Here I go; no turning back now.
The bus arrives at the parking lot everyone exits, Some head to the restroom, others attack the boardwalk without hesitation, disappearing around the first corner. Others gather around the picnic tables to get their bearings and make a plan, I find the bathroom, get my bearings and survey the other travelers. Small talk with a couple who are going to the beach for two nights. When I return form the bathroom they are heading up to the boardwalk to find the trail head. I talk to a woman, probably from Germany based on her accent, she is solo traveling but keeps to herself.
I recheck my pack and realize that I left my camera in the Jeep. Otherwise I have everything I need and ready for the adventure.
All passengers are on the trail and spread out. I am the last to leave the parking lot with a smile ear to ear and happier than I can express. I am not letting Crawlers Ledge thoughts stand in my way. I will confront the ledge when I arrive and deal with it then. Staying in the moment and enjoying this adventure is the goal. Traveling solo will keep me present.
To Hanakapi’ai Beach; miles 1-2.
8:45am: The adjectives I would use are; uphill, wet, muddy, slick, slippery. A fellow traveler described it as “mucky”. My Salomon SpeedCross 4 shoes are equipped for the muck. Granted they are not waterproof but they are light and I felt it was better to have light shoes due to the length of the trip and the quality of the SpeedCross. They did not disappoint.
What goes up must come down. The trail continues with the wet slick mud and slippery rocky but now we are headed down the steep part of the trail that leads to Hanakapi’ai Beach. I pass a couple of travelers, some have stopped possibly to decide if going down this will be worth it. The couple I spoke with at the parking lot are having just such a discussion. There is still 10 or so miles to go and then the return trip. I imagine the trail looking like this for the whole trip; I am ready. Sadly I never saw them again.
The trail opens up to a quick moving stream navigating around rocks and boulders as it heads to the ocean. Travelers are congested here as some try to cross and head back up the hill and parking lot while others are tying not to slip and fall in the fast moving water either heading to the beach or further down the trail.
I am able to maintain my footing and keep both myself and my pack dry. Exiting the east side of the stream I spy the trail to the left and the beach to the right.
The beach beacons me with the roar of the waves and the sparkling sandy beach. I succumb to the calling; excited to take some photos and people watch.
Hanakapi’ai Beach
Shoes off and sand between my toes, the sand is cool in the morning. The crescent shaped beach is sprinkled with tourists of all ages. Youngins chasing each other, babies in front packs bouncing as parents walk the beach holding hands. Groups sitting and enjoying a snack before continuing with their day. I find a place to sit, grab a quick bite and write in my journal capturing the moment. There is a long trail ahead and goal to make it before dark. Rinsing my feet in the cool stream , using my shirt to dry them. Socks and shoes back on making sure no rocks or foreign bodies in my boots. Goodbye to the beach and off to awaiting trail.
