Forbidden Island

On a glorious sunny day, nine of the Sunday hikers meet at the entrance to LauLau Golf Course to form a three-car caravan for Forbidden Island. Bruiser and Jane move from their sedan, which will not do well at all on the rough road to the trail head, to Lee's SUV. After a rocking and rolling ride on the unpaved road, we park our cars beyond the trail head and walk back to the sign that marks the trail head. Climbing over the concrete foundation, we begin our hike. The trail has been washed out a lot more during the rainy season, so the walking is a bit rough.

Cutie starts her butt-walk down this steep slope. Handy waits for his turn. Note the beautiful orange light on the tree branches casts by the rising sun.

The group enters the boonies toward the next part of the trail.

With golden sunlight illuminating the grass and the cliff, we are amazed at this beautiful view of the cove below. This cove is not accessible to hikers.  

The trail begins to drop steeply at several places. It's Colin's turn to butt-walk.

Gingerly making her way down this narrow crevice, Jane is followed by Bruiser.

Finally on the beach at low tide. This log looks like a huge baseball bat.

This rock looks like a giant walnut.

The swimmers change into their suits and enjoy the cool water in this swimming hole. They will probably stay in this pool for the rest of the day, but the rest of us are ready for our snacks!

Lee and Dora have been exploring in the shallow waters for little creatures. Being barefoot, they assist each other in making their way back to the beach.

On the way back up the cliff, we use this yellow rope to climb up.

While we are at the beach, a group of Russian tourists appear at the beach. We soon pack up to leave. As we are climbing up we can hear some hooping and shouting and note that the Russian group has crossed the pond and climbed up the Forbidden Island. Look closely at the four figures near the small clump of bushes.

Bruiser, Jane, Dora and Lee make a quick stop on the way up. Dora is pointing at the people on top of the island.

A great view of Forbidden Island from the lookout point at the top. Cutie and Bruiser resting by the rail.

A happy group. Standing: Bruiser, Marcia, Colin, SpiceGirl (newly christened hiking name for Lee). Sitting: Jane, Capt Charlie, Dora, Handy, Cutie.

Bruise plans to bring wine, cheese, and bread the next time he and Jane make the hike to Forbidden Island, rating this hike a definite Five Sneakers.