Dear human: Kauai day 8

I slept last night on top of the Waimea Canyon in my hammock in the campground. It was the first time I was cold at night! There were a couple of other fams there, but it was pretty sparse.

I got on the Nua lolo trail early, but, about a mile in, I realized that I was struggling to find the trail. This one is not as well maintained as most. Also, I learned the night before that the Awa awapuhi trail had an amazing viewpoint. I turned, climbed out and drove over to A. The three miles dropped 1500 and had some pretty views.

Even though I was in Waimea, I was hiking over the kalalau valley. When I got to the vista, I enjoyed the view of the finger mountains that shoot through the valley. Then I saw some goats chilling on an extension past the fence. It looked pretty safe and I was alone, so I ducked around and yelled to the goats that I was a'coming for them. The first few minutes were slippery but wide, then there was a very narrow rocky spot that I had to use my hands to cross...I looked down...I couldn't even see the bottom it was so steep. It reminded me of Angels landing in Zion. Pure drop off. I walked/crawled a bit more until I came to an open rock.

This ended up being the most surreal moment so far of my trip. I was on one of the fingery mountains with sheer nothingness on both sides. There was no one to be seen but my goat friends. There was a waterfall to my left that I hadn't seen before and the ocean opening up in front of me with clear skies. What made it even more dream like was the helicopters, there must have been 20 that passed while I was there. A few flew over me, but most were below me going on both side of my "finger"cliff and looking at the waterfall. I can't imagine how I looked: A pink spot at the end of a narrow cliff.

I stayed for a long time, I did some hot poses for passing copters and my goat buddies, and then I finally headed back. Incredibly, a guy had just walked up, pulled out his camera and caught me crawling back at the most narrow spot!! (I gave him my email, I hope hope hope he sends it!!)

The 3 miles up flew by with my head feeling so grateful. Also, I passed quite a few groups as I was leaving. This hike was not that hard so there were all types, and I was so thankful I had left early and had had the ledge to myself.

I also did the popular hike to Waipo'o falls. 4 miles round trip, more crowded, but beautiful canyon views. The view of the waterfall was just a mini part where it pools, and lots of people were getting in.