This is our third attempt to conquer the Banadero Trail that goes from the Korean monument at Last Command Post up to the top of Suicide Cliff. Having failed twice, Capt. Charlie dispatches Master scout Chops as the advance re-con the previous week to re-discover the trail head. Her great height, long limbs and keen sense of direction succeed.
An excited five-some gather at the LCP, walk around the Korean Monument into a tangle of bushes and branches and spot the first set of ribbons. The ribbons lead us toward the right, even though we are sure that the trail should be to the left. Nonetheless we push on and up.
All gloves on deck for hauling ourselves up the steep slope.
Cutie is keeping a safe distance from the person above, that is Chops, in case of loose rock slides. Right now it is fairly dry, but birds nest ferns are in abundance.
A brief rest -
- by this cave.
Finally we are able to see the proper trail, with some stone steps, and this lookout point. The water is blue, and the breeze is cool.
Concrete steps left over from the war still work well. Although we don't have real "seasons", leaves do drop during these fall months.
Handy wants to make sure that this pink ribbon, glowing in the sun, is recorded for our blog.
It's hard to imagine we are hiking in a tropical island with this view of dried vines and crackling leaves. Peppy, aka Miss DeVine, had she been here, would not be able to pull any vines off the trees.
A short distance up, Dora and Chops entering this tunnel of vines.
Along the trail is this concrete bench. Handy and Chops take a break with their precious hiking poles. CC encourages one of them to lie down and pretend to take a nap, but is unable to convince them to muck up their clothes.
Near the top, a sad testimony of careless disregard for nature and environment.
Top of Suicide Cliff! A monument to honor several religions.
Fighting for the bag of Cheese Curls, Chops' favorite, but Dora has an iron grip on it.
Banadero Trail sign at the end (or the beginning) of the trail. It has partly fallen down.
The only mushroom we discover on this hike. Quite unusual for rainy season when mushrooms should flourish in abundance.
A fabulous view of the reef.
This group of "crazy" hikers reclining in the middle of the road in order to catch the view of the ocean and the reef: Cutie, Handy, Capt. C, Dora, Chops.
We are always amazed at the beautiful view of the unspoiled hills and the ocean.
A dreamy look of Cutie and her umbrella.
Capt. Charlie does a few sit-ups at one of the circuit stations to wrap up the hike.
Although the hike is only 4.03 miles, it takes 3.5 hours. A five-sneaker hike.
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