Kenn, Jennifer, Quentin: July 2009

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Mid Month Post:

Can you believe that I am actually posting mid month. Nothing exciting has been going on. Jennifer is still working making jewelry and she is starting to get a stockpile. When she gets enough stock she will start the online store so she can start selling. She also has been working wonders with Indie. I didn't realize how well behaved our dog is until you get around others that aren't. Jennifer has done an amazing job with her.

Quentin is doing well. He got hit new laptop for school and you can't pry it from his hands. Jennifer and Q got summer passes for the local water park so they have been going regularly to have some fun in the sun.

Me, well, still working long hours. Have a big job bidding the 6th of August. Wish me luck, this could be the one that takes us back to Kauai in Feb. I started the next quarter of school, have 2 exciting classes (there was a severe sarcasm undertone in there if you didn't hear it). I have also been riding the road bike a lot hoping to compete in a race around the island September 6th. We will see, 112 miles is a long way. Currently we live at the top of a pretty substantial hill, almost 3 miles. To ride to work takes me about 10-12 minutes. The picture below is what speed I hit coming down the hill this morning. The computer captures what your max speed is during the ride. This is 3 mph faster than I have ever gone before.

I would love to break 50 mph but it starts getting a little sketchy with cross winds and cars.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

The 4th of July weekend we decided to get out and explore the island. A couple people from work were going to do the 3 peaks of Olomana on the windward side of the island. We decided to go along and met up with them at 8am on Friday. The following is a description of the hike:

Olomana is a three-peaked monolithic land mass that is separated from the Koolau ridge line. Olomana resides in Maunawili Valley with a panoramic view of the windward coast, Kailua, Waimanalo, and Kaneohe to the east and a great view behind of Mt. Olympus, Lanipo, Puu o Kona, and Konahuanui. Climbing to the first and second peaks are somewhat challenging and is considered an intermediate hike, going all the way to the third peak is a good deal more difficult and dangerous; it is rated an advanced hike.

Of the three peaks, the first is the highest, clearest, and affords the best panoramic view of the windward coast. From this vantage point atop the first peak, the impressive sharpness of the third peak is plainly visible in the distance.

In the foreground is the second peak with a nice shaded area. It requires about 15 minutes to reach the second peak from the first. Proceed down the hump across the saddle and climb the second peak. This spot provides excellent views and a shady spot for lunch and is a good spot to end Olomana hike.

For those who are adventurous, determined, and capable, the third peak provides a nice challenge. It takes about an hour to reach the third peak from the second. Descend steeply down the precipitous back side of the second peak down at least three hundred feet. This is not for the acrophobic or the faint of heart--also keep in mind that you will have to climb back up this steep slope on the return trip. At the bottom of the saddle, begin the ascent of the third peak along a very narrow ridge with severe drop offs on both sides. Next you will encounter a steep rocky face with a rope to assist you. The trail contours along the mountain-facing side of the peak and slowly regains the ridgeline. After contouring a second time, you will then reach a rock face with a ledge Typically, there is a rope there to assist you. Once you pass this point, just a few more minutes is needed for you to conquer the third peak of Olomana.

All in, it took us 4.5 hours to do the entire trip. Quentin was amazing and was eager to be the route finder.