Pali Notches: Cloudy, Muddy, Windy, and Scary
Last week I added a "notch" in my hiking/climbing belt...Pali Notches. Here's my disclaimer: I'm not responsible for your decision to do this hike. If you are afraid of heights, not comfortable climbing, unprepared for changing weather conditions...don't do it! When in doubt, don't go out applies for this hike. That being said...last week I did the scariest hike I've ever done...and I survived!
If you have followed my blog for awhile, you will know that the past year my blog has been regularly dedicated to my weekly hiking adventures. A new hike, a new post. But, before my hiking obsession, there was a cupcake baking obsession. A new recipe, a new post. Clearly I'm passionate about specific things and like to share it on my blog, lucky you. During the cupcake phase, my sporty behavior pretty much consisted of couch surfing. So, to be hiking an average of four times a week and eating zero cupcakes...well, I've come a long way.
And that is what makes accomplishing my Pali Notches hike such a big deal to me. Every hike is inherently dangerous---you are outside, just you and nature and whatever skills you have acquired over the course of your life. Some hikes are shorter, with less chance of dangerous situations presenting themselves. Some hikes are higher, with more opportunities for tragic falls. Some hikes are in flood zones. Some hikes have wild animals that are hungry---and you are dinner! While most of the bad scenarios aren't super likely when you are just going out for a couple of hours to explore nature, things can turn quickly if you trip, stumble, fall, twist an ankle, or get caught in a storm. For the most part, my weekly hiking adventures, while exciting and fun for me, have not presented too many scenarios where I actually felt scared. And then last week that changed when I hiked with two brave souls to the Pali Notches.
From my super in depth internet research, I learned that the Pali Notches are man made cuts in the ridge line that leads to Konahuanui (or sometimes known as K2, part of the O'ahu "Twin Peaks", one of the two tallest peaks in the Ko'olau Range). The Pali Notches can be seen as you drive towards the windward side on the Pali Highway. If you look up to your right (before heading through the tunnels to Kailua) you will see two distinct "notches" in the mountain. Sometimes these "notches" are obscured from sight because they are hidden in the clouds. From what I read online, the "notches" were used for cannons during the battle of Nu'uanu. Ancient Hawaiians walked up this ridge, carved out notches, and brought up a cannon...um, I could barely do it with my fancy hiking shoes, no cannon, and my iPhone.
Pali Notches is an illegal hike. There are signs at the "trailhead" letting you know not to hike, or in our case, where to actually begin the hike. Since it is not a state sanctioned trail, and since it is really scary and windy (at least on the day we ventured), this hike is NOT for kids.
Apparently it is for three crazy moms to attempt while the kids are at school. The start of this hike is an uphill climb through some trees and mud. There is a path of sorts, but it isn't the typical clear cut, easy to follow path of the hikes I've previously done. Immediately we were digging our hands in the dirt, grasping for something, anything to hold on to for balance and as leverage to help us up the mountain. I quickly found myself at the back of the pack, wondering what I had gotten myself into.
After about ten minutes of climbing, you reach an opening, a flat, wide expanse that I was so excited to plant my feet on. This is a great spot to rest for a minute, grab a sip of water, and take in the views...too bad it was cloudy and we didn't see much of what I know was the Pali Highway, Kailua, Kane'ohe, and beyond. It was getting windy, as you can see from my hair flying picture montage above. A brief break and we continued along a narrow path that really just led to rocks. My two partners in crime quickly made their way up the rock climbing portion. This is where I considered my options---hang out here forever, head back the way I came, wish a magic carpet into existence, hope for a helicopter to come and whisk me away...
After some deep breaths, some internal pep talks, and many reminders to not look down, I crawled my way up the rocks and caught up with my small group. It wasn't actually that long of a hike to make it to the first of the two Notches. The top of the first Notch was reminiscent of the first peak of Olomana for me. The rocks appear similar, the view was epic (those pesky clouds had finally headed elsewhere), and I was both scared and exhilarated. We congratulated each other for making it to the Notches, and then the third mom in our hiking party continued on! She was amazing to watch. Making the hike from the first Notch to the second Notch and then beyond to what is known as the Chimney, was fascinating to watch...from a distance, from my semi-comfortable spot on the top of the first Notch, where I stayed until it was time to descend and head home, as did my hiking partner Mary. We decided the climb to the first Notch was enough excitement for us for one day.
I could probably be convinced to attempt this cloudy, muddy, windy, scary hike again, now that I know more of what to expect, but knowing I hiked to the first Notch is leaving me with a feeling of humility and awe that won't soon leave.
If it is the thrill of a lifetime you are seeking, Pali Notches is the hike for you. You will amaze yourself with confronting both wind and heights along small ridge lines and rock faces. You may even amaze your friends...or they may just write you off as crazy.
Now that I have semi-crossed this one off the list, every hike from now on will seem so mild and relaxed. The Pali Notches is The Goldfinch of hikes. What do I do next that will compare?! (The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt was easily the best book I've ever read...I was in a book funk for months after finishing it.) Until the next epic adventure, I'll close with a quote from The Goldfinch that seems fitting---
"You can look at a picture for a week and never think of it again. You can also look at a picture for a second and think of it all your life..." Donna Tartt
Pali Notches is my picture for a second that will stay with me all my life.
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