Hakalau

Miley and I joined Mike, Sarah, and Nick for an upcountry adventure on Saturday. We packed up Mike's Pathfinder and headed up Mauna Kea to Hakalau Forest Reserve for their annual open house.

Hakalau Forest Reserve was established in 1985 to protect and manage endangered Hawaiian forest birds and their rain forest habitat. They open their gates once a year for the public to hike around and gawk at native plants and birds.

I've been to the open house 2 previous times. I just love getting up to 6,000 feet. It feels like autumn up there. Oh, the birds are great too.

This year, the weather was clear at the top of Saddle Road, but started to rain as we contoured around the mountain, back toward the eastern side of the island. It was rainy and chilly for our entire time hiking. I had Miley bundled up in clothing we didn't think she would ever wear in Hawaii. I carried her in the Ergo (front baby carrier) for the beautiful hike down to the forest and bird gazing area. Unfortunately, it was raining steadily and I was a bit preoccupied with keeping Miley warm and dry so I didn't see too much bird life. (The others report that it was one of the best years for bird gazing.) An apapane bird did give us a show as we were hiking back up to the barn. In the barn we had a dry, albeit chilly place to nurse.

After the rest of the birders got back to the barn, the clouds blew off and we enjoyed some sun. We decided to extend our outing by continuing on to "the orchard". We heard about the bounty of apples just up the road. So, we loaded up and drove, and drove, and drove. It was a super bumpy drive. Nick and I took turns holding Miley's head which was bobbing around as she slept. I think she likes 4-wheeling.

The orchard was a short, beautiful walk through Koa forest. I was so happy that Sarah volunteered to carry Miley. My shoulders were pretty tired from our morning hikes. The path was magical with sun peaking through large Koa trees draped in moss. The orchard had a few sad apple trees and a few pear trees with choke fruit. We picked and picked and picked pears in the warm afternoon sun.

Then it was back into the Pathfinder for the bumpy ride back to Saddle Road.

Much love to Mike for driving and the whole gang for helping keep Miley happy and healthy (and making it easier on me). You are such a great group of friends.

You're Authome!