Coffee Farm XTerra

The Coffee Farm Trail that is part of the annual XTerra Race has been one of our favorite hikes. Each year we watch the coffee trees grow taller and more mature, tall enough so we don't need to stay within an area cordoned off by ropes. Usually we start from upper Navy Hill Road to the Coffee Farm, down the ravine into another farm, then continue on to Coastal Dr. and Isa Dr. This year, however, we will start from the lower Navy Hill Road, cut into the bike trail into a private garden with many fruit trees, then through a series of newly carved out trails, into a private farm, up the ravine and to the coffee farm. 
On Sunday, eleven hikers gather at the yellow bus stop on Navy Hill Road to start the hike on the upper Laguna Road.

After winding our way on the new trail, following roughly the Laguna Dr. into the garden where we see many trees with identification label painted on coconuts attached to the tree trunk. The garden is well maintained and very pleasant. We decide to take our group photo next to a gate: Linn, RedEye, CB, Mary, Ewok, Thor, Sparky, Marcia, Giggles, Cutie, and CC.

Thor is amazed at the size of these papayas. They are healthy looking and probably very tasty too. After leaving the garden and its many ATVs and the tour bus, we come to the actual Laguna Dr. where the bike trail splits off onto the road and the running trail begins with a narrow path climbing up a rocky slope into the boonies. 

Marcia and Thor negotiate a steep climb through vines and ferns.

RedEye, Mary, and Ewok passing by an amazing group of Taotaomona trees growing on top of a big rock, with roots hanging down for nearly thirty feet onto the ground below. 

A strange looking series of metal sheets form a most unusual fence separating the trail from the property on the other side. 

Joe Cool!

The winding trails we have been on leads us onto the upper road of Coastal Dr. and Maui 4 Well, near the gate that marks off another private farm. We go around the gate and begin to traipse through the farm road.

Some of the trees that have fallen during the typhoon frame the hikers climbing up the rocky road. Sparky, Mary, RedEye, and Thor looking strong.

A tangerine tree bearing many fruit invites CB to climb up and toss down some of the very tart fruit. 

Two love birds.

The love birds attract everyone's attention. Giggles, Ewok proceed on the trail, with Thor and RedEye admiring the birds sitting so calmly and contentedly on the high branch of a tree that has been denuded by the typhoon. Cutie and Sparky aim their camera at the birds for a close-up shot. 

Part of the road is blocked by fallen trees. The farm appears to have been "abandoned" for the time being.

The running trail is still clear even though the rest of the farm is overgrown, and the shack where we used to have our snacks has now collapsed under branches and encroaching vines. Sparky can be seen in the distance going into the boonies and the nearby ravine.

Heliconia, aka Lobster Claw plant thrives beautifully in this damp and shady environment.

We run into a group of XTerra participants familiarizing and practicing on this trail.

Cutie butt-walking down this muddy drop.

Big fallen trees have been cut through to make the ravine passable. A lot of sweat and hard work have gone into this project.

A sizable tree leaning against the rocky cliff keeps the ravine a challenging trail to "run" through.

The rocky ravine leads us to a thick bamboo forest and a steep slope up to the next level. We know we are close to our target farm!

A short trail takes us to another bamboo grove and the coffee farm.

We decide to have our snacks before we encounter the coffee trees. Note in the background the trees are now many feet tall, with pre-bean florals ready to bloom. After enjoying the satisfying snack treats, some hikers are getting ready to show off their various "injuries" and protective gear they are wearing.

Here are the "injured warriors"! Four different types of knee protections for Mary, Thor, Giggles, and RedEye. A calf compression sleeve for sciatica nerve by Ewok, and a tight ankle wrap for Sparky. This is what happens to regular hiking???

A Long March uphill, on the way back to the bus stop, to top off the hike. 

Bus Stop 139 welcomes the hikers: Sparky, Thor, Giggles, CC, Ewok, Cutie, Marcia, RedEye, and CB. Linn and Mary appear to have stopped on the way to have coffee with friends.

The 2.5 hour hike covers a distance of only 2.81 miles, much of which is boonie stomping. Everyone agrees the hike is GREAT, and most would like to do it again soon...