Old Man's Profile Beach

While driving by the trail head of Old Man by the Sea last Sunday, we run into a bunch people getting ready to head down the trail, and they tell us that the trail is open for"business". That is good news, as this is one of our favorite destinations. We decide then and there this will be our next hike.
On Sunday, nine hikers meet at the well marked trail head: Thor, Sparky, Chops, Marcia, CB, Cutie, RedEye, CC, and the newly named Doug, aka WALDO. (WALDO: while traveling...he has the audacity to assimilate with the local inhabitants; maintains a composed, calm demeanor despite the claustrophobic, crowded situations he frequently finds himself in; and for hygiene's sake, let's hope he has more than one change of shirt in his backpack...)
Despite rain showers in other parts of the island, the trail to the beach is nice and dry.

A Stick Insect sits on the window of the car, giving us the idea of a good hike ahead.

Right from the start, it's a steep drop. Sparky steps carefully down the loose dirt, and Waldo waits.

The new trail has been detoured slightly, bypassing the old trail next to the fence. But the climb to the top of the hill is still there, although slightly changed as well. The climb isn't bad since it is not muddy.

Chops and Sparky tackle another steep slope, almost to the top.

CB takes a tumble.

Waldo brings up the rear to this short and steep climb.

At the top of the climb, there are some fallen branches that Sparky and Waldo decide to clear away to open up the path. From the top of the hill, we stop to enjoy the view, then continue down the hill to the trail for the beach.

A beach plumeria displays its beauty.

Before the typhoon, one has to crawl under low hanging  branches before being able to reach the beach. Now those branches have been cut and cleared away so we only need to walk through this tunnel. Although it is a much easier hike, it is also less interesting and adventurous. Perhaps the branches will grow back after some time so we can recreate the previous fun hiking experience.   

Look! Another Old Man by the Beach...

Old Man's Profile appears in the mist.

Hikers scatter around the beach area and start exploring.

Chops and Marcia scamper over boulders to try finding the cliff that leads to Grotto 2. They return without reaching it, as the tide is coming in.

Meanwhile, Thor and CB are jumping with joy!

Beach combers are busy looking for treasures that might land by their feet. The beach trash is cleaned out by the storm. Part of the beach also turns into a pool, similar to what happens at Hidden Beach.

RedEye and Cutie taking a sunning break, looking quite relaxed.

A good spot to have snacks and some lively conversation. Hungry tummies soon devour most of the goodies on the table.

What better setting can one find to enjoy good snacks, good company and a good hike?

We also discover that this beach offers an excellent treasure trove of washed glass. Chops has been collecting them for a future project. 

Snacks over, we wrap up the hike and head back to the trail, crossing the new streams and ponds.

A simpatico display with the new Old Man. Only Waldo is laughing too much to join.

Up the trail we go. Sparky uses the rope to assist in climbing up the steep slope.

This photo is taken before we start the hike, just in case we should lose anyone on the trail. Fortunately, everyone returns to the cars in one piece: Waldo, Thor, Sparky, Marcia (needs a hiking name, anyone?), CB, CC, Chops, Cutie, RedEye.

This 2 hr. 10 min. hike is most enjoyable. We barely break a sweat!