A miscalculation by Capt. C. leads the group down Talofofo Rd. at Tun Goru instead of continuing further on Isa Dr. before turning down Talofofo at the bus stop. At this point, all innocent parties are still quite happy!
After turning onto Egigi Road, the realization that we are actually taking the very long way to the hospital dawn on us, we decide to take a snack break. Peppy shows off Giggle's new-found mini mixed nuts.
More than five miles later, we stop to chat with Baby at her nursery. She has a large mountain apple tree with lots of apples and she has no interest in selling them. We help ourselves to the refreshing and sweet tasting fruit and take a bagful with us.
A soul-mate for Cutie. Jason brings an umbrella to protect himself and Celia not only from the rain, but also from the sun. A loving couple. We are near the hospital now, on Gaga Kanisu Dr.
After getting permission from the property owner on whose land we have to pass in order to enter the hospital trail, a surprise at the entrance. A table full of war relics, including machine gun, machete, bullets, helmet, canteen and bottles, being displayed. Not sure where they have come from, but it is sure interesting to see them up close.
Fantastic view of the bay and Kagman in the distance. The entrance to the hospital is situated between two hills. The hospital is hidden on the right.
As usual, we keep our eyes open for mushrooms, especially in the shaded and damp areas. The trail down into the cave is perfect for many types of mushrooms. These little ones look like half shells. The trail down is rocky, slippery and narrow. One wonders how the medics were able to carry the wounded through this treacherous path without doing further damage.
Further down the trail is this group of beautiful brown mushrooms blooming like flowers.
Hidden in the large cave is the hospital. This is the table at the entrance. Behind the rock wall is a large "room" where beds were probably set up for treatment. We very carefully climb into the cave without making much noise, respecting the spirits that reside here.
Prayer sticks and a small offering inside the "room". Ramnents of ashes from incense burning.
On the way out, we see another group of interesting mushrooms, looking like dark brown helmets.
A lone parasol-looking mushroom sticking out from an old rotted trunk.
After the hospital visit, and before we rest, we see that two swings conveniently located at the lawn for a group photo of Riema on the swing, Celia, Jason, Giggles, Peppy on the other swing, and Capt. C.
While we snack, Giggles models her new raincoat, an eco friendly and attractive number made out of a heavy duty, black, 33-gallon trash bag. Good job!
Knowing that we have a long way remaining to go, we spread out the snacks to reinforce ourselves before the long march home. With nearly another five miles to go, back to Egigi (thank goodness it's downhill), then up and up and up to Kingfisher, and up and up and up Xterra. We finally stumble back to the driveway, get ice water, and coffee.
Peppey's JogTracker shows that we have hiked 9.8 miles, spending 4:24:30 hours, averaging 2.22 miles per hour (don't forget we have taken time out to rest and explore), and BURNING 990 calories (is that for everyone or just Peppy?), and gain total alttitute of 1520 ft.
Original hike distance has been calculated at about 7.5 miles, but with CC's forgetting the correct turn-off, we have had to double back on Egigi. The last two miles of going up Talofofo and Xterra are the real killer miles. Several hikers get cramps, painful hips, dehydration, and sore toes. Even though the hospital is an interesting destination, due to the hardship, the hike is rated at three sneakers!
Next Sunday's hike is chosen: Banaderu Trail up to Suicide Cliff.
