response. As if the painful landing wasn't enough we thought we'd give it a go again. One definition of stupidity is; doing the same thing over and over expecting different results, a tried and true expression.
After surviving the last jump of the day we again climb out of the water, up the ladder and start our crawl out on the trail. Admitting our defeat for the day and calculating the injury, we left several others behind to enjoy the peaceful surrounds and excitement of jumping off the falls. And if one didn't find the fall jumping enough of an experience one could always take to the rope swing that extends almost as high as the falls and sends you splashing into the pool below, also a must do experience.
Saturday - Monday For all that survived, Luke's wedding went over with style. I'd never been to a wedding on the islands before and I still haven't, the wedding itself was private for family, but the reception was open to many others. Being bar far of the minority there, the place was packed with many Hawaiian Island Locals. It was beautiful, full of rich culture and warmth of the islands. Food smelled great and was beautiful. It contained many items that most locals are accustomed too, not so much for us. While we tried and enjoyed several of the dishes we knew we were safe with deserts. We left the evening with live music ringing in our ears and a feeling of satisfaction.
Sunday was a day to soak in the last moments of our trip and absorb as much of the island that we could. The final day of beach combing, swimming and relaxing. Our last beach we headed to was much off the beaten path, down a twisted road to the end. Once you get there you park with a few others and take to a trail. For us all the walking we've done to get to the water is called 'a hike', here in the islands its called 'beach access'. Those that visit here quickly get accustomed to the fact that if you want to get to the more beautiful places you can't just drive down the road and right onto the beach. Once you are there though... it is so well worth it.
Kauai is a very peaceful island, very relaxed and calm. This is a state of mind and being that we wanted to take home to Oregon with us, that state is not something you find everyday. To sit on warm sand beaches with no one to bother you for hours, to travel on challenging trails and float through a tropical canopy is priceless. It's no wonder we were created with eternity in view... the possibilities are endless.
~by Karin Munson, Portland Or.
On a sad note, we must send out our respects for our friend Luke on the Island of Kauai.
Luke Ichiyama tragically died Thursday January 25, 2007.
Our dear friend died after his motorcycle collided with a pick-up truck on Maluhia Road in Koloa, he died immediately. The vehicles collided about 2 miles south of the junction of Kaumuali‘i Highway and Maluhia Road, near the Tunnel of Trees. The accident occurred about 6:40 am and shut down traffic from 6:40 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Luke was 25 years old, worked for one of the local dive shops. He lived in the town of Kapa'a on the island of Kauai with his wife, Kristina, brother and dear family friends. He had celebrated his 1st year anniversary just days before the accident occurred. Ken and I attended his wedding the last time we were on Kauai, one year ago. The photo above was taken the day before his wedding while we were out on our 4x4 tribute to Luke with his parents, life long buddy Brian Dow, Phil, Kathie and Christy Dow, Ken and Myself. Luke believed in a future time when there would be no more death, sorry or sadness. When that time comes, we pray that we will be there to welcome him back.
For now, Luke will be remembered in the hearts of many and by the love of his friends. We want to sincerely pay our respects to Luke, his family and his dearest friends.
If you have any photos, mementos or words you'd like to post regarding Luke's passing please let us know. Email me directly at karin@gonealpine.com - Thank you.