Naftan Beach

Saturday's rain seems to be non-stop. We hold our breath for a better Sunday hiking morning, as we plan to start from Hawaiian Rock once more. Except we don't plan to go to the big gun. Instead, we will find the trail to the beach. Sunday early morning, though not quite sunny, is not raining. We meet at the parking area with RedEye, Cutie, Chops, Ewok, Spicegirl, Scout, Aaron, Boy, and CC. 

CC makes an announcement to declare the winner of the "Shoe Guessing Game". Ewok wins the prize, even though he has gone counter-closkwise instead of the instruction for clockwise! Chops misses only by mixing two very similar looking legs. :-) CC presents a can of AlmondRoca to Ewok. 

The Naftan trail is, although muddy, much drier than it was last week. Soon we see the ribbons marking the cross-over path to the lower Naftan trail. This path seems to have been somewhat neglected. Although passable, it is overgrown. Cutie finds her way through the thick foliage. 

Chops, Spicegirl, Cutie, and RedEye seem lost in the jungle.

A surprise find in the jungle, probably by a fisherman.

A detour from the lower trail takes us to the beach. The path we take is a bit steep. Cutie gingerly lowers herself.

 

A stop on the ledge overlooking the water. We are half way down. Cutie takes a closer look.

 

View from the ledge.

 

From the ledge is another steep drop. Ewok getting ready for the challenge.

 

Chops seems to enjoy a comfortable seat, the next move is not quite as comfortable, dropping down a cliff.

 

Scout waits at the bottom of the cliff with a helping hand, and Spicegirl recording the action.

 

Coming down backward, and carefully placing her feet, with Scout's help, Chops makes it to the beach.

 

A big Hi-Five for the success, with Spicegirl, Chops, Aaron, Scout, and boy. Scout goes back up the cliff to find RedEye and Cutie who are taking a more moderate path down. Scout will guide them down.

 

With everyone successfully making it to the beach, it's snacks time. A sudden rainfall forces everyone to scramble further down the beach for shelter. RedEye and Cutie enjoy the scenery, while everyone else enjoys the food.

 

The Rock Island.

 

Scout shows the group a "tunnel" that goes from the beach to the upper landing. RedEye checks it out to decide whether to climb up. Boy waits for his turn.

 

Cutie, Spicegirl, Chops, Ewok, and Scout waiting for RedEye's decision.

 

While everyone is hesitating, Aaron decides to go up the tunnel. With that, Scout and Spicegirl have to follow. The rest of the group decide to forgo the adventure this time, and take the regular path back up to the trail.

 

RedEye's mishap, falling forward on the slippery rocks, skinny his elbow and perhaps cracking his tooth. Helpful Ewok pointing out the two injured locations...

 A fun hike brings everyone back to the cars. CC, Cutie, RedEye, Chops, Boy, Spicegirl, Ewok, Aaron, and Scout.