Easy Hike to Naftan

After a long absence from hiking from the end of September through the month of October, the gang regroups to return to hiking on Sunday, November 3rd, by easing back into a short and level trail from Hawaiian Rock to Naftan Point. With most hikers busy with work, biking and other activities, five of us gather at the H.R. quarry at 6:15 a.m.: Handy, Cutie, Chops, Dora, and CC are ready to begin. 

This "Lost" soul tries to hide behind a bush and blend in with the surrounding greenery.

We are surprised to run into this big pile of trash on the trail. After having hiked on this trail many times in the past years, this is the first time for us to see illegal dumping. 

Another pile of trash is dumped further down the trail.

Imagine our shock to find yet another pile of trash down the trail. All the trash appears to be from some commercial establishments as the contents are unlikely from private homes. Notice the yellow highchair, there are several of them in the pile. We conjecture that some store, or stores, decide to rid of unwanted trash and old merchandise by taking them all the way to the Naftan trail instead of the dump. It boggles our minds trying to figure out the logic of such behavior. Handy decides to write a letter to the editor and include one of the photos, hoping either the mayor's office or another governmental office will follow up with investigating and cleaning up the mess.

Handy hang on to Dora's arm so she can get a closer look at the round hole for big guns. 

The trail is covered with overgrown bushes from recent rain and lack of maintenance.

We finally reach the southern most point of the island. Warm sun and gentle breeze make the hike a very pleasant one. 

Dora on the meadow.

Dora, Chops, and Cutie pose on volcanic rocks. Forbidden Island is in the distance.

Handy is still lost.

A colorful group resting on the trail, and enjoying a well deserved snack break. The hike is easy and a good time for the hikers to catch up on the latest.