Nan Madol

After two tough hikes in the past two weeks, we are ready for an easy stroll. This is also planned as a practice hike for Rexplorer to test his mobility after having gone through a series of physical therapy sessions. We choose the Nan Madol Trail for this practice. At 6 a.m. we meet at the Bird Island Lookout: Chops, Rexplorer, Shelly the PT, spouse Chris, and CC. We take the dirt road toward Kalabera Cave.

PT Shelley measures Rexplorer's hip extension before the hike.

An old never-used water pump half hidden in the boonies. One of those projects that never come to fruition. 

Rexplorer and Capt. Charlie prepare for the hike with a basic Foundation stretch. Hmmm, looks like both need to adjust the front knee a little bit.

When we reach the cave, lo and behold, Dr. Hofschneider and his daughter and granddaughter are already there. They have arrived at the lookout before we, and have thought we have gone ahead, so they rush to the Kalabera Cave to meet us. We decide to check out the walls and the deep cavern at the Cave. The Nan Madol trail is just outside of the cave.

Eva, our five-year old hiker has a lot of fun discovering all sorts of interesting natural wonders. Notice the light brown carpet of leaves on the ground. 

A large rock has been lifted off the ground by this tree trunk. Slow and persistent efforts succeed in getting this tough job done!

There are two large kapok trees on the trail, both of them have scattered their fluffy white cotton stuffing all around the ground. 

CC forgets to take a photo of the Wall, where the trail name Nan Madol originates, as we are so involved with discussing the purpose of building the Wall, some say it's for target practice, some say it's for loading sugar trains. No agreement is reached. Someone has to do some research.

Completing the circle hike, we stop at the Bird Island lookout for a group photo, L to R: Chris, PT Shelley, Capt. Charlie, Rexplorer, Chops, Doc. H, Eva, Becky.

PT Shelley makes one more check on Rexplorer's hip, and he comes out with "flying colors". Is that a look of pain or relief?

We continue our hike into the boonies for some exploring. This is one of the interesting root formations that we encounter. 

CC is making Sakau, a Pohnpei drink by squeezing the hibiscus roots. Not really. This root system is so wrapped and twisted, looking like a large cloth being wrung dried. Just another amazing nature's wonder.

This being a nice and easy hike, and enjoyable overall, we give it a Three Sneakers rating. Next Sunday we climb the Banadero Trail from the Korean monument to the top of Banzai Cliff.