XTerra Re-opens

When we hear that the XTerra trail has been opened by a group of bikers, we are ready to hike it right away. Calling attention to all the hikers, we plan a hike down the trail to the Hidden Beach on Sunday.  In late September, 2015, we have made an attempt to hike up XTerra trail which has been completely blocked by fallen trees and debris during Typhoon Soudelor in August. At that time the one-mile trail has taken us three hours to duck under, climb over, crawl through thick jungly logs, branches, and vines. Now that it is opened again ready for the upcoming XTerra Race in March, we are most curious to see what it looks like. 

Our new pre-hike photo shows CC, PTShelley, Miles, Waldo, Cutie, RedEye, Mary, and Linn. No one else shows up, so we start our trek.

The path is surprisingly open and clear. The bikers have done a great job, a tough job too. We are really happy that the kafir tree is spared. It actually has little buds that foretell a new crop of kafir limes in a few months.

The steep drop familiar to bikers. Miles hops down the slope nice and easy...

...while PT and Cutie take the slightly longer and gentler way down.

Looking behind us, we can see the homes on the ridge.

When others move ahead, Waldo decides to check out the clearing that leads down to the valley. On the steep slope, Waldo steps into a hole, he picks himself up and continues down to explore.

The group reaches the Camacho Farm where many dogs greet us. Decision time, whether to continue to the beach where apparently other tourists have left a lot of trash and other distasteful items on the beach, or find a spot by the side of this road to have our snacks. A consensus is reach that all should return back up the trail and have snacks and coffee at the Kosacks. 

A pretty little Chinese Hat mushroom all alone on the trail.

A thrashing and strange looking creature about 2.5 inches long attracts our attention. It twists and turns quite wildly as we try to figure out what it is. It stops just long enough for this photo.  On close examination, it appears to be inside a thin skin, and there is a face under it. Maybe it is a soon-to-be lizard? 

Linn, Mary, Miles, and Cutie enjoying a rest on the steps, while waiting for others to arrive.

PTShelley and RedEye making their appearance.

Snacks are passed around, while everyone enjoys the cool breeze, and waits for Rexplorer busy making espresso and cappuccino. Everyone agrees that it is a great way to rest up after the hike.

Relaxed, but someone is missing.

Waldo finally shows up, claims to have found nothing special in his exploration down the gully.

The hike is short, about 2.38 miles, but we are very happy that the trail is open for future hikes.  

Here Linn, Miles, PTShelley, Mary, Waldo, Cutie, CC, RedEye, and curious Sukha round up the happy group.