Laderan Tangke

The Laderan Tangke trail, where many bird species reside, has been one of our favorites. Having hiked and gotten lost on this trail multiple times, we have a great deal of respect for this old limestone forest. One of the reasons why we had become so lost easily in this forest was the rough terrain and confusing ribbon markings, leading to many false trails. Another reason was the collapse of the original wooden trail number marking posts. Recently, both of those issues have been resolved. New orange color metal posts have been installed, clearly visible along the trail. Blue and white ribbons have also been tied to trees and vines within sight of one another. On 7/14/13, Handy, Cutie, Chops, Bruiser, Jane, and CC gather at the trail head where the sign board shows the trail route, and a wooden box contains picture pamphlets with description of the landscape and bird alert for each post mark, in Japanese, Korean, Chinese, or English. 

At the lookout, Jane and Bruiser wowing at the view of the Pacific and the shoreline.

Little mushrooms favor dead and rotten tree trunks.

Some of the best looking birds nest ferns grow in this forest. Jane peeks through the foliage.

Not sure what Bruiser is checking on his phone. An urgent business call? Handy takes this chance for a little rest.

Hiking along this fantastic rock wall, with roots extending from the top of the cliff. Chops rests easy for this photo opportunity.

A little further on the same cliff, Jane and Bruiser climb up to check out the crevice and take a few pictures of some hanging "tooth" like rock formation.

Deep into the forest, Cutie takes a water break while Handy and Bruiser rest.

Jane, Chops, and Cutie climbing up the steep slope over jagged rocks and slippery roots. Every step has to be placed carefully to avoid slipping and falling.

Coming down from the top, Handy picks his way carefully, Cutie checking to make sure all is good, while Bruiser "monkeys" around, hanging from a branch.

An archway across the trail.

 

A massive bundle of roots draping down the rock face like Repunzel's hair. 

This giant tree trunks is resting on rocks across the trail. One has to either cross above or below. Chops uses her arm strength to scoot under the trunk. Pretty limber...

Handy uses the fail-safe method of going under on hands and knees. Also pretty limber.

Chops' shoe opens its mouth and complains of fatigue. Another shoe casualty!

A foxhole right in the middle of the trail. Jane checks out what kind of strategic view does this foxhole has.

Another foxhole near post 15. 

Back at the parking lot, having had our tailgate snacks. 

Laderan Tangke trail is a five sneaker trail, wet or dry. Next week we explore the Bird Island trail from LT, between post 14 and 15.

Hikes: 6/29/13 & 7/6/13

6/29/13 Kimikaze/Golf Course

With most hikers occupied, five hikers decide to revisit Kimikaze trail and the Marpi golf course. Meeting up at the Go-Kart parking lot, Handy, Cutie, Chops, WonderWoman, and Capt. Charlie head to the old FEBC hill (Ayuyu Road) up to the turn off for Kimikaze.

This impressive formation of a rock hanging precariously from the tree trunk on the FEBC Rd. 

Cutie on Kimikaze trail. The ferns are growing beautifully from recent rainfalls.

We are hungry for snacks. Since the grass areas are wet, we decide to park ourselves right on the road side under the shade of the coconut trees. Traffic is so rare that we see only one car and one biker. 

Having finished our snacks, we continue on Magpi Road back toward Ayuyu Road.

There are several workout stations for us to try out, even though most of them are falling apart. Wonder Woman strikes a sit-up pose.

Back at the Go-Kart parking, we sit for a group photo: CC, WonderWoman, Handy, Chops, and Cutie.

7/6/13 Naftan Point

Another busy Sunday for most of the hikers, so the four die-hearts drive over to the Naftan trail head at Hawaiian Rock. The morning is cool for Handy, Cutie, Chops and CC to start on the trail.

Although the trail is still clear, the bushes have grown taller, and remain wet from the recent rain. We re-acquaint with hiking from the direction of Hawaiian Rock instead of Obyan Beach. So instead of climbing up the uneven coral road, we walk on a flat and clear path.

Handy walking past the large rock behind which is the path to several concrete structures for big guns, which were never used. We decide not to climb up the slippery rocks to visit the sites. 

Walking past this cave, we recall Superman has earned his name by volunteering to climb down the steep slope to check it out. 

Arriving at Naftan Point and being greeted by this bright sky and calm sea. We enjoy the quiet scenery.

Looking around the quiet surrounding, we discover that some people have disrupted the serenity by setting up a target practice on top of this big rock. Broken coke bottles litter the top, and bullet holes puncture the rock face.

From the Point, we can see Forbidden Island in the distance.

Fish head!

On the way back, we take the side tour to check out the cliff that used to have a fairly sturdy guardrail. Unfortunately, time and neglect have completely destroyed the guardrail. 

Chops ventures to the remaining rickety frame for a closer look down the cliff that drops straight to the rocky shore below.

Looking down the north end of the cliff past the rusty metal post.

Looking down the south end of the cliff past another rusty metal post. 

After having our snacks near the cliff, we don't forget to have our photo taken, with Chops, Handy, Cutie, and CC. A good and pleasant hike, not strenuous.

Next week, we hope to tackle the Laderan Tangke trail with the Bird Island Lookout excursion added on.