We woke, early again, to a little different weather, more clouds and a bit more humid. We had put off the sunrise trip to Haleakala for a weekday hoping there will be less of a crowd. Instead we had read about an easy hike to 'Ioa Needle in the mountains out of Wailuku on the other side of Maui. Sounds far but it is all of 8 miles I think. It is a popular and easy place to get to and the hike amounts to a walk up to the observation deck and and around the paved trail along the stream. Regardless it is beautiful. The mountains are high pointed peaks the needle itself sits alone more or less and is over 2200 ft tall. The mountains are taller.
I had told myself that this trip to Hawaii I was coming to do more relaxing and less photo taking. I would have been really upset with myself if I had not brought the camera, there are so many sights to see here that being a photographer you just have to be out there. So so much for just laying on the beach and soaking up the sun. Funny how our priorities change as we get older. When I was younger and came to Hawaii that is all we did pretty much. Had to have that tan. Not so much anymore.
On another note, Harry read that you should not take rocks from the island as Pele frowns on it and bad luck befalls those who dare!! Hmmm, I got to thinking about the key thing and wondered if the 2 rocks that I took from the volcano had anything to do with it. Coincidence?
'Ioa valley peaks
Looking toward the west side of Maui from the valley
"Ioa Needle
The rugged mountains of the valley. Below, one more of Haleakala
In just a little over an hour Heather and the kids get here, I am so excited. All of us have been planning and looking forward to this trip for at least 6 mo. It is finally all here. JOY.
