3rd Valley

Adventure #9

The dark and cloudy sky grows ominous as the prevailing winds rattle the coconut trees and shake our shade structures. My loving partner and adventure companion is laid out sick. He will not be joining me on any excursion today, let alone the epic hike I had planned. Itching to get out, I decide to ignore the wailing winds and hit the trail.

I drive the truck to where the road ends, looking over the mighty Pacific Ocean. Water swells in waves as far as the eye can see until it meets the horizon, where the earth and sky blend together. Looking back towards the mountain side, there is a lush green valley that is carved from the mountain to the sea. Many people gather here, traveling from all corners of the world to take in this magnificent view. A trail steeply descends, winding its way down to the bottom of Pololu Valley. There is no road access as the terrain is too rugged to be tamed, the landscape is left wild. These are my favorite places, those only to be seen by those willing to make the effort to hike to them. I weave through tourists as they slowly make their way down. I am excited and leaping with anticipation of what this magical valley will bring. This first section is one I have hiked many times before, but what lays past her, I have not yet seen. The trail eases to a flat, gentle path that meanders through gentle giants, standing together as an incredible pine forest. These ironwoods are transplants from Australia. Much like I am a transplant from Massachusetts, I feel a kindred journey with them. These trees provide shade and a break from the wind that blows from the ocean. Just beyond there is a black sand beach with towering waves that crash hard onto the shore. The coast is rough here, with large rocks piled up everywhere. There are simply remarkable flowers, and I stop many times. They take my breath away as I take in their beauty.

I continue onwards, climbing steadily up the far side of the valley, ascending to the top of another cliff. I meet two other couples who are huffing and puffing their way up. They stop to catch their breath as I hike past. At the top there is another look out. Far more remote than the first, there are only a few people who have made it this far, resting on the bench and grassy area below. Another stunning view of the ocean, and yet another valley below. For most, this is the last stop, and they slowly turn back, beginning their return journey. I continue onwards. Clambering down into the second valley proves to be more difficult. My feet slide down the steep and muddy path, with nearly no traction. At its steepest section there are ropes which aid in descending gracefully. Forests grow on these cliff-sides, seeming to defy the odds. They thrive despite harsh winds and storms, salt water and rocky soil. Abundant with fruits and flowers, large palms cast cool shade. As the trail gradually levels out, I find myself in a thick, dense, bamboo forest. The only opening in the darkness is the narrow path that makes its way through to where the river that meets the sea. Suddenly, I am standing in bright sunshine. Water rushes past me. There is one family here who is walking up the river from the ocean. These are the first people I have seen since leaving the last lookout and now they too are heading back. A few hops and skips land me safely to the other side where the trail continues.

I ascend the next cliff. I am suddenly hit right in the face. Sticky webs cover my nose, eyes, and forehead. Scrambling away, I swat them off, pulling at every bit I can. Surely, I now realize- I must be the only one to have hiked this far today. Perhaps longer, judging by the size of that web. I continue on, now more cautious and vigilantly checking for spider webs. There are many other webs spun across the trail. Before side-stepping these snares, I stop to admire the intricate webs that are woven; their strength and ingenuity. High cliffs again give way to sweeping views of the ocean. This time I am alone. There is no one else. There is peace and tranquility in the solitude.

Slowly, I descend down to the third valley. The thick leaves that have fallen lay dried and cracking, crunching under my feet. I skip down this short section, kicking up leaves, reminiscing of fall in New England.

At the bottom of this valley I am greeted by enormous trees that soar over me. Their roots alone seem like they could swallow me whole. There is also a stand of smaller trees, growing close together. Buoys hang from their branches, drawing me in closer. Here I see they are actually encircling a small cabin. Quite mysterious, it looks abandoned. It is eerie and I freeze in my tracks. There is rustling in the trees and bushes, a stray dog is heard in the background. I have heard some gnarly stories of wild dogs and boars in the area. Suddenly my imagination is getting the best of me. I quiet it down, and calmly walk on.

The path leads past the cabin to a beautiful, remote, black sand beach. This is the most stunning of all. The sand is smooth, free from rocks. I take off my shoes and allow my feet to melt into the soft, wet sand. The ocean gently soothes and revitalizes the soles of my feet.

As I embark on the return trip I am overflowing with gratitude. I am alone, climbing back up and over into second valley. Continuing to climb up, all the way back out to the first lookout. Still, there is no one. I sit at the lookout, taking in the ocean. It appears brimming with endless opportunities. As I reflect on the day and the life I am living, another hiker approaches, whos asks “Is it worth it to keep going?”

You never really know until you try. For this reason alone, my answer is “yes”, it is always worth it to keep going.

This adventure led me to places I had never been before, into valleys I was not sure if it was even truly safe to travel alone. What I found was remarkable. Not only in the flora and fauna, but in the solitude, in the self-discovery. For anyone asking, my answer is yes. It is definitely worth exploring. It is always worth going deeper. On the trail and in your life. Wherever you are, whatever you may be doing. Make the most of it.