We note that there is a large number of people, cars and bikes across the road. It is the Sunday bike race. As we look, we see Peppy getting ready with her bike. She is joining her first individual road race on her mountain bike, so she will miss the hike. We wish her well. We are informed that we may meet bikers on the Kimikaze trail, and the FEBC road. We promise to be on the lookout and get out of their way. When Dora arrives, we head north. The old FEBC road is no longer. Now it is just plain Ayuyu Dr. We agree to take our time going up this rather steeply elevated road, so as not to get winded too soon.
The previously well known FEBC Road is now just Ayuyu Drive.
Handy finds this large rock grown into the roots of the huge tree. It looks imminently in danger of falling on top of Handy's head.
We are able to see further into the boonies as the bushes dry up and branches bare of leaves. This previously unknown cave appears on Ayuyu Drive as we make our way up the road. We are surprised that we have never noticed it before, apparently the bushes, when full, have hidden the cave.
At the top of Ayuyu Drive, we turn left onto Magpi Parkway (are there magpi in this area?) At the trail sign, we enter the grassy path and introduce this Kimikaze trail to Dora.
Once again, the open vista on Kimikaze allows us to see the sky, and far into the boonies. The ever vigilant Handy sees these caves (look man-made) on the trail. We veer off to see what we can find that may tell us a little bit of history about it. Other than a couple of pop cans, we find nothing.
Kimkaze trail is well known to have zones of different plants. This is the fern zone. Further down the trail is the orchid tree zone, and "Holly Berry" zone. With most of the trees and shrubs dried out so extensively, the only really green plants are these ferns.
Soon enough, bikers are flying down the trail as we jump off the trail to make room for them. After we exit the trail onto the main road. We have to decide what to do next, whether to turn around and backtrack up Kimikaze, or go to the left and up to Magpi Parkway, back down Ayuyu, or continue onto AutoBahn then decide again which route to finish the hike. We decide to continue onto AutoBahn.
A surprise find on a tangan tangan tree on the AutoBahn trail. The sap from the tree, translucent from the sunlight shining behind it, looks like an amber shell.
Handy takes a tumble when his leg gets caught on a downed tree trunk. He is not too hurt, and able to get up without trouble. Lots of exercise helps to keep Handy in good shape.
A surface scrape on Handy's leg, a result of the fall. After a good and thorough cleaning with an alcohol pad, and some ointment, the wound is taken care of.
One of those winding vine that wraps round and round a tree trunk. Dora appears to be caught by the vine.
This pile of trash has been at this spot for a long time, it is slowly being covered by plant growth. This area also has lots of junk cars and other discarded household items. We have seen this scene many times, but have not been able to figure out why anyone would drive all the way out there just to dump the car. These are real eye sores.
Further down the road, as we look down at a big washed out area, Cutie discovers these eggs resting on a ledge. They look like wild chicken eggs.
We take a long awaited snack break by the road. Notice Handy and Chops have assumed a reclining position. They look awfully comfortable. With the breeze blowing gently, and the temperature under the tree most agreeable, we can almost take a nap right there and then.
Finally back down the Ayuyu Drive, we decide to take a look-see at the old FEBC compound. The tree lined driveway remains quite beautiful. At the entrance of the compound, we find a family living in the first house, as caretakers. After greetings and introductions, they welcome us to look around as they get ready for church. The compound is well taken care of, and the future residents of whatever housing there will enjoy a great view.
The hike took about four hours, with many stops and exploring of new discoveries. We enjoy the hike a great deal. The hike is a five-sneaker winner:
Next week: Bird Island
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