Some Fun in the Sun

Well I had a full day out in the sun today, and my arms have the burn to prove it. I met up with a group of 6 other people at church this morning and we all headed out to the farthest most west point of the island, Kaena Point. We hiked for about 3 miles along a dirt and rock paths. It used to be a railroad for the cane plantations that died out around 60 or so years ago; you can still see some of the railroad ties. It was a beautiful hike, with the vast expanse of the pacific, and its waves crashing on the rocks to one side of us and the towering cliffs of the point above us to the other side. It was a hot day and the sun was beating down hard. If it wasn’t for the strong breeze I think I would have been toast. Along the way we found this really neat cave that opened up into a large underground room. When we finally reached the end of the point we found a whole slew of albatross nesting in the dunes. Over on the rocks at the water’s edge were the large Hawaiian Monk Seals and one pup. They were just lazing around enjoying the sun. We ate lunch, watched the seals and climbed on the rocks around the tide pools, seeing little critters here and there, and then started making our way back to the car. When I got back to my dorm it was already 5 o’clock so I decided to take a bike ride up the valley. On said bike ride I found some people playing pickup at a recreation center, so I joined in wearing hiking shoes and khaki shorts. It was a long day, but a good one.