Forbidden Island #2

The day after Christmas, 15 hardy souls decide to visit Forbidden Island to experience the spectacular view and get in some exercise after a big Christmas meal. Besides Handy, Cutie, Giggles, and Captain Charlie, who has made advanced notice to her visiting family members about this "tough" hike, the additional hikers are nephews Henry and Sam, nieces Angela and Kelly, children Jamie, Ryan, Xin, five-year old Nuan, Chloe, Justin, and Rexplorer. At the crack of dawn, the three-car caravan head to the trail head.

With island in sight, everyone eagerly descends to get closer.

Giggles is excited after an absence of 20 years since her last visit to Forbidden Island

Rexplorer helping Chloe rope down the steep cliff, Xin looks on with some sckepticism

Kelly goes next, with no problems

Handy happily performs hikers' favorite "butt-walk" down the sandy slope, with the help of his hiking pole

Henry takes a rest on the beach

Rexplorer in teaching action, showing the different coral formations

Sunrise casting long shadows as hikers explore the shoreline for interesting findings

Chloe and fearless five-year old Nuan

Ever well prepared Cutie shielding wind and rain. Fortunately neither lasts very long

Rexplorer, Justin, Xin, and Sam in the swim hole, keeping a respectful distance from the edge

Justin, Xin, and Ryan checking out the other "swimming hole" with Rexplorer's help

Sam doing a yoga pose, CC, Giggles, Rexplorer, Kelly with Xing, Chloe, Justin, Nuan hiding behind Justin, Angela, Ryan, Jamie, and Henry. Not in picture: Handy and Cutie already part way up the hill

It is definitely a great hike for everyone. We are happy that everyone wakes up early and gets ready swiftly for our usual meeting time to start the hike. This is a must-do hike for all visitors.