Thursday, June 9, 2016

Talofofo Gulch

Ready to explore a new trail, we decide to find our way from Wireless Ridge down the gulch to Talofofo Road, notwithstanding fallen trees, blocked "trail", maybe water obstacles, etc. 
We meet at the Kosack driveway at 6:00 a.m. to see who will show up for this adventure.

Something strange with this picture! Cutie, RedEye, Rexplorer, Waldo, CaveMan, and Kadi, six people all looking in six different directions! Hmmmmm...

Caveman, Kadi, RedEye, and Cutie surveying the jungle below while Waldo and Rexplorer try to find a possible trail in the jumble of trees, branches, grass, and debris.

Bruce is quite amused by the challenge the hikers are facing in determining what to do.

Waldo and Rexplorer reemerge from the boonies, as Waldo suggests that we take the grassy path down. Meanwhile, Caveman has already disappeared into the boonies and heading down to the ravine.

RedEye gets ready to ease down a steep drop at the newly found "trail head".

RedEye looks pooped out and ready to call it quits. He does, as well as Cutie. We bade them goodbye and continue on our way.

The prairie like grassy field turns out to be the perfect way to make our way toward the gully. The morning is wonderfully cool at this hour, and the scenery is beautiful.

We try to make contact with Caveman who is already down at the gully. After the fine grassy field, we enter into the boonies.

We meet up with Caveman down at the gully. From dried branches to lush green forest, Caveman and Waldo near the gully floor.

Caveman down at the rocky gully bottom. 

One of the little ponds we find in the gully. Caveman pointing at the shrimp swimming in the pond.

The mossy rocks are slippery. In order to avoid stepping into the pond water and possible leptospirosis, here Kadi tries to grab a strong root to support his way down from the boulder. Below him is another pond.

An interesting plant.

Caveman deep in the jungle.

Waldo looks around this giant of a tree. We are making our way back, after reaching a thicket in the gully that is too difficult to penetrate through. We decide to turn around and go back up...

But not before we stop and snack upon the rocks in the gully. Good food and good company. 

Waldo making a slow appearance from the thick growth of sword grass, back up to the grassy field.

It's Rexplorer's Birthday! a little chocolate cake from Himawari caps off the hike in a most pleasant way.

After the birthday celebration, we walk back up hill to survey the area we have been hiking. The thick grove of trees marks our trail. We are about half way to Talofofo down at the gully. A future exploration awaits us.

We find this comfortable and breezy spot to survey our exploration trail. Rexplorer, Caveman, CC, Kadi, and Waldo. 
All agree it's a fun and exciting 3-hour expedition.


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